A little while back I wrote a post talking about how disappointed I was with Colorado wines.  I was mostly frustrated that the ones I tasted on a regular basis were either too expensive, or just not very good.  Well, this made me think.  There are over 100 wineries in Colorado, but I only see about twenty or so with any visibility in the Denver area. So, I created AltoVino.  AltoVino is a consulting agency that provides small, family...

As tequila is produced, there are byproducts much like any other distilled spirit.  Here in the states, the EPA has pretty strict rules regarding how the byproducts are handled and disposed of.  Looks like things are a little different south of the border. For every liter of tequila produced, distilleries throw away 10 liters of hot liquid waste (called vinaza), as well as 5 to 6 kilos of fibrous agave plant (called bagasse).  Government...

I recently read a study that said most Americans trust the guy behind the counter more than wine bloggers. I guess I can understand. After all, if a wine shop employee makes a poor recommendation, the customer is unlikely to come back. So there’s some pressure on the employee to only make recommendations they can stand behind. Well, here’s why this blog is just as reliable as your favorite wine shop or restaurant. I am that guy...

We’ve seen them used for domestic beers, such as Bud Light.  These aluminum bottles are actually very environmentally friendly.  But are they good for wine too? FLASQ is the first domestic wine to be bottled in these 100% recycleable, quick-chilling aluminum containers.  FLASQ is a product of JT Wines, based out of St. Helena, California.  JT Wines says these new bottles are targeting “Millennials, Generation Xers, and Baby...

When we look at the history of the modern Vitis Vinifera (the species of grape producing quality wines), one might assume there are great genetic differences between the different varietals we are familiar with. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Viognier, we have thousands of grape varietals that deliver completely different flavor profiles and aromas. I have always subconsciously believed these varietals were only distantly related. Most wine...

There’s much discussion whether the shape of a wine glass affects the flavors and aromas of the wine.  It sure does.  I’ve done a test with many of my employees, in which I have them taste the same wine out of two different glasses.  One glass is always a cheapo, the type that are made of thick glass.  The other is a nice crystal stem, meant for a specific grape varietal.  90% of the employees would prefer the wine in the...