Jacques Pépin asked me to tip my glass in his direction, and he poured me a glass of delicious sparkling wine, made in the Champagne style. When I tipped my glass a second time and asked what it was, he said, “Good, yes? It’s Gruet Blanc de Blanc.” Even more surprising, Gruet (pronounced Groo-ay) is […]
Wines
In Love with Jeff Runquist Wines
Jeff Runquist’s wine is sold now across Connecticut, cherished by a group of us who have the greatest respect for his skill. Runquist Vineyard is in the perfect spot near Lodi, California, but that’s not why I’m mad for his wine. Jeff stays close to his own originality; he lets his senses direct what he […]
How To Buy Wine as a Host Gift
This is a problem for many — how to buy wine for the host when you’re the invited guest. A good rule of thumb is to buy according to the reputation of the importer/broker. (The person who discovers a vineyard and brings the wine to this country.) We’ll be telling you about importers we respect […]
French Red: Bila–Haut
Bila–Haut 2012 (Red) from the Languedoc region of France, around $15. (Tell your local wine store the distributor is Winebow) Our regular contributor Alex Province turned us on to this one. On the label you’ll see lots of French, as in… 2012 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Vignes de Bila Haut. Have no fear. This […]
$15 and Under Trio for Easy Summer Drinking
NOTE: If your wine store does not have these in stock, simply tell them the distributor is Frederick Wildman & Sons, and the store should have it for you in 24 hours. Castello Monaci Kreos 2013 Italian Rosé Vineyard tasting notes: “Castello Monaci’s only rosato within their range of wines has changed composition for the 2013 […]
Favorite Sparkling Summer Rosé: Cheers!
I have a designer friend, Suzanne, who only drinks champagne, and a pricy rose at that. At least, that was the case until I poured her a few glasses of my favorite sparkler, made by Albert Bichot, and widely available. At $23 a bottle, it’s the perfect sipper to hand over to your host, or […]
