Tag: Terroir
Exploring Chilean and Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon
Major wine publications and respected critics have extolled the rise in quality across most wines from South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the continent have recently received top...
Read MoreFavorite Wines of 2025 – Bordeaux, California Cabernet, Italian, and Other Reds
As noted in the first posting of notes on my favorite wines from 2025, covering Burgundy and Pinot Noir, good values can be found from the top wine-producing regions of the world. The caveat: trust the best producers from each...
Read MoreWine Business Announces 2025 Chardonnay Masters Winners
The Global Wine Masters competition is one of my favorite resources for exploring wines from around the world in all price categories. According to the site, “Each competition showcases a key variety or style – such as Pinot...
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Fine Wines on Display in Gaja Roadshow
Giovanni Gaja stopped by San Diego while on the road to leading markets in the U.S. to preview...
Read MoreLatest Finds in White and Red Wine Values
The following wines, priced from $15 to $33, emerged from recent tastings, offering fine values in what the French call vin ordinaire (we categorize them as weekday and party wines, saving the best and rarest for weekends and...
Read MoreDiscoveries at Napa Valley Vintners Road Show
Wineries, negotiants, distributors, regional and national associations, and even countries organize trade tastings to introduce new wines to decision-makers with bars, restaurants, chains, and wine writers in large markets...
Read MoreMaking the Case for Merlot; Quality Rising Worldwide
Merlot is a versatile and widely planted red wine grape that is popular worldwide, either on its own or as an essential component in blended wines. The rising quality is evident from the recent Global Master Merlot Awards. A...
Read MoreExploring the World of Sauvignon Blanc
Many of the Anything But Chardonnay (ABC) persuasion turn to Sauvignon Blanc, and well they should. The grape is made into many different and attractive styles to suit most palates. It matches well with foods, from a plate of...
Read MoreIs Terroir Just Marketing Hype or Real? Science and AI Answer
In 1990, Matt Kramer coined the term “somewhere-ness” in his magnum opus, Making Sense of Burgundy. For decades, other writers and scholars have explored the nuances and distinctions of wines that have senses of place, versus...
Read MoreExploring the Wines of Santa Barbara, California
The Santa Barbara County Vintners Association visited San Diego recently for a trade and media tasting featuring wines from 10 members, including wineries and wine families with more than one label. The vintners are on a...
Read MoreIn Search of Good Red Wine Blends — Traditional to Creative
One strategy for calibrating your palate is to taste wines made from the same varietal grape and decide on styles you like. This is best done blind, where a co-conspirator buys the wines and another puts them in numbered brown...
Read MoreValues in New World Pinot Noir
In seeking gastronomic relief from the high-alcohol fruit bombs attacking our palates from all over the world, we often turn to something more friendly with food – Pinot Noir. Wines from this fine red wine grape can be enjoyed...
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