Author Archives: winellama
South Sister, Gin, Cascade Street Distillery, Sisters, Oregon, USA, 43.25% abv, US$34.95
What sorcery is this? Two posts in a row about gin? Well, when the quality is there, I feel I need to tell you about it so you can plan a trip and a tasting, or find some of this … Continue reading
Seaside Gin, Sheringham Distillery, Sooke, BC, Canada, 43% abv, C$46
It’s not often that I write about spirits on Winellama. In fact, when I took the WSET Diploma, I balked at having to take a course on spirits. In the end, it was the course I learned the most from … Continue reading
Gringet, Brut, Domaine Belluard et Fils, Ayse, Savoie AOC, France, NV, 12% abv.
Nestled in a valley between Geneva and Mont Blanc at an altitude of 400m, Domaine Belluard et Fils is a biodynamic (since 2001) and organic vineyard growing several grapes – but one that is most unusual and unique – Gringet. … Continue reading
Turbiana and the White Wines of Lugana DOC, Italy
I met Ambra Berardi of the Consorzio Tutela Lugana at the 2018 Wine Writer’s Conference in Walla Walla, Washington when I was looking for light and delicate white wines at the opening tasting reception. I was hooked instantly by the … Continue reading
Expression, Champagne Geoffroy, Brut, Premier Cru, Cumières, Champagne AC, France, 2011 + 2012, 12.5% abv, C$80
Something extremely exciting happened to us about a month ago when our family welcomed a brand new baby granddaughter to the clan. To welcome this adorable nymph to the world, we opened a bottle of Geoffroy ‘Expression’ champagne. We selected … Continue reading
Loïc Mahé, Gourmandise du Gue d’Orger, Savennières, Loire Valley AoC, France, 12.5% abv, 2015, US$20
Straight from Savennières in the Loire Valley comes this precise, biodynamic red wine made of Cabernet Franc by Loïc Mahé. On the eyes, it’s translucent ruby with a nose of light raspberry and strawberry, with green leaf, schist and earth. … Continue reading
Syrah, Ramey Wine Cellars, Sonoma Coast AVA, California, 2013, 14.5% abv (US$59)
Four years ago this month, I graduated with the WSET Diploma – a credential anyone who works in wine and spirits will know is that difficult. Drinking lots of interesting things to support my wine studies and habit has never … Continue reading
