VINOGRAPHY®: a wine blog
Wine and food adventures in San Francisco and around the world
I'll Drink to That: Burgundy Vigneron Christophe Roumier
Episode 476 of I'll Drink to That! was released recently, and it features Christophe Roumier of Domaine Georges Roumier, the winery located in the Burgundy village of Chambolle-Musigny. "If you think of driving a car," says Burgundy vigneron Christophe Roumier in the lastest episode of I'll Drink to That!, "you need an accelerator and you need a steering wheel. There is nothing like that to drive a fermentation. The only way is to use the temperature control." This simple, easy to comprehend statement quickly conveys what Christophe is trying to explain, which is the importance of temperature control in... continue reading 
- Posted by: Alder on December 28, 2019 9:02 PM
- Filed under: I'll Drink to That
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Vinography Images: Scenic Backdrop
Scenic Backdrop SANTA YNEZ, CA: The backcountry wilderness along Paradise Road along the upper Santa Ynez River can be seen behind vineyards and orchards near Santa Ynez, California. Santa Barbara's interior wine country has grown to become one of California's top tourist weekend destinations for those driving north from Los Angeles and Southern California. INSTRUCTIONS: Download this image by right-clicking on the image and selecting "save link as" or "save target as" and then select the desired location on your computer to save the image. Mac users can also just click the image to open the full size view... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 28, 2019 8:54 PM
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Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 12/22/19
Welcome to my weekly roundup of the wine stories that I find of interest on the web. I post them to my magazine on on Flipboard, but for those of you who aren't Flipboard inclined, here's everything I've strained out of the wine-related muck for the week. Happy Holidays! Australian Bush Fires Engulf Southern Wine Region Horrific news. Third of Adelaide Hills Vineyards Lost in Wildfires More details on the tragedy. Bankers-Turned-Winemakers Are Transforming England Into Wine Country Bubbly is an expensive proposition. California Wine Makers Examine Climate's Effect On Their Industry Dan Petroski on NPR! Digital Darwinism Imminent:... continue reading
Vinography Images: Rolling in the Mists
Rolling in the Mists SANTA YNEZ, CA: A Cabernet vineyard at Dierberg Star Lane Vineyards is shrouded in fog on near Santa Ynez, California. An unusual combination of topography and climate allows this section of the Santa Ynez Valley to grow both Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon quite well. INSTRUCTIONS: Download this image by right-clicking on the image and selecting "save link as" or "save target as" and then select the desired location on your computer to save the image. Mac users can also just click the image to open the full size view and drag that to their... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 21, 2019 4:03 PM
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Tariffs Curb US-China Bottle Swap
The US-China trade war has had far-reaching effects on the California wine industry, not least in its choice of bottles. In the latest episode of what has been a multi-year saga of escalation and antipathy, China confirmed on Friday 13 December that it had reached a tentative trade agreement with the United States. This followed promises of a similar sort from President Donald J Trump on Twitter the day before that sent financial markets rallying, and had the California wine industry tentatively breathing sighs of relief. In 2018, fulfilling a promise he made to address the trade deficit while... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 17, 2019 8:24 AM
- Filed under: Ramblings and Rants
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Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 12/15/19
Welcome to my weekly roundup of the wine stories that I find of interest on the web. I post them to my magazine on on Flipboard, but for those of you who aren't Flipboard inclined, here's everything I've strained out of the wine-related muck for the week. Anne Krebiehl MW: why German wine deserve its exciting future Anne interviewed on the topic of her book. How we chose the 2019 Winemaker of the Year Behind the scenes at the Chronicle. In Champagne: Louis Roederer Jamie Goode and Treve Ring hit Champagne. Natural Wine is Having a Moment Really? We... continue reading
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 12/8/19
Hello, and welcome to my periodic dig through the samples pile. I'm pleased to bring you the latest installment of Vinography Unboxed, where I highlight some of the better bottles that have crossed my doorstep recently. This week we're going to start with bubbles and end with bubbles, and sandwich a few things in between. Let's begin with a trio of Champagnes, all of which I can recommend highly. The first is the relatively entry-level bottling from Palmer and Company, which is pretty darn good for being less than $50. Likewise the basic non-vintage extra brut from Bruno Paillard is... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 14, 2019 11:59 PM
- Filed under: Wine Reviews
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Vinography Images: Vinecushion
Vinecushion LOS OLIVOS, CA: New plantings are staked with wooden supports making a pincushion effect around an old California Live Oak at Stolpman Vineyards in Ballard Canyon near Los Olivos, California. Winter rains are evoking the first hints of green from the vineyards and hills of Santa Barbara County. INSTRUCTIONS: Download this image by right-clicking on the image and selecting "save link as" or "save target as" and then select the desired location on your computer to save the image. Mac users can also just click the image to open the full size view and drag that to their... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 14, 2019 10:21 PM
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Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 12/8/19
Welcome to my weekly roundup of the wine stories that I find of interest on the web. I post them to my magazine on on Flipboard, but for those of you who aren't Flipboard inclined, here's everything I've strained out of the wine-related muck for the week. It was a light news week this week. Paris' Hidden Vineyards Urban gems. Who Suffers from Tariffs on Wine? You Do A good excuse to drink Sonoma. Winemakers to Watch The SF Chronicle rounds up its top picks in winemakers Winemaker of the Year And their winemaker of the year. Is Natural... continue reading
Vinography Unboxed: Week of 12/1/19
Hello, and welcome to my periodic dig through the samples pile. I'm pleased to bring you the latest installment of Vinography Unboxed, where I highlight some of the better bottles that have crossed my doorstep recently. This week included a random white from Bordeaux -- the Clarendelle from Clarence Dillon Wines, an in-house brand developed by one of Bordeaux's top wine merchants. It is supposedly inspired by Haut Brion, whatever that means. The wine offers some bright flavors and the welcome influence of Semillon on the overall picture. In addition, I've got notes for three Chardonnays on offer this week.... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 7, 2019 11:58 PM
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Vinography Images: Two Worlds
Two Worlds SANTA MARIA, CA: Hillside Pinot Noir vineyards run up against even steeper hills along the Tepusquet Bench are viewed in the late afternoon near Santa Maria, California. Because of its close proximity to Southern California and Los Angeles population centers, combined with a Mediterranean climate, the coastal regions of Santa Barbara have become a popular weekend wine getaway destination for millions of tourists each year. INSTRUCTIONS: Download this image by right-clicking on the image and selecting "save link as" or "save target as" and then select the desired location on your computer to save the image. Mac... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 7, 2019 3:42 PM
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The 2019 Vinography Gift Guide for Wine Lovers
Giving gifts to wine lovers during the holidays can be anxiety inducing. Especially if your recipient tends to have many of the basics covered when it comes to wine. And forget about what a hassle that people like me tend to be. I'm one of those wine lovers who already has most of the gear that he wants, and has very strong opinions about everything else. Sound like anyone you know? I've said before that buying wine for your favorite wine lover can be an exercise fraught with peril. Many wine lovers I know would much rather choose their... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on December 4, 2019 7:58 PM
- Filed under: Product Reviews , Ramblings and Rants
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Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 12/1/19
Welcome to my weekly roundup of the wine stories that I find of interest on the web. I post them to my magazine on on Flipboard, but for those of you who aren't Flipboard inclined, here's everything I've strained out of the wine-related muck for the week. How to Be a Master of Wine While 35,00 Feet Up Step 1, become a Master of Wine. Step two, get on a plane. Police seize fake Penfolds wines in Cambodia - report On their way to China no doubt. Got Wine? Is It Time for a Generic Wine Promotion Campaign? The... continue reading
Vinography Images: Reflecting Vine
Reflecting Vine SANTA YNEZ, CA: The pond at Refugio Ranch near Santa Ynez, California. Water is increasingly one of the most precious resources for California winegrowers as recent droughts and changing regulations make it both more scarce and more expensive every year. INSTRUCTIONS: Download this image by right-clicking on the image and selecting "save link as" or "save target as" and then select the desired location on your computer to save the image. Mac users can also just click the image to open the full size view and drag that to their desktops. To set the image as your... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on November 30, 2019 6:43 AM
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Vinography Unboxed: Week of 11/24/19
Hello, and welcome to my periodic dig through the samples pile. I'm pleased to bring you the latest installment of Vinography Unboxed, where I highlight some of the better bottles that have crossed my doorstep recently. This week began with a little bubbly -- namely a couple of bottles from the venerable Champagne Palmer & Co in Reims, France. In 1947, a group of 7 winegrowers decided to pool their resources and talent to create a single brand, and from that initial partnership, Palmer & Co has grown to hold 494 acres of vineyards and four winemaking facilities. The two... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on November 29, 2019 4:09 AM
- Filed under: Wine Reviews
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So Much to Be Thankful For
We're in a grateful mood here in California in general. The winter rains have finally begun to fall, mercifully marking the end of another fire season. Though harrowing as it was, and not without some tragic loss, compared to the last couple of years, it feels a bit like the state dodged a bullet. And now it's Thanksgiving, a holiday that many enjoy for its traditions of eating and gathering, but one that is increasingly understood in the context of historical amnesia of genocide. But even if we refuse to to celebrate the false historical pretense of the holiday,... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on November 28, 2019 12:41 PM
- Filed under: Ramblings and Rants
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Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 11/24/19
Welcome to my weekly roundup of the wine stories that I find of interest on the web. I post them to my magazine on on Flipboard, but for those of you who aren't Flipboard inclined, here's everything I've strained out of the wine-related muck for the week. The Women Behind Some of Washington's Best Grapevines Profiles by Sean Sullivan Naked announces Gormley's retirement and appoints Devlin as its new CEO But is it a success or a failure? Aussie Fire Update: No Direct Damage to Vineyards But Still Areas of Concern Another bullet dodged? Sonoma County Planning Commission approves... continue reading
Vinography Images: Row Orientation
Row Orientation SANTA MARIA, CA: A hillside chardonnay vineyard angles up a hillside to catch the sun near Santa Maria, California. A cool spring and mild summer contributed to a generally excellent harvest of premium wine grapes throughout the state of California. INSTRUCTIONS: Download this image by right-clicking on the image and selecting "save link as" or "save target as" and then select the desired location on your computer to save the image. Mac users can also just click the image to open the full size view and drag that to their desktops. To set the image as your... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on November 23, 2019 11:57 PM
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Flames, Fermentation, Fear and Recovery in Sonoma
On 23 October, the Kincade Fire exploded to life on the hillsides above Geyserville in California's Sonoma County, and quickly prompted the evacuation of that small town. Four days later, it had grown to 26,000 acres (10,500 ha) and was threatening the towns of Healdsburg and Windsor (see my day-by-day coverage of the fire in Kincade Fire menaces Sonoma). In response to forecasts of gale-force winds, Pacific Gas & Electric, the local electrical utility, cut off power to more than two million residents throughout the state and authorities evacuated close to 200,000 people throughout western Sonoma County, including winemakers... continue reading
- Posted by: Alder on November 22, 2019 5:43 PM
- Filed under: Ramblings and Rants
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Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 11/17/19
Welcome to my weekly roundup of the wine stories that I find of interest on the web. I post them to my magazine on on Flipboard, but for those of you who aren't Flipboard inclined, here's everything I've strained out of the wine-related muck for the week. Reconciling Wine's Eternal Sin So... carbon offsets? How Natural Wine Became a Symbol of Virtuous Consumption A long read with a deep dive into Clos Saron that is very worth it. Wine Moguls Destroy Land And Pay Small Fines As Cost Of Business, Say Activists Deplorable, really. Why You Should Drink More... continue reading
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Most Recent Entries
I'll Drink to That: Burgundy Vigneron Christophe Roumier Vinography Images: Scenic Backdrop Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 12/22/19 Vinography Images: Rolling in the Mists Tariffs Curb US-China Bottle Swap Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 12/15/19 Vinography Unboxed: Week of 12/8/19 Vinography Images: Vinecushion Wine News: What I'm Reading the Week of 12/8/19 Vinography Unboxed: Week of 12/1/19
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