It’s not often I repost an entire post anymore because I’ve streamlined my efforts in the last year. But this piece from Hungrily Ever After blogger/Pour Favor staffer Rebeccah M. is so tasty – and so seasonally topical – I can’t resist. Check it out!

Geeking Out with Greeks

How often do you take home a Greek?

I always say “self awareness is half the battle”. In this case I am aware that there can be a distinct disadvantage to reporting all the wine news that’s fit to print on a Friday. By that point it’s likely you’ve seen the really good fodder – which is why I try to throw in wine events or nerdier stuff you may be less inclined to come across in your own wine reading. But this week there were two articles I came across that were just too good not to pass on to my readers; and there is always the chance you haven’t stumbled on these yet anyway. So here goes!

The Wine Rack. Seeing is believing! No doubt if this new item takes off there truly IS something for everyone - as gag gifts or otherwise! Check it out.

On a more serious note – and wicked cool – it turns out the oldest wine on the planet can actually be found on the bottom of the ocean. Who knew? Check out this old school Champagne – and then report back:

Do the descriptive terms they use to talk about what this wine tastes like really inspire your confidence in the “excellence” of the appraisal?

This week the bloggosphere has been uncorking juicy tidbits left and right. And since we all need a bit of levity over a holiday weekend (or anticipation on one on a Friday), here are some of my favorites:

Dr. Vino doesn’t hold back at all with this week’s Sipped & Spit line-up. Bordeaux, Grateful Palate banter, Bourgogne Blanc and Brews…. Sit back and be entertained!

Next week we’ll be adding some wine knowledge to your week over at Wicked Local. In anticipation of that article, check out this entertaining banter on the obscure Melon Queue Rouge varietal. Chardonnay? Or something else? Have you ever encountered it before?

While you consider your response to the above question, sip on this fine suggestion from Deb Harkness. She has your back (and BBQ needs) covered this Fourth of July weekend. Independence from decision-making = Happiness!

This week we have a little something for every food and wine lover! Let’s start with the “real” juice:

Just a few days ago Wine.com launched a new version of its old self, wineshopper.com. Who does this new site benefit? Those looking for more rare, esoteric or otherwise small production, lesser available/known stuff. The site also features special deals of the day by way of email blasts. Do you think you’ll investigate this new wine buying opportunity?
We also learned this week about a specialty vinegar on the market, which apparently has chef’s jumping out of their skin. Minus 8 is an Ontario-based outfit that harvests grapes  at precisely that temperature – sort of like ice wine, but for food lovers! Check it out.

Last but not least, our friends at Divas Uncorked are gearing up for their annual food and wine fest out out the Vineyard. The event is a weekend affair August 12 – 15 and features various festivities all about the island. You can choose to attend certain events “a la carte” or buy the all-access pass. More information is available here.

Perhaps you also have been experiencing technical difficulties what with the storms we’ve been having around Beantown this month (feels more like July/August, no?). Nevertheless, we’re going to try to get back on our game here at Pour Favor for some more regular wine fodder – internet outages be damned!

This week we have some wine for thought the queue, so we’ll keep things briefer on this end.

Check out this new company/wine tasting program out in California. The Tasting Room offers consumers a chance to sample uber premium wines before taking the plunge and buying a full 750ml bottle. Of course this service isn’t on offer in Massachusetts what with our liquor laws, no doubt. But the idea raises a couple of interesting questions. Do you think you’re more apt to buy a full bottle after sampling wines you have to pay for? Here in MA it is illegal for retail shops to charge for wine tastings so you still have the option to sample for FREE and then make a purchase. Is their program too contrived because there are only certain producers who participate?

And then there is the age-old (lol) question of what the heck the deal is with “Old Vines”. Does it matter how old the vines are? And how old does the vine have to be to be old enough? Etc. Etc. Matt Kramer does a good job of starting the dialog on this tricky topic. Check it out! We might have to weigh in one of these days on our own….

What do you think constitutes “old vines”? Are you more apt to buy a bottle if it claims as much on the label?