Tag Archives: Wine

Traditions and Rituals

Posted on July 16, 2018 by

Wine lovers develop certain habits that may seem strange in polite company. These customs and rituals are part of wine appreciation. They are also easy to ridicule, and become the essence of wine snobbery to the uninitiated. Yet they (almost … Continue reading →

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Toasting Independence Day with Madeira

Posted on July 4, 2018 by

With the heat and humidity of July here in the Mid-Atlantic, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest a fortified wine to toast Independence Day. But the Founding Fathers, up there in “foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy Philadelphia,” as John Adams … Continue reading →

Posted in Madeira, Port, Portugal, Washington Post, Wine, Wine Trivia, writers | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

In Vino Veritas

Posted on June 4, 2018 by

In vino veritas, the Roman author Pliny the Elder wrote. In wine is truth. It’s an old Latin phrase making fun of people who speak their minds under the influence of alcohol. The quote is buried in a rather hilarious … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Food and Drink, Rants, Religion, Wine, writers | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Excitement in Portugal

Posted on January 16, 2018 by

My list of my favorite “Great Value” wines of 2017 — posted here yesterday and published earlier this month in The Washington Post — caused a mini stir in Portugal. Or at least, the winery that produces my #3 wine, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bargain Wines, Cheap Wine, Humor, Portugal, Washington Post, Wine | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Great Values of 2017

Posted on January 15, 2018 by

This is a new feature I’ll probably do annually for The Washington Post, highlighting my favorite wines of the past year that I gave the “Great Value” designation. I’m deleting the store listings here, so it won’t be such a … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, Bargain Wines, California, Cheap Wine, France, Germany, Portugal, Rhône, Riesling, Spain, Wine, Zweigelt | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Champagne Pannier Rosé Brut

Posted on December 12, 2017 by

Berries and roses, not whiskers on kittens; bubbles up noses, not warm woolen mittens. These are a few of my favorite things — in my glass! Champagne Pannier Brut Rosé NV, 12% abv, $48.

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

Dutton Goldfield Riesling – Marin County

Posted on December 11, 2017 by

I can’t say I’ve tasted many wines from California’s Marin County over the years. Marin for me is the scenic, Gucci-hippie oceanside territory I drive through on my way from San Francisco to wine country. Marin is not “wine country.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, California, Riesling | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment