There are only 60 hectares of Vernaccia Nera grown in the world. Fifteen of these hectares belong to Cantina Fontezoppa, in the low hills of Civitanova Alta in the region of Le Marche. Not too long ago, Neil Duarte visited this organic winery both for its Vernaccia Nera and its Ribona, another wine unique to the area. Here’s his report: Read article.
It’s Kentucky Derby weekend in Louisville, and I’m going to come right out and say it: Derby time is no time to be sipping wine. Sorry. Let’s talk about bourbon and rye.
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A blend of 90% Fiano grapes with 10% Chardonnay, this wine is a pale straw color. Very pleasant aroma, white flowers and a whiff of beeswax. Fresh and acidic, palate-cleansing white-fruit and orange blossom flavors follow the nose with moderate 12.5% alcohol.
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Locate vendors and check prices for Tommasi “Arthemis” Fiano on Wine-Searcher.com.
For links to vendors for many more Fiano wines and a short article about the grape, see this Wine-Searcher page. Read article.
A typical Rioja blend of 90% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano and 3%Mazuelo is dark ruby in color, shading to a water-clear edge. Its ripe, delicious black cherry aroma adds a distinct back note of oaky vanilla. Ripe, tart black cherries appear on the palate, framed by firm acidity and raspy tannins. Its 14% alcohol shows as a distinct warmth in the finish.
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Locate vendors and check prices for Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva on Wine-Searcher.com.
Read more about Rioja and find links to hundreds more Rioja bottlings and the vendors who sell them at this Wine-Searcher.com link. Read article.
When Neil Duarte received two high-end wines from the Tenuta Carretta winery, he decided to taste them the way the Italians do: with a meal. And then there was the Port… Read article.
All right, everyone, let’s be honest: Don’t we get a little joy out of all the studies that seem to show a connection between moderate alcohol consumption and heart health, overall health, and outright longevity?
Not so fast!
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From the classic producers La Rioja Alta, this 100 percent Tempranillo Rioja is medium-dark ruby, with a clear edge. Fresh and ripe cherries emerge from the glass, framed by earthy oak, a whiff of black coffee, and a mineral scent of red clay. Bright acidity bursts on the palate with cherries and red cherry-berry fruit.
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Compare prices and find vendors for Viña Alberdi Rioja Reserva on Wine-Searcher.com.
To read more about Rioja and browse an extensive list of Rioja wines, prices and vendors, use this Wine-Searcher.com link. Read article.
I like wine, and I like bourbon. But I had to think for a while before embracing the idea of wine kept in bourbon barrels to impart a whiff of Kentucky’s corn-based nectar. Now, say hello to Beringer’s new line of Bourbon Barrel Aged wines.
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Bourbon isn’t obvious in the initial aroma of this bourbon-barrel aged wine, which offers black plums and blackberries, but there’s a pleasant sweet caramel note in the background that may come from a bourbon barrel but isn’t far from the scent of a traditional oak wine barrel. Sweet black fruit fills the palate, too, pleasant and sippable. Soft acidity is sufficient to provide structure, and a hint of tannins tickle at the edges of the palate. A hearty 14.5% alcohol, it’s a soft, smooth, slightly sweet wine, a crowd-pleaser.
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Locate vendors and check prices for Beringer Bros. California Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Wine Blend on Wine-Searcher.com. Read article.
Chianti is arguably the most popular Italian red wine in the U. S., says Neil Duarte. “Older wine drinkers like me remember the wicker-basket bottles of Chianti that were prominent 50 years ago in many small family-owned Italian restaurants.” But today’s selections are generally better than in the past, he writes. Read his notes on several Chiantis from Castello di Radda. Read article.
