Tag Archives: travel

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

New Year’s Eve 2017 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Profile

Posted on December 30, 2016 by waywardwine

Confused by the Champagne shelf? Me too. Prestigious-sounding names blur together. Navigating the cursive fonts, French, shiny labels, crests, colors, and high prices might send you to Prosecco. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2016, 2017, Champagne, drink, France, Laurent Perrier, New year, New Years Eve, travel, wine | Leave a comment

Make Christmas Easy: Dresden Stollen and Cremant de Limoux Gerard Bertrand 2013

Posted on December 24, 2016 by waywardwine

So, this is Christmas. While I rampantly wrap last minute gifts, I need something to drink before I hate this holiday. It need not be great. I just want something quality that I will not overwhelm my attention. There are sharp scissors and paper cuts involved here people.

Enter sparkling wine.

I would feel guilty guzzling Champagne, so I crack open a favorite Crémant de Limoux from négociant Gérard Bertrand: Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christmas, Christstollen, cremant de limoux, desert, drinks, France, Gerard Bertrand, Limoux, Sparkling, Stollen, travel, wine | Leave a comment

A Paso Robles Right Bank Wine-Off Daou vs Justin

Posted on December 19, 2016 by waywardwine

With our house a block of ice, I turn to southern climes for sunnier respite. This manic Monday’s glass travels to Paso Robles AVA: California’s hot hills of heritage Zinfandel vines and huge Syrah wines. Continue reading →