I’m not sure I will ever fully understand why some known wines get a make-over largely in name only. A few years ago it was Moet doing away with their White Star Champagne bottling and replacing it with a slightly different iteration (in terms of the style of wine itself) and calling it Moet Imperial Brut. White Star was a really recognized name in the marketplace and today it is still a point of confusion for many looking for the White Star, and being handed the Imperial Brut. Is the wine different? Yes, a bit. But why not roll with the old name? Now it looks like La Mission Haut Brion is making a similar name shift. Check out this brief Decanter article on why the change.  Then tell us, as a consumer, does the reasoning make sense to you? Do you care?

Next up we have an article that three different friends sent to me (from two different sources), to ensure I didn’t miss it: the latest in wine health news reports suggests that women who drink have a better chance of avoiding obseity. Egad, will these studies ever cease? An entertaining read if you, like me, don’t mind another guilt-free reason to keep pouring your nightly glass of wine.

Last but not least, we have a fun Old World vs. New World showdown on The Tasting Docit! On Friday March 19 you and other foodie nerds at WGBH can enjoy the fun for a mere $25. And there will be music to further enrich your tasting experience. Check it out!

Three big earthquakes now in so short a time. It’s a lot to digest. And with the biggest one having hit Chile, the 5^th largest exporter of wine to the United States, it seems only right to feature four of Chile’s most Wicked Wines this March.

For many wine drinkers, Chilean wines are an acquired taste. But if you have a little guidance, you can surely find some tremendously delicious and often fabulously priced wines. Pay respect to Chile (and to the many quake victims worldwide) by popping over to Wicked Local to see what deliciousness is in store for you this March!

What is your impression of Chilean wines?

It’s probably no surprise that all news on the Pour Favor blog this Friday – one week after the Chilean earthquake – is dedicated exclusively to Chilean wine. Ironically, I had the pleasure of meeting winemaker Jean-Pascal Lacaze just last Thursday in the early evening, just before he headed back to New York to catch his flight home – and resume business as usual (harvesting) after the weekend, the unofficial end to summer. I haven’t heard if he’s made it home yet or what impact the quake had on his lot. No doubt agriculture and wine are an important part of the Chilean economy and will play a role as the country gets it’s bearings again. Check out these few articles to learn more, then pop back this Monday for some great wines to seek out as we unleash March’s Wicked Wines, Chilean style….

Prior to the quake, the skinny on Chilean wine exports via the LA Times.

A more humanized view of how things looked last Friday, Feb. 28th via my old fav, Dr. Vino.

And an updated, trade-oriented snapshot of where we are a week later via Decanter.

Generally speaking, do you think the buzz around the  magnitude of this quake will generate new or even greater interest in Chilean wines?

Last week we talked Tawny Port. But because we’re on the tail end of winter now and 40 degree temps are more normal, it’s only natural to talk white Port – a libation that is often most enjoyed with a slight chill on it. No doubt this Port style is lesser known and lesser appreciated….

If you’ve been missing out on this lovely treat, pop on over to Wicked Local to learn why you should grab a bottle!

Which white Port has caught your fancy? Or is this a style you’ve skipped over somehow?

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a good story. A story with historical truth, that is remarkable and compelling for the audacity of what “went down” is even better. This week there are several interesting wine-related news/events links I could send your way. But I’m going to streamline your wine reading instead by pointing you in only one direction….

Last Friday as my post was hitting the web-waves, Deborah Blum from Slate was churning out a deliciously interesting article about Prohibition days in America. I love history, but somehow my AP American History class skipped over this particular snapshot of what the US government was willing to do (kill) to enforce the new law. Grab your cup of coffee or enjoy a great lunch break at your desk this afternoon; this is a great read!

What other historic snapshots from Prohibition do you know of that are similarly voyeuristically compelling today?