THE LOW DOWN: A very traditional Côtes du Rhône is my highlight of this release. Bistro at its best. Earthy but also rich is the Priorat from the North of Spain. Characterful stuff. For an interesting white wine experience check out Greco di Tufo from the south of Italy. This ancient Greek grape variety can [...]
Drink your way through Billy’s Best wine book – a bottle or two at a time. Follow the instructions and you’ll be a wine wizard by Easter. New lessons are posted every Wednesday. Looking forward to hearing about your ‘homework’!
Lesson #3 Does the situation call for the old wine camp or the new?
The old wine [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Best Vintages release in a long time. Lots of great tasting and distinctive wines for only $12.95. But you must try the Rasteau for $15.
anytime sipper
wine style: fresh white
RAPAURA SPRINGS 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, N.Z. 142919 $14.95 New Zealand Sauv in a mellow mood. Well, almost. The usual exuberance is tempered with [...]
Improving with Age – the Masi Way
Much is written about wine improving with age, but what about wineries improving? I was asked recently if Masi Campofiorin was ’still good’, to which I replied ‘Better than ever!‘ I highly recommend the 06 vintage and it’s in my new book.
Not only has Masi maintained quality over the [...]
Most of you will be familiar with Spinelli’s amazing seven dollar Sangiovese and now it has been joined by a Malbec. Another hit for sure and a wine with a great appeal to those who like the dry-style of European wines over the slightly sweet New World offerings. Expect delicious bright flavours and a gamey, [...]
A groundbreaking photographic journey into the heart of an Italian town steeped in culinary tradition that is a tribute to the slow food movement and the everyday pleasures of food.
Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town
Photographs and text by Douglas Gayeton
Introduction by Alice Waters and preface by Carlo Petrini
Grano – one of my favourite restaurants – has [...]
VINTAGES Oct 24
THE LOW DOWN: It’s the calm before the storm! Just a few picks – but I’m sure the next few releases will get more tempting. Stay tuned.
WHITES
Tamar Ridge 08 Riesling ‘Devil’s Corner’, Tasmania
138289 $18.95
wine style: FRESH WHITE
Refreshing and friendly. A lovely mix of citrus tang and delicate flavours. Weekend sipper.
Crabilis 08 Vermentino, Sardinia, [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Love the catalogue with the Italian feature – timely, as so many Italian reds have a woodsy, fall-day feeling. Check out the Capraia Chianti. But whites are best in this release, with outstanding local Riesling, Soave and Chardonnay from Burgundy. For Thanksgiving, I highly recommend going local – Henry of Pelham 07 [...]
