Musings on Wine and Spirits by Louis Marmon

As seen in:
Washington Post, Gazette Newspapers, DC Examiner, The Wine Report
Washington Jewish Week, LA Times, Jewish Exponent, Capitol File Magazine

Latest Article

“My Passion and Favorite Hobby”

January 18, 2012

A review of Chateau de Parsac 2010 and an interview with Rachel Barrie, the new Master Blender at Morrison Bowmore Distillers.

There are few names better known in the world of wine than Rothschild. Primarily a financial dynasty since the 1700s, the Rothschild family expanded into the wine business with the 1853 purchase of the Bordeaux estate Château Brane Mouton by Nathaniel de Rothschild who renamed it Château Mouton Rothschild. His father-in-law, Baron James bought the neighboring Château Lafite in 1868, thereby establishing a rivalry between the two grand estates that has lasted until this day.

A Dominant Name in the World of Bourbon January 11, 2012 A review of the Weinstock Petite Sirah 2010 and Jim Beam White Label Bourbon Whiskey. There is nothing tiny about Petite Sirah. It is a bruiser of a grape that requires a deft hand to make it approachable. Now grown primarily in California, Australia and Israel, Petite Sirah was developed in France by crossing Sirah with the lesser known Peloursin. The grapes are smaller than other varietals which led to its name and a considerable amount of vineyard confusion when it eventually made its way to the U.S. Read more>>		The “Book” on European Vintages January 4, 2012 A review of Appalina Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and several Glen Garioch whiskies. The rules governing European wine production are almost Talmudic in their complexity. The regulations concern all aspects of wine-making including the technigues permitted, the amount of land that can be used to grow grapes, the specific varietals allowed in each region and what words and information can appearr on the labels. Read more>>
Bubble Trouble Turns Into Elegant Sparklers December 29, 2011 A sparkling wine review including the Pol Roger Brut Reserve “White Foil,” the Mionetto, Lunetta, Voveti and Lamberti proseccos, JJ Vincent Cremant, Champalou Vovray Brut, Trapiche Extra Brut, and the J Vineyards Brut Rose and their 25th Anniversary Brut. Bubbles in wine were once considered a fault, especially when the increased pressure caused the bottles to explode. The early Greeks attributed the presence of bubbles in wine to either astrological influences or malevolent spirits. It is likely that the French monk credited for “discovering” sparkling wine, Dom Perignon, was trying to find a way to prevent the bubbles from occurring. And it is equally likely that the development of stronger glass bottles by the English and their use of cork stoppers is what led to the subsequent success of the French Champagne region. Read more>>		A Journey to the Isle of Scotch December 28, 2011 A review of Hagafen Cuvee de Noirs 2007 and the Laphroaig 10 year old Single- Malt Scotch. Sparkling wines are ideal for festivities. Their bright flavors and acidity make them perfect pairing partners for numerous cuisines including sushi, cheese, chicken, fish and dessert. In fact, they are so versatile that it seems a shame to relegate them only to celebrations. Read more>>
A Toast to Drinking No Wine Before Its Time December 21, 2011 A review of Capcanes Peraj Ha’abid 2008, the Glenmorangie Signet and the Ardbeg Alligator. While it is true that most wine is meant to be consumed within a few years after its release, there are many wines that are created with aging in mind. In general, these wines have markedly noticeable tannins – the chemical compounds from the grape stems, seeds and skins that influence the wine’s color, structure and ultimately its aging ability. Read more>>		The Miracle of the Scotch Filled Menorah December 14, 2011 A review of the O’Dwyers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2010 and the Tullibardine Aged Scotch Whisky. The rituals associated with wine are nearly as numerous as any religious service. Opening, decanting, swirling, sniffing, tasting, and even spitting follow established patterns and recognized norms. Developed to enhance once sensory appreciation of wine, they have achieved a level of dogma that instills near-paralyzing fear into the uninitiated. Read more>>