• Archive for December, 2009

    Mendocino Petite Sirah

    by  • December 31, 2009 • All Posts, Varietal Tastings, Wine Regions • 0 Comments

    According to the Mendocino Winegrape & Wine Commission, the following varietals are grown in Mendocino County: White:Arneis, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cortese, French Colombard, Gewurztraminer, Marsanne, Muscat Blanc, Muscat Orange, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musque, Semillon, Tocai Friulano, Viogner, White Riesling, Other Whites Red:Aglianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Carmenere, Charbono, [...]

    Read more →

    Travel: Wente Vineyards / Livermore Valley

    by  • December 29, 2009 • All Posts, Travel, Winery Spotlights • 1 Comment

    Most journeys to California’s wine country begin with a rental car heading north out of the San Francisco airport. But for a change of pace, head 40 miles east toward Stockton and stop at Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Valley. Here you’ll find a distinctly different kind of vista than, say, Napa Valley. It’s noticeably warm and decidedly [...]

    Read more →

    Recipe: Maker’s Mark, Blue Cheese & Spinach Salad

    by  • December 28, 2009 • All Posts • 0 Comments

    This recipe comes from Maker’s Mark Bourbon and a menu of fall/winter dishes paired with Maker’s cocktails. I honestly loved the salad but didn’t care much for the cocktail pairing… too sweet and apple schnapps-y. Try just a simple Maker’s on the rocks to go with! Recipe: Salads: Maker’s Mark, Blue Cheese & Spinach Salad [...]

    Read more →

    Bubbly for the Holiday Season

    by  • December 28, 2009 • All Posts • 0 Comments

    I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it here again — people who save bubbly for the holidays are amateurs. Sparkling wine is great all year round — food friendly, happy, delicious, refreshing stuff. But since I do tend to want extrabubbles this time of year, I hereby submit to the cries for a holiday [...]

    Read more →

    Bargain Wine: Two from Robert Mondavi Private Selection

    by  • December 23, 2009 • All Posts, Bargain Wines • 0 Comments

    Here are two super-affordable and tasty wines from Robert Mondavi Private Selection — both pass my “could I drink this at a gallery opening” test! Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County ($11). Here’s a nice surprise — loads of juicy lime, a touch of grapefruit, and a clean, refreshing finish. Ready to drink [...]

    Read more →

    Menu: Easy Winter Menu for a Crowd

    by  • December 21, 2009 • All Posts, Pairings • 0 Comments

    One of the best ways to warm up a cold winter night is with a table full of good friends and an array of hearty, delicious foods paired with just the right wines. Here’s an easy menu that will get you out of the kitchen and in with your guests in no time flat. The [...]

    Read more →