Summer Love, Tastings

An Italian and Two French Rosés Walk Into a Bar…

Actually, three rosés walked into our home, courtesy of visiting friends and our local wine shop. VinoDuo had Lisa's current fave on hand-- a 100% Sangiovese rosato from Tuscany while our friends generously brought two bottles from Provence. And just like that, we had the makings of a fun summer tasting. Provence is, of course,… Continue reading An Italian and Two French Rosés Walk Into a Bar…

Summer Love, Tastings

Yes I Can

First they got rid of the corks. Then they put it in a box. And now, there's wine in a can. Una Lou is a hipper than thou offering from Scribe Winery, a decade-old winery from the Sonoma Valley.  Easy to tote to the beach, swig on the deck...you know, like beer. I was skeptical,… Continue reading Yes I Can

Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Tastings

Masterpiece Theatre Meets La Dolce Vita at WGBH Wine Event

FROM THE VINODUO ARCHIVE – 2014 This article was originally posted in March 2014 then lost to a Go Daddy cluster *%%#. We just found a few articles in cyberspace and re-post them here. The impressive studios of WGBH were the ideal backdrop for a mid-winter sampling of Italian wine and local cheeses. The stunning… Continue reading Masterpiece Theatre Meets La Dolce Vita at WGBH Wine Event

Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Shops + Shows, Tastings, Travel

The Urban Wineries of Dogpatch

FROM THE VINODUO ARCHIVE - 2014 This article was originally posted in March 2014 then lost to a Go Daddy cluster *%%#. We just found a few articles in cyberspace and re-post them here. Dogpatch was the place Li’l Abner and his hillbilly comic strip pals lazed their life away. For VinoDuo, Dogpatch is now… Continue reading The Urban Wineries of Dogpatch

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