Pinotage

The Etzel Legacy: How Beaux Frères is Redefining Oregon Pinot

The Etzel Legacy: How Beaux Frères is Redefining Oregon Pinot

Pour yourself a cup for this one: Michael D Etzel’s family cellar is a time capsule of Burgundy’s golden age, but his vision for Beaux Frères is rewriting Oregon’s wine map. The winery, now a Willamette Valley icon, is shedding its Parker-era DNA to embrace a terroir-driven philosophy that’s as bold as it is nuanced. Etzel’s journey—from a Colorado salesman turned winemaker to CEO of this 61-hectare estate—is a masterclass in reinvention, balancing heritage with the urgency of climate change. Etzel’s roots run deep. His uncle, Robert Parker, once a gatekeeper of Burgundy’s elite, indirectly shaped the estate’s early days…
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A Burgundy Boldness: Philippe Charlopin’s 2022 Clos Vougeot

A Burgundy Boldness: Philippe Charlopin’s 2022 Clos Vougeot

This bottle arrived in my kitchen from a Tokyo warehouse, a relic of a vintage that’s been dubbed “solar intensity” by critics. Philippe Charlopin’s Clos Vougeot is a case study in modernist Burgundy—bold, unapologetic, and utterly thrilling. The 2022 vintage is a beast, with its dense, ripe fruit and brooding aromatics that scream of sun-drenched vines. Charlopin’s approach here is clear: he’s not chasing elegance, he’s crafting a wine that thrives on power. The nose is a swirl of dark medicinal cherry, fleshy plum, and a violet floral note that lingers like a whisper. Oak and vanilla add a glossy…
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The Pink Wines You’ve Been Missing

The Pink Wines You’ve Been Missing

Real talk: Rosé isn’t just for picnics. This category is a masterclass in nuance, offering everything from zesty citrus zingers to rich, almost savory complexity. The six wines below prove that quality rosé exists far beyond Provence—and your palate will thank you for expanding your horizons. Sancerre, that Loire Valley staple known for Sauvignon Blanc, hides a secret weapon: its rosé. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, these salmon-pink wines deliver a symphony of cherry, peach, and pepper, balanced by high acidity. Think of it as a sophisticated alternative to Provençal rosé, with the same refreshing edge but deeper layers. Pair…
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Wine and Wild: Where Nature Meets the Glass

Wine and Wild: Where Nature Meets the Glass

The world’s best wine regions are also its most breathtaking landscapes. From towering sequoias to roaring waterfalls, these 8 destinations pair vino with adventure in ways that will redefine your palate and your perspective. Imagine sipping a rich Zinfandel while scaling granite cliffs or toasting to Pinot Noir as thunderous rapids crash nearby. These are not just wine trips—they’re immersive experiences where the earth itself becomes part of the pour. The Sierra Foothills offers a rugged blend of rock climbing and old-world vineyards. Here, the 19th-century gold rush left behind not just riches but centuries-old Italian and Spanish vines. After…
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Raise a Glass to National Red Wine Day

Raise a Glass to National Red Wine Day

Here’s what you need to know: August 28th isn’t just another day on the calendar—it’s a celebration of red wine’s unapologetic boldness. National Red Wine Day, championed by wine enthusiast Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, isn’t tied to seasons or harvests. It’s a reminder that red wine thrives in every climate, every mood, and every moment. And honestly? We can’t argue with that logic. Merlot, often the unsung hero of Bordeaux, is the secret weapon in top-tier right bank wines. Its velvety tannins and dark fruit notes make it a crowd-pleaser, but next time you sip it, remember: it’s the terroir, not the…
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The Art of Pairing Wine with Middle Eastern Flavors

The Art of Pairing Wine with Middle Eastern Flavors

Here’s what you need to know: Middle Eastern cuisine is a masterclass in balance—herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients create a tapestry of flavors that demand more than just a casual wine match. Hummus, falafel, and grilled kebabs aren’t just dishes; they’re flavor profiles that thrive when paired with wines that complement their texture, acidity, and depth. The key is to let the wine enhance, not overpower, the dish. Take hummus, for instance. Its creamy garlic base and tangy tahini can feel heavy without the right wine. A medium-bodied dry rosé or an aromatic white like Albariño cuts through the richness,…
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Decoding Wine Body: How to Taste the Fullness in Every Sip

Decoding Wine Body: How to Taste the Fullness in Every Sip

The verdict is in: Wine body isn’t about sweetness or tannin—it’s about the weight of the glass. Think of it like milk fat: whole milk feels rich, skim milk feels light. Wine body operates on the same principle, but with more nuance. It’s the sum of alcohol, acidity, and texture, and it shapes how a wine feels in your mouth. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Pinot Noir or a bold Cabernet, understanding body helps you navigate flavor profiles and find wines that align with your palate. Light-bodied wines are the minimalist classics. They’re low in alcohol (typically under 13.5%) and…
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Oregon’s Pinot Noir: The Delicate Diva That’s Rewriting the Rules

Oregon’s Pinot Noir: The Delicate Diva That’s Rewriting the Rules

Pinot Noir isn’t just a wine—it’s a mood. Fickle, fragile, and fiercely expressive, it’s the kind of grape that demands respect and rewards patience. Yet here’s the thing: it’s also the reason wine lovers keep coming back. The Tasting Challenge, a weekly deep dive into 34 wines from 12 countries, proves that Pinot Noir’s complexity isn’t just for experts. It’s a conversation between soil, weather, and human hands—a dialogue that unfolds in every sip. Oregon’s Pinot Noir is the latest chapter in that story. Unlike California’s bold fruit bombs or Burgundy’s storied traditions, Oregon’s version is all about nuance. The…
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Pinot Noir Rosé: The Pink Wine That Defies Its Reputation

Pinot Noir Rosé: The Pink Wine That Defies Its Reputation

If you’ve ever dismissed rosé as a summer fling, think again. American Pinot Noir rosé is rewriting the script. This isn’t just a blush-colored sip—it’s a wine that bridges the gap between red and white, offering complexity, acidity, and a flavor profile that’s anything but basic. The question isn’t whether Pinot Noir rosé can hold its own against its French counterparts; it’s why it’s quietly becoming the go-to choice for those who crave more from their pink wine. Pinot Noir’s versatility is its secret weapon. While most red grapes struggle to make rosé, Pinot Noir thrives in this role. The…
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The Quiet Power of Italian Pinot Grigio

The Quiet Power of Italian Pinot Grigio

Don’t mistake Italy for its reds. While Barolo and Chianti dominate the conversation, there’s a white wine quietly rewriting the script: Pinot Grigio. This week’s Tasting Challenge? A bottle from Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region, where the grape’s true character emerges. Think of it as the unsung hero of Italian wine—dry, sharp, and full of minerality, far removed from the lush, honeyed Pinot Gris of France. The Trentino-Alto Adige region isn’t just cold—it’s Alpine. At elevations up to 3,300 feet, the grapes grow slowly, developing a bracing acidity and a crisp, flinty edge. This isn’t a wine for those who crave…
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