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The Festive Twilight – A Week in Limbo Between Christmas and New Year
The stretch between December 26 and January 1 is an emotional kaleidoscope. Let’s call it Fizzmas Week – The Festive Twilight—that curious week when time feels both endless and fleeting, when holiday leftovers meet New Year’s resolutions, and when joy, reflection, and a hint of chaos swirl together. Here’s a day-by-day guide to navigating Fizzmas…
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A Sherry-Lover’s Guide to the Feast of Seven Fishes
Seven Perfect Pairings for Seven Seafood Courses. The Feast of Seven Fishes is a rich Italian-American tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve, featuring an abundant spread of seafood dishes. This tradition pairs beautifully with the versatility and depth of Sherry, a fortified wine from Jerez, Spain, that spans an array of styles from light and dry…
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Varietal Spotlight: Palomino
A Deep Dive into Spain’s Iconic White Varietal. The Palomino grape holds a unique place in the world of wine, particularly as the star of Spain’s Jerez (Sherry) region. Known for producing some of the world’s most complex fortified wines, Palomino (known as Listán Blanco in other parts of Spain) boasts a fascinating history, unique…
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Effervescent Charm or Fizzing Fad?
I am speaking, of course, about Pet Nat—the bubbly darling of the natural wine movement. If you’ve been to a trendy wine bar or scrolled through the feeds of wine influencers, you’ve likely encountered these playful, unfiltered bottles of fizz. But what exactly is Pet Nat, and why has it captured the imagination of wine…
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Wines for Late Autumn and Early Winter
Sipping Through the Seasons–The Holidays and Beyond. As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves fade into the frost-kissed landscapes of early winter, it’s time to embrace wines that embody the coziness of the season. From family gatherings to fireside chats, this time of year calls for rich, warming wines that bring people together. Here’s a…
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Thanksgiving Through the Glass
Wine Pairings from Morning Mimosas to Midnight Leftovers. Thanksgiving isn’t just about gathering around a table for a big dinner—it’s a day full of moments, from the morning preparations to the late-night desserts and those highly anticipated leftovers. As traditions evolve, the trend of pairing wines that enhance both classic and modern dishes continues to…
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The Good, the Bag, and the Corkless
Box Wine – An Honest Sommelier’s Guide. When it comes to wine, the shape of the container often stirs as much conversation as what’s inside. There’s the stately glass bottle, a symbol of elegance and heritage, the trendy can for quick convenience, and then… there’s the box. For many wine enthusiasts, bag-in-a-box wines are the…
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Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Tradition, Tolerance, and Tannins
Warning: The following article may cause unexpected feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and a case of “something in my eye.” Proceed with tissues at the ready, and a glass of wine close by—it pairs well with heartfelt moments and a touch of holiday magic! Thanksgiving has long been a holiday that pulls us into the comforting…
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Exploring the World of Fortified and Oxidative Wines
A Deeper Look at Six Pillars of the Style. Fortified wines, often overlooked or misinterpreted, carry centuries of craftsmanship, trade, and innovation. This article examines the six mainstream fortified and oxidative wines—Sherry, Port, Madeira, Marsala, Vermouth, and Rancio—exploring their histories, production methods, and cultural significance. Sherry Spain’s Gift to the World Sherry, from Spain’s Andalusian…
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Uncorking the Wine Lovers of the World
A Few Fun Personas. Ever wondered what your wine of choice says about you? Based on years of observing the nuances and quirks of wine drinkers and merging that with the persona-building precision of marketing (my day job for years 🙂), here’s a toast to the charming (and possibly recognizable) personas behind the glass. This…
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