Report from Puglia

Until recently, very little wine was bottled and shipped from Puglia. Now, this emerging wine region is trying to establish its identity with indigenous grapes and is working on upgrading both its wines and its reputation.

2008 Strut Red Over Heels, Okanagan, British Columbia

I found plums, blackberries, black olives, and spice on the nose, with plums and ripe cherries on the palate. This simple, pleasant wine is value priced and ready to drink now. It worked just fine with tonight’s meat loaf and would probably match up with any meat dish that wasn’t too rare or rich. Read Kathleen’s full review on her blog Between the Vines

2008 Strut Risqué Rosé, Okanagan, British Columbia

The strawberry and banana penny candy on the nose is a sure give away of the Gamay component of this wine. The rest of it—aromas and flavours of strawberries, sour cherries, and rhubarb—work together for an enjoyable value-priced BC rosé. Juicy and nicely balanced, I’d buy this one again. Read Kathleen’s full review on her blog Between the Vines

California Wine Country’s War on Terroir

Our wine-loving lifestyle is under attack, and the enemy is much smaller and more difficult to see: diseases and pests like Pierce’s Disease, leafroll virus, and the apple moth.

2008 Strut Well-Heeled White, Okanagan, British Columbia

Lots of tropical fruit and citrus on both the nose and the palate with this entry-level white wine. For the price, it will serve perfectly as that Tuesday-after-work patio wine. And, when someone wants to add ice cubes in the glass or mix it with soda, you won’t flip out. Read Kathleen’s full review on her blog Between the Vines

1996 Cape Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon, South West Australia

Violets and a slightly gamey mustiness, as well as the brick-red color, show a wine that aged gracefully. There is still black fruit but it does not overwhelm the more delicate floral flavors. This is a nice example of Margaret River wine, an Australian Cabernet more like Bordeaux than Napa.

Small Italian Wineries Struggle to Crack U.S. Market

San Casciano, Tuscany, Italy – New Jersey native Anthony Finta brings wines from tiny Tuscan estates to eager U.S. consumers.

2006 Domaine William Fèvre Bougros Grand Cru Chablis

Fresh fields of flowers in the aroma, almost sauvignon blanc-like. A big wine, big flavors with both light fruit and maturity in the body. Light acid in a finish that ends buttery and lemony. 13% alcohol.

Wine, Women, and Weight

By now you’re heard the news, Alcohol May Help Fight Weight Gain In Women! Any news that promises weight loss is gulped down here in America even faster than we bolt our super-sized Big Mac, fries, and shake combos. But is there anything to it? Let’s look behind the curtain, shall we?

A Delicate Balance

With modern fusion cuisine and wines from new regions around the world, the choices – and confusion – are abundant. One new school of thought is that any wine goes with any dish. However, most of us don’t put ketchup on our ice cream for the same reason as we don’t drink a delicate white wine with a hearty meat dish or a powerful red wine with sole – they are mismatched flavors and textures.

Next Page »