GrapeLines

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.

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Romantic wine suggestions for Valentine’s Day

Indulge your beloved by sharing a bottle of wine or other fine libation on Valentine’s Day. California’s full-bodied Terra Valentine Spring Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 ($38), with richly spiced dark currant and blackberry flavors that finish with cedar, chocolate and caramel, is an excellent choice. Or, sip the more hedonistic, highly regarded Mollydooker Carnival of Love McLaren Vale Shiraz 2007 ($90), with big mouth-filling blueberry, exotic spice and dark plum flavors that seem to linger forever.

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Some sparkling wine recommendations.

Resist the temptation to assign unused bottles of holiday Champagne and other sparklers to next year’s festivities and look for reasons to share them now. The balanced acidity of sparkling wines makes them food-friendly, and they come in sufficient styles, flavors and prices to fit most budgets and tastes.

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Gift suggestions for wine lovers.

If you are invited to a birthday or anniversary party for a wine enthusiast or are looking for a gift for the hosts of a dinner party you’re attending, there are many new and interesting items to make your search easy. Here are some suggestions:

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Some wine recommendations for Shavuot.

The Talmud states that there is no happiness without wine. As the only drink with its own blessing — thanking the “Creator of the fruit of the vine” — wine is integral to Shabbat and other Jewish holidays. Even the cup to hold the wine is special, often ornately decorated and of a specific volume to ensure that enough is consumed to fulfill the mitzvot.

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Sparkling wine recommendations for the holidays.

Nothing says holidays like the pop of a cork and a tall glass of sparkling wine. Festive, fun and a bit extravagant, Champagne and other sparkling wines are a wonderful way to celebrate the joys of the season with family and friends. A vast amount of ‘‘bubbly” is sold is during the weeks leading up to the New Year and discounts abound as retailers compete for a share of this increased demand. The many varieties of available styles and prices make it easy to find one to fit your budget and holiday menu.

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Some wine recommendations for your next family gathering.

So, the entire family is coming into town for your simcha and that includes a dinner at your house. Besides figuring out what everyone will eat, you also want to have the right wines to serve without breaking your budget. Fortunately there are a large number of wines from around the world that your guests will enjoy that also are excellent values.

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