Author Archives: winellama
Bacca Nera/Red Blend, Scappatello, Cantina Diubaldo, Cerasuolo D’Abruzzo DOC, Abruzzo, Italy, 13% abv., 2022, US$17
Azienda Agricola Diubaldo is located near Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy – just north of where we travelled in August 2022, and to the east of the Grand Sasso d’Italia, aka the Apennines (right). They produce some pretty awesome certified organic wines … Continue reading
Chorus Cuvée Rouge, Brendel, Napa Valley AVA, California, 2021, 13% abv., US$35
What a refreshingly gorgeous red wine this is – the Chorus Cuvée is a Napa Valley field blend co-ferment of 32% Tempranillo, 26% Touriga Nacional, 22% Tinta Cão, 12% Tinta Madeira, and 8% Trousseau. It’s a translucent beauty offering aromas … Continue reading
Riesling, Tantalus, Okanagan Valley VQA, British Columbia, 13% abv, 2014
A few weeks ago my sister was over and we were commiserating. I needed to pull out a good wine to bring our spirits back. This 2014 Riesling from Tantalus more than fit the bill. I bought it a decade … Continue reading
Pinot Noir, Les Épenotes, Premier Cru, Maison Evenstad, Beaune, Burgundy, France, 13.5% abv., US$110
One of the tasting experiences during my day in Burgundy was at Domaine du Château de la Crée in very tiny Santenay. The Château dates back to 1431, and its main building was burned down during the French Revolution. Santenay … Continue reading
Peated Single Malt Whisky, Distillery Smoked – Sugar Kelp Infused Peat, Portuguese Red Wine Barrique, Macaloney’s Island Distillery, The Peat Project, Single Cask Series, Saanich, BC, Canada, 46% abv., C$109.99
It’s rare to taste and cover a world-first in whisky innovation – but recently, I attended the launch of a Peated Single Malt Whisky smoked with sugar kelp-infused local peat which was just that. Macaloney’s Island Distillery has created a … Continue reading
A ‘No Spit’ Bucket List Day in Burgundy’s Côte D’Or with Hautes Côtes
When we started planning a trip anchored to the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, I knew I also needed to plan a stop just up the road in Burgundy. Now, Burgundy is a hallowed wine region, and one which demands much … Continue reading
Aleatico + Nielluciu, Le Rappu, Clos Paoli, AOP Coteaux du Cap Corse, Morsiglia, Cap Corse, Corsica, France, NV, 15% abv., 16 €
Ever since I studied the wines of Corsica during the WSET Diploma Wines of the World course, I have wanted to visit the island, birthplace of Napoleon, and see it for myself. We made a trip in June 2024 and … Continue reading
Douro Branco, Luis Seabra Vinhos, Xisto Ilimitado, Portugal, 2021, 12% abv., C$42
This wine comes from the northern Portuguese vineyards of Luis Seabra and is made from a field blend of Rabigato, Códega, Gouveio, Vioshino and other indigenous varietals. The vines range between 30-60 years old, and are grown at 400-500m. After … Continue reading
Tempranillo, Vina Bosconia, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja DOCa., Spain, 2009, 13.5% abv. US$50
I’m going to be dreaming about having enjoyed this bottle for a while yet. It’s a classic Riojan red blend from benchmark winery, Lopez de Heredia – one of my absolute favourite houses. A stunning blend of Tempranillo (80) with … Continue reading
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