Big and bold, few varietals have the “True Grit” of Petite Sirah. The 2007 offering by Parducci is no exception. These Mendocino County grapes produce a rich deeply purple wine. Much like Rooster Cogburn, the big fruit, black pepper and tannins are not for the faint of heart. Let this gunfighter cool his heels in your decanter for at least 30 minutes before taking aim on your palate.
The year was 1969 and I was a mere slip of a boy, only twelve years old. I’d flown from my home in San Antonio, alone I might add, to visit my cool aunt and uncle in Dallas. My mother’s younger sister had a convertible and my uncle had long (by my father’s standards) hair. One highlight of the trip was loading up, dropping the convertible top and heading to the theater to see John Wayne in True Grit. I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the gun fight scene and was not disappointed. I remember leaving the movie wanting to grow up to have “True Grit” like John Wayne and madly infatuated with the Kim Darby who played the smart and determined revenge-minded Mattie Ross. Continue reading »
Let’s talk sensual. Amorosa Bella “beautiful lover” is headed by Dr. Charlyn Belluzzo, the author of “Authentic Sensual Living; Your Guide to Igniting All Your Senses and Enriching Your Life.” The winery promotes a sensual lifestyle by combining wines with candles, perfume, sensual music, art and lingerie. This rose colored blend of Pinot and Chardonnay is a crisp sexy baby that will put you in the “mood.”
Much like my article earlier in the year, Do Real Men Drink Rose?, I suppose one could ask the same question about Champagne and Sparkling Wine. Well, the answer is the same…not only yes; but Hell Yeah! (I’m from Texas…we talk that way). I’ve been a sucker for a good sparkler for as long as I can remember. New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day just serve as a good excuse to tip a flute. That’s a shame because sparklers are good in so many circumstances (spectacular with my daughter’s white chocolate raspberry marble cheesecake). Plus, don’t we all look classy and sophisticated with a stem in hand? Continue reading »
Formerly known as Blanc de Noir, this blend of Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay for power and structure is a sumptuous beauty. Looking for manly bubbles? Here’s the answer. A robust sparkler, it should be considered not just a celebration in your flute but a food pairing wine as well. Again accolades abound, WE – 93 and WS -90.
