The Elqui Valley is set at the southern edge of the Atacama Desert and is one of Chile’s northernmost wine producing regions. Its crystal-clear skies attract some of the world’s most important observatories and create unique opportunities for winegrowing as well. New vineyards have expanded beyond its riverbanks and high up into the mountains inContinue reading “RKS Wine 2023: Falerina Reserva Syrah from Valle de Elqui”
Author Archives: Robert K Stephen (CSW)
RKS 2023 Wine: Portugal Charging Ahead with Wine and Tourism Strategy
I was invited to apply to attend the first Wine and Travel Week in Porto from 20-26 February 2023. There were sessions on wine and food, mega lunches featuring Portuguese seafood and meat prepared by Portugal’s leading chefs. There was an awards ceremony for tourism which due to administrative error and clerical lack of discretionContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Portugal Charging Ahead with Wine and Tourism Strategy”
RKS 2023 Wine: António Maçanita’s 2020 Reserva Palpite: An Alentejo Classic?
Red wines from Portugal’s Alentejo region often nip at the heels of red wines from Portugal’s Douro region. António Maçanita’s 2020 Reserva Palpite is up there with some of the best reds from the Douro. It is a blend of Alicante Bouschet (27%), Aragonez (25%), Castelăo (14%), Tricanderia (14%), Alfrochiero (12%) and 8 % ofContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: António Maçanita’s 2020 Reserva Palpite: An Alentejo Classic?”
RKS 2023 Wines: 2020 Vinha Centenária from Azores Wine Company
The 2020 Vinha Centenária António Maçanita from the Azores Wine Company on Pico Island is a blend of Arinto dos Açores, Verdelho, Alicante Branco and Boal. 13.5% alcohol. Aroma: There is volcanic rock, salinity, oranges and pineapple. Palate: Creamy, peppery, restrained acidity, marmalade, Creamsicle with a super long finish. Food Match: Simply prepared seafood steak.Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wines: 2020 Vinha Centenária from Azores Wine Company”
RKS Travel and Wine: TAP Portugal Airlines Has its 750 mL Wine Bottles Crying
I frequently give most European Airlines a pat on the back for serving wine in economy class from 750 mL bottles instead of those obnoxious mini plastic bottles which is all the more obnoxious in the case of Air Canada which adds insult to injury by serving French wine! A national carrier of Canada servingContinue reading “RKS Travel and Wine: TAP Portugal Airlines Has its 750 mL Wine Bottles Crying”
RKS Literature: A Tobacco Addict in 1924 Speaks
“ I don’t understand how someone can not be a smoker-why it’s like robbing oneself of the best part of life, so as to speak, or at least of an absolutely first-rate pleasure. When I wake up I look forward to be able to smoke all day, and when I eat, I look forward toContinue reading “RKS Literature: A Tobacco Addict in 1924 Speaks”
RKS 2023 Wine: An Arinto from Pico Island in the Azores
Being in Pico Island lately I was lodged at the Azores Wine Company’s winery. Hipster heaven! Modern showcase winery, tasting room, great views of vineyards, volcanic mountains and lots of staff sporting a multitude of tattoos. Rather an opposite of, pardon me, an authentic Pico Island Winery. At Azores Wine Company eating in the restaurant,Continue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: An Arinto from Pico Island in the Azores”
RKS 2023 Wine and Travel: Pico Islander’s Maxim “Plant Your Vines Where You Can Hear the Crabs Singing”
On Pico Island in the Portuguese Azores there is an old maxim with grape producers, “Plant your vines where you hear the crabs singing.” Why? Pico Island is blessed with a temperate climate being an island in the Atlantic ocean benefitting from a maritime climate. But Pico Island is really a volcanic mountain itself. AndContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine and Travel: Pico Islander’s Maxim “Plant Your Vines Where You Can Hear the Crabs Singing””
RKS 2023 Film: “Marjoram”: The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions and an Horrific Past
“Marjoram”, a cutting-edge Greek film made in 2013, packs a serious punch. I can almost say it is a quasi Greek “Exorcist” except unlike Linda Blair it is not Satan destroying a little girl but rather 11 year old Anna is slowly being destroyed by her mother wanting what she believes to be the bestContinue reading “RKS 2023 Film: “Marjoram”: The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions and an Horrific Past”
RKS 2023 Wine: Agiorgitiko from Greece
Aroma: Blackberry, cassis, black cherry and blueberry in a somewhat stiff format. Palate: The tannins creep up on you with this wine. The fruit is there but wound up in a tight boundary giving the impression of either a young or stylistically austere wine. Almost a juicy streak of red cherries bubbling up threatening toContinue reading “RKS 2023 Wine: Agiorgitiko from Greece”
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