Tag Archives: Food

A Gaja Barbaresco Vertical (of sorts) 2006 2010 2013

Posted on January 23, 2017 by waywardwine

Last week, I braved an ice-capped Portland armed with Barbaresco. I just wanted to show two vintages. But to be safe, I requested two samples in case one ended up corked. However, our warehouse accidentally picked 2006, 2010, and 2013. Each run about $230 a bottle. I decanted them that morning, put on my boots, and slid slowly to my first appointment. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged barbaresco, drink, Food, food pairing, Gaja, italy, nebbiolo, Piedmonte, wine, wine job | Leave a comment

My Love/Hate Relationship With Grower Champagne: Marc Hebrart 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Posted on January 16, 2017 by waywardwine

Grower Champagne has creeped into popularity for at least a decade. That little RM (récoltant manipulant) on the label provided wine geeks another means to stand out from the seething masses. It allowed shops and restaurants to charge more to customers unfamiliar with it. We have all seen and bought the likes of Mumm, Veuve, Moët, Nicolas Feuillatte, et cetera, and know when we are getting hosed. But today’s grower, Marc Hebrart, probably is not on your grocery store shelf. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged alcohol, Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, chardonnay, drink, drinks, Food, France, grower champagne, Marc Hebrart, restaurants, tourism, travel, Veuve, wine, Winery | 2 Comments

Primitivo for Frozen Days: Castello Monaci

Posted on January 9, 2017 by waywardwine

Sick of winter already? Me too. Let us draw the shades, turn up the thermostat, play Hawaiian music, don shorts and a t-shirt and grab a pair of sunglasses. Our wine glass might as well play pretend. I say send it to the hot iron tip of the heal of the boot of Italy: Puglia, specifically Salice Valentino DOC: Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged castle, drink, Food, grapes, italy, pairing, puglia, Salento, summer, sun, sunshine, travel, wine, winter | 3 Comments

Have a Happy 2017

Posted on December 31, 2016 by waywardwine

Alexandria and I wish you and yours a happy, prosperous, and peaceful new year. May your glasses fill with Champagne for all of 2017. (And try grower Champagne, Marc Hebrart, Blanc de Blancs: dry and taut yet redolent of orchard … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2017, Champagne, drink, fondue, Food, love, New Years, New Years Eve, romance, wine, wine paring | 1 Comment

Gaja For The Rest of Us: Ca’Marcanda Promis 2013 Bolgheri Tuscany Italy

Posted on November 28, 2016 by waywardwine

Winter closes in. For sad psychological reasons, I now don jackets or sweaters to enjoy chilled whites. I suppose a red will not hurt. Also, we have guests and pizza for dinner. So, a modern Italian seems apt. I rummage around in my crawl space. Why not open an $100 Chianti? Erm….no.

I have lost all grip on reality. My job allows me to try and collect fancy, expensive things. The cost to retail has become my reference point. A wine that costs a shop $25 ends up $33 to $40 on the shelf for the unwashed masses. So all I remember is that I spent $25. Or worse, I was given it. Continue reading →