A Free Wine Encyclopedia!“Paul, you refer to varietal character in your descriptions of the wines you feature. I am having difficulty identifying what you are talking about.. I can follow the other parts of your description usually. What is varietal character, and how can I identify it?” – S.O.; San Diego Varietal character is the organoleptic “character”… read more »
“Paul, I have to go to San Francisco on business for a week. My wife will be with me. We have never been to the wine country. I intend to schedule a day off and tour. Where do you recommend I go?” – D.H.Ventura; CA For a one day trip, and for a first time… read more »
“Paul: I have been disappointed recently in the ‘sold out’ situation of some of your wines. I wanted more of the Hidden Cellars Chevrignon d’Or and the Heitz Pinot Noir, but you were sold out. Why don’t you buy enough inventory?!” – J.H. Sorry about that! I hate to disappoint anybody. They were super wines, weren’t… read more »
“Paul, I need your input. A friend of mine is a beer distributor. Recently he purchased a “closeout lot” of wine. A beer and wine wholesaler had gone out of business, and he had bid on their inventory. Knowing about my interest in wine, he offered me the opportunity to purchase any that I wished… read more »
I have three kids. Well, not kids anymore. The oldest is 36, and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife Lynn and their two children. I have to bootleg some of our selections to him every so often when he runs out of bottles on his wine rack. He is founder and president of Fun Tours,… read more »
Wine with Food: Tapas By Paul Kalemkiarian Sr. | A most refreshing custom of Spain is the serving of a tidbit every time wine is served. These wonderful appetizers are standard fare at all restaurants, wine bars, and gatherings. In fact, it is automatic. Most establishments will place one piece of tapas on a small plate, and… read more »
Wine with Food: Rioja By Paul Kalemkiarian Sr. | I am writing this on the eve of departing for Spain. I was motivated to the topic by my expectations of the culinary surprises I am looking for, and maybe some discoveries of wines. Spain is best known for its sherry wine. They are in a… read more »
Wine with Food: Petite Sirah By Paul Kalemkiarian Sr. | Petite Sirah varietal wine suffers a personality complex! It is passed up by beginners and connoisseurs, for different reasons. The person new to wines is usually enamored with the big name varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Johannisberg Riesling spending most of… read more »
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“Dear Paul, I have heard that sulfites are used as preservatives in wine. I am inclined to be a natural food enthusiast and avoid preservatives. I receive conflicting answers to the sulfite story. Some say it is a natural product in wine, and others say it is added. Which is it?” – W.O.; Bakersfield The… read more »