2012 Tiefenbrunner Turmhof Lagrein

Becky Sue Epstein
Wine Reviews
1 min read
With wild rose and lavender in the aroma, this wine has spicy, brambly dark red fruit too, and black cherry, especially on the mid- and end-palate. While the wine is somewhat herby and spicy, both tannins and acidity feel mild. Fruit is the overwhelming take-away with this wine, which pairs

Book Review: Brandy: A Global History

Cathy Huyghe
Features
4 min read
The timing for the release of Brandy: A Global History could not be more perfect. Just as much of the country is settling in for winter’s long, cold nights, author Becky Sue Epstein comes along with a book ideally suited to curling up, under a blanket or near the fireplace,

Countdown to New Year’s Eve: Cava

Becky Sue Epstein
About
3 min read
Each week until the end of the year we’ll take a look at different types of sparkling wines -- Champagne included, of course -- so you’ll be able to make a great choice for your New Year’s Eve occasion. Rather than an exhaustive explanation of champagnes and sparkling wines, this

Countdown to New Year’s Eve: American Fizz

Becky Sue Epstein
About
3 min read
American…Champagne? Sparkling Wine? Each week until the end of the year we’ll take a look at different types of sparkling wines -- Champagne included, of course -- so you’ll be able to make a great choice for your New Year’s Eve occasion. Rather than an exhaustive explanation of champagnes and

Donnafugata and the New Western Sicily

Mary Cressler
Features
7 min read
I’m not going to lie, before heading to western Sicily earlier this month I had my reservations. There seemed to be a prevailing opinion on the region reflected in comments like, “enjoy those volcano wines,” to “does Sicily even make quality wine yet?” to “you’ll just find lots of bulk