This post was originally published on January 30, 2016. Tim and Phyllis have since sold French Country Wines and sadly, the new owners do not carry this lovely wine. Wine lovers in Houston and nationally are discovering sparkling wines that originated nearly 100 years before Dom Pérignon was born, and years before Champagne became the wine of celebrations. To taste true tradition first created by Benedictine Monks in the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, look to the […]
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Soils make a Difference: The Zoning Project of DO Montsant
Why do we need to know about the soil? I asked, when I was first learning about wine. Because the composition of the soil can determine which grape grows best in the vineyard. The type of soil also helps decide the irrigation method needed in the vineyard. For example limestone, or calcareous soils are somewhat compact. Their origin from the erosion and sedimentation of rivers, these soils are rich in calcium carbonate, and provide excellent […]
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Two Days in Dublin, Ireland: Day 1
Have a trip planned to Spain? Aer Lingus has some of the best air fares from the United States to Europe! If you plan your flights just right, you can turn an extended layover into a short visit to Dublin. This gives you just enough time to get a flavor for Ireland — and guarantee you will want to return again for a longer stay. Getting the Best Deal on Air Fares I am one […]
Continue readingDO Montsant on the Precipice: Vinyes Domènech
As I stand on the path that leads from the tasting room through the vineyard to the edge of a precipice at Vinyes Domènech the Latin phrase in situ comes to mind. Literally, the phrase translates to “on-site.” To the archeologist, an artifact in situ is one that he or she unearths and records at the original site of the culture that created it. When discovered not in situ, the artifact is considered out of […]
Continue readingMake Your Own King Cake for Mardi Gras or Visit Limoux!
King Cake with wine? Mon Dieu, you say! Not so fast. Mardi Gras means King Cake, and we have just the recipe and wine recommendation to enjoy your own Fat Tuesday celebration! (Note: Part of this article originally appeared last year, we’ve updated it to include the 2018 dates for Mardi Gras in the United States and Limoux Carnival, in the Pyrenees-Mediterranean region of Limoux.) In the United States’ Christian traditions, Mardi Gras ( Shrove […]
Continue readingLoire Valley: Castles, Caves au Coeur de France
No doubt you are aware Loire Valley Wines represent the top producer of white AOC wines, but did you know this important French wine region produces Reds, Rose and Bubbles in its 48,000 hectares of vineyards as well? Located in the heart of France, the Loire Valley’s 79 appellations and denominations employ over 5,000 professions who help produce and market an average of nearly 3 million hectolitres. The Loire Valley sells 380 million bottles of […]
Continue readingWine Travel Loire Valley: The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud
This place is immense, I think to myself as I descend from the hill where the shuttle from the train station deposits us. And white. So white that it is difficult to take a proper picture in the sun. White gravel turns my black shoes dusty. White stone walls reach toward the blue sky. White steps. White walls. White arches. White like a nun’s coiffe that represents part of its heritage but also belies some […]
Continue readingA Perfect Day
The Suave, Seductive Italian from Valpolicella: Amarone
You know the type – dark, brooding, and a bit austere in youth. He needs time to mature, relax, and develop into the strong, seductive and attentive lover he was born to be. Those like him are few, and far between. He makes his entrance only when all conditions align to make a superlative statement. His roots may be in a small multi-generational enterprise or a sprawling and noble estate. But when he finally arrives […]
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