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

Red; Mostly Napa Cabs

2011 Vietti Barolo Castiglione at Home and Away

Gary is the Italian red wine lover of the Duo. Amarone, Barbara d'Alba, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, and Barolo take up a lot of room in our wine cellar/crawlspace, and with good reason. Gary is also an expert pizza chef and eggplant parm maker, and there's nothing better than drinking lusty Italian wine with home-cooked specialties. Barolo… Continue reading 2011 Vietti Barolo Castiglione at Home and Away

Lisa's Whites, Summer Love

Vida Longa Vinho Verde

The Vinho Verde region of Portugal has been producing wine for 2,000+ years. VinoDuo has been drinking Vinho Verde wine for three years, and we wonder how we ever got through a summer without it. "Verde" translates to green, but in this case it refers to a young wine, released just 3 to 6 months… Continue reading Vida Longa Vinho Verde

Lisa's Whites, Shops + Shows, Tastings

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

Shops + Shows

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

Shops + Shows, Travel

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