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Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com Slashfood http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.slashfood.com/media/feedlogo.gif Slashfood http://www.slashfood.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/What to Drink With ... Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/05/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

World's Biggest Burger

World's biggest burger. Photo: Bill Mealbach.

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

There are so many culinary wonders (and occasionally questionable indulgences) in the Slashfood archives, just waiting to be washed down with equally delicious wines. Here are six pairings from our September archive that will make you thirsty...or make you sick. You decide.

With fall officially in full swing, it's time to break out sweaters, hot cider and even our oven mitts after a summer avoiding the stove. Jennifer Iserloh's Ropa Vieja, a Cuban dish of shredded beef in a tomato sauce, would pair nicely with a light, fruity Italian Dolcetto or a sweet and spicy California Zinfandel.

For Southerners who haven't been blessed with a dose of crisp fall weather yet, Gena Knox's Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls are a lovely way to wind down a warm day, preferably with an off-dry Riesling.

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]]>champagnefallhalf-wit winesHalf-witWinesHardeesropa viejaRopaViejasummer rolssustainable caviarSustainableCaviarTwoBuckChuckwinewine of the weekwine pairingGretchen RobertsMon, 05 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTVegan Wine Guidehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/10/01/vegan-wine-guide/#commentsFiled under: Vegetarian/Vegan, Drink Recipes

Vegetarian vineyards?

Vegetarian vineyards? Photo: Tambako the Jaguar.

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

A couple of weeks ago, I gushed about the Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour, a sparkling rosé made with organic grapes and animal-free products. Other well-known examples of vegan wineries include Frey Vineyards and Girasole Vineyards.

What makes a wine vegan? After all, wine is made from grapes, not beef. Where animal products do come into play is during the fining process. After fermentation, most wine is filtered and fined, which is basically removing all the sediment and leftover dead yeast cells and such from the fermentation process. Most winemakers use animal products like egg white or isinglass, but vegan wines are made with non-animal products such as clay.

Want to find out if your favorite brand is vegan? It's not always easy. Winemakers aren't required to disclose ingredients like the information on Oreo cookie labels, so you have to do some nosing around. One great source is the Barnivore Vegan Wine & Beer Guide, a community project listing of vegan and non-vegan wines. Cheers!

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]]>barnivorechampagnedomaine carneros brut roseDomaineCarnerosBrutRosefrey vineyardsFreyVineyardsgirasolegirasole vineyardsGirasoleVineyardssommelierveganvegan wineVeganWinevegetarianwineGretchen RobertsThu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:00 ESTDrink for the Curehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/29/drink-for-the-cure/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/29/drink-for-the-cure/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/29/drink-for-the-cure/#commentsFiled under: Stores & Shopping, Health & Medical, Drink Recipes

Riedel CrescendO glasses

Photo: Riedel.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and now you can support the cause in style with Riedel's limited-edition pink glasses.

Crescendo ($70, pictured) is a set of four glasses, each in a different delicate shade of pink. Since they're stemless, the glasses are great for non-alcoholic drinks as well as white wines, and they're dishwasher-safe.

Pink Vinum Rosé ($59) is a set of two pink-stemmed glasses specifically designed for rosé wine. They're also dishwasher-safe, and the color of the wine isn't distorted, since the pink tint is limited to the stem.

Riedel is donating 15 percent of their pink sales to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life -- now that's something we can all raise our glasses to. Order online or find them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

For Slashfood readers who don't want to drink pink, the Pink Ribbon Shop is offering "Around My Mother's Table: Stories and Recipes Celebrating Lives Lost to Breast Cancer" ($16.95), the Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon Cookie Cutter, and more.

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]]>breast cancercookbookcookie cuttercrescendoglassespink ribbonpink vinum rosePinkRibbonPinkVinumRoseriedelstores-and-shoppingwineGretchen RobertsTue, 29 Sep 2009 14:00:00 ESTRed and White Rioja - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/28/red-and-white-rioja-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/28/red-and-white-rioja-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/28/red-and-white-rioja-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva

Photo: Campo Viejo.

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Spanish wine sales are up even during the recession, which comes as no surprise, since Spain offers outstanding value for the price.

One of the premier wine regions in the country, Rioja is at the top of its game, delivering excellent-quality wine for a fraction of prices elsewhere -- especially since so much of the wine is held back and aged, which costs money, rather than getting rushed to market.

More Rioja after the jump.

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]]>campo viejoCampoViejoel coto de riojaElCotoDeRiojariojarioja reservaRiojaReservatempranillowinewine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 28 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTFive Splurgeworthy Sparkling Wines - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/21/five-splurgeworthy-sparkling-wines-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Business, Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Schramsberg J. Schram

Photo: Schramsberg.

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

As a penny-pinching German, I don't drink expensive Champagne or domestic sparkling wine like it's water, but a couple of times a year (New Year's, wedding anniversary), I overcome my thrifty tendencies and blow big bucks on a great bottle. When I'm spending serious money on wine, I want to know my $30 or $60 or $100 is going to be worth it and not a major disappointment.

Normally our Wine Steals column focuses on $15-and-under everyday wines that are amazing for the price, but in honor of special occasions, here are five sparkling wines that I personally love and am willing to shell out for because, as Charles Dickens said, "Champagne is one of the elegant extras in life."

After the jump, five splurgeworthy sparklers plus a poll: How much are you willing to spend on special-occasion wine?

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]]>champagnedomaine carneros brut roseDomaineCarnerosBrutRosenorthshore brasserieNorthshoreBrasseriepol roger brut reserve nv champagnePolRogerBrutReserveNvChampagneschramsberg blanc de blancsschramsberg blanc de noirsschramsberg j. schramSchramsbergBlancDeBlancsSchramsbergBlancDeNoirsSchramsbergJ.Schramsegura viudas reserva heredadSeguraViudasReservaHeredadsparkling winewinewine stealsGretchen RobertsMon, 21 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTFall Sauvignon Blanc - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/14/fall-sauvignon-blanc-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/14/fall-sauvignon-blanc-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/14/fall-sauvignon-blanc-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Photo: Constellation Brands

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Autumn officially arrives next week. Labor Day has come and gone, and we've traded our barbecue tongs for pots of soup and our shorts for sweaters on chilly nights. But before you put away all your summer wines, consider this: Many of them, including Sauvignon Blanc, won't taste oh-so-fresh by the time you're in the mood for them again. Some of the best Sauv Blancs from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux can age for several years, but most inexpensive bottles are meant to be drunk ASAP.

What happens when you brave an old bottle? I tried a 2005 recently and the first word that came to mind was dank. It was like tossing a salad, forgetting about it for a week and then trying to eat around the decaying pieces. Blech. So here's my PSA for this week: drink all your unquestionably delicious Sauvignon Blancs now, before they become questionable -- the 2007s from the northern hemisphere and the 2008s from the southern hemisphere. Soon, the 2009s from New Zealand, Chile and South Africa will be on shelves, and in the spring, the 2009s from California, France and Italy will arrive.

After the jump, Sauvignon Blancs I loved, and a question for you: Which Sauv Blanc region steals your heart?

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]]>ancient peaks sauvignon blancAncientPeaksSauvignonBlanccharles krug sauvignon blancCharlesKrugSauvignonBlancfallgretchenrobertsmontes sauvignon blancMontesSauvignonBlancNobilonobilo iconNobiloIconroot 1 sauvignon blancRoot1SauvignonBlancsauvignon blancsommelierwineGretchen RobertsMon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTWhat to Drink With ... Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/09/08/what-to-drink-with-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

double down sandwich

What wine goes with the KFC Double Down? Photo: KFC

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Being a wine geek, I read through Slashfood posts thinking, "Hmmm, what wine would I pair with that?" Not everyone is as wine-centric as I am, but surely you've whipped up one or more of our delicious recipes (or read about a crazy new food trend with mouth agape) and wondered how best to wash it down.

This month I'm trying a fun little feature, "What to Drink With...," in which I comb through the Slashfood archives and find, er, interesting foods to pair up with wines. I'll start this one off with something easy, Sarah LeTrent's Roasted Broccoli with Shrimp. What do you say to a light, mineral-y Albarino or a California Sauvignon Blanc?

Here's a challenge: Cool and Creamy Broccoli Soup from Brent Ridge. Soup and wine are a tough match -- how do you pair liquid with liquid? Considering the fact that this soup is also a) cold and b) vegetarian, and we've got a real stumper. I'm going to go with Pinot Grigio or possibly a Grüner Veltliner.

More pairings, including Deep Fried Butter, after the jump.

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]]>champagnedeep fried butterDeepFriedButtertexas state fairTexasStateFairwinewine of the weekwine pairingGretchen RobertsTue, 08 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTWine Blends - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/31/wine-blends-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/31/wine-blends-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/31/wine-blends-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Drink Recipes

Châteauneuf du Pape

2005 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Châteauneuf-Du-Pape. Photo: K. Todd Storch, Flickr

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Like most 20- and 30-something Americans who didn't travel to Europe as high school or college students, I discovered wine by the varietal: Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay. Eventually, I branched out into Riesling, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

Varietals, or wines made from one type of grape, were easy to understand. I could read up on the flavor profile of the grape -- Merlot is soft, fleshy and fruity, with hints of violets and sometimes a note of green pepper -- and find those notes in the glass.

Then I traveled (virtually) to Europe and discovered blends: Rioja. Bordeaux. Chianti. These wines are made from a blend of grapes -- and learning about them was like learning a new language. They're labeled by the place, not the varietal, mostly because Europeans are adamant about the importance of terroir. Well, that and the fact that it would be awkward for the maker of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to list all 13 grapes in its blend.

After the jump, five blends I adore.

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]]>gretchen robertsGretchenRobertsvarietalswinewine of the weekWineOfTheWeekGretchen RobertsMon, 31 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTDrink Local Wine - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/27/drink-local-wine-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/27/drink-local-wine-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/27/drink-local-wine-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

wine

Photo: Finger Lakes Wine Country

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Due to a bout of strep throat this week, which scorched my palate like a prairie brush fire, I've fallen far behind in my wine tastings. I even asked Twitter, "Which wine goes best with strep?," but no one had a good pairing. In the meantime, I'm like a baby making the switch from the bottle (oatmeal and smoothies, in my case) to solid foods (actual dinners, with wine to match). In short, I'm late in posting this week and have no freshly tasted wines to discuss.

But my eyes just landed on my "Drink Local Wine" poster (top right) from the Finger Lakes Wine Country in New York, so here's one for vino-loving Slashfoodies: Can your state's wine stand up to those made in such beloved states as California?

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]]>americadrink local wineDrinkLocalWinefinger lakes wine countryFingerLakesWineCountrylocal foodlocal winewineGretchen RobertsThu, 27 Aug 2009 17:00:00 ESTFive Great Chardonnays for $15 and Under - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/five-chardonnay-wine-steals-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/five-chardonnay-wine-steals-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/17/five-chardonnay-wine-steals-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Gordon Brothers Chardonnay

Columbia Valley Chardonnay.
Photo: Gordon Brothers

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Chardonnay is one of the most-planted wine grapes in the world (second in whites only to Arien, a Spanish variety, according to Jancis Robinson's "Oxford Companion to Wine"). The grape behind both crisp, acidic Chablis and rich, creamy California Chards can be made into some of the most expensive (Champagne) and least expensive (Two-Buck Chuck) vinos in the world.

As with people, Chardonnay is full of surprises.

After the jump, five Chardonnays under $15 that showcase the grape's full range of flavors -- and a question for my fellow oenophiles.

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]]>champagnechardonnayfeatfeaturedwinewine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 17 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTSummer Sparklers - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/summer-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/summer-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/10/summer-sparklers-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Sparkling wine

Photo: oskay, Flickr

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

August, in all its hot, humid, waning-of-summer glory, is my favorite month of the year. It may be sweltering and sticky, but August is like the bachelorette party before the wedding: Live it up while you can, because school is gonna start soon.

Which is why sparkling wine is the perfect antidote to impending fall. Light, refreshing, and bubbly, it has all the ingredients for celebrating (mourning?) the passing of Casual Season. (Besides, I'm still practicing Champagne service for my sommelier test. I almost have the silent "pop" perfected, but if you have any tips, I'm all ears!)

So what kind of sparkling wine do you like in the summer? Tyler Colman, author of "A Year of Wine," recommends saving the expensive and complex Champagne for chilly winter and sticking to simpler bubblies when it's hot, and I happen to agree (except for my anniversary on August 26, when Champagne is the only way to go ... are you reading this, honey?).

After the jump, my criteria for smashing, wallet-friendly summer sparklers.

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]]>cavachampagneproseccosparkling winesummerwinewine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 10 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTSix Wines You've Never Heard Of - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/03/six-wines-youve-never-heard-of-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/03/six-wines-youve-never-heard-of-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/03/six-wines-youve-never-heard-of-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Wine Grape Varietal Table

My DeLong's wine grape varietal table. Photo: Gretchen Roberts

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

A couple of weeks ago, we asked how adventurous a wine drinker you Slashfoodies really are, and a whopping 78 percent of you chose "I'm a player. The more choices, the better!" This post is for you, for those days when the thrill-seeker in you says, "Not another Cabernet!"

I'm working toward membership in the Wine Century Club, a geeky group you can join by tasting 100 varietals of grapes. And trust me, it's not as easy as it sounds. The big six (Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling) are no problem. Then tier two: Syrah, Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel. ... But to get to 100, we're talking really esoteric varietals. Assyrtiko. Petite Arvine. Bukettraube.

After the jump, how to find unusual wines plus six to whet your appetite for more.

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]]>winewine century clubwine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 03 Aug 2009 16:00:00 ESTRiesling - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/27/riesling-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/27/riesling-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/27/riesling-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Pacific Rim Dry Riesling

Photo:
Pacific Rim

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Like the incredibly talented actor who is not quite dreamy enough to snag blockbuster roles but remains a critics' darling, Riesling is the pet wine of sommeliers and wine writers who understand its magnificence and versatility. But poor Riesling doesn't get a lot of love in the stores -- not like Chardonnay, Cabernet and other A-list varietals, anyways.

Sad, because Riesling has so much to offer the discerning drinker. It's exceptionally versatile, producing wines from bone-dry, high-acid dinner whites to succulently intense "I've died and floated into paradise" dessert vinos. Its flavors range from lemon to green apple to peaches with whiffs of rose petals, violets and a mineral core. Great aged Rieslings sometimes have what the Brits call "petrol," or a whiff of gasoline. (Sounds weird, but it's a mark of quality.)

After the jump, a few good Rieslings and the food with which to pair them.

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]]>rieslingwinewine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 27 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTFive Wine Steals for Under $15 - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/20/five-wine-steals-for-under-15-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/20/five-wine-steals-for-under-15-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/20/five-wine-steals-for-under-15-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Patric Lesec Petit Crau NV

Photo:
Noble House Wines

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

A new Wine Spectator survey shows that even hardcore oenophiles are downshifting their vino spending. For those of us with modest budgets, here are five more wine steals. This week's theme is international, because even with our dismal exchange rate with most countries and the additional taxes, shipping and middlemen fees, imports are without question some of the best juice in the wine aisle.

5. Bodega Luigi Bosca "Finca la Linda" Torrontes 2008, Argentina ($11): This wine smells like a Viognier with its powerful orange blossom and jasmine aromas. It tastes of lemon, green apples, flowers and minerals, with a nice backbone of acidity to balance out the rather high alcohol (14 percent).

Four more wine steals plus a wine personality poll after the jump.

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]]>pollwinewine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 20 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTSeven Great Cabernets for $20 and Under - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/13/seven-great-cabernets-for-20-and-under-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/13/seven-great-cabernets-for-20-and-under-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/13/seven-great-cabernets-for-20-and-under-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon. Photo: Sean Minor Wines

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Throw out the phrase "Value Cabs" at a gathering of winos and you won't hear "Napa Valley," but you will hear "Chile."

To be honest, besides the excellent Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon, I find most of the Chilean offerings at the $10 to $20 price point are too vegetal, tasting more of green peppers than ripe fruit. Luckily, plenty of other regions are making delicious, inexpensive Cabs that deliver with deep black fruit, hints of spice, cocoa and a nice finish. Here are seven to seek out.

7. Argentina: The Graffigna 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13) is, like most Argentinean wines, incredibly well-made for the price. Step it up with the (No. 6) 2005 Grand Reserve ($20), which is a little more complex.

Five more Cabs for under $20 -- plus how to tell them apart at tastings without going crosseyed -- after the jump.

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]]>cabernet sauvignonCabernetSauvignoncheap wineCheapWinefeaturedseven great winesSevenGreatWineswinewine of the weekwine stealsWineOfTheWeekWineStealsGretchen RobertsMon, 13 Jul 2009 17:00:00 ESTPinot Grigio/Pinot Gris - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/06/pinot-grigio-pinot-gris-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/06/pinot-grigio-pinot-gris-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/07/06/pinot-grigio-pinot-gris-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Photo: Barefoot Cellars

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

I confess I'm not a huge Pinot Grigio fan, but only because so many of them are boring and insipid, like the drone who corners you at a party and prevents you from meeting more interesting people. But Pinot Grigio is the wine du jour in the summer, and when you find a good one among the sea of soulless, watery summertime quaffers, it's wise to snap it up.

Pinot Gris is the French name for the same grape, but is generally used to denote fuller-bodied and riper wines -- those with some interesting complexity and a mineral character. Here are six Gris/Grigio brands I'm happy to sip.

Six $25-and-Under Pinot Grigio/Gris recommendations after the jump, plus our Wine Poll of the Week (do you like it hot?).

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]]>pinot grigiopinot grissummerwineGretchen RobertsMon, 06 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTSeven Great All-American Wines for Fourth of July - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/29/seven-great-all-american-wines-for-4th-of-july-wine-of-the-wee/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/29/seven-great-all-american-wines-for-4th-of-july-wine-of-the-wee/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/29/seven-great-all-american-wines-for-4th-of-july-wine-of-the-wee/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Holidays, Drinks

Michael David 6th Sense Syrah

Photo:
Michael David

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

With Independence Day just around the corner, we turn our attention to all-American wines for the all-American holiday. I combed through the Slashfood archives to find wines from all around our grand ol' country worthy of an American toast. Here are seven perennial favorites:

7. Before dinner, sip on some New York Riesling like Fox Run Vineyards Dry Riesling.

6. Howdy from Texas: the Becker Vineyards Prairie Rotie is a great barbecue wine, as is the (No. 5) Waterbrook Melange from Washington or (No. 4) Michael David "Sixth Sense" Syrah from California.

Three more grand American vinos and our new poll after the jump.

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]]>4th of july4thOfJulyamericaamericanfourth of julyFourthOfJulyindependence dayJuly 4pollsummerwinewine glasseswine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 ESTFive Wine Steals for $15 and Under - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/22/5-wine-steals-for-15-and-under-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/22/5-wine-steals-for-15-and-under-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/22/5-wine-steals-for-15-and-under-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

At Slashfood we're all about saving you moolah on the best food and drinks around. Here are five more Wine Steals to add to your "must-try" list.

5. Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro "La Planta" 2007 ($13): This Spanish red, made from 100 percent Tempranillo, has dusty plum and strawberry flavors with warm vanilla and allspice. With nice, grippy tannins and a lingering finish, it's a real winner for the price and one of best $13 wines I've had in ages.

4. The Sopranos Red Blend 2007 ($15): Its light, earthy bouquet speaks to Italy's terroir, but like Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri, it's fairly soft and round for an Italian mobster vino.

Three more Wine Steals and an ice cube (for wine, that is) poll after the jump.

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]]>5 wine steals5WineStealscheap wineCheapWineinexpensive wineInexpensiveWinepollwinewine of the weekwine stealswine steals for 15 and underWineStealsFor15AndUnderGretchen RobertsMon, 22 Jun 2009 17:00:00 ESTFour Great Grilling Wines - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/15/four-great-grilling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/15/four-great-grilling-wines-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/15/four-great-grilling-wines-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drinks

Peace Love BBQ

Gretchen Roberts writes the wine blog Vinobite, has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

According to industry research, the majority (58 percent) of grill owners use them year-round (I'm one of them, and have been known to dust a foot or so of snow off the barbie in the middle of January), but summer is really when grilling gets smokin' hot. With Father's Day and the whole "let's grill a big juicy steak for dad and buy him a tie" cliché less than a week away, let's talk a bit more about barbecue-friendly wines. (And be sure to check out our expert grilling tips here).

Wine and grill pairing basics and four recommended vinos after the jump.

Continue reading Four Great Grilling Wines - Wine of the Week

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]]>cabernet sauvignoncarmenerefathers dayFathersDaygrillgrillingmalbecred wineRedWinesummerwinewine of the weekzinfandelGretchen RobertsMon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 ESTSummer Pinot Noir - Wine of the Weekhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/08/summer-pinot-noir-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/08/summer-pinot-noir-wine-of-the-week/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/06/08/summer-pinot-noir-wine-of-the-week/#commentsFiled under: Wine of the Week, Drink Recipes, Drinks

Gretchen Roberts has passed the introductory course at the Court of Master Sommeliers and is studying for her sommelier certification this fall.

Warm weather is made for whites, rosés and beer to help quench the undying thirst that accompanies the heat. But red wine lovers need not despair: plenty of light reds like Barbera, Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are good summer sippers, too.

Pinot is often relegated to autumnal pairings of mushrooms and duck, but it's also delicious in summer with grilled veggies (think: eggplant with yogurt sauce) and Indian takeout when it's too hot to cook.

Five summery Pinot recommendations after the jump.

Continue reading Summer Pinot Noir - Wine of the Week

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]]>albert bichotbourgognebrancottburgundyclos du boisClosDuBoisgirasolepinot noirponzisummerwinewine of the weekGretchen RobertsMon, 08 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST