Wines of the Southern Hemisphere: Half Expectations
By Thomas Madrecki Depth and breadth are two words frequently at odds in books attempting to survey a topic as far-ranging and diverse as wine. Wines of the Southern Hemisphere: A Complete Guide, by “World Wine Guys” Mike DeSimone and Jeff… Read more
Thanksgiving Dessert: Buttermilk Pie
By Thomas Madrecki I’ll confess: I don’t have much affection for the traditional Thanksgiving desserts. Pumpkin pie? Homemade with real pumpkin, it frequently lacks punch and vigor. From the can? Too sweet and akin to puree. From a bakery?… Read more
Thanksgiving Starters
By Thomas Madrecki Every year, we gather around the Thanksgiving table. No matter what part of the country you’re from, whether you’re conservative or liberal, white collar or blue collar, a long-time resident or a recent immigrant, chances are… Read more
Wined to Impress
By Thomas Madrecki Eddie Osterland was the first American to achieve the title of Master Sommelier. He is also more than adept at the art of cool business deals and political maneuvering, as shown in his new book, Power Entertaining: Secrets to… Read more
Natural Wine Goes South — Really Far South
By Thomas Madrecki Louis Antoine Luyt isn’t like most winemakers in Chile. If his name wasn’t enough of an indication (he’s French), his wines will fill in any gaps in understanding. They’re pure, focused, almost Pinot Noir-esque — nothing… Read more
Smoky Rose at Stinson Vineyards in Virginia
By Thomas Madrecki As someone who has tasted my fair share of Virginia wines from across the Commonwealth, I generally will not make the inflated defense of local bottlings that some of my peers will make. Though I don’t think it fair to… Read more
Zraly’s Book Continues To Impress, But Can It Do Even Better?
By Thomas Madrecki Let’s get this out of the way first: There may be no better introduction to the basics of wine making and wine tasting than Kevin Zraly’s best-selling Windows on the World Complete Wine Course. The world of wine is… Read more
Gold Standard: Reviewing the New York Times’ Book of Wine
By Thomas Madrecki The joy of The New York Times’ newly released Book of Wine is not its comprehensive nature, or its potential to provide an educational overview of grape growing and wine making globally. Rather, this collection of short… Read more
An Herb to Savor: Pungent Papalo
By Thomas Madrecki Is there any better feeling as a cook than “discovering” a new ingredient? Whether it’s an herb, a spice, a protein … being able to share a unique, different taste with your guests is a treat. That’s why I was… Read more
Michigan Pinot Noir at Brys Estate
By Thomas Madrecki Never one to travel without first checking my wine options, I recently headed up to Michigan’s Traverse City area for a family wedding. To my initial delight, I found myself surrounded in vineyards. Grapes, it would seem,… Read more
