The Wine Intellect

  Summer 2021 turned out some great movies. With the pandemic still rising in areas across the U.S and other parts of the world, there were many options to view the new releases.  Though we may be bidding summer farewell soon, some of these releases are still available for your viewing pleasure (check your local listings and networks for more information).  May I also suggest a few wines to go with your movies? Read on to find out why certain movies pair well with a particular wine! The Pairings: Space Jam: A New Legacy    Movie Preview Wine choice: Australian Shiraz Full-bodied and vibrant; intense and juicy meets a zany live-action animated sports comedy film. A good pair for the rebirth of a movie starring another basketball legend, Lebron James. In the Heights    Movie Preview Wine choice:  Viognier This movie reminds me of West Side Story. It's a musical drama, with a nice story line and good musical score. There are lively characters and enough drama to take you through the e

This is a question asked by individuals new to wine and those who consider themselves quite versed in wine.  Even now, as I taste my way through the excellent wine selections for my WSET course, and the suggestions of other wine school directors, I find myself asking every now and then, "Is cheap wine bad?" What makes wine cheap, anyway? There are a couple of things to consider: The name of the Producer  Where the wine is from Methods used during harvest (hand- picked, versus machine) What occurs during the wine making process Vintage All of these factors play a role in the price you pay for your wine.  However, I admit: it can be discouraging scrolling through Instagram and looking at accounts of wines with price tags that make you want to consider other less expensive hobbies! While I have enjoyed expensive wine, I have also enjoyed wine with price points that allowed me to still pay my bills!  Enjoying wine is not about locating and only drinking wines from the Right Bank

Today's wine notes are on the Weibel Pomegranate California Sparkling Wine. This wine is produced by the Weibel family from their own family estate vineyards located in Lodi Wine Country (located between the San Francisco Bay and Sierra Nevada Mountains).  For three generations, the Weibel family have produced California Champagne and fine wines. They are known for their Green Hungarian , which became popular with new wine drinkers in 1959.   Today, under the direction of Fred Weibel Jr., the Weibel family continues to produce wines from naturally flavored sparkling wines to non-varietal table wines. Weibel Pomegranate California Sparkling Wine This grape sparkler is pale red in color, with ample bubbly. On the nose, there are crisp red fruit and a hint of citrus. The juicy pomegranate on the palette highlights the moderately high acidity that ends with an off- dry finish.  You can't go wrong with this one for brunch, a celebration or simple enjoyment. The bubbles in your glass