David Gaier's Page

As you start out the new year, probably with a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine, make a resolution to try some wines in 2010 that you've never tasted. And maybe start with Viognier (pronounced "Vee-uh-nyay").

This is among the world's most aromatic whites, with a rich, viscous fullne… Continue

In 10 days it'll be Thanksgiving, and you're probably putting together your menu. And if you're not...get on it! And no matter what you're having, you'll need some wines to go with the big meal.

Vouvray/Chenin Blanc: This is among the best wines in the world for Turkey. Vouvrays are C… Continue

One of the ways I've learned about wine, oddly enough, is to read wine books.

Of course you can read lots of technical books - on home winemaking, wine courses such as Jancis Robinson's, or tasting books such as Hugh Johnson's. And for those at the apex of wine geekery like me, there are huge tomes such as Clive Coates' The Wines of Burgundy, or Vino Italiano - The Regional Wines of Italy, that can take weeks to read and are more appropriate for people studying for their MW rather than casual w… Continue

1. Wine should always be served in a clean, spotless glass with no lint. If you get a dirty glass, send it back. Dirty glasses aren't fun to drink from, and soap film gives a nasty taste; it also kills Champagne bubbles.

2. Speaking of glasses, the type and size of glass matters.… Continue

Most people who drink wine but don't "follow" it haven't heard of Michel Rolland and probably won't be interested in the controversy that occasionally swirls around him. But he's a symbol of how the world of wine is consolidating, and the degree to which some winemakers are influencing wi… Continue