By Richard J. Serrano. When I first started selling wine in 2000, I loved studying AVAs, and I used to get excited when new ones were created. I would conduct AVA side-by-side tastings all the time, trying to find that sense of place. Oh, I was a silly little boy in 2000. Experience breeds cynicism,…
By Richard J. Serrano. When I first started selling wine in 2000, I loved studying AVAs, and I used to get excited when new ones were created. I would conduct AVA side-by-side tastings all the time, trying to find that sense of place. Oh, I was a silly little boy in 2000. Experience breeds cynicism,…
Above the clouds in the Andes Mountains Aranjuez Winery With vineyards at elevations over 6,500 feet above sea level, grapes take in the intense Bolivian sun during the day and rest during the cool nights. These ideal conditions, combined with water from the clean Andes Mountain rivers, result in unique, balanced and delicious flavor profiles.…
By Richard J. Serrano, Director of California, Austria, and Distillates For those of us in the biz, getting asked about food pairings happens all the time. While we’re supposed to be authorities, it’s not that easy, as what you read doesn’t always pan out when you actually put certain pairings to the test. In fact, I’d…
(It doesn't have to be so complicated) Let’s break our German wine labels down into two categories; the first we will call QbA (Qualitätswein) and the second one we’ll call QmP (Qualitätswein mit Prädikat). QbA QbAs must be produced only from allowed grape varieties grown in one of the 13 wine-growing regions of Germany. This…
By Richard J. Serrano, Director of California, Austria, and Distillates Sometimes selling Riesling makes me want to cry. The other day I poured a 2007 Setzer Riesling from Austria for some non-industry friends. Most said that they didn't like it because it was sweet. Technically, the wine was dry. BONE DRY. No residual sugar whatsoever.…
Cathy Corison believes in the Bench. The Bench in question is the Rutherford Bench, that famous patch of Napa Valley land west of HWY 29 up to the Mayacamas mountain range, starting from the northern tip of Yountville, heading north through Oakville, then Rutherford, before ending at St. Helena. When Andre Tchelistcheff innocently referred to…
d'Arenberg is not your average winery. Established in 1912 and into the fourth generaton of management it is both innovative and traditional. Celebrating our 100th birthday in 2012. Since 1912 the Osborn family have grown grapes and made wine in the picturesque surrounds of McLaren Vale. Today fourth generation family member Chester Osborn is at…
