thewineguy

The Do’s and Don’ts of Chilling Wine

The Do’s and Don’ts of Chilling Wine Not all wines should be chilled to the same temperature because of their chemical composition. The backbone of white wine is acidity. The structure of a red comes from its tannins. Dessert wines have different amounts of residual sugar. Sparkling holds carbon dioxide (CO2). All have varying degreesContinue reading “The Do’s and Don’ts of Chilling Wine”

Wine Regions You Should Explore- Portugal.

History of Wine Making. Portugal’s early wine history is dominated by outside influences, either by invading the country or by Trade Agreements, as the case with the British: The Phoenicians in the 10th century BC, the Greeks in the 7th century BC, the Romans in the 3rd Century BC and the Tartessians around 2000 BC.Continue reading “Wine Regions You Should Explore- Portugal.”

Four Great Wines from Two Best Kept Secret Regions.

Allow me to introduce you to Vinaceous Wines, Margaret River and Frankland River: Vinaceous Wines was established in 2007 and is owned and operated by marketer Nick Stacy & winemaker Mike Kerrigan; part of the new movement of non-traditional wine producers – choosing to source grapes from the best vineyards in the premium maritime climateContinue reading “Four Great Wines from Two Best Kept Secret Regions.”

Two Excellent Spanish Wines from the House of Torres.

Pazo das Bruxas Albariǹo 2022 – Wonderful drinking! The first thing you notice is the straw yellow color and the enticing aromas of floral notes, nectarine, and pineapple notes. There is an inviting, crisp clean mouthfeel that gives way to delicate layers of white peach, passionfruit, lime, and nectarine with great balance and refreshing acidity.Continue reading “Two Excellent Spanish Wines from the House of Torres.”

Could Be the Best Cava You Taste this Year.

Raventós i Blanc 1497 ‘Blanc de Blanc 2020 This could just be the best Cava you will drink this year! Backed by 500-plus years of wine-growing experience, this is one of five sparkling releases from this family-owned winery. Throw in some serious family commitment, biodynamic wine-making methods, and a deep-rooted belief in the relationship betweenContinue reading “Could Be the Best Cava You Taste this Year.”

Three Great White Wines to Match the Perfect Weather.

I don’t know if any of you have noticed but over the past 5 or so years the standard of Sauvignon Blanc’s coming out of California, and Napa have been impressive, to say the least. Full-bodied wines with wonderful mouthfeels, and exceptional balance that will age out 5 plus years. I recently shared a bottleContinue reading “Three Great White Wines to Match the Perfect Weather.”

This Weeks Pick of the Bunch- World Class Riesling and Malbec.

Pewsey Vale 1961 Block Riesling 2020- with elegance and finesse! This is a single vineyard release sourced from their 1961 Block, and, you guessed it, planted in 1961. This block is home to the oldest vines the winery owns, and I suspect the oldest Riesling vines in Clare Valley, given the valley was the siteContinue reading “This Weeks Pick of the Bunch- World Class Riesling and Malbec.”

Paso Does It Again, and Something special from Italy.

41 Highlands Black Granite Red Blend 2020 This was Wine Enthusiast #1 Top 100 Best Buys and I have to agree, it’s great drinking and exceptional value- rare these days!! This is a blend of 45% Zinfandel, 20% Petite Sirah, 15% Malbec, 10% Syrah, 10% Merlot and reflects in the glass. This is what IContinue reading “Paso Does It Again, and Something special from Italy.”

Two Excellent Offerings from Jim Barry and one from Xanadu.

Assyrtiko 2019- Clare Valley, South Australia- Spectacular! Yes, you read correctly, Assyrtiko, the classic Greek varietal is being grown in Australia, since August 2012 no less. When you think about it, the climate in Clare Valley and surrounding wine regions is most definitely Mediterranean so it makes sense that it was bound to appear atContinue reading “Two Excellent Offerings from Jim Barry and one from Xanadu.”

Hartford Court Winery- one of Sonoma’s Best- shines again.

Four Hearts Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2020 This Chardonnay is a cuvée, which really means it’s a blend of, in this case, 4 different field selections, which are fermented separately with only the best barrels selected for final blending to produce this impressive Chardonnay. This is a big rich Chardonnay without being overly-oaked, orContinue reading “Hartford Court Winery- one of Sonoma’s Best- shines again.”