From the monthly archives:

December 2007

Wine studies …

by Marisa D'Vari30 December 2007

… so here is the big news. If you are a rat, you should drink very fine French wine … but only after age forty. And also, only if you do not need to find an island. I’ll explain, but…

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Food and sake pairing

by Marisa D'Vari28 December 2007

Sake is catching on in the United States! This great article (excerpt below) shows different ways that Sake can be paired with food … (if you want to learn more about sake, be sure to see my article on the…

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3 Martini Lunch in China

by Marisa D'Vari27 December 2007

Alcohol is big in China. Read this intriguing Reuters post about how Chinese business execs are bringing back the 3 Martini lunch: Liquor, beer and, increasingly, wine are common at China’s lunch tables, including at business luncheons where hosts treat…

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Glam life of sommeliers

by Marisa D'Vari24 December 2007

When you visit a glam restaurant like Michael Mina in SF or Cru in NYC, it is very easy to see the sommelier in the glamorous surrounds and think, wow, what a great job! Here’s an article from the Guardian…

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Hip Tastes Review

by Marisa D'Vari23 December 2007

Are you a newly minted executive in your twenties who suddenly finds you are in a world where you have to instantly know everything there is to know about wine? In today’s world, people just a few years out of…

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Ordering wine in restaurants

by Marisa D'Vari23 December 2007

… so I’m reading this story that says that people order the second cheapest wines in restaurants so as not to look “cheap” in front of waiters or guests! The article suggests people do not know much about wine. Do…

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Sipping Sherry …

by Marisa D'Vari21 December 2007

Did I tell you about the fab party I attended a few weeks back in honor of the best sherry cocktail? It was organized by Steve Olson, aka the Wine Geek, and was way too much fun. Beyond the cocktails…

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Champagne Indulgence

by Marisa D'Vari19 December 2007

… do you like champagne? Have you read Champagne for Dummies by Ed McCarthy? Do you like Italian wine and have you met Jeremy Parzen, Phd, a wine writer and wine director for Centovini Wine Bar? If your fantasy is…

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Investing in Wine

by Marisa D'Vari16 December 2007

… so Bonus season is upon us, and I’m sure you’re wondering where to spend it. According to this article in the Times of London, it may be the wine market. Fine wine Fine wine prices have slipped 3% over…

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Attack of Robot Sommeliers

by Marisa D'Vari16 December 2007

… so I’m just reading this article about Robot Sommeliers and am curious if you think it’s a good idea. I mean, would you like a small Japanese robot to come to your table, take your order, and return with…

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California Sommeliers

by Marisa D'Vari14 December 2007

… have you been to Cut restaurant in Beverly Hills? It’s Wolfgang Puck’s new place, very cool with great wine service. Depending on the sommelier, you will get “California casual” service or very formal service where the sommelier opens your…

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Tasting Champagne with Riedel Glassware

by Marisa D'Vari11 December 2007

Have you ever wondered why champagne is served in a flute? A century ago, you’d expect champagne to be served in what was called a “saucer.” Charmed by some gold-edged saucers while visiting a New Orleans antique shop, I bought…

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Austrian Zalto Wine Glasses

by Marisa D'Vari2 December 2007
Thumbnail image for Austrian Zalto Wine Glasses

If you love wine, you know how maddening it is to visit a restaurant — even an upscale one — and find the server has brought you a cheap glass for your very $$$$ wine. Many times, this is because…

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Champagne for XMAS Dinner

by Marisa D'Vari1 December 2007

Did you ever consider creating a four course dinner with one sparkling wine? The thought actually hasn’t occured to me for one primary reason. That is, because pairing different wines with different courses is one of the most fun, educational,…

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