Full Swirl is one enthusiast's notebook of favorite bottles, easy tasting tips and honest stories. It's for anyone who has ever nodded along at a wine list.
Bottles I'd happily buy again, described the way I'd tell a friend. Prices are rough US retail.
Reds I reach for again and again, from silky and light to warm and mellow.
Paso Robles, California (Cabernet Sauvignon)
Big and velvety, with blackberry, black cherry and cassis, plus a touch of mocha and vanilla. It tastes great after allowing it to open for 30 to 60 minutes.
Pair with Steak, burgers, aged cheddar, KFCPrice $50 to $60My rating ●●●●○
Beaujolais, France (Gamay)
Silky and juicy, with red cherry and violets. Light enough to drink slightly chilled.
Pair with Roast chicken, picnic cheesePrice $22 to $30My rating ●●●●●
Bright, fresh whites, from zesty and herbaceous to peachy and lively.
Marlborough, New Zealand (Sauvignon Blanc)
Bright and zesty, with grapefruit, passion fruit and fresh-cut grass. I especially love the green bell pepper and herbaceousness, that garden-fresh edge that makes it instantly recognizable.
Pair with Oysters, goat cheese, grilled asparagusPrice $12 to $17My rating ●●●●●
Erden, Mosel, Germany (Riesling)
Luscious and golden, with honeysuckle, white peach and apricot lifted by racy Mosel acidity and a long, slatey finish. Sweet without ever feeling heavy.
Pair with Fruit desserts, blue cheese, spicy Asian dishesPrice $50 to $60My rating ●●●●●
Pale, dry and made for sunny days.
Provence, France (Grenache blend)
Pale and dry, with strawberry, watermelon and dried herbs. The wine equivalent of a sunny porch.
Pair with Salads, goat cheese, summerPrice $16 to $24My rating ●●●●○
Bubbles for celebrations, or for no reason at all.
Alsace, France (Pinot Blanc blend)
Fine bubbles, green apple and toasted brioche. Champagne-style joy at a friendlier price.
Pair with Fried chicken, popcornPrice $20 to $26My rating ●●●●○
Wine without the alcohol. Bottles that still taste like the real thing.
Mosel, Germany (Riesling)
Bright and juicy, with ripe stone fruit and green apple, balanced by crisp Mosel acidity. It lands between fruity and dry and finishes fresh and clean. What I liked most is that it tastes like real wine, not wine that has been stripped of its essence. It's also a perfect gift for your pregnant friend.
Pair with Spicy Asian food, shrimp, saladsPrice $17 to $23My rating ●●●●●
Short reads on tasting, learning and enjoying wine without the homework.
The most misunderstood word in wine, explained in under a minute.
TastingIt looks fancy, but the reason is practical and it's fun.
PairingsCrowd-pleasers for any dinner, and no one will guess you were nervous.
Wine 101Three labels you'll see on shelves and wine lists, and what each one really means in the vineyard and the cellar.
Wine 101Why a French label may not name the grape at all, and why a California label almost always does.
Tasting is just paying attention on purpose. Four steps, about a minute, no wrong answers.
Not sweet. That's all. A dry wine can still taste fruity and soft. Read more
The grippy, slightly drying feeling from grape skins and seeds, like strong black tea. Common in reds. Read more
How heavy a wine feels in your mouth. Think skim milk versus whole milk. Read more
The mouth-watering zing that makes you want another sip. It's why a crisp white feels fresh. Read more
How long the flavor lingers after you swallow. A long finish is usually a good sign. Read more
Three quick questions, no wrong answers. Find a grape you will most likely love.
Question 1 of 3
I earned my Level 1 sommelier certificate because I love wine, not because it's my job. I've never worked in the wine industry, which means I have nothing to sell you and a very fresh memory of staring at a shelf of a hundred bottles with no idea where to start.
Full Swirl is where I share what I'm learning and drinking. I write for curious people of every age, especially anyone who was told wine is too complicated. It isn't. It just needs better storytelling.