saluté

Salute: Countdown to Beaujolais Day

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau will be released Nov. 21. In the United States, the fourth Thursday of November is a big day for Americans, but it is the third Thursday that the French…

Hungary’s winemaking renaissance

Two World Wars and 40 years of communist rule decimated Hungary’s renowned wine industry, but today’s producers are restoring the country’s winemaking reputation. The cellar door to Vizi Winery was near the road, with just a narrow strip of…

Battle of the red blends

Napa Valley vs. Bordeaux: The winner of a recent blind tasting might just surprise oenophiles who are on the lookout for superior wine blends. A friend recently asked for a wine recommendation for a “blend”—a special mixture of grape varietals…

Cruising beyond the port

Story: Mary Ann Desantis, WSET Portugal’s Douro River Valley is getting an international reputation for its distinctive red wines created in some unlikely rocky vineyards. Many people think the only wine that Portugal has to offer is port, the fortified…

Chianti in Carolina

In the late summer, it’s not unusual to find Central Floridians in the North Carolina mountains. If you will be among those heading north to escape Florida’s summer heat, plan to visit Yadkin Valley—home to picturesque vineyards and flavorful wines.…

SALUTÉ: Women Of The Vine

Making wine has never been just a man’s world. Some of America’s first winemakers were women. And, it seems, once winemaking is in your blood, it’s hard to leave as three well-known women vintners who have had 30+ year careers…

SALUTÉ: A Very Good Year

A vintage perspective tasting during Premiere Napa Valley shows what a difference 10 years can make in the wine world. PHOTO: Mary Ann DeSantis Wine is often a celebratory drink, and it’s not unusual for people—even casual wine drinkers—to buy…

SALUTÉ: Legendary Wines

Some wines are out-of-this-world good…like a 1975 Chateau Lynch-Bages Bordeaux that was the first wine consumed in outer space. In 1985, French astronaut Patrick Baudry wanted to take French wine on his shuttle mission aboard the Discovery to demonstrate his…

SALUTÉ: Celebrate February’s Other Wine Holiday

Open That Bottle Night has become an international phenomenon since two enterprising wine columnists created it in 1999. What will be your special wine on Feb. 27? Dig deep into that wine fridge or cabinet for a bottle of wine…

SALUTÉ: New Year, Old Wine

If you received several bottles of wine as Christmas gifts, or if you bought too many for your holiday parties, you may consider storing a few for the future. Wines change as they age: some become extraordinary over time while…