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