Michael Apstein, Author at Wine Review Online

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has Finally Found Itself with the 2021 Vintage

by Michael Apstein | March 19, 2025

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a Tuscan Sangiovese-based DOCG, just like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, has never had the...

Chablis: Burgundy’s Holdout Source for Great Whites at Reasonable Prices

by Michael Apstein | February 12, 2025

Chablis, although a part of Burgundy, has not yet received the memo that the wines should be priced in the...

Restaurant “Bad Idea” is a Very Good Idea in Nashville

by Michael Apstein | February 5, 2025

Nashville, a music destination—yes. A wine destination—no. There is a winery in Tennessee, but the state is far better known...

Keep your Eye on the Mâconnais in 2025 and Beyond

by Michael Apstein | December 25, 2024

In the Mâconnais, Pouilly-Vinzelles and Pouilly-Loché finally received their deserved recognition with identification of Premier Crus vineyards, those sites that...

2021 Burgundies: An Overlooked Vintage

by Michael Apstein | December 10, 2024

Bruno Pépin, Commercial Director at Burgundy’s venerable Maison Louis Latour, describes his amazement upon awaking on the morning of April...

Chianti Rùfina Ups its Game—Again

by Michael Apstein | October 23, 2024

With the 2018 vintage, Chianti Rùfina introduced a new level of classification, called “Terraelectae,” to sit atop their pyramid of...

Quality Mexican Wine? Surely, You Jest?

by Michael Apstein | September 11, 2024

Indeed, I do not. During a week-long family vacation to Mexico City over Christmas last year, we drank a range...

Embrace Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc from Alsace

by Michael Apstein | August 14, 2024

Wines from Alsace are labeled by grape, not place, which makes them unique among top quality AOC (appellation origine controllée)...

Special Report: Bordeaux 2005 Tasting Notes

by Michael Apstein | August 13, 2024

The following notes are based on barrel samples tasted (unblinded) at the chateaux, at an unblinded tasting organized by the...

Terroir in Barolo: Poderi Gianni Gagliardo

by Michael Apstein | August 8, 2024

There’s no question that terroir—the concept that wines reflect the individual and unique site where the grapes grow—exists in Barolo. ...

Tenuta di Capezzana’s Ghiaie della Furba

by Michael Apstein | August 5, 2024

In 1979, Ugo Conti Bonacossi, owner of Tenuta di Capezzana, the leading estate in Carmignano, created a unique Super Tuscan...

Look to the Rhône for Summertime Drinking

by Michael Apstein | July 23, 2024

My friends say that I hate rosé. I don’t. I just think there are many far more interesting alternatives. (Here,...