Lisa's Whites

An Ancient New White Wine.

New to VinoDuo, that is.  Greco di Tufo, from the Campania region of Italy, has a 2,000 year pedigree. But Lisa discovered it at Il Casale in Lexington, Mass. Golden color, pleasing mouth feel but not heavy, a little fruit and lots of minerals. But not minerally. Strange but pleasing combo ideal for a light… Continue reading An Ancient New White Wine.

Rosé Rosato etc.

A Rosé for All Seasons

We were disappointed to learn that the Nordstrom in Burlington had closed the stylish Blue Stove restaurant, a small plates and wine haunt for VinoDuo. A few years back, Lisa discovered Whispering Angel rosé at Blue Stove and it quickly became a favorite before the wine took a dive into sweet and sad. The Blue… Continue reading A Rosé for All Seasons

Lisa's Whites, Summer Love

Perfect End Of Summer Sancerre

Flinty. Tart. Sharp. Qualities you wouldn't look for in a mate but ones that Lisa gravitates towards in a white wine. As summer winds down and oyster season ramps up, we found a $20 Sancerre with a crisp, tart taste to add to your raw bar. Domaine des Hauts de Maimbray 2014 is bright and… Continue reading Perfect End Of Summer Sancerre

Summer Love

A Tale of 2 Roses

Celebrating American independence from England with French Rose at Eastern Standard.  Chateau Pigoudet Grenache/Cinsault "Premiere" from Provence for Lisa and Dom. Roumagnac Negrette and Syrah "Authentique" from Fronton (SW France.) The Authentique? Lots of flinty limestone with gentle nectarine/ strawberry notes. Medium salmon color with a fresh nose. Terrific with grilled cheese or any other cheese… Continue reading A Tale of 2 Roses

Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz, Summer Love, Tastings

Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz Part 3 – The Fizz

And now, the Fizz. If you’ve been tasked with bringing the bubbly to a cookout, birthday or pool party and want to keep the price under $15 a bottle, here are three inexpensive options. We recommend two of them and  our clear favorite [and the cheapest] is Anna Codorniu Reserva Blanc de Blancs Brut Cava.… Continue reading Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz Part 3 – The Fizz

Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Tastings

Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz Part 2 – The Reds

Our journey into red plonk territory wasn't nearly as successful as the whites were. Of the four wines we tasted, just one was worth buying-- the Brigaldara Valpolicella Classico 2014. But even there, the vote was a split decision. Gary liked it enough to buy again, Lisa would drink it again if placed directly in… Continue reading Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz Part 2 – The Reds

Lisa's Whites, Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz, Summer Love, Tastings

Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz

Summer and wine go together like, well, winter and wine, or spring and wine. Wine is a treat for all seasons. But in the summer, even serious $30+ a bottle wine lovers can warm up to a $10 Catalan Garnaxta or an $8 Portuguese Vinho Verde. it’s warm. It’s sunny. And after 2 glasses, even… Continue reading Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz

Buys $25 and under

Yes, Bad Wines are Bad. But Cheap Good Wine is Good.

VinoDuo is all about drinking good wine that doesn't cost a lot of money (vs. bad wine that doesn't cost a lot of money.) Love Eric Asimov's column but stay tuned for VinoDuo's Plonk Plonk Fizz Fizz series on $10 wine you can drink with pleasure and serve with pride.   https://nyti.ms/2qkEWcn      

Central/South American Wines, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Tastings, Travel

For Cinco de Mayo, toss the tequila and have some Mexican wine. Our fave producer is Monte Xanic. Excellent NYT article!

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/04/25/travel/travel-mexico-baja-california-wine-country.html

Buys $25 and under, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs

Wente’s Not-Quite-Napa Cab a Great Value

The Livermore Valley wine region of Northern California could be deemed the Anti-Napa, with its less than pristine wineries, few luxury B+B's and minimal foodie culture. What the Valley does have, however, is a low-key vibe, family-owned wineries and one big-name draw--Wente Vineyards. Founded in 1883 and now run by 4th and 5th generation family… Continue reading Wente’s Not-Quite-Napa Cab a Great Value