I am fortunate to have sampled wines from many regions, varietals and styles this year. While it is difficult to narrow down the list of affordable wines I have particularly enjoyed this year, here is a list, in no particular order. Top 10 Wines Under $20 for 2011: 2008 Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Pinot Noir […]
[Continue reading...]
16 December 2011 
5 Sparkling Wines under $25
December 16, 2011 By
‘Tis the season to shop for bubbly and with all the options available at wine shops, it is difficult to make sense of it all. Here are five sparkling wines under $25 to pop open during the holidays: 2009 Jagdschloss Spatburgunder Brut Rose (Rheingau, Germany) – beautiful light pink in the glass with tons of […]
[Continue reading...]
16 December 2011 
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV
December 16, 2011 By
This is a very clean, light-to-medium style Champagne with green apple and nutty aromas. In the mouth, it has honey and bread dough notes. Nice bubbly at this price. Style: Champagne / Sparkling Wine Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay Region: Reims, France Around $25
[Continue reading...]
15 December 2011 
2008 Naveran Dama Cava
December 15, 2011 By
Lovely, aromatic wine with juicy peach aromas and tons of floral and ripe pear and apple flavors. The 2008 Naveran Dama Cava offers a rich, long finish. Great sparkling wine at this price point. Style: Sparkling Wine Grape Type(s): Chardonnay Blend Region: Catalunya, Spain Around $20
[Continue reading...]
15 December 2011 
Savory Cheese Tartlets with Blackberries
December 15, 2011 By
I got this recipe from the fine folks at Driscoll’s® and had to share it as it is perfect for holiday entertaining. Filling Ingredients: 5 oz. rindless goat cheese, at room temperature 3 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk 1 tsp. minced fresh thyme ¼ tsp. salt ¼ […]
[Continue reading...]
14 December 2011 
Stufato di Vitello – Veal Stew
December 14, 2011 By
It is that time of year when braised meats and stews just sound wonderful. This week, my local grocery store had beautiful cubed veal available, so I created this simple-to-prepare, make-ahead, one-pot stew that is great reheated on a week night but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Ingredients: ¼ cup all-purpose flour […]
[Continue reading...]
14 December 2011 
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut
December 14, 2011 By
Rich and slightly oaky sparkling wine that’s become a favorite. The nose is light Asian apple but the flavors are bolder with ripe, juicy pear and nutty notes. Great clean, crisp finish. Style: Sparkling Wine Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Region: Anderson Valley, California Around $22
[Continue reading...]
14 December 2011 
Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé
December 14, 2011 By
Just love a sparkling rosé – it’s so…festive! This one is pale pink in the glass with a light strawberry and yeasty nose. In the mouth, the Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé offers juicy fruit flavors with a slightly spicy finish. Style: Rosé Sparkling Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Region: Napa Valley, California Around $25 […]
[Continue reading...]
13 December 2011 
Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé NV
December 13, 2011 By
This wine from Alsace is pale salmon-colored in the glass and offers sweet strawberry and ripe cherry aromas. In the mouth, it’s typical (and lovely) Crémant – moussy and creamy. Luscious, yet light, strawberries-and-cream flavors. Style: Rosé Sparkling Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir Region: Alsace, France Around $25
[Continue reading...]
12 December 2011 
Locanda Verde – Bene for Brunch
December 12, 2011 By
I am an avid fan of Locanda Verde and its sublime food attentively prepared by Food and Wine Best New Chef award winner, Andrew Carmellini. I have written about Locanda Verde in the past, but on a recent visit, I brunched and it is worth noting what a super job the staff does with this meal. For […]
[Continue reading...]
Recent Comments