Here in Westchester we have had one hell of a winter that seems to be neverending… hopefully that Groundhog has some actual forecasting ability. We have seen everything from whiteout blizzards, to freezing rain and sleet, to these hail and ice storms that leave our neighborhoods looking like a scene from one of those natural disaster movies. Since we all have had to become junior meteorologists to navigate through this nonsense, I have found that certain storms invoke cravings for different styles of wines depending on their characteristics. I know it sounds crazy, but have a look below and it will make a little more sense.

For the light snow and flurries, I prefer something easy drinking, a little lighter bodied and with low alcohol. Because let’s face it, with the amount of these we have had this winter if we were to drink the heavy stuff every time there was a little snow we would be wasted the entire winter. The 2007 Pinot Noirs from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley seem to be great across the board and at all price levels. In my growing years I am also finding wines from Beaujolais a frequent option. I used to find them tart and fruity, but lately I am really enjoying the simple fruit and pleasant softness most of them exhibit.

Whiteouts and Blizzards call for something a little more substantial as one can never tell how long you may be cooped up. Nothing beats curling up on the couch with a nice glass of Ribera del Duero, which are big and spicy Spanish wines made mostly from the Tempranillo grape. They are similar to the wines of Rioja, but the fruit is darker, the tannins are firmer and the alcohol is higher which will keep you nice and warm on those cold nights.  It also makes a great pairing with beef dishes if you are so inclined to throw a steak on the grill.

When the Ice Storm Cometh, nothing seems more appropriate than a sweet and sticky Ice Wine. The grapes used to make these white dessert wines are picked off the vines while they are still frozen, so all the sugars are super concentrated. Flavors of honey, apricot and caramel are common and they are perfect for easy sippin’ or to enjoy with some Roquefort or other stinky cheese selections. The better ones from France (Sauternes), Hungary (Tokaji) and Canada can be a little steep. But there are some nice Late Harvest options from California, New Zealand and even the Finger Lakes region of New York that fall in the value price range and are pretty readily available.

So the next time you turn on the news and see a storm coming, there is no need for dismay. Sure you may have to load up the fridge, shovel the driveway and figure out what to do with the kids when school is closed. But at least you have that nice glass (or bottle!) of wine to look forward to at the end of the day.

Now that the smoke has cleared and the dust has settled from all the New Year’s festivities, it’s time start working on those dreaded resolutions. I can just hear the dull roar of moans and groans as everyone starts going back to the gym, joining Weight Watchers and tries to cut down on the frivolous spending. But who said resolutions have to be so hard?! So to offset all those mundane yet obviously important resolutions, why not make a fun one to try some new and different wines this year.

While everyone is familiar with the ever popular Cabernet Sauvignon grape, maybe this is the year you venture out and experiment with one of its parents, Cabernet Franc. It is used as a blending grape in many Bordeaux wines, and is the varietal of choice in the Chinon region of France. But here in the States, it has found its home in Napa and more recently in Long Island, NY.

The growing conditions in Long Island give it similar characteristics to the way it is produced in France. It tends to be somewhat light in nature with earthy undertones, red berry flavor and floral notes. Wolffer Estate and Pindar make ones that are quite enjoyable, with the latter being the value pick. In Napa however, the heat brings out the fruit in Cab Franc where they can be big and powerful, yet still carry the herbal and floral nuances making for some fantastic wines. Ironstone has a very drinkable one for about $10 (actually from the Central Valley of CA),  but my favorite has to be The Fury from the Revolver Wine Co. It will run around $30 and is really something special, particularly when paired with a peppery beef tenderloin or steak au poivre.

Are you a fan of Italian wine but looking to branch out from your typical Chianti and Montepulciano selections? Keep an eye out for the wines from Montefalco in the Umbria region of Italy. The main grape used here is Sagrantino which produces full bodied, dry red wines that can have blackberry, red fruit and tobacco components. The 100% Sagrantino wines can be pricey due to the rarity of the grape, but they compare to some of the best in Italy with Terre de Trinci being the most well known producer. However, the Montefalco Rosso wines are blends of Sagrantino and Sangiovese which have most of the character, yet a fraction of the price tag, of the straight Sangrantinos. Scacciadiavoli Rosso di Montefalco is a smooth, lush example of that blend and will only run around $15-18.

If your resolution is to make the move to whites for 2011, why not start with Austria’s favorite varietal Gruner Veltliner. These wines typically have a real crisp acidity to them along with citrus, peach and possibly apple flavors. The better ones can get expensive, but there are many in the $10-15 range from the Kemptal and Wachau regions that are great values, and quite food friendly to boot. GRUNER by Etz comes in a 1 Liter bottle which for under $15 is one of the best deals around. F.X. Pichler makes some of the best GV in the world, but they will start around $30 and get up to the $100 range so be prepared to dig a little deep for one of these iconic Austrian whites.

Wishing you the best of luck in following through with all of your resolutions for 2011, and a very happy and healthy year ahead. Salute!

There’s no time like Christmas to really let yourself go. Sure, Christmas is the season for family, joy, celebration and all that sentimental good stuff. But let’s face it, with all the holiday parties, happy hours and general merriment, ’tis the season to be drinkin! So what wines you serve at Christmas can play a pivotal role in the success of your family holiday.

First and foremost, as with any celebration, start with the bubbles! Champagne is a great option if it’s in the budget, and some of the more affordable ones like Piper Hiedsieck or Moet et Chandon Imperial can be just as tasty as some of the big names. But I tend to go the Prosecco route, such as Mionetto or La Marca, or with a sparkling from California like Gloria Ferrer or the Schramsberg Mirabelle Rose. I always feel like I get more value with those options, especially if its being enjoyed in a large group setting.

For those who partake in the Feast of the Seven Fishes, white wines may take center stage.  The two white varietals I tend to lean towards when pairing with seafood are Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. New Zealand has become wildly popular for their SB, and for good reason. It’s made in a crisp and aciditc fashion with lots of tropical and citrus flavors. Brancott and Kono are consistently good value options for around $10-15.

Chenin Blanc can have a little sweetness along with the crisp acidity and citrus fruits, making an exotic combination with shellfish. The Vouvray region in France is notorious for wonderful CB, but in California Pine Ridge makes a Chenin Blanc/Viogner blend that would add a nice touch of lemon zest and florals to your seafood selection.

For those fish feasters that serve it with the classic marinara or fra diavolo sauce, as my family does, red wine is most likely what you will want to serve, particularly ones that can hold up to the sauce but not over power the fish. I try to stick with the Italian theme, as the right ones tend to be full bodied but not massive, and can bring out a lot of the spice and acidic nature of the sauce.

Chianti Classico is always a safe bet and a sure-fire winner. For some reason it seems Chianti has gotten a bad rap lately, however there have been some wonderful wines coming out of the region in recent vintages. The Rocca della Macie line of Chiantis are consistently stellar, as are the ones from Ruffino. If Chianti is not your thing, a Super Tuscan may be more your speed. These are wines that are made near Chianti but they can use many traditional varietals (i.e. Cab, Merlot and Syrah) in combination with Sangiovese and are not restricted to the rules of Chianti.

The one I’m going with this year is the 2008 Mediterra from Poggio al Tesoro. This blend is actually Sangiovese free, made from Cab, Merlot and Syrah. It is gracefully smooth and luscious with loads of cherry and berry, surrounded by spicey and herbal notes.  Perfect for your typical Italian seafood feast, but will also pair well if you are going with a good old fashioned Ham or Beef Loin.

Whatever you decide to drink with your holiday feast, may your Christmas be full of love, laughter and joy. As that is truly what makes the season “the most wonderful time of the year”. Salute!

Just about this time every year the Thanksgiving wine recommendations come out from every wine publication, wine shop and blogger around… so why should I be any different?! Red Zin, Pinot Noir and Riesling always seem to get the nod and sure those varietals will work with your Turkey. But when you take all the feasible food combinations involving mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, candied yams, stuffing, corn soufflé, sautéed onions, and various Turkey preparations there are few wines that won’t work alongside this kind of feast! So let’s get into some selections that are off the beaten path.

To start the holiday out right I have one word for you… Bubbles! As you probably can tell from my previous posts I am a big fan of  fitting the Bubbly into your game plan whenever possible. With the emergence of Cava, Prosecco and Sparking Wine from various regions, you no longer have to spend a lot of dough on those expensive Champagnes. In fact, a dry Prosecco, such as the one from La Marca, would be a wonderful companion to the appetizers that preclude the big meal.

If you have stepped foot in your local wine shop recently, I’m sure you’ve seen the funky red and orange label wines engulfing the front display area which can mean only one thing…the Georges Duboef Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived! I find the older I get, the more I appreciate the fun and fresh style of these wines and have gotten over the commercial hype. And guess what, it is a fantastic Thanksgiving wine! All those ripe and vibrant berry components can only enhance the savory flavors that you worked so hard to elicit from your Thanksgiving culinary masterpiece.

Staying in France, the wines from the 2007 Southern Rhone region are drinking beautifully right now. The depth and concentration of the fruit combined with the approachability of these wines make them a perfect pairing to a well basted, juicy bird. These wines are solid across the board from this vintage and offer great versatility in terms of quality and price. So grab a $10-20 bottle of Cotes du Rhone or Cotes du Rhone Villages, or up your game to a Chateauneuf du Pape. Regardless, these Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (the main grapes used in the region) blends will certainly be the buzz at your Thanksgiving table.

If Reds aren’t the wine of choice for your family, then look no further than the Chenin Blanc grape. When young they can be delightfully crisp and aromatic with apple and melon flavors, yet with age they gain a honeyed and sweeter characteristic. One of my favorites is from Pine Ridge in California where it’s made in the younger style and blended with Viogner. However, the most prestigious wines utilizing the Chenin Blanc grape are still produced in the Vouvray region of France. While the more expensive ones can be really impressive, even most $8-12 options will make a delicious accompaniment.

However you choose to celebrate your Thanksgiving this year, remember to not only eat and drink well but to enjoy the memorable moments that come along with the day. For without the friends and family that  share our company, then Thanksgiving is just another Thursday night dinner with a football game in the background. Enjoy!

With Halloween upon us, it’s time to take the necessary precautions in preparation for the mayhem and madness. This may include stocking up on candy for the neighborhood kiddies, egg proofing the house for the neighborhood hooligans, getting your last minute make shift costume together for the big Halloween party, and making sure you are loaded up on enough Halloween appropriate wine for the weekend.

With the Vampire craze in this country, it is only fitting that there is a Vampire Vineyards to match. Located in Paso Robles, California, they are actually putting out some really nice, affordable wines. They produce wine from most of the popular varietals, including reds, whites, roses and even a Dracula Zinfandel for all the ZinHeads out there.  Most of the wines run in the $10 range and are blood sucking good deals at that price point.

If you’re feeling a little malicious this Halloween, than maybe the Evil Cabernet from R Wines is more your speed. 100% Cabernet from grapes grown in 3 of the better known areas of Australia, this wine is also a solid value for around $10-13. Lots of fresh berry aromas while smooth and soft on the palate. This one could even turn into one of your everyday wines, if you can handle the immorality.

Be sure to have the antidote if you dare drink the PoiZin from the Armida Winery in Sonoma. Not cheap at around $25, but the cool label and even better quality wine make this Zinfandel a great gift to bring to parties, or to enjoy with a rare and bloody piece of beef. Check out a Halloween inspired tasting video for this one by clicking the link here.

http://www.wineexpress.com/shopping/prod_detail/main.asp?cat=WBR&sl=0&catid=14&productID=27157&uid=6F1B33D5-7B58-4AF1-BDE4-0BF13B7E52CE

For those in search of a top tier wine with a little Halloween twist, look no further than the Ghost Block Cabernet from Oakville in Napa. The winery is certified organic, and this Cab is nothing short of sinful! Typical of the wines of the area it’s loaded with dark black fruit carrying firm tannic structure surrounded by tobacco and vanilla nuances. It will run around $50-60, but what better excuse to splurge than Halloween. You will certainly be the “after-life” of the party with this wine in hand.

Over the years, many wine drinkers may find that their palates constantly evolve. For example, after making the trip out to California, I didn’t want to touch anything that wasn’t from Napa or Sonoma. Yet shortly after that, I was enthralled with wines from the Tuscany area of Italy. Over the summer I went through a really enjoyable New York State Riesling phase, and as of the last month or so I am on a full fledge Bordeaux kick.

While this is a pretty common dynamic, there are also plenty of wine enthusiasts that only like one style of wine and that’s it. For example, I know that if I pour my wife or brother anything but a fruit driven California Red, chances are they will make a face mirroring a baby eating a pickle. While there is the argument that you need to appreciate different aspects of wines from all around the world made from all the various grapes, I say…. Fugetaboutit!

Wine is something that is meant to bring pleasure and enjoyment, and is not meant to be stressful or intimidating. So there is no reason to feel that you HAVE to enjoy a wine from Bordeaux or Barolo just because it gets great ratings from a wine reviewer. While wine experts have a clear cut and effective rating system, their tastes simply may not mesh with yours.

Professional tasters and reviewers are exactly that, professionals. So the ratings given to specific wines are based on a variety of factors that may or may not make the wine appealing to your palate. On many occasions I have shared some highly rated wines with friends and family and while some found them to be delicious, others found them …well… pretty disappointing.

My point is this…I notice that people can get frustrated when drinking wine because they don’t taste what is described in the tasting notes, or don’t enjoy it as much as they think they should. But if you are drinking for pleasure and relaxation, then follow the Planet Fitness rule and drink in a Judgement Free Zone. Trust your gut and your own palate and just try to learn what kind of wines curl your toes. If you do find professional reviewers that share your tastes then try to stick with them like glue, as that is the way you will stumble on some great wines that may otherwise fly under your radar.

Don’t get me wrong, I love drinking Napa Cabs as much as the next guy. But nothing boils my blood more than sitting down at a restaurant and seeing the cheapest Cabernet from California on the wine list at a price four times what I would pay in the store. Who needs to spend $60 on a bottle of Kendall Jackson?!? That is when I look for the value selections, and most times I can find them in South America.

Malbec originated in France, and is actually one of the 5 grapes that can be used in the Bordeaux red wines. But these days Argentina has cornered the market on Malbec, and for good reason. They are making a ton of it, and making it well. The beauty is you can spend around $10-15 and get some really big, inky, fruit driven wines. Moreover, the restaurants don’t tend to mark them up as much as the Cali and European wines because there is usually such a large inventory.

Pascual Toso consistently makes solid Malbecs at every level. The vineyards are located in the Mendoza area of Argentina, where it is nearly impossible to find bad Malbec. Paul Hobbs, who is an icon in California, consults on these wines and his expertise is evident in their lush, fruit forward characteristics. The entry level wines run from $9-13 with the Reserva going for $16-22. These are great when paired with grilled beef of any kind, which makes sense as the Argentines are also infamous for their Asado.

Two other stellar producers of value Malbec are Alamos and Luigi Bosca. Luigi Bosca’s Reserva almost always scores in the low 90’s and stays in the $15 range. Alamos offers a Malbec that is under $10 and is a great inexpensive way to sample all that the varietal has to offer. It’s smooth and easy drinkin wine, with the ability to hold up to a hearty meal as well.

Catena Zapata has basically staked its claim as the dominant force in the Malbec world. While even their entry level Catena Malbec is not cheap (around $15-20), each and every wine they make gets high critical acclaim and is just flat out great Malbec. Their Catena Alta is something special, and even though it runs around $40-50, if it came out of Napa or Bordeaux it would cost double that!

Lastly, if you are one of those lucky people that can afford to spend $60-70 on a bottle then do yourself a favor and pick up some of the Cheval des Andes Bordeaux Blend.  Located in Mendoza, it is owned by the same people who produce the legendary St. Emilion Chateau Cheval Blanc (featured in the film Sideways) which can fetch up to $1,000 a bottle.

This wine has everything from big dark fruit, to complexities from the oak aging, yet stays delicate and elegant in the true St. Emilion style… it’s got it all!!  It’s certainly worth picking up for that next special occasion, or if you see it for under $150 on a wine list and decide to throw caution to the wind. After all, life is too short to drink bad wine.