Jeremy Parzen takes the Kir Yianni Ramnista 2008 out for a spin

Jeremy Parzen takes the Kir Yianni Ramnista 2008 out for a spin off of what he describes as the "Bold and Brave Wine List" at the new Houston hotspot The Pass and Provisions.

Check out his full review here:

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2012/11/pass_provision_wine_houston.php

http://passandprovisions.com/

David Baverstock of Esporao and Joe Roberts of 1wine dude on Portuguese white wines

David Baverstock, chief winemaker of Esporao and Joe Roberts of 1winedude.com talked Portuguese white wines yesterday in a live video chat on Ustream.   You can check it out here http://www.ustream.tv/channel/esporao-wines-usa

"Greek Wine:keep calm. drink up"

"Greek Wine:  keep calm. drink up"  

by Victoria Moore in The Telegraph

"Healthier exports will ensure that the economic crisis doesn’t end in tragedy for the beleaguered winemakers of Greece."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/wine/9612989/Greek-wine-keep-calm-drink-up.html

This is a thoughtful and more personal look at the Greek economic crisis through the lens of the Greek Wine industry.   And some fine Greek wine recommendations to boot.  I love the description of the Malagousia variety as  "Think albarino meets greco di tufo."  I toast to a day when a more broad wine drinking public will find either Albarino or Greco di Tufo to be easy reference points.  If this is already the case in the UK, hats off to you!

"Grape Varieties you've never heard of"

This is a fun list of "Grape Varieties you've never heard of" from Jancis Robinson.  George Gavala's Katsano from Santorini made the list.

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/4d2fedc2-133b-11e2-ac28-00144feabdc0.html#axzz29YdEV3sm

And one that pops to mind that I would add to the list is Tinta Grossa.  A Portuguese variety grown in the Alentejo.  Paolo Laureano, the famous Portuguese oenologist and consultant, is the proud owner of some of the last several hectares of this nearly extinct variety.    His eponymous winery is located in his homeland of Vidigeuira, the last known home of Tinta Grossa in the zones of Vila de Frades and Vila Alva na Vidigueira.  The winery produces a 100% Tinta Grossa ( 550 cases total production) and includes the variety in their "Ema's vineyard" blend.   Laureano believes the grape variety has the potential to develop classic wines expressive of terroir in great vintages, with plenty of black fruits, ample tannins, acidity and elegance.

http://paulolaureano.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=53

Vinho Verde in Blomberg Business Week

A first hand account of some of the more serious wines in the Vinho Verde region.  The UK writers have all been gaga for the wines of biodynamic producer Aphros for some time now.  The producer finally has three US importers including Michael Skurnik in NY.  Keep an eye out folks.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-12/portugal-s-vinho-verde-offers-crisp-whites-exotic-reds

Wine production up in Douro, down in Alentejo

Report on production for 2012 in the major Portuguese winemaking regions from The Portugal News online.

Wine production up in Douro, down in Alentejo

http://www.theportugalnews.com/news/wine-production-up-in-douro-down-in-alentejo/26639

 

Best quick lesson on Greek grape pronunciation you will ever get!

Markus Stolz brings everyone the best quick lesson on Greek grape pronunciation you will ever get!  Courtesy of his three adorable kids.  A must watch!

http://www.elloinos.com/greek-grapes/greek-grape-pronunciation?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Elloinos+%28ELLOINOS%29