Chateau de Saint Cosme – a reference point for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre blends
These classic Rhone and Sud de France blends have re-captured my attention in recent months beginning with a Gerard Bertrand tasting this …
Act II, part 3: The Languedoc is the South of France
Until recently, I believed the creation of a new foundation Languedoc appellation effective 2008 with its less onerous production requirements would cause …
Act II: The Languedoc in context, part 2
Gerard Bertrand clarified to me that in his opinion, grape varieties are tertiary to the character of the wine, after terroir and …
The Noble Tradition of the Pinot Grigio Wines of Friuli Venezia Giulia
Americans love the clean, crisp and fruity Pinot Grigios from Northern Italy. They’re a great value and it’s really hard to find …
Act II: The Languedoc in context, part 1
When I have the opportunity to meet winemakers from the Languedoc, I grab it because there is no wine region in France …
Fired-up for Cochon Heritage Fire
Photos by Huge Galdones As much as I love living off the bounty of sweet vegetables from my garden in the summer, I could …
The beginning of a Greek wine invasion?
At a Greek wines luncheon last week at Prospect restaurant in SF, respected retailer Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers stood up, got …
Fuel up at Downtown Napa’s best breakfast joints
Our tiny valley has some of the best restaurants on the entire West Coast, but what jump starts our days of touring …
Downtown Napa restaurants shine in the West End
Culinary cultures and personalities shine in the West End of Downtown Napa. These restaurants may be small, but they are big on …
Napa Valley farmers markets open the season
Opening day for the Napa Farmers Market always feels like summer. It’s sunny, people stroll around leisurely in their shorts and sandals …