tasting corner
West Coast Sparklers
California sparkling winemakers use the traditional Champagne method and grapes to create world-class, value-driven wines
When attending a function at Buckingham Palace, guests are handed a crystal flute filled with a generous amount of effervescent wine to begin the festivities. Dom Perignon? Salon? Billecart-Salmon? Krug? Which Champagne could be worthy of the Queen’s tastebuds? Actually, it’s not a Champagne at all. Since June 2003, Mumm ... read more.

Sold on Sake
Sales of both domestic and imported sake have increased by 53% from 1,300,000 9-liter cases in 2001 to an estimated 2,000,000 cases in 2006.* With that kind of growth in the last six years, sake can no longer be thought of as a niche product or a “flash in ... read more.

the new face of shaw-ross
The Miami-based importer unveils a different direction, a changed portfolio and a fresh image
In an industry of constant change and corporate restructuring, it isn’t unusual for a company to announce a shift in focus. But few are reborn in such a dramatic way as Shaw-Ross International Importers, where aside from the company name, logo and a handful of core brands, very little is ... read more.

Bourbon Buzz:
“New breed” bourbon helps boost sales of the home-grown spirit
Hoist that star-spangled banner high: bourbon makers are capitalizing on the category’s uniquely American heritage. Some are launching ever more premium editions, hoping to woo young and educated palates; others are tightening affiliations with American sports organizations like NASCAR and professional outdoor bass fishing to lure a more traditional demographic. ... read more.

The Berry Essence
The new high-end — and highly unique — Italian liqueur, Fragoli, comes to the United States
Filling a glass with Fragoli is a unique experience that almost seems to defy the laws of physics. Each pour—whether the bottle’s first or last—will release a nearly equal number of the petite dark red strawberries that are somehow suspended in the vibrant red liquid. Just what enables the flavor-packed ... read more.

creative cellaring: restaurants look to expand wine storage options
While wine is a natural part of any upscale dining establishment, where that wine is stored becomes serious business for restaurateurs. Wine storage is a crucial aspect of any wine program, given how important wine is to a restaurant’s bottom line. Both temperature and aesthetics are factors for restaurants that ... read more.