Something Offal is Going On

Something offal is going on in Atlanta.  When I visited the city a couple of months ago, many of the highly recommended restaurants had some sort of out of the ordinary animal offering. Vegetarians, consider yourself warned.  You may not want to read beyond this point. Offal is defined as the various non-skeletal muscle parts [...]

Vranec: Macedonia’s Native Red Grape

Looking to discover a new wine from the Old World?  Try a taste of Vranec, the native red wine grape of Macedonia. Not sure where Macedonia is?  Just look for Greece on map.  Macedonia is the landlocked country to its north, bordered with Albania to the west, Serbia and Kosovo to the north and Bulgaria [...]

AG Pick Under $15: Le Paradou Cotes du Luberon

Looking for a nice wine to enjoy on a weekday, a Sunday afternoon, or just any time you’re in the mood for a glass of red?  Open up a bottle of Le Paradou Côtes du Luberon 2007. From the bright and whimsical label to the easy to drink, spicy yet smooth taste, everything about this [...]

It's Time for Wine: The Top 100 Cabs of Napa?

It was a nice wine tasting. As usual I saw many people I knew, and met many others who were interesting, including the host, Nelson Tucker.  But, what I attended was not what I thought it would be from my invitation – Napa’s top 100 Cabernet Sauvignons, or, perhaps better written, NAPA’S TOP 100 CABS [...]

FIU Students Help Make Wine & Food Festival a Success

Miami Beach is getting ready to stage its biggest annual food and wine event: the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival.  Now in its 9th year, the four-day extravaganza will star world renowned chefs and culinary celebrities like Daniel Boulud, Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Paula Deen, Masaharu Morimoto, Anthony Bourdain and more. Like [...]

AG Pick Under $20: Bodega Colome Torrontes 2008

Argentina is not just famous for its bold and spicy Malbec.  The South American country also produces great white wines made from Torrontés, its characteristic white varietal. If you’ve never tried Torrontés and enjoy drinking white wines, go out and buy a bottle right away.  This grape produces fresh and aromatic wines that have delicate [...]

It's Time for Wine: Spring Mountain's Touch of Terroir Touches Participants

You start by talking to people in the industry. You graduate from talking to more formal interviews. You begin to read articles, then go to books, and then to more specific articles on the Net. You learn the practicalities, and, when that is not enough, the science. And somewhere during the 17 or so years [...]

It's Time for Wine: Ravenswood Means Zinfandel Royalty

How many people do you know that became oenophiles after first tasting a red Zinfandel?  And how often was the wine label named Ravenswood? Quite frequently we are sure, given the fact that owner/winemaker Joel Peterson makes and distributes over 700,000 cases of his entry level wine, the Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel, each year. But [...]

California Carnivores: Your Source for Carnivorous Plants

Sure orchids look beautiful in your home.  And so does that potted plant that you’ve had for forever.  But both of these seem to be missing something — an element of danger! Add an edge to your home garden by visiting California Carnivores, your one stop shop for all sorts of carnivorous plants. The online [...]

AG Pick Under $15: Finca Lopez Noceti 1919 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

1919 was apparently a good year for Finca Lopez Noceti.  Or at least a good name for their range of wines that also include Malbec and Syrah.  And if you buy a bottle of 1919 you’re in for a good sip. Finca Lopez Noceti is located in Mendoza, Argentina.  Their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is textbook [...]