Monthly Archives: June 2016

Good Seed Makes Good Crop: The Franciscan Focus

Posted on June 30, 2016 by intoxreport

Here’s a life lesson, Grasshopper—and especially if you are a grasshopper:  Never turn down an opportunity to interview a man named Turnipseed. If he happens to be socially engaging, well-versed in the art of enology and willing to pick up … Continue reading →

Posted in CALIFORNIA, Mt. Veeder, Napa, Oakville | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Burgundy, 2014: Terroir vs. Tempests

Posted on June 27, 2016 by intoxreport

When I asked a prominent Burgundian vigneron at what point during a growing season a winemaker knows for sure that the vintage will be great, she replied:  “On the day of harvest.” To me, that single upchuck of cold, hard … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Ten Things You Never Thought Could Be Turned into Alcohol: #11 Will Blow Your Mind!

Posted on June 10, 2016 by intoxreport

Every once in a while, I take a breather from my professional schedule to make fun of Drink Me magazine, which continues to show up in my inbox despite me not subscribing to it and never doing anything but make … Continue reading →

Posted in GENERAL | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Cult of Brumont: Alchemy in a Glass

Posted on June 7, 2016 by intoxreport

I met Alain Brumont at The Stand, over a nice dinner arranged by local wine merchant Elie Boudt, and when I gripped the knotted, platter-sized hand of Brumont in greeting, I was struck with an overwhelming moment of déjà vu. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Gascony, Madiran | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ktima Gerovassiliou: Grecian Formula Number One

Posted on June 3, 2016 by intoxreport

The Greeks have been at it for six thousand years, and the presumption is that they’ve learned a trick or two.  Something that has eluded them, however, by intention or intractability, is making wine names that un-Greeks can pronounce. Of … Continue reading →

Posted in GREECE | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Calçada Vinho Verde: Perfectly Imperfect

Posted on June 2, 2016 by intoxreport

André Estácio Pinto poured a glass of miniscule-production Vinho Verde from Calçada, made from some of the oldest vines in the Minho, and loosed a disclaimer: “It’s not a perfect wine.” “No problem,” I answered. “I’m not a perfect wine … Continue reading →

Posted in PORTUGAL | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment