2008 Domaine Lecomte Quincy Vielle Vignes – Loire Valley, France

Pale straw yellow and aromatic, with a salty, floral nose. On the palate it has brilliant acidity: citrusy, but with pear and basil, too. It tastes like jasmine in full bloom. It offers an herbaceous finish that’s spicy but languorous. It takes its time. Restrained and elegant, this wine poses an Old-world counterpoint to the [...]

32 Days of Natural Wine: An Interview with Cory Cartwright

Today Cory Cartwright of Saignée launches 32 Days of Natural Wine, his second annual series celebrating natural wine. We asked Cory to tell us about the project.

Dottie and John Share Their Thoughts About ‘Open That Bottle Night’

Dottie and John share their thoughts on Open That Bottle Night, the annual celebration they invented that “gives people a license to enjoy a bottle of wine for what it really is: an enjoyable, tasty beverage with some really good memories attached to it.”

A Trip to the Rhône, Part II

A long weekend in the Northern Rhône would give us a chance to taste from the major producers—Chapoutier, Jaboulet Aîné, Guigal—and from a few of the smaller ones, too. The trip would serve as a kind of a reconnaissance, a chance to test, and sample, the waters, and to get a sense of what tasting wine in France is like.

A Trip to the Rhône, Part I

A long weekend in the Northern Rhône would give us a chance to taste from the major producers—Chapoutier, Jaboulet Aîné, Guigal—and from a few of the smaller ones, too. The trip would serve as a kind of a reconnaissance, a chance to test, and sample, the waters, and to get a sense of what tasting wine in France is like.

Deirdre Heekin’s Bitter Alchemy

Deirdre Heekin is a writer, restaurateur, and sommelier. Her new book, Libation: A Bitter Alchemy, is an exquisite chronicle of her journey through the underworld of spirits as she learned to become liquoriste and winemaker.

Meg Houston Maker

Meg Houston Maker is a nonfiction essayist currently writing a memoir of home. She’s also an experienced cook and gardener, passionate about growing, preparing, and sharing beautiful food. Her interest in local, sustainable, and organic agriculture gives her a particular appreciation of terroir, the expression of place through food. Meg chronicles her foodie exploits—from wine [...]

The Upside of Doon

An exclusive visit with the inimitable Bonny Doon Vineyard “President for Life” Randall Grahm on the eve of the publication of his much-anticipated book, Been Doon So Long. By Meg Houston Maker.