Stanley Tucci is back! Season 2 “Tucci in Italy” Episode 1: Naples & Campania premieres Monday, May 11, 2026, 9:00 pm EDT (US), followed immediately at 10:00 pm EDT (US) by Episode 2: Sicily on National Geographic TV (NGEO). This season, Stanley visits Naples, Campania, Sicily, Le Marche, Sardinia, and Veneto. Set a reminder on your phone or record it so you don’t miss a chance to escape to Italy, even if it’s only for a little while.
Photo Credit: National Geographic TV
If you are planning to do some entertaining this summer, Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2024 would be a perfect wine choice. When you have guests over for an evening on your deck, patio, or around your pool, this Washington state Riesling appeals to the tastes of casual wine drinkers and pairs well with many of your favorite seasonal fare.
Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2024 can best be described as an easy-drinking, medium-dry, low -alcohol (12%) Riesling. It features flavors of white peach and apple with balanced acidity.
This is a real “Crowd Pleaser” for a great price, around $10-$14 a bottle.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Madame de Beaucaillou Haut-Médoc 2022 is a premium second label red wine from the prestigious Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is an elite 2nd Grand Cru Estate in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France.
A second label wine, by definition, is a premium wine, most often produced by a Bordeaux winery using grapes from the same estate as their top-tier wines, but for various reasons are not used in their Grand Vin bottling. Second label wines offer an opportunity to experience the same technical precision in winemaking and dedication to quality that the estates’ winemakers apply to their Grand Cru, but at a much lower price point. These wines tend to be very approachable and can be enjoyed in their youth. I strongly suggest researching this category of wine and exploring the possibilities they afford to investigate a niche in Bordeaux you haven’t considered available to you until now.
The following is my review of Madame de Beaucaillou Haut-Médoc 2022.
It is a fine example of a Saint-Julien wine. A blend predominantly of Merlot (66%) supported by Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Petite Verdot (11%). A bewitching dark purple color in the glass, with notes of blackberry, followed by flavors of blackberry, plum, and French oak, all carried on a well-structured, medium-bodied frame and perfectly balanced acidity. Supple, fine-grained tannins carry through a long, lingering finish with a hint of spice. Pairs well with roasted red meat, especially lamb.
I highly recommend this wine. It has also scored impressively with these well-known experts. James Suckling 93 pts, Wine Enthusiast 93 pts, Jeb Dunnuck 92 pts, and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 91 pts, just to name a few. Second label wines offer a treasure trove of value that you can easily discover if you follow the map to where X marks the spot.
Petite Pearl is a hybrid red wine grape that was developed in Minnesota by viticulturist Tom Plocher. It is extremely cold-hardy and capable of producing dark-colored wine displaying fruit flavors, good acidity, and tannin structure. To my knowledge, Greendance the Winery at Sand Hill, Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, is the only winery in Western Pennsylvania growing and making wine from Petite Pearl grapes.
Greendance Principe Estate Petite Pearl 2021 is crafted from estate-grown Petite Pearl grapes, carefully barrel-fermented in French Oak and aged to yield a wine featuring flavors of plum and dark berries, with moderate tannins. It pairs well with grilled or roasted red meats. This wine has a tartness that reminds me of an Austrian Zweigelt.
If you have ever wondered how long wine remains drinkable after you open it, then you will be happy to hear that Food & Wine magazine http://foodandwine.com has offered some guidance on this topic. These are general “Rules of Thumb”; it is always best to rely on your own common sense to determine if a wine is still good to drink.
According to F&W, wine generally stays drinkable for 1-7 days after opening, depending on the type and how it is stored. Sparkling wine will generally stay 1-3 days when refrigerated. To keep the bubbles, consider buying a stopper designed for sparkling wine. For light-bodied whites/Rosé, count on 2-3 days (refrigerated). Full-bodied whites can last 3-5 days (refrigerated). Red wine is good for 3-5 days (refrigerated). Some important constants to keep in mind when storing any open bottle of wine are to recork and refrigerate it. Using a vacuum stopper to minimize air contact is also a good idea. Boxed wines can last 3-4 weeks in the fridge because they are in a bladder inside the box that collapses when you draw wine out, and that keeps air contact with the wine low.
If your wine goes bad, you will know because it tastes or smells like vinegar, stale, or just plain unpleasant. When this happens, don’t drink it and throw it out. You now have a good excuse to have another glass when you open the bottle. Waste not Want not.
Bogle Petite Sirah 2021 is a good choice for anyone looking for a dark, full-bodied California red wine that is approachable and not as “big” as many of the California Cabernet Sauvignons are. Notes of dark berries lead to flavors of dark berries, think blackberry and blueberry. It has a long finish featuring balanced tannins and acidity with a hint of oak. Best paired with hearty fare like grilled red meat, lamb, burgers, or pasta in red sauce. Always a bargain at less than $15 a bottle.
Warm weather has arrived, and with it the tradition of drinking lighter wines, like Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. The reason this long-standing annual tradition continues is that it is enjoyable and satisfying on so many levels.
For many, the mere mention of Sauvignon Blanc brings images of New Zealand and France to mind. While it is hard to go wrong when selecting a Sauvignon Blanc from either the North or South Island of New Zealand or the Loire Valley and Bordeaux in France, there are also outstanding examples of this wine being produced in other regions. California, Chile, Argentina, and Australia also make great Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc offers a diverse variety of taste profiles that vary widely from mouth-watering fruit-driven wines laden with citrus aromas to ones exhibiting a savory character filled with vegetal undertones that drift in the direction of green bell peppers and freshly mown grass.
Depending on your personal preferences, you can find a Sauvignon Blanc that is made in a style and at a price point that meets your tastes and budget.
It is no coincidence that SB shows up on dining tables as the seasons change. This versatile white wine boasts citrus notes that enliven seasonal fare while its bright acidity cuts through creamy sauces and buttery dishes. The perfect complement to seafood, shellfish, and any lightly prepared fish. Sauvignon Blanc really shines when paired with charcuterie boards.
Consider these four well-made Sauvignon Blancs from California, New Zealand, and France. All are moderately priced, at around $30, and widely available.
Rutherford Hill AJT Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (USA) Wine Spectator 94 pts James Suckling 91 pts Jeb Dunnuck 90 pts
Saracina Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County 2023 (USA) Wine Enthusiast 95 pts
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2023 (New Zealand) Wine Spectator 93 pts
Domaine Philippe Raimbault Les Fossiles Sancerre Blanc 2023 (Loire Valley, France)
Photo Credit: finewineandgoodspirits.com
Next in my series highlighting widely distributed wines is a bottle we were gifted. The iconic Paso Robles Cab J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. It is the quintessential example of how mass-produced California Cabs are blended to achieve a consistent taste profile every year. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petite Sirah , 5%Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cab Franc. A Wine Enthusiast 90 pt “Best Buy” January 2025. Vanilla notes from oak barrel aging with big juicy red fruit flavors and soft tannins. It’s a solid choice when selecting a Cab for dinner guests because pairing it with grilled or roasted red meat, think steak and lamb, or even pasta with a hearty red sauce is sure to please.
A big thank you to all my followers and readers for making my latest article “A Winelovers Guide to Lake Erie Wine Country” a resounding success. It garnered the most daily views of any post on the day it was published. I am following it up with a second installment that highlights five more exceptional wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country.
As one of the newest wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country, Cellar54 is continuing to evolve and define its identity. Their table wines are made from grapes grown on the shores of Lake Erie and range from sweet to semi-sweet. 9368 W. Law Rd North East. http://cellar54wines.com 814-572-9280
Lakeview Wine Cellars is a small boutique winery producing a limited number of premium wines made from locally sourced grapes. Check out their wine bottle-shaped pond while you sip wine on their covered patio. http://lakeviewwinecellars.com 8440 Singer Rd North East 814-725-4440
For over fifty-four years Presque Wine Cellars has been producing award-winning wines from big bold reds to their famous ice wines. Visit their tasting room, The Isle House at 9440 West Main Rd North East. It offers a full menu of wine, wine slushies, spirits, and local craft beer. http://piwine.com 814-725-1314
Yori Wine Cellars is a family-built winery that started as a hobby in their hundred-year-old cellar and grew into a winery that makes over 25 varieties of wine and vineyards growing 15 grape varieties. Their tasting room is located adjacent to their Micheal’s Italian Restaurant. http://yoriwinecellars.com 18 South Lake Street North East 814-725-8466
Driftwood Wine Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery near North East with a storefront/tasting room at 20 E. Main St North East provides guests a relaxed gathering place for family and friends. 814-347-5292 http://driftwoodwinecellars.com
The wineries I have highlighted in these posts are just ten of the twenty-one-member wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country. There is always something happening because wine trail members participate in the many themed events that Lake Erie Wine Country hosts throughout the year and hold their own activities. Visit the L.E.W.C. website event page to see the roster of events https://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/events/winery-events
With a little research and planning you can enjoy endless adventures in Lake Erie Wine Country. Photo Credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.com
Along the southern shore of Lake Erie where it borders Pennsylvania you will find the vibrant and always evolving wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country. The Lake Erie AVA is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies and a treasure trove of activities but for this post, I’ll highlight six wineries that will provide visitors an itinerary upon which they can build as they become more familiar with the area.
I’ll start with the winery I consider to have the most name recognition of the region’s producers. Mazza Vineyards and South Shore Wine Company are two destination wineries for first-time visitors or seasonal travelers. Both are a good starting point to explore the wines that these legacy wine companies offer. Mazza Vineyards 11815 E. Lake Rd (Rt5) North East 814-725-8695 South Shore Wine Company 1120 Freeport Rd (Rt89) North East 814-725-1585 http://enjoymazza.com
Our next stop is 6 Mile Cellars and as its name suggests it is located on 6 Mile Creek in Harborcreek. This is the closest winery to downtown Erie making it a convenient stop for visitors. This boutique winery’s tasting room is in a one hundred-year-old horse barn that has been repurposed into an inviting space to enjoy their diverse selection of wines. 5727 Firman Rd Erie 814-580-8375 http://6milecellars.com
Route 20 provides easy access to the popular Courtyard Winery in North East. No tasting at Courtyard’s beautiful tasting room is complete without trying their Chambourcin. 10021 West Main Rd North East 814-725-0236 http://courtyardwinery.com
Continuing on Route 20 we arrive at Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company 11727 East Main Rd North East. This winery is a landmark in the area and is well-known to travelers on Route 20. 814-725-1079 http://arundelcellars.com
If you want to try something different but still taste distinctive wines, consider Burch Farms Country Market & Winery. You can shop at their country market for farm fresh produce, and assorted baked goods from their bakery, and taste their wines. Located at 9210 Sidehill Rd North East
http://burchfarmscountrymarketandwinery.com
Erie, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone and is an easy drive for many in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. If you haven’t given this region much thought as a day trip or getaway option please take a minute to see if it’s right for you.
Photo credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.org
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