Chardonnay’s versatility and zippy acidity appeals to those making creative spirits and mixing cocktails. Most likely, you’ve already had it in your martini: The grape often goes incognito in white vermouth and aperitif wines, sometimes as part of a blend (for example, Italy’s Carpano Bianco mixes it with Trebbiano and Cortese grapes). Others are more…
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On March 27, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced in a press release that Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was officially acquired by North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank. Just over two weeks after many tech startups and venture capitalists withdrew vast sums of money from SVB, it crashed—the second-biggest bank collapse in U.S. history. The…
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Just a glance in the cooled drink sections at supermarkets, stadium concession stands, train stations, airports and liquor stores reveals… a whole lot of cans. It can get confusing telling one from another, because the lines between various canned beverages continue to blur. For instance, hard seltzer juggernauts Truly and White Claw now have their…
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We can probably all agree that cool-climate versions, like many white Burgundies, need malolactic conversion (ML) to balance their enamel-shredding acidity—and this is where Chardonnay may shine brightest. But it’s when the volume gets turned up on the ML in other growing conditions (a key factor in that infamous butteriness) that things become controversial. We…
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The Jewish holiday of Passover is known for its strict dietary rules. During the week-long festivity, observant families avoid leavened foods, like bread and cake, and eat meals that are limited to ingredients designated kosher for Passover. But another big part of the Passover celebration is wine. Wine plays a central role in the two…
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There are several ways to determine what makes an iconic cheese shop worth a visit. And as with many things in food and wine, there aren’t simple answers. But, some guidelines can help you find the best cheese shop for your needs.Cheese educator David Asher believes how a shop engages with its community is paramount.…
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It wasn’t long ago that you could find a bottle of 12-year-old Japanese whisky at your local liquor store for around $50. Unfortunately, those days are in the rearview mirror. The category has exploded in popularity over the past decade, resulting in disappearing age statements and skyrocketing prices for many beloved bottles. The distilleries making…
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White Claw, the popular hard seltzer brand, has officially entered the vodka space. In March 2023, the Mark Anthony Group of Companies, which owns White Claw, announced a vodka line that includes a “premium” variety and a trio of fruited versions. Playing into its waved logo, White Claw Premium Vodka is “Triple Wave Filtered—named for…
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It’s not uncommon for alcohol and religion to go hand-in-hand. Religious orders have produced alcoholic beverages for centuries, including France’s Carthusian Monks, who’ve distilled the herbaceous liqueur Chartreuse since 1737, and the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, which has brewed Trappist beers since at least the 17th century. German and Austrian monks are…
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Wine tasting is a sensory experience. You hear the pop of a cork, see the color and viscosity in the glass and feel the sensation of the liquid in your mouth. But arguably the most important senses are taste and smell. These senses vary from person to person, with some people identifying as super-tasters.Once we…
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