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- Aug 6, 2021
- 1 min
Carignan/Cariñena
Carignan is a grape varietal from the Rhone Valley in France, not as well known as Grenache or Syrah, it is usually a lesser ratio of the...


- Jul 31, 2021
- 1 min
Cinsault
Cinsault is yet another Rhone Valley grape used to make thick extracted red wines. As with the other Rhone varietals, Grenache, Syrah,...


- Jul 30, 2021
- 1 min
Muscadelle
Last month, I wrote about Muscat also called Moscato. Last week I wrote about a grape called Melon de Bourgogne, produced in Muscadet, in...


- Jul 20, 2021
- 1 min
Roussanne
One thing that I love about this project is how I get inspired to write about a grape, and I end up writing about the grapes frequently...


- Jul 19, 2021
- 2 min
Marsanne
Marsanne is a grape varietal from the northern Rhone Valley of France. Marsanne usually portrays the role of rounding out the acidity in...


- Jul 10, 2021
- 2 min
Cabernet Sauvignon
Early in my restaurant career, I worked at a big budget steakhouse in Minneapolis, a couple of them actually. Cabernet Sauvignon...


- Jul 9, 2021
- 2 min
Malbec/Auxerrois
Malbec is from Bordeaux, France, where it is used as a blending grape in the Cabernet Sauvignon produced in the Medoc and the Merlot...


- Jul 8, 2021
- 3 min
Merlot
I find Merlot to be the red Chardonnay in some ways. Merlot is a French word, but not an intimidating one, and like Chardonnay that...


- Jul 7, 2021
- 2 min
Petit Verdot
You may have never seen a bottle labelled Petit Verdot, but you may have enjoyed a small amount in a blend. Seeking solo varietal, Petit...


- Jul 2, 2021
- 2 min
Grenache/Garnacha
Often blended with Syrah and Mourvedre especially in the Rhone Valley of France. Grenache stands alone very well. The grape does very...


- Jun 22, 2021
- 1 min
Sémillon
Sémillon is a green grape variety that you have likely had, but never saw on the label. It is most frequently used in Bordeaux, France to...


- Jun 16, 2021
- 2 min
Chenin Blanc
Summer weather allows me to show more white wines to my guests, simply because it is hot, people who prefer red wines typically, seem to...


- Jun 14, 2021
- 2 min
Mourvedre/Monastrell
Mourvedre is one of the grapes used in the southern Rhone Valley, usually blended with Grenache, and Syrah. Though a small percentage of...


- Jun 13, 2021
- 2 min
Syrah/Shiraz
I just wrote the other day about Viognier, and I realized that almost all of my blog posts, thus far, have been about aromatic white...


- Jun 12, 2021
- 2 min
Viognier
I love aromatic white wines. Viognier is one of my favorites. I first learned of the grape as the varietal used in the production of...


- Jun 6, 2021
- 2 min
Riesling
I am frequently told that Riesling is sweet. I have guests who chuckle when Riesling is mentioned, as if it is a faux pas to enjoy such a...


- Jun 4, 2021
- 3 min
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a pretty popular white wine grape varietal, and one of my favorites to show in a compare and contrast style. Sauvignon...


- Jun 3, 2021
- 3 min
Ma Vie En Rosé
In 1999, I worked in Minneapolis at a Brasserie. I learned several things about France, and French culture. Three have stayed with me for...


- Jun 3, 2021
- 2 min
Gewürztraminer
I was introduced to Gewürztraminer at a restaurant that I worked at in the early 1990's. I had a brilliant, French-inspired menu and wine...


- May 25, 2021
- 1 min
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the black grape of Burgundy France, it is produced all over the world and is the principle component in Champagne...