Late Bottled Vintage Port vs. Vintage Port

Today  we're concluding our series on Port in the only really appropriate way, by ringing the bell on the official Port "showdown". LBVs and Vintage Ports are no doubt the two Port styles that most confuse consumers.  Here's a tip: if you don't get caught up in the semantics of LBVs you'll be better off! Pop on over to Wicked Local today to get the  full scoop to navigating these two lovely beasts with greater ease. (Today's image is c/o 2007 Vintage Port, which also provides more info about the latest vintage to be declared.)

Are you in favor of LBVs? Which properly aged Vintage Ports have you enjoyed?

Pay respect to Chile - enjoy these Wicked Wines

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?

http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/business/x2096601077/Pour-Favor-pays-respect-to-Chile-with-March-Wicked-Wines

White Port 101

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?

A bit on Port dessert wine

Some of us are comfortable drinking Port all year long (with or without a slight chill), but many more of us find it most compelling after a full day at the office, followed by an evening rendezvous with Mr. Shovel…. No doubt, with snow finally falling in Boston, it’s hard not to think about (let alone enjoy) these noteworthy dessert wines! There are myriad styles of Port on the market – from white Ports to Ruby’s, Tawny’s, Vintage Ports and everything in between! When most people think of Port they are most often thinking of Tawny’s. So today at  Wicked Local we delve into this highly sought and oh-so-enjoyable libation.

Which Port is your fan favorite this winter?

Shopping for wine in February is where it's at!

Many folks get obsessed with whether a vintage is “good” one or not. At the end of the day what consumers may or may not recognize is how a particular wine from a particular vintage will evolve simply on the shelf, in its bottle, over the course of one year. Here we are in the middle of February, on the cusp of vintage changes; this is the time when many red wines are really ready to drink! Learn more about the benefits of February wine shopping by heading over to Wicked Local today!

Are you compelled to purchase a case of vino this time of year, before new vintages are released? Or are you happy to just roll with the punches and see what the coming year has to bring?



February Wicked Wines - just in time for Valentine's Day...

Whether you subscribe to the Valentine’s Day marketing machine or are just anxious for flowers to start popping up this spring, these February picks are sure to set your heart a’flutt’ah! But beware! Their versatility makes them great year round. Each of these is sure to transform your impression of what sparkling wines (and pink ones at that) are ALL about! Pop over to Wicked Local to see what I'm so excited about...

Which wine get credit as your first "Ah-Ha" rose moment?

Wine Apps

With ‘App Fever’ catching on seemingly as quickly as swine flu, those of us in the wine world can’t help but wonder if the tools out there are really revolutionizing the wine tracking and selecting worlds. There are myriad apps to choose from, of course. Some are designed to help you better organize your notes and/or your wine cellar. (Who doesn’t love a little organization?) Others are designed to help you figure out which wine might pair with your meal when out to eat, or help expand your wine horizons by guiding you to something familiar – but different. Some do both. Some do more. But is there a simpler way that embraces what wine does by nature, aka socialization?

Wine aeration gizmos - are these tools all they're cracked up to be?

Aerators seemed to be The Big Thing over the holidays. Whether considered the perfect gift or the best party trick going, I was entertained to find the original aerator, produced by Vinum, on hand at every holiday party I attended. I even received Metrokane’s Rabbit aerator as a gift! All of this enthusiasm got me thinking: is this little gadget worth all the fuss and, if so, which of these two products is superior? Pop on over to Wicked Local today to get my take!

Have you experimented with these new aeration tools, i.e. not decanters? Which one have you tried and did it win your favor?

January's Wicked Wines!

And.... we're back! What better way to come back from the holidays than to find out this month's Wicked Wine picks? I figure it's worth celebrating the end of 2009 with some truly wonderful selections you can snuggle up to on the coldest nights of the winter. Pop on over to Wicked Local to see what I have up my sleeve!

Does your New Years resolution have anything to do with wine? If so, what have you decided to pursue in 2010?

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles! A quick guide to sparkling wine.

Chances are you’ve been tasting a bit of bubbly if you’ve been attending holiday wine tasting events or other parties around town. Sparkling wine comes in several different packages, but there are three main ones: Cava, Prosecco and Champagne – with domestic sparkling wines made in the style of French Champagne. There is literally something for every occasion! Pop on over to Wicked Local to get the inside scoop on all things bubbles - and then enjoy your holiday festivities. We'll see you after the New Year!