Sometimes when I’m watching a movie I see the people onscreen pour a medium-light red wine and sip it in such a satisfied way you know the wine is just perfect: not too fruity, not to dry, not too pretentious, very smooth and satisfying overall. Well, this wine actually is
It’s a cliché to say this, but in the U.S., Romanian wine is as mysterious as a Transylvanian castle. In fact, Transylvania is one of the three major wine-growing areas of Romania, I learned this summer when some of that country’s major wine producers paid a visit to New York
This mini-carafe style bottle is very cute in the 187ml (split) size. When the cap is twisted off, a clean, floral aroma appears first. Then dried fruit and florals on the palate. This feels more “off dry” than sweet. Medium bubbles, fairly low apparent acidity, with an unremarkable finish. Try
On the way back to the city, in the deepening dusk we pass a typical new police station: a cube of glass, brightly lit inside. I see one policeman writing at his desk as we flash by in our green BMW, expertly handled by our professional driver. We are in
First there’s dark berry nose with a bit of leather. Then there’s plum, spice, cherry and a bit more leather, all continuing from beginning to mid- to end-palate, and into the finish, which is of respectable length. A substantial mouthfeel, and enjoyably concentrated flavors. It shines as a first course
New in the US this year, Lanson’s brut rosé is an elegant example of a champagne that more than fulfills its promise. Pale salmon in color, with very small bubbles. The barest hint of rose-petals with light yeast on the nose. A bone dry, beautifully balanced wine. Some raspberry, and
This white wine made with organic grapes you’ve probably never heard of is a great find at a great price. Beginning with a combination of green apple blossoms and herbs, it’s at first reminiscent of a fruity Sauvignon Blanc. But on the palate it has more mild, rounded flavors, as
Arriving at night at an airport at the end of a journey, sometimes it’s hard to realize how remote a location you’re in until you start driving around the next day. This is what happened to me when I landed in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, a few weeks ago.