Michael Apstein, Author at Wine Review Online

Lugana: The Perfect Summertime White

by Michael Apstein | May 3, 2017

With their crispness and cutting acidity, the refreshing wines of Lugana, a small Denominazione Origine Controllata (DOC) on the southern...

by Michael Apstein | March 30, 2017

After having tasted literally hundreds of barrel samples from négociants and small growers while on my annual pilgrimage to Burgundy...

by Michael Apstein | March 1, 2017

In parochial Burgundy, where even French citizens from outside the region are viewed with skepticism, an American–and a woman no...

by Michael Apstein | February 8, 2017

The press regarding the 2014 vintage in Bordeaux, written in the spring of 2015 after the “en premieur” tastings (a...

by Michael Apstein | January 25, 2017

The title of this blog post should come as no surprise to anyone who enjoys Pinot Noir. Although Edwards was...

by Michael Apstein | January 4, 2017

To some it will seem odd to read a column about Champagne after New Year’s and the holiday season. (My...

by Michael Apstein | December 7, 2016

What’s more important in determining wine quality—terroir, or the nationality of the winemaker? Almost everyone agrees on the importance of...

by Michael Apstein | November 27, 2016

Everyone knows THE grape in Beaujolais is Gamay. Ok, a little Chardonnay, which finds its way into Beaujolais Blanc or...

by Michael Apstein | November 9, 2016

Ask consumers to name their favorite Italian wine regions and you’re sure to hear Tuscany and Piedmont. Italian white wine...

by Michael Apstein | October 13, 2016

The wine culture of Sicily–a little bit of everything–mirrors that island’s unique character. Over the centuries, Sicily has been invaded...

by Michael Apstein | September 14, 2016

The mother of all wine frauds belongs to Rudi Kurniawan, who was convicted in federal court in 2013 and sentenced...

by Michael Apstein | August 18, 2016

No one is more responsible for the success of the California wine industry than Robert Mondavi. This year marks the...