Montecucco: Proof Value Still Exists in Tuscany

Fabian Jauregui
Features
4 min read
I'll be honest: when I first start hearing about Montecucco in the wine-blogosphere -- they've been attempting to increase its international noteriety for a few years -- my first thought is that I don't need another Tuscan Sangiovese in my life. After all, I already have all the Chianti zones,

Ten reminders to drink Madeira

W. Blake Gray
Features
5 min read
Of course you already like Madeira. It's the most unique wine in the world. It's one of the best values and one of the most delicious wines. Plus it's so old-school that it's hip – and so are you. These are just reminders. Everybody tells you to drink this and

How to love vermouth

W. Blake Gray
Features
4 min read
Vermouth is the most underappreciated wine in the U.S. Most people don't realize that vermouth IS wine: that's the beginning of the problem. Imagine how much you would like Pinot Noir if you only drank it after it had been open for two months at room temperature. Recently I reviewed

Smoked ice gives cocktails a campfire kick

Sean Martin
Features
4 min read
It’s comical to see someone’s reaction when I tell them I am smoking water for the sole purpose of making ice. It’s not exactly the most common thing you see on a barbecue menu. However, it makes sense. Hear me out. You may be asking why anyone would want smoked

Heroic Viticulture on the island of Pantelleria

Joe Roberts
Feature Stories
4 min read
Even in a wine world where context is king, Donnafugata’s complex sweet wine called Ben Ryé - the product of air-dried Zibbibo (Muscat) grapes - stands out as uniquely tied to its place of origin. Second generation winegrowers Antonio and José Rallo, who helm the Sicilian winery, describe its production

Bordeaux Life: Book Review

Becky Sue Epstein
Features
1 min read
Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux, France: Discover Wine, Food, Castles and The French Way of Life, by Michael C. Higgins. Opening this brand new book, I was immediately plunged into homesickness for Bordeaux -- that is, if you can be “homesick” for a place you have only visited. To me,