Creating a New Breed of Vine with Randall Grahm

Can you imagine using a jeweler’s eyepiece and tweezers to pull the male organs off a grapevine?

Randall Grahm can. It’s a patient task, but he’s doing it because he’s impatient.

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.

Jaboulet Cotes du Rhone “Parallele 45″ Rouge 2007

This is fresh and fruity, cherries and rhubarb, with a spicy cayenne and white pepper background. This is a moderately priced, juicy, fruit-driven blend. Drink it a bit cool and match it with grilled summer vegetables. WHO Paul Jaboulet Aine’ WHAT 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah WHERE France, Rhone WHEN 2007 HOW MUCH $12.99 (press sample) [...]

Jaboulet Cotes du Rhone "Parallele 45" Rouge 2007

This is fresh and fruity, cherries and rhubarb, with a spicy cayenne and white pepper background. This is a moderately priced, juicy, fruit-driven blend. Drink it a bit cool and match it with grilled summer vegetables. WHO Paul Jaboulet Aine’ WHAT 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah WHERE France, Rhone WHEN 2007 HOW MUCH $12.99 (press sample) [...]

Brett in Whites

Two winemakers have their noses buried in white Burgundy. One says: “Brett?” Other says: “Bet!” Who won, and why does it matter?