In the shadows of the Pyranees Mountains, the terrain is rough and rugged, yet a durable Basque grape varietal has risen to world prominence and popularity. Tannat is hardy grape that produces deep, dark, dry, rustic wines. Predominantly grown, in the Madiran region of France, vintners have produced some very fine wines. Due to its…
I’m an Aniston fan ever since the days of the uber-popular TV show “Friends” so I felt sorry for Jennifer when her marriage to Brad Pitt broke up so publicly. But the buck stopped there, so to speak, or so I thought until Pitt and Angelina Jolie decided to make wine together. I admit it:…
Santiago, Chile. It has been some time since my last visit. Today I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Monseratt Araya. We are in one of her favorite city spots, Cafe Mosqueto. From our patio table, we have a wonderful view of one of the city’s most popular streets. Calle Monjitas, in the Bellas…
I remember the day I came home from Georgetown University. I was so proud of my MA Degree and wanted to share my joy with my grandparents. When I pulled up to the horseshoe drive, I was greeted by my grandfather who had been working on his roses. After the customary pleasantries, Gramps asked me…
Before I knew Steve Martin to be a winemaker I knew him to be a “spinster”. When we saw each other weekly at a local gym he once took the seat off of my spin bike before class and suggested we do the hour standing. I took the challenge and survived. My latest visit with…
Legend has it that the Greek God of Wine, Dionysus (who was initially a Thracian god) was born in Romania. It is no surprise that in antiquity, Plato himself, declared the vineyards of Getae (Romania, as it was known to the ancient Greeks) to be the best in the world. Once the Romans came on…
Settling back into my seat, I languidly surveyed my surroundings. Luxembourg’s CafeKonrad is quite the place to enjoy a cozy afternoon with friends and enjoy some fine liqueurs. My thoughts drifted back to California. Growing up in Los Angeles, I never would have thought I would adjust so well to the harsh winters of Europe….
In November of 2012, George Washington’s fabled Mt. Vernon Distillery was reopened. Today a meticulous recipe of the popular 1799 blend by our first president, is taking the rye whiskey market by storm. I have it on good authority that the president’s whiskey was not only the rage of the day, it made Mr. Washington…
What’s in the bag? That is the question that was asked of the GOTN folks at our last tasting. Most of the active members have been with the group for quite a while and are fairly savvy wine drinkers. So I ask you, what better way to challenge our wine senses than to sample and…