Category Archives: Sparkling Wine

Barboursville Earns Top Bling for 2009 Octagon

Posted on February 21, 2013 by

Virginia’s wine industry gave itself its annual report card Thursday, and Barboursville Vineyards was named valedictorian – its 2009 Octagon red blend won the Governor’s Cup. The trophy was presented to Barboursville winemaker Luca Paschina by Gov. Robert McDonnell tonight … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Competitions, Eastern US, Local Wine, Maryland, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Virginia, Wine | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Inauguration Whine: Me Donner Un Break!

Posted on January 12, 2013 by

Yes, that’s right, “Give me a break!” President Obama is making headlines again in the silly little oenosphere (a word I just made up) because Korbel will be the featured bubbly at the inauguration luncheon at the U.S. Capitol after … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Eastern US, Merlot, New York, Rants, Riesling, Sparkling Wine, Uncategorized, Virginia, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Finally, the perfect Champagne glass

Posted on July 7, 2012 by

I’m not a nerd about wine glasses – most in my collection are freebies from wine festivals and tastings, embossed with a winery or sponsor name. (My favorite for years has proudly boasted Kroger, and I don’t even shop there.) … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, France, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Worth Reading This Week: FBI arrests alleged fraudster; White House fails to keep dinner wine list secret

Posted on March 17, 2012 by

Some recent items of interest from the Wine-o-sphere: The FBI last week arrested flamboyant wine collector Rudy Kurniawan for wine fraud. It’s the first time the Bureau has taken wine counterfeiting so seriously. Mike Steinberger has some detailed analysis on … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, California, Current Affairs, Merlot, Parker, Sparkling Wine, Virginia, Washington, Weblogs, Wine | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Year of the Dragon

Posted on January 23, 2012 by

Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! Today begins the Year of the Dragon, which should be auspicious and powerful, according to the Chinese zodiac. I hope you have a nice dinner with some of the auspicious foods meant to bring luck … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Food and Drink, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sneak Preview Champagne #2: José Michel et Fils Brut Tradition

Posted on December 20, 2011 by

Champagne is, unfortunately, expensive. It will never be an everyday wine for those of us in the 99 percent. But it is possible to find Champagnes that offer exceptional value for a reasonable price, considering what you get. One of … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, France, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sneak Preview Wine of the Week: Champagne Lenoble, Cuvée Intense

Posted on December 18, 2011 by

When the political philosopher Thomas Hobbes described life in a state of nature as “nasty, brutish and short,” he was probably drinking some cheap imitation sparkling wine. He obviously wasn’t referring to Champagne, and certainly not the Champagne Lenoble Cuvée … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, France, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Bargain Bubbly: Kila Cava lives up to its name

Posted on December 6, 2011 by

In the bargain bubbly category, it’s hard to beat Cava, Spain’s answer to Champagne. I’ve tasted many of these over the years and rarely have I found one I didn’t like. To paraphrase Animal Farm, “All Cavas are good. Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Bargain Wines, Spain, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Sneak Preview Wine of the Week: This year’s best bargain bubbly

Posted on December 4, 2011 by

Let’s face it – there’s nothing like Champagne, but Champagne is expensive. Sometimes we want the celebration of bubbles without the expense. Luckily, there are any number of tasty, inexpensive sparkling wines made around the world that can serve the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bargain Wines, Champagne, Cheap Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Uncorked D.C. – Wine’s generosity at its best

Posted on November 20, 2011 by

There will be no Sneak Preview Wine of the Week this week, as my Washington Post wine column appeared already in today’s special Thanksgiving Food section. So I offer instead my prepared remarks at last Thursday’s Uncorked D.C. charity dinner, … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Food and Drink, Local Wine, Sparkling Wine, Virginia, Washington, Wine | Tagged , | 10 Comments