Abe Lerner of the Blanchard’s JP branch is one of Pour Favor’s favorite wine folk. The man is schooled in the fine art of wine, has travelled the world frequently and has an authenticity about him you can’t duplicate. But it is perhaps his approach to buying that is his greatest asset; he is one savvy gent! Ask him his personal philosophy on finding wines for his shelves? He’ll say “it’s easy to find a trophy, but to find a value that tastes like a trophy, that’s the challenging task.” Ok, fine.

It’s easy enough to talk the talk, but can he walk the walk? Indeed. Pop on over to Wicked Local to get a few ideas from Abe to enrich your Memorial Day festivities!

Which of Abe’s selections is most likely to whet your whistle this Memorial Day?

This Friday I bring to you something new, in my world of wine news and “events”. I took myself to the Southern Cote du Rhone last week and had a blast! There is no better way to fully appreciate a region’s special magic than seeing it, the land, the climate – the Mighty Mistral! – at work  for yourself; meeting the local winemakers who make your heart sing back in the states; and enjoying the local culture, cuisine and hospitality.

I posted my web album et. al. over on Ball Square Fine Wines’ blog earlier this week. Pop over to check it out!

Where are your wine travels taking you this year? Have you also been to the Southern Rhone?

Ok, ok. So I’ve been off traveling the Southern Cote du Rhone and relishing the “in person”, “hands on” experience. That doesn’t mean I didn’t give great thought to and select May Wickeds before I left! Check ‘m out here.

Which of these are you likely to try?

How many articles have you read where the bone being picked is over who gets the wine list in a restaurant, the man or the woman? This week I stumbled on another, which parlayed a bit off of the recent Brigham study about women, wine and their weight. Take a look at this one and report below what is your experience on the topic. I can’t help but wonder if this is a regional/cultural thing, because I can’t remember the last time someone didn’t hand me the wine list. I have no real beef on this one – at least here in Boston. You?

Next up, if you don’t yet know what are some great options for pairing wine with fish – or are looking for at least one new idea – check out this piece.

Last but not least, if you enjoy a good laugh with your wine, go here for Dr. Vino’s recent “sipped or spit” piece. For me this occasional Vino post theme is a lovely, not so guilty, pleasure!

Much of the time we don’t think twice about where something comes from – especially when it is always there. Take, for example, the Boston area water “crisis” last week. Before then, did you give much thought to where your running water came from? Probably not. Well, everything comes from somewhere, or by way of something – and sometimes knowing that little tidbit is power!

Pop on over to Wicked Local for some quick tips on navigating your wine shelves, particularly when you’re traveling about and don’t have access to your everyday wine buyer!

Do you pay much attention to “where” your wine comes from?