(GA, Geek Alert rating) How do you know when the grapes are ripe? Michael Etzel, winemaker/partner at Oregon's Beaux Freres, explains the signs. Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator editor at large, conducted the interview and shot the video (!).
Visit with Delia Viader, who describes her flagship red, which is a made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes that she grows up on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley.
See the merits of a compact, well-chosen wine list (and learn why it's not always about size) at this New York City restaurant with Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence
October 31, 2007: Many will agrue that Italy has the very best wine in the world. With the Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone... it is tough to argue against it! These Italian giants can get pretty expensive and the guys and I were looking for a reason to blow some big cash on the Title Fight of Wine Tasting. The opportunity came with the successful evacuation of the data center on 31/10... a huge effort representing over 18 months of work. We put our heads togethers and consulted Wine Spectator (thanks James Suckling) and came up with the perfect list of wine and food. The night unfolded as follows:1.) Moet and Chandon, Don Perignon 1998. Wine Spectator Rating: 91 Price: €99 Our Food Choice: Caviar and Fois Grass2.) Famiglia Anselma, Barolo 1999. Wine Spectator Rating: 92 . Price €32. Our Food Choice: Pacheto and prosciutto crudo (Ham slices). Salami (from my last visit to France), Russian Salad, Buffolina Mozzarella, Marinated Sweet Peppers3.) Frescobaldi, Brunello di Montalcino Ripe al Convento Riserva 2001. Wine Spectator Rating: 97. Price: €65Our Food Choice: Bruschetta with spicy red sauce and melted Buffolina Mozzarella, Tarjin con Ragu di Coniglio (rabbit).4.) Aldo Conterno, Barolo Gran Bussia Reserva, 2000. Wine Spectator Rating: 96. Price: €118. Our Food Choice: Warm Arrosto (Beef Slices) in a lovely brown sauce5.) Certan-Giraud, Pomerol 1998. Wine Spectator Rating: 85. Price: €49 Our Food Choice: Selection of Italian Cheese (Fontina, Asiago, Gorgonzolo Picante (ie: Strong), Parmigiano DOC, Provolone Picante and Confit de Fig (like a jam)6.) Bertani, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1999. Wine Spectator Rating: 85. Price: € 547.) Grappa di Barolo and homemade Limoncello (Grazie Jes)Wow... what a night! These were all incredible and the beauty was tasting them side by side. You can really see the differences in years, grapes, Italian v. French, etc. Everyone had their own favorties but my list was easily determined with the Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino the Big WINNER. This wine, especially for the price, was a dream and one of the best I have very tasted. Numero due was the Gran Bussia Reserva. A lttle expensive but super long in the finish and soft like a baby's bottom. The rest were all suberb and difficult to rank with the Pomerol (French) a completely different taste and one I very much enjoy with a earthy nose and smooth finish. The Famiglia Barolo is wonderful and for the price, a steal. Dom and caviar is always a great combo and the Danes loved the Amarone but for me too hot on the mouth (high alcohol /15%) and too dry in the finish.It is not something you can afford to do all the time, but for a special occasion and when you plan it correctly... these events are where great memories are made.Taken from JohnTweardy.com
In any restaurant, wine service can make or break the dining experience. Whether you're a guest, a waiter or a sommelier, you'll get the inside scoop on the key aspects of wine service from wine directors at Wine Spectator award-winning restaurants.
Southwestern France is known for value wines, but their distinctive grapes are less well-known. Join Wine Spectator managing editor Kim Marcus as he tastes a trio of wines that offer great value as well as the pure flavors of their grapes.
Tom Colicchio, chef-owner of Craftsteak, is fanatical about the ingredients he uses in his restaurants. Colicchio joined Wine Spectator senior editor Harvey Steiman to taste--and describe--three types of gourmet beef: grass-fed, corn-fed and wagyu.
Looking to taste local wines by-the-glass when you're in San Francisco? The California Wine Merchant is a good place to start -- and it's one of Wine Spectator associate editor Dan Sogg's favorite wine bars.
WE ARE ONE OF THE TOP FIVE FINALISTS in the Wine Spectator video contest! Please vote for us at www.winespectator.com! There are smiling photo ops. And then there's what really happens! This is our entry into the Wine Spectator Video contest.
Picking wine to pair with great steaks is a tough job, but Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator editor at large, stepped up to the plate at Craftsteak in New York City . Join him as he rates and explains a few pairings with a Washington Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aurelio Montes and Wine Spectator senior editor James Molesworth enjoyed a rare vertical tasting of Montes' flagship wine, Alpha M, and discussed the evolution in winemaking that can be seen in the vintages from 1996 through 2004.
What makes Amarone distinctive and delicious are the topics discussed by Wine Spectator senior editor Bruce Sanderson and Sandro Boscainin of Masi, the winery in Veneto, Italy that is known for its Amarone.
Amarone is a rich, luscious wine with a tremendous capacity for aging. Join Wine Spectator tasting coordinator Jo Cooke as he compares Dal Forno Amarones from 2002 and 1997. But be forewarned: these wines don't come cheap.
