When Americans hear “Mexico” and “alcohol”, we think Tequila. Then maybe Mezcal. Beer too. Wine, not so much. But Mexico has been producing wine since the 1520’s, when homesick conquistadors planted vineyards across Central and South America with cuttings from Spanish vines. Whatever devastation Spain wreaked on the countries it conquered, it left a legacy… Continue reading Mexican Wine? Si!
Category: Shops + Shows
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
The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 3
We wrap up our review of the Carolina Wines Grand Tasting at Symphony Hall with three excellent wines from St. Helena in Napa Valley. ROMBAUER VINEYARDS, St. Helena, Napa Valley CA2016 Cabernet Sauvignon $65/bottleLet’s start with “wow!” The balance between tannins, fruit and finish is truly a masterpiece. It’s got a full-body mouthfeel and provides… Continue reading The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 3
The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 2
Continuing with our walk through of the Grand Tasting from Carolina Wines, here are three "must buys" and one "I'd buy it if it were cheaper" wines. TENUTE SANT'ANTONIO/SCAIA [Veneto] 2016 Scaia Corvina $15/bottle A pleasant surprise with floral cherries and red berries on the nose and light zesty cherry notes on the palate. At… Continue reading The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 2
The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 1
A grand tasting ought to be held at an opulent venue and Carolina Wines held nothing back when they put on the Ritz at Boston Symphony Hall on September 10th. With the Hall’s majestic organ pipes as a backdrop, 67 purveyors brought out their best wines and spirits for a truly grand tasting for the… Continue reading The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 1
Nickel & Nickel Redux
In a recent post I did a quick review of Nickel & Nickel's John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. I noted the Napa Cab was "Very well made, complex, silky tannins with syrupy dark fruits on the palate followed by long, dry finish." While the 2007 Sullenger is no longer available, we had the opportunity… Continue reading Nickel & Nickel Redux
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
Eastern Europe Lands in Boston
Note: Following is a favorite post from 2014. Eastern European blood runs through both members of VinoDuo’s veins, though it’s more Jewish shtetl than rolling vineyards. So when Lisa saw that a handful of winemakers from the old country were exhibiting at the Boston Wine Expo 2014, she made a beeline for their tables and… Continue reading Eastern Europe Lands in Boston
Great Expectations: Penfolds Tasting
Note: Following is a favorite post from 2013. Prices likely have changed; vintages are...old. It’s hard to get VinoDuo giddy with anticipation of a wine tasting…we drink wine every day and while we’re not jaded, it takes a lot to get us excited. The invite from Martignetti and Penfolds, the great Australian wine conglomerate, though,… Continue reading Great Expectations: Penfolds Tasting
Return to Dogpatch
To readers of a certain age, say over 50, “Dogpatch” was the place Li’l Abner and his hillbilly comic strip pals lazed their life away. For VinoDuo, Dogpatch is now the little-known San Francisco neighborhood that boasts artisan coffee, gritty shipyard remnants, funky shops, and fabulous restaurants. Dubbed a “perennial up-and-coming neighborhood” by one San… Continue reading Return to Dogpatch
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