Category Archives: Wine + Food

Gaskins’ Got It Going On

Posted on June 13, 2017 by

By Christopher Matthews In the micro-hamlet of Germantown, in southern Columbia County (NY), Gaskins is a pulsing farm-to-table boîte in the middle of a small, but vibrant, business district.  As its second anniversary approaches, this “tavern” has clearly hit its … Continue reading →

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Blaye Bargain: Chateau La Croix St. Pierre

Posted on May 15, 2017 by

By Christopher Matthews Mention Bordeaux to someone, and chances are that Blaye does not come to mind. Perhaps it will in the future, as this large district within the greater Bordeaux wine region, a.k.a. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, is a … Continue reading →

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Champagne Collet: Stylish Bubbly

Posted on April 27, 2017 by

By Christopher Matthews Champagne is a big deal in the US, which is the second largest market outside of France for the iconic French bubbly (the UK remains first). And not only does it comprise over 20% of the total American sparkling wine market, … Continue reading →

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Peak Etna Value: Barone Di Villagrande Rosso

Posted on February 19, 2017 by

By Christopher Matthews Of the many favorable spots to grow grapes on Sicily, the most compelling district for me is the Etna DOC, in the shadow of Europe’s tallest — and very active — volcano. Endowed with mineral-rich volcanic soils, intense sunlight and cooling sea … Continue reading →

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Bordeaux Chateaux “Punching Above Their Weight”

Posted on February 1, 2017 by

By Christopher Matthews Bordeaux Chateaux that “punch above their weight” was how Wine Media Guild (WMG) member Mark Golodetz framed the WMG’s recent, annual Bordeaux walk-around tasting and lunch, held at Il Gattopardo in Manhattan. As the traditional member-sponsor of … Continue reading →

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Italian Elegance: Lugana Wines

Posted on October 31, 2016 by

By Christopher Matthews For wine lovers, Italy’s incredible regional diversity and myriad grape varieties – many of them indigenous, and some produced only in certain Italian locales – are the gifts that keep on giving. But that’s what also makes Italian … Continue reading →

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Killer Bordeaux Bargain: Chateau Carbonneau

Posted on May 17, 2016 by

By Christopher Matthews It’s no secret that Bordeaux represents a great source of wine value, despite the outsized focus on the Grand Cru chateaux and hallowed First Growths (which certainly have their place, too). Value, of course, is a very relative thing, but … Continue reading →

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