The Grape Nut
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 »
The Grape Nut
On Sicilian Time, Part 1: Donnafugata
Between the d’Avola and the deep blue sea
September 15th, 2011
“The Woodmans don’t vacation—we travel!” So said my father early on in our visit to Castellammare del Golfo on the northwest coast of Sicily. It may have been intended comically, but his off-the-cuff response fully embodies the way my nuclear family digs in and drinks in the far-flung places we visit. Read more »
The Grape Nut
His Labor of Love
August 25th, 2011
Do judge this wine by its label; a lot of love goes into a bottle of Labor Wines’ pinot noir, the latest issue from a local winemaker. Corey Nyman, 34, has an impressive food and beverage pedigree having been brought up, along with his brother, Craig, in the family biz. But the Nyman Group exec has been plotting for some time to make a mark on the wine scene with his own product and, Nyman says, “I can’t believe it’s here.” Read more »
The Grape Nut
Generous Pours at Capital Grille
August 18th, 2011
The Generous Pour, a limited-time offer from Capital Grille (932-6631) allows diners to enjoy 9 ounces of up to nine wines with their meal for just $25. The menu highlights three whites, two international reds, two California reds and a dessert wine. You can mix and match to your heart’s content—nine 1-ounce tastes, three 3-ounce glasses, etc.—and they’re not the least bit stingy with the pours! Read more »
