So, Walla Walla is a pretty silly name for a wine region. Barbara Walters could never live there because no one would be able to understand her. There is nothing silly about the wines being produced there, however. Some are calling the reds produced here the best in America and they are receiving Continue reading “Watch Out of Walla Walla” »
UK wine publication Decanter ran a recent news article about the decision by Ridge Vineyards to list the ingredients on their labels. The move is seen as a reaction to winemakers adding such things as Mega Purple and Velocorin to wine. Continue reading “Can the Wine World Handle the Truth?” »
I love mezcal and tequila. So when I meet people from time to time who think of “tequila” as a code word for “frat-pledge-flashback” or “that scary stuff with the worm,” that makes me sad. Agave spirits are among the most carefully-crafted, pure, and delicious liquors, and I’m convinced that once you get to know tequila and mezcal, you can’t help but love them. But where do you start? Continue reading “All Heart, No Worm: Getting to Know Tequila and Mezcal” »
For my last two posts about grower Champagne (Champagne made by the people who grow the grapes, an exception in the region) I was giving a nod to the traditional opulent styles of Champagne Alexandre Filaine and the inimitable, immaculate, powerful wines of Marie-Noëlle Ledru.
This post is about the up-and-comer, the new kid. Continue reading “Champagne Bérèche et Fils: Grower Champagne, Part III” »
I was fortunate to attend this year’s Chianti trade tasting sponsored by the Consorzio Vino Chianti. Established in 1927, the Consortium now protects and promotes over 3600 producers from the various zones within Chianti. Less than 50 of these producers were on hand to pour mainly their 2010 Chiantis. Continue reading “2010 Chianti Struggles, But Triumphs” »
It’s the 1 year anniversary of our blog launch! On April 30, 2012, we officially launched Unfiltered: The Chelsea Wine Vault Blog, and it’s been a great year of writing about wine and engaging with our readers. Thank you! We wouldn’t be here without your support, and we have a little gift for you at the end of this post. Continue reading “1 Year Blogiversary!” »
Have you ever bought a bottle of wine simply because you liked the label? Really, who hasn’t? But what happens when you come across a truly unlikeable label? You probably avoid it, and assume the wine inside is just as bad as the label outside.
Sometimes, of course, behind that ugly label is some exceptional wine. Continue reading “Good Wine, Bad Label: Clos de l’Arche Anjou Rouge” »
Domaine Hubert Lignier was a producer I knew only by reputation, until about a year ago when we received a shipment of 1997 Chambolle Musigny 1er Les Baudes from a private cellar. The wine was extraordinary. Red raspberries and roses on the nose gave way to darker fruit on the palate which was highlighted by herbs and hints of leather and Asian spice. Unfortunately, the 1997 is gone, but the 2010s have just arrived. With patience, I’m sure that these will eclipse the older bottling. Continue reading “The Potential of Lignier 2010” »
The trend in cocktail culture has been towards discovering and incorporating more interesting Amari and Bitters. Well, on offer today is the granddaddy of them all: Cappellano Barolo Chinato.
The spirit is produced in much the same way as vermouth, but with one big difference Continue reading “The Granddaddy of Amaro” »
BuzzFeed.com published a genius article yesterday on celebrity wines, that is both hilarious and informative. Although it’s doubtful that most wines made by celebrities are actually even touched by the name behind the label until it’s ready for bottling, there are a few where the celebrities are more hands-on. That could be good or bad, as we found out. Continue reading “From ★★★ Porn Wine to Fart Gas, Hilarious Celebrity Wine Reviews” »
