Our last wine journey to Italy was in the year 2018 BC (Before Covid). We spent a very happy week visiting wineries in Puglia, taking a deep dive into lesser-known [to us] red grapes like Aglianico, Susumaniello, and Negroamara and the white grapes Verdeca and Fiano. So, when the Commonwealth Wine School announced a 90-minute… Continue reading Italian Wines off the Beaten Path
Category: Buys $25 and under
Another Stellar Italian Rosato
Altopiano Terre di Chieti Rosato, Feudo Antico 2017 $8/bottle In previous posts I've raved about Italian rosés crafted from Nebbiolo, Negroamaro, and Sangiovese red wine grapes. These Italian rosato wines aren't light summer sippers with adorable labels and soda pop flavors. The wines I favor have structure and substance while also feeling a little like… Continue reading Another Stellar Italian Rosato
Uncovering the Basque Wine Region
We know Spanish wines...a little bit. Rioja, of course. Priorat for sure. And we've dabbled a bit in Sherry from Jerez. But the Basque region? Nowhere on our radar until last summer, when I savored fresh and fizzy glasses of Txakolina (cha’-kō-lee-nah) rosé at two of Boston's hipster restaurants, Chickadee and Pagu. Txakolina is a… Continue reading Uncovering the Basque Wine Region
New $25 and Under Finds at Gala Tasting
In autumn, wine shops typically hold a “grand tasting” showcasing wines promoted by their various distributors. In advance of the holidays, wine-lovers flock to these events for free tastings and a few cubes of cheese. VinoDuo is always up for a free gala tasting, particularly if it’s held at a shop we’ve never been to.… Continue reading New $25 and Under Finds at Gala Tasting
Red for Valentine’s Day
Red sauce. Red wine. Red hearts. We sampled 3 (under $20) Wine Spectator top 100 wines with red sauce Italian on Valentine's Day. Top score goes to Cline Ancient Vines Zin 2016 (91 pts/40 on Top 100). Always reliable, always smooth and spicy and the one we'd buy again time after time. It's $11 !!… Continue reading Red for Valentine’s Day
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
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
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