Wine

Petite? Not at all

The ‘John Wayne of grapes' attracts cult following with its rough and ready flavor

There's nothing wee or precious about petite sirah, a red wine that has been compared, seriously, to John Wayne and whose big, bold profile is at odds with its diminutive name. Like the Duke, petite sirah (variously spelled "syrah") generates passionate feelings from those who delight in its rough and ready style.

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Fruity liqueur comes with a French twist
Apr. 10th — The opaque elixir before us has the questionable, slightly brownish hue of oxidized dessert wine. Then he pours a splash into a juice glass, releasing inviting citrus aromas. We take sips. Tart orange and clove flavors infuse the earthy warmth of brandy in a drink dancing with fresh fruit.
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Finding the right zinfandel
Feb. 28th — Zinfandel, it turns out, presents challenges even for veteran winemakers. First, it's seen as the All-American grape, brought to California around 1849 by Gold Rush miners who turned to agriculture. But it has never earned full respect; critics often call it "rustic," say it'll never be a "noble" grape like cabernet sauvignon, never make a truly elegant wine.
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Bringing your own wine to a restaurant? Watch your corking etiquette
Jan. 28th — The last time I went to visit family in Texas, I faced a dilemma. My brother and I wanted a restaurant with a great wine list. My sister, a vegetarian, wanted a menu with more than a couple of choices for her entree. We decided to compromise and go to an Indian restaurant and take our own wine.
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Make 2008 a vintage year
Jan. 14th — Have a variety of wines on hand so you're prepared for any occasion. This week, we recommend a half-dozen wines representing the six so-called "noble grapes" (plus two bonus sparkling wines) you'll want in your wine rack to meet virtually any food-pairing challenge.
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Christmas trees & mulled wine
Dec. 22nd — Yesterday was one of my favorite holiday traditions! It was the day of our annual Christmas tree hunt and winter picnic.
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Muscat love: Extolling the virtues of a versatile grape
Mar. 19th — Muscat is an ancient grape poised for new attention from adventurous wine lovers looking for a fragrant wine that comes in a wide range of styles from dry to sweet.
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For you, a bouquet of roses
Feb. 13th — No need to worry if you've put off planning a special evening with a special someone. A flute of pink sparkling wine is a celebration in a glass no matter whom you share it with, or when.
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Top 10 food & wine & life pairings to try
Jan. 17th — After some rigorous winter sport, heat up a big mug of mulled plonk to enjoy while roasting hot dogs by a roaring bonfire. Sip and munch and laugh. Save the S’mores for the hot chocolate
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5 New Year’s Resolutions for wine lovers
Jan. 1st — My theory is: if you going to drink less wine, you can afford to drink better wine! And, I know from my own experience that when I drink really good wine, I do slow down and savor every sip.
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Battle of the Big Reds
Dec. 11th — I attended a great wine tasting last night held at the local wine bar. It was titled “Battle of the Big Reds” and featured big, bold Bordeaux style wines. Set up like a formal judging, we had 12 wines poured before us, and we were give the task (oh, what hard work!) of tasting and rating the wines.
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