The Grape Nut
The Grape Nut
Seven-dipity
From drink-now hostess gifts to long-cellarable gems, this seven-generation winery has your number
April 12th, 2012
I guess it was a turn of fate that Michael Phillips popped into Vegas Seven’s headquarters with a case of wine for our meeting, fresh off the plane and headed to the Wine & Spirits Wholesaler’s Association’s 69th annual convention and exposition April 2-5. Read more »
The Grape Nut
Wine From a Rock
April 5th, 2012
When Queensrÿche’s Geoff Tate plays Body English later this month, he may do so fueled by an unlikely sort of liquid courage. Read more »
The Grape Nut
Paso Rambles
The single greatest grape escape for Las Vegans
March 22nd, 2012
I call it “the NorCal Schmear.” Thirty or more cars spread out on a Northern California highway, edge to edge like the cream cheese on a bagel, and at least three car-lengths apart. Each lane moves at exactly the same speed, the drivers hedging their bets to prevent any bottleneck that might prevent them from getting from the airport to their 2:30 p.m. tasting in Napa. Read more »
The Grape Nut
Sip on This
The Cosmopolitan’s private-label sparkler is just the right amount of right
March 22nd, 2012
There are those stoic, buttoned-up sommeliers who flinch at the slightest mispronunciation of Meritage (“It’s ‘MER-i-tij’ like heritage, not ‘mer-i-TAAAHZH’ like camouflage ...”). Read more »
The Grape Nut
True Love
A master sommelier recommends wines you’ll both fall for
February 9th, 2012
Gentlemen, bubbles are the anchor for that perfect Valentine’s Day plan. Whether you select Champagne or sparkling wine, the quality of your choice sets the tone for that romantic dinner or intimate evening at home. Here are some great choices that will show her you are savvy and have great taste. Read more »
The Grape Nut
I’ll Have What She’s Having
Agustí Torelló Mata cavas are the stuff of celebrations
December 22nd, 2011
When a wine professional goes out of her way to get a hold of a couple of bottles of a particular bubbly, you can bet it’s some pretty good stuff. That it was for her wedding means that, despite its affordability, it is a worthy conveyance for all those celebratory once-in-a-lifetime feelings. Read more »
The Grape Nut
Presents Accounted For
Wallet-friendly gift ideas for wine-lovers
December 15th, 2011
Stop crying, put down the circulars and boot up your computer. There’s no need to set even one toe in a mall this year searching for gifts for the wine-lover in your life. Go online or go local—just go vino! Read more »
The Grape Nut
On Sicilian Time, Part 3: Murgo
Coming full cerchio at the foot of Mount Etna
October 20th, 2011
The Scammacca del Murgo family welcomes guests to visit Tenuta San Michele, where you can eat, and most importantly, drink the fruits of their labor, transforming feudal properties into profitable vineyards and olive groves. The Murgo wine portfolio includes both sparkling (spumante) and still wines, much of which relies upon indigenous grapes. Read more »
The Grape Nut
On Sicilian Time, Part 2: Terre di Giurfo
Earth, wind and getting higher
September 29th, 2011
Continuing our circumnavigation of Sicily this summer, the Woodman family moved on from Castellammare del Golfo, through Agrigento, to Ortygia. Not far away, high up on a windy ripple of hills on the southeastern side of the island, along the Dirillo River valley, on the borderline between the town of Licodia Eubea and the Iblea province sits Terre di Giurfo vineyards and winery. There, on a sunny afternoon, I completed a quest that began much earlier this year. Read more »
The Grape Nut
Hot off the press
September 22nd, 2011
Harvest 2011 is on! Crush commenced at Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, Calif., on Aug. 29 with pinot noir grapes from the Richburg Vineyard in Carneros. Read more »
