the wine guide

Happy New Year

Posted in General Wine Info by thewineguide on the January 1st, 2008

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Organic Wines

Posted in General Wine Info, Wine Recommendations by thewineguide on the September 17th, 2007

Recently, I have been asked the question about “organic wines” and wines that are sulfite-free”. Part of the rave with both types of wines has to do with everyone going “green.” The other is simply because there are individuals who prefer wines with no sulfites due to headaches or for other more organic reasons. Below are a couple of inexpensive organic wines and some relatively expensive one:

Frey Organic (sulfite-free)

Sangiovese $13.99
Pinot Noir $13.99
Petite Sirah $12.99
Cabernet $12.99
Syrah $12.99
Chardonnay $11.99
Red Zin. $11.99
Sauv. Blanc $ 8.99
Natural Red $ 7.99
Merlot $17.99

Robert Sinskey Winery (biodynamic)

Pinot Noir $48.99

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Wine Etiquette

Posted in General Wine Info by thewineguide on the September 10th, 2007

Today’s post will be one of many about wine etiquette. The term “wine etiquette” refers to a certain way of doing things or a guideline of how to enjoy wine and share wine.

One of the first things that comes to mind is how to order wine when dining out. There aren’t any hard fast rules; however, if ordering for the party your with get a feel for what everyone might be eating. From that point you’ll be able to determine if it’ll be red wine, white wine or both. Once the wine is ordered the sommelier or wine steward will present the bottle and pour a taste of wine for you. This is the moment that you confirm that this is what you ordered and that it taste fine. Or you can have it sent back - BUT do not make it a habit of returning wine.

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Hiatus

Posted in General Wine Info by thewineguide on the September 8th, 2007

Well well… after a summer long hiatus of blogging, I’m officially back! I’ve been extremely busy with events and sorta neglected the blog. No worries, I will be back to blogging weekly - providing the wine information that you’ve gotten use to. Beginning next week, I will post blogs on Wine Futures, Wine Etiquette and Wine Bargains. The following weeks we’ll explore Fall Wine Favorites and much, much, more.

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The best kept secret south of Wine Country

Posted in Wine Recommendations, Wineries by thewineguide on the May 14th, 2007

In my humble opinion there are two regions that are gems south of wine country in California. Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. In a previous blog I focused on Santa Barbara County (see post 1/10/07). Today, I would like to take you north of Santa Barbara to Paso Robles. Undoubtedly, one of the most underrated wine regions south of Napa and Sonoma Valley. Paso Robles yields some of the most interesting terrain. Generally speaking it is rare to find land that will produce quality wines that grow well in both warm & cool weather climates respectively.

A few of the Paso Robles wineries really worth checking out are:

Clautiere Vineyard - http://www.clautiere.com

Eberle Winery - http://www.eberlewinery.com

Four Vines Winery - http://www.fourvines.com

Kenneth Volk Vineyards - http://www.volkwines.com

Midlife Crisis Winery - http://www.midlifecrisiswinery.com

Opolo Vineyards - http://www.opolo.com

So if you are ever in the area, you want to check these guys out!

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Arizona Wines

Posted in Wine Recommendations by thewineguide on the May 9th, 2007

Who would’ve thunk it! Arizona wines? Well of course! I’ve known about these wines, in particular “El Norte” and “La Montana” for several years. Both wines are by Dos Cabezas. If you are a red wine fan this is like heaven. Each wine is a blend. The last “El Norte” that I tasted was phenomenal, as was the La Montana. Each wine was a 2003 vintage.

El Norte is a unique blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Petite Syrah. Well balanced and dry this wine has a floral nose w/hints of red licorice, ripe cherries and plums. (pairs well w/poultry in a light sauce or light meats)

The La Montana is a powerful blend of Syrah and Merlot - both smoky and spicy,yet velvety with overripe plums and a lengthy finish.

Dos Cabezas Wineworks http://www.doscabezaswinery.com/catalog

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Portugese Wine

Posted in General Wine Info by thewineguide on the April 26th, 2007

Port Wine of Douero Valley is widely known as the most popular wine of Portugal. It’s exported from the city of Porto. Although Port is the most widely known and exported Portugese wine; Vino Verde another notable white wine comes from the indigenous varietal Vinho Alvarinho of northern Portugal. Vino Verde is a very light refreshing and easy drinking with a slight effervescence oozing of fruit flavors. A couple of brands to consider picking up are Caves da Cerca Famega or Espiral.

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Wine Regions

Posted in General Wine Info by thewineguide on the April 4th, 2007

I have been asked countless times - “what is your favorite wine?” Honestly, I don’t have a favorite wine. However, I do have favorite wine regions. A few of my favorites are: Paso Robles in California; Santa Barbara County in California; Wilmette Valley in Oregon; Veneto, Friuli and Piedmont (Italy)

A few other notables are:

Colchagua Valley (Chile)

Aconcagua Valley (Chile)

Mendoza (Argentina)

Stollenbosch (S. Africa)

In future post I will share characteristics and why I am fond of these regions.

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House wine

Posted in Wine Recommendations, Great Wine Restaurants by thewineguide on the March 20th, 2007

An excellent table wine for a consumer at home or house wine for an establishment is the Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Both wines are very easy drinking and smooth textured wines. I tasted both of these wines at Redstone American Grill specializing in hardwood cooking in chicken, steaks and seafood. With locations in Minneapolis, Chicago (Oak Brook Terrace) and NJ Marlton, NJ (near Cherry Hill); this establishment has delectable cuisine and an outstanding wine list to accompany it.

http://www.redstonegrill.com

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Juicy Wine Co.

Posted in General Wine Info, Great Wine Restaurants by thewineguide on the March 18th, 2007

If you’ve ever want to find out the skinny behind wine & cheese - you must visit Juicy Wine Co. These guys do a phenomenal job of offering and pairing wine & cheese in a non-pretentious manner with reasonable prices. Beyond the wine & cheese combo, they have a nice mix of a lounge, retail wine shop and cheese shop — certainly a rarity in any urban area.
Juicy Wine Co.

694 N. Milwaukee

Chicago, IL

312-492-6620

http://www.juicywine.com

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Happy New Year

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Hiatus

The best kept secret south of Wine Country

Arizona Wines

Portugese Wine

Wine Regions

House wine

Juicy Wine Co.