National “Pinecone” Day! Well, sort of … May 17th was national Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris Day, so it seemed fitting to highlight! Pinot is the French term for Pinecone. Okay, so why has it been associated with a wine grape? Well, most “Pinot” wines—Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, etc.—grow in very tight clusters that resemble the shape of a pinecone.
The world of cocktails is rich with history and creativity, offering a diverse array of drinks that reflect cultural influences and innovative spirit. Among these are the Bellini, Pineau Spritz, Kalimotxo, and Vermouth Cassis. Each has unique stories and flavors that have contributed to their enduring popularity.
You gotta be Sancerre! You gotta be Sancerre! You gotta feel it here, ’Cause if you feel it here, well, then you’re gonna be honestly Sancerre! Conrad Birdie (Bye, Bye, Birdie) understood how to get to a woman’s heart! Take a tip for Mother’s day! Up in the Loire Valley of France, in the Centre Région, you can find the most beautiful, high-acid, medium-body, food-friendly wine, with a little chill on it. After all, the farmer’s markets are bringing in those raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, crisp lettuce, and melons. All of which will sit well next to your glass of Pinot Noir. You thought Sancerre only meant Sauvignon Blanc? Honestly, sincere!
Earth Day was celebrated this year in many ways and by many different entities, including wineries and vineyards. After all wine is about terroir, which is all about environment, climate, and dirt and all of that is affected by how we treat this Earth. As wine lovers, we should expect that those cultivating the grapes used for our wines are caring for their mother Earth.
Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Portugal boasts a winemaking tradition as diverse and vibrant as its landscapes. What sets Portuguese wines apart is not just their exquisite flavors and aromas but the remarkable diversity of indigenous grape varieties that have flourished within its borders. From the sun-kissed slopes of the Douro Valley to the rolling hills of the Alentejo, Portugal's vineyards are a testament to centuries of cultivation, where a staggering array of grape varietals have not only thrived but have been embraced worldwide as symbols of quality and distinction. Amidst this enological tapestry, Portugal stands as a beacon of vinicultural heritage, offering a treasure trove of unique flavors and experiences waiting to be explored.
