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A MAILBAG COLUMN FROM AN ECCENTRIC SOMMELIER

News

Spanish Cava Sparkling Wine: What You Need to Know!

Spanish Cava Sparkling Wine: What You Need to Know!

Spanish Cava Sparkling Wine: What You Need to Know!
Spain has had a long tradition of producing excellent bubblies. It’s not as famous or prestigious as Champagne from France, and it’s a shame really because Cavas are not only fascinating to explore, but truly delicious and very well crafted…

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What is a Port Wine?

What is a Port Wine?

DEAR READER, Let’s start February off with a simple question: Good morning, Mr. Ferdinand, What is a Port wine? -Jacques Thank you, Jacques, for your brevity. Let’s get down to business! Ports are an underrated, very particular type of wine made in the Douro Valley,...

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What to Expect for Fine Wine Investments in 2022

What to Expect for Fine Wine Investments in 2022

Let’s face it, between an ongoing COVID pandemic, erratic markets, fires, floods and major humanitarian crises, 2021 was exhausting. And though none of us can be sure what to make of 2022, we can say with confidence that fine and rare wine investments are looking...

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Holiday Gift Guide for Fine Wine

Holiday Gift Guide for Fine Wine

It’s that time of year again! And so begins the search for the perfect holiday gift. Something unique, something that shows you truly care. How about a gift that keeps on giving? An investment. Imagine their surprise when you tell them that their gift is resting...

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The Truth about Fine Wine

The Truth about Fine Wine

Fine wine. What does that really mean? The truth is, as words, they don’t mean much. There is no official classification system for the title “fine wine.” It’s not like the regulated usage of “Premier Cru” or “Grand Cru Classé,” for example, rather anyone can throw it...

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Liquid Harmony

Liquid Harmony

Harmony. Think Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Think Picasso's The Old Guitarist. It’s that moment when various elements come together to create magic. And magic really is the word, no? Wine can also sip in harmony, and I can think of no better example than the...

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The Top 10 Wines to Invest In Today

The Top 10 Wines to Invest In Today

Imagine that back in the day you invested in a case of 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon wine. When released, mailing list members had the chance to snag a bottle of this "cult wine" for a mere US$75.00. Fast forward to now, and one bottle alone goes for...

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Founder’s view  |  Financial insights outside the bottle

A Mailbag Column from an Eccentric Sommelier

FAMILY-RUN WINERIES

FAMILY-RUN WINERIES

DEAR READER, As I grow immensely in popularity, I’ve noticed more of you interested in my personal life. I didn’t begin e-blogging with this in mind, but I don’t mind indulging every now and then. I imagine my intellect intimidates a lot of you, so maybe shedding some...

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Maipo Valley Reds

Maipo Valley Reds

DEAR READER, I am again-and-again charmed by my readers’ curiosity! It reminds me of being a young sommelier, ready to take on the world one glass at a time. I know far too much to feel that way again—but at least I can experience a shred of it through you all! Dear...

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NOSTALGIA AND THE ADELAIDE DOURO RED

NOSTALGIA AND THE ADELAIDE DOURO RED

DEAR READER, Let’s get down to it! Dear Sommelier Ferdinand, I respect your point of view, but I must ask: don’t you think worshipping wines is partaking too mightily in the past? Wouldn’t you rather create your own memories than indulge in nostalgia? -Ethan Ethan,...

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FINE ITALIAN WINES

FINE ITALIAN WINES

DEAR READER, Sometimes you all make me so proud with your questions. Yes! —even I, the one and only Sommelier Ferdinand, can learn from you keyboard clackers. Here is such a question I received over the last week: Dear Sommelier Ferdinand, I live in Los Angeles, and...

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Sommelier Ferdinand on Wine Schedules…

Sommelier Ferdinand on Wine Schedules…

Let’s jump straight to the grape, shall we? I found this letter particularly interesting: Dear Sommelier Ferdinand, "I think what you’re doing is good, explaining wine and wine drinking to newbies like me. I found this on the internet last week and was wondering if...

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Wine Reviews

Harry Potter and the Magical Creation of Seña 2007

Harry Potter and the Magical Creation of Seña 2007

On July 21, 2007, J.K. Rowling released her seventh and final book of a most memorable series. In just 24 hours, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows sold more than 11 million copies! On that same day, in a land more fascinating than Hogwarts, Seña 2007 was getting...

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Wine Trading Academy