Category Archives: Wine

At 2018 NY Wine Classic, Cider Makes Strong Showing

By Christopher Matthews At last week’s 2018 New York Wine Classic, the 33rd annual “Oscars” of the NY wine industry, some 853 NY wines competed for medals (Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze), the coveted “Governor’s Cup” (Best in Show), … Continue reading

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Inspiring Bordeaux “Quartet” at the Wine Media Guild

By Christopher Matthews Normally, the Wine Media Guild of New York’s annual Bordeaux lunch takes place in January, when the Union de Grand Crus de Bordeaux’s (UGCB) show comes through town as part of a national tour. But January’s unpredictable weather … Continue reading

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Bordeaux 2015: A Très Bon Vintage

By Christopher Matthews That was indeed my impression from the annual Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) tasting recently held at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan, where the newly released 2015 vintage was on full display. Touted as great … Continue reading

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Rosé Champagne at the Wine Media Guild

By Christopher Matthews Cross one of the bucket list…   After years of work conflicts and scheduling bad luck, I finally made it to one of Ed McCarthy’s annual December Champagne tastings for the Wine Media Guild of New York … Continue reading

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2017 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competion: Whitecliff Wins Big…

By Christopher Matthews …with its 2016 Vidal Blanc from the Hudson River Region (HRR)! Not only did Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery win Best in Show with its Vidal Blanc, but it also took Best Overall Hudson Valley Wine (using Hudson Valley fruit) … Continue reading

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Hudson River Region’s Fjord Vineyards Wins Best Cabernet Franc in New York

By Christopher Matthews Following up on its stellar performance at the 2016 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition, where it swept most of the top awards, Fjord Vineyards, located in Marlboro, NY, recently won the “Best Cabernet Franc” at the 2017 … Continue reading

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Blaye Bargain: Chateau La Croix St. Pierre

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

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

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”

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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