Homer’s epic work, The Odyssey, brought the world’s attention to Sicilian wine. Sicilian winemaking over the millennium has experienced many ups and downs, but today the island is indisputably on a hot streak. For most the 20th century, the ripe grapes of Sicily were consumed locally or sold in bulk to provide sugar and alcohol […]
Category: Wine & Spirits
Summer pink pleasure in a glass
The south of France offers some of the world’s most resplendent colors, aromas and tastes. Lush fields of lavender, wild herbs and flowers cover the rolling hills. Perhaps most amazing is that you can also experience many of these sensations in a glass. Just buy a glass or bottle of rose from one of the […]
Spanish Classic ~ Rioja Red Wines and Lamb
In the world of wine and food, Spain has so much to offer. The world’s best ham, Iberico, most popular bubbles, Cava, delectable tapas and the unique experience of Sherry are all quintessential Spanish delicacies. I could go on and on about the gourmet treasures of Spain but in this week’s column I’ll focus on […]
Reliable red wine quality and value from Spain
For high quality red wines at a reasonable price there are two words you should never forget, Rioja and Crianza. Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region located in the hilly north of the country. Winemaking in this region dates back thousands of years to the Phoenicians and Celtiberians, but it wasn’t until the mid […]
Crisp and fresh whites from Adelaide Hills
The world’s best dry white wines all have something in common, namely cool evening temperatures during the growing season. Of course, there are many other factors that are important in making superior white wines, but the difference in temperature between sunny days and cool evening is critical. Adelaide Hills in Southern Australia has the perfect […]
New World Sparklers
While I make no bones about my preference for old world sparklers, I must admit that there are some very desirable new world sparkling wines that offer plenty of delicious bubbles for the money. While old world sparkling wines tend to have defined regions and known brands like Champagne, Cava and Prosecco, new world sparkling […]
Mendoza plus malbec equals quality, good-value red wines
As global demand increases, especially in new markets like Russia and China, the price of famous wines compels us to search for new more affordable alternatives. In wine speeches and presentations, I’m often fond of stating that any fool can spend 5,000 RMB and get a great wine. It takes very little skill. However, getting […]
Let’s have pizza, what about the wine?
Recently after a very formal wine dinner I hosted in Shanghai, I bought a pizza on the way home. Though the dinner featured an elaborate eight-course menu and some great wines I was too busy introducing the wines and working to make sure the guests were happy to really enjoy the meal, so as is […]
Spanish Wine Dinner in Shanghai
After five years and nearly 50 wine dinners for the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan (ECCT), I had the honor to do my first wine dinner for the European Chamber of Commerce China (EUCCC) last week in Shanghai. The event was so successful that I’d like to share with readers some of the treats that […]
Deliciously mysterious red wine for winter fare
Recently, every time I fly back to Shanghai I am greeted by swirling winds and snow flakes. Winter is far from over and wine lovers still crave delicious winter red wines to warm our hearts and palates. In a previous column, I introduced grenache as a red wine grape suitable for winter weather and winter […]