Did you know that Madeira was poured during Thomas Jefferson’s toast at the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, or that it was savored at the inauguration of George Washington shortly thereafter? At one time, Madeira was so ubiquitous that it perfumed ladies’ handkerchieves; was given to military personnel for service of their country; and was frequently […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Madeira Wine Read More »
You know that ever-so-frequent moment when your mind starts drifts to a tropical island filled with swaying palm trees, soaring cliffs and vine-covered mountains? That place where you conjure up an afternoon of gratuitous lounging, filled with copious amounts of wine and food while listening to soft island tunes in the background? Fortunate for you, the only difference between
12 Top Travel Tips when Visiting Madeira Read More »
Richard Mayson’s newest book, Madeira: The Islands and their Wines, is exactly what I needed. Let me explain. I’d just become a part-time wine student, and went to class one evening a week, initially just to get a bit of variety from life at my full-time day job. I was telling a friend about my
Book Review – Madeira: The Islands and their Wines? Read More »
I’m a huge fan of just about anything that’s multifunctional. Collapsible dining tables – you complete me. Storage stools – you steal my heart. Ovenproof skillets – I have the hots for you. Sarongs you can wear as a skirt, a dress, a shawl – oh, I can hardly contain myself! When it comes to
Madeira: The Multifunctional Dessert Wine Read More »
What do you call a group of small, artisan wine producers at a tasting? If you’re in France or Italy, the “natural wine” moniker might well rear its head. The suggestion being that these are winemakers who eschew overtly industrial production methods, intervene less and attempt above all else to express their terroir. The less charitable may claim
Off the beaten track in Porto – Simplesmente Vinho Read More »
Coming across Fondillón is a bit like meeting Samuel Taylor Coleridge‘s Ancient Mariner, buttonholing you with stories of ancient glories and disaster. You’re half fascinated and half disbelieving. Yet he starts pulling bits and pieces out of his pockets – there is the price list of leading Alicante wine merchants Maisonnave & Co. from the
Fondillón: A Very Unique Style of Sweet Spanish Wine from Alicante Read More »
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