A Tale of Two Chianti
The first wine I ever consciously purchased opposed the the plethora of options offered to my young impressionable decision maker was a Gabbiano Chianti. The knight called to me and said: “Go forth. Sneak this wine into your dorm room, usurp authority, and enjoy my Tuscan-y goodness as it fills your belly, heart, and mind.”...
Beaujolais Awareness Week
We should do something for the maligned third thursday of November, a day sadly adorned with a phrase of its very own: “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!” What it should be is the announcement of Beaujolais Awareness Week. I suppose I’m a little late, but perhaps it’s better late than never to propose this swift and orderly change. On Wednesday...
Drink Bravely, or, A Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Crunk
This is a book review of Mark Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine (that’s what we’ll call it.) Chapter 14, page 100 had me at Vermentino. Actually, it had me at “Sprite-ing,” which is Mark’s method of smuggling white wine into theaters using a 20 oz. Sprite bottle. Here I thought the guy was trying...
Hello Vino is Now On Android
It’s the post-modern wine drinker’s existential conundrum: What should I then drink? A small wine shop carries about 200 labels, and a normal supermarket (assuming you don’t live in a Puritan state like Pennsylvania) often carries as many as 1000. So I’m sure you’ve had your share of ”Well, Snow Peak Peach sounds pretty good…”...
Silver Birch: The Requiem
“So long, and thanks for the cozy digs!” – Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc (2009-2010) On August 29th, 2010 the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc made the first of many cameos in my glass. It was a true friend week after week, always providing a quaff of New Zealand grapefruit goodness whenever I needed it. And sadly,...
Silver Birch: Over the Hill
I’ve been giving the Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc the ol’ Pepsi Challenge: can a box of wine be fresh for up to six weeks after opening? As of September 19th, my box has been open for 3 weeks. In other words, it’s headin’ over the hill. But how’s it holding up? Still tasty. But, it’s...
