Appetizers | The Casual Connoisseur
Aug 11 2010
Coasting into the second week of August, many find themselves making a “Summer Bucket List” filled with things and activities that seemingly must be done before summer ends. There is one wine in Napa Valley that quintessentially captures the essence of summer and for me, it would be remiss to not feature it: Benessere Vineyards’ [...]
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Jul 28 2010
Summer continues to perplex much of the nation. The majority of the country continues to belabor under the stronghold of a crippling heat wave; yet California’s Bay Area and Napa Valley pass each day with cooler than average temperatures. No matter the weather that you may be experiencing, Colombard can be delightful in any summer [...]
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Jul 21 2010
In the 1940’s, a phone would ring on the outskirts of the town of Napa and on a party line, a voice would greet Aldo Biale with a seemingly simple request, “Please send produce, a dozen eggs and a black chicken.” A delivery would then be made within Napa, with the items requested but hidden [...]
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Jul 07 2010
As temperatures rise and seemingly hang naturally in the 90 degree range and heavy humidity holds much of the nation hostage, each has his or her own arsenal to combat the dog days of summer. In the world of wine, however, when long heat waves take hold, red wine is left to cellar and instead [...]
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Jun 16 2010
Summer months generally are not my ideal time to be cracking into Cabernet Sauvignons. As most know, Cabernet Sauvignons can be big, bold and ever-tannic red wines. The tannins typically dehydrate me which is the last thing that I seek during hot sultry summer evenings. Depending on the American Viticultural Area (“AVA”), Cabernet Sauvignon grapes [...]
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May 26 2010
Memorial Day weekend looms ahead and May for many areas of the country (including Napa Valley) has been fraught with cooler temperatures and lingering rain. Yet this week most of the country has suddenly been gripped with steamy hot summerlike temperatures and even Napa is hurrying to join such weather festivities and anticipating quickly reaching [...]
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May 12 2010
For those who read loyally, last week you may have noted that for the first time since the inception of the web site (nearly one year ago), there was not a new weekly article. Fear not, it was not a “slip” nor was it for lack of ideas. Rest assured there is not a run [...]
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Mar 10 2010
Generally I reserve warmer temperatures or seasons for drinking most white wines. For me, I personally prefer a mid-70 degree day, the sunshine on my shoulders and a comfortable lounge chair as I sit back and sip a tropical-nosed white wine. Sometimes, however, when a white wine has that certain proper kick of acidity, it [...]
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Jan 06 2010
Stop scratching your head. Stop wrinkling your nose. Good aged white wine? Could it be possible?
Visit countless wineries and you will hear the same advice repeatedly: “Drink your white wines young, maybe one or two years post release.” And generally, this advice is true. However, there are some white wines which can be aged (such [...]
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Dec 30 2009
As the year 2009 closes out this week, most of us have a sense that age and time are fleeting. It seems as if it was not that long ago that many of us were throwing the door open and greeting the arrival of 2009 with hope and enthusiasm. As we prepare to do the [...]
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