Drink Bravely

Tryptophania? Self-Stimulate with Chinon, a Thanksgiving Wine Extraordinaire
Posted on by Mark Oldman

This Thanksgiving try Chinon wine, a stimulating bistro favorite evocative of red fruits, earth, and sometimes a savory “green” quality.  Derived from the Chenin Blanc grape, its light-to-medium weight and tangy acidity make it perfect for warding off tryptophanic spells at the T-Day table.  Mark weighs in from Paris in this video.

Featured wine: Alain & Jerome Lenoir Chinon “Les Roches” 2002 (France, 11 Euros)

More Standout Chinon

Baudry Chinon “Les Granges” 2009 ($16)

Couly-Dutheil Chinon “Baronnie Madeleine” 2007 ($18)

Jean-Maurice Raffault 2008 ($15)

Les Paradis Chinon 2009 ($10)

Other Lissome Loire Reds

Catherine et Pierre Breton Bourgueil “Trinch!” 2009 ($17)

Cave de Bourgueil Bourgueil 2009 ($12)

Frederic Mabileau “Éclipse No. 8” St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil 2008 ($30)

Can a wine taste fluorescent?
Posted on by Mark Oldman
fluorescent

Can a wine taste fluorescent? Mark thinks so, and visits soggy Seattle to discuss Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand’s uniquely pleasurable “glow.”  Watch the video here.

Featured wine:
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand, $19)
Other prime “Savvies”:
Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($11)
Matua Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($12)
Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($10)
Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc “Vicar’s Choice” ($16)
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2009 ($16)

Precious Wine Bottles? Build a "Lifeson Ledge" (featuring Rush’s Alex Lifeson)
Posted on by Mark Oldman

Precious Wine Bottles?  Build a “Lifeson Ledge” (featuring Rush’s Alex Lifeson)

Mark takes off to the Great White North to visit with Rush’s Alex Lifeson, the legendary rock guitarist and one of the wine-passionate “Bravehearts” featured in Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine. We learn how Alex’s wife accidentally swipes one of his cherished bottles and how the musician devises a solution to prevent future incursions — an ingenious idea Mark dubs a “Lifeson Ledge”. This is cautionary tale for all drinkers interested in discouraging the unauthorized removal of their favorite vino.  Click here to watch the video.

precious wine

Vote for Cotes du Rhone (and Dropping Ice in Wine) on Election Day
Posted on by Mark Oldman

Vote for Cotes du Rhone (and Dropping Ice in Wine) on Election Day

vote cotes du rhone

In time for the elections, Mark broadcasts from the U.S. Capitol in our nation’s capital to discuss why adding ice isn’t necessarily a capital offense. He features Côtes du Rhône, a dependably delicious and affordable red that is perfect for robust, cooler-weather fare.  Click here to view.

Featured wine: Château de l’Estagnol Côtes du Rhone 2007 (France, $11)

Other Bravely Pleasurable Côtes du Rhône:

–Cuvée du Vatican Côtes du Rhône 2009 ($15)

–Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes du Rhône 2009 ($18)

–Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côtes du Rhône “Parallèle 45” 2007 ($13, also comes in magnum size – great for the holidays!)

–Jean-Luc Colombo Côtes du Rhône “Les Abeilles” 2007 ($12)

–Perrin & Fils Côtes du Rhône Reserve 2009 ($11)

–St.-Cosme Côtes du Rhône 2009 ($13)

“Outside of my husband’s wine [Destino Wines in Napa], I tend to prefer something from the Côtes du Rhône.  In general, I’d say that delicious to me means dry, full, and elegant.” – actress Bebe Neuwirth, as quoted in Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine


vote ice in wine

Bam Margera of Jackass 3D Drinks Bravely
Posted on by Mark Oldman

Bam Margera of Jackass 3D drinks bravely – Read on about his favorite wine experiences

Bam Margera

If there was ever any doubt that wine is no longer just for pinkie-extenders, Bam Margera, one of the stars of the deliciously depraved Jackass 3D and a Braveheart in Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine, sets things straight.  Here he tells me his favorite wine experience:
.
“Fellow [Jackass star] Ryan Dunn and I had an eight-hour layover to Romania at London’s Heathrow Airport.  It was my birthday and so we kept drinking wine until the flight.  We wound up on the ground pouring condiments all over each other.   Police with machine-guns walked us to the flight to make sure we left the country”
.
Viva La Bam!