Among Washington’s best styles of wine is GSM, shorthand for a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. All three of those grapes are traditionally grown in southern France’s Rhône Valley, from a region known as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is part of the greater Cotes du Rhône appellation, much as Red Mountain is a small part of the greater Columbia Valley American Viticultural … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: Mastering the magical blend of GSM
The Wine Knows: Upchurch hits sweet spot with Cab on Red Mountain
If Cabernet Sauvignon were a celebrity, it would be Sylvester Stallone: strong yet supple, ages well, with a purity of fruit like the ringing of a bell and tannins that can knock you out if the match is uneven. Cab isn’t a sipping wine — no supporting actor role for this red. This is the main character, the centerpiece of a meal focused on a rich entrée like lasagna or … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: Upchurch hits sweet spot with Cab on Red Mountain
The Wine Knows: A new start for Great Northwest Wine
With the inaugural issue of Great Northwest Wine Magazine under the leadership of Eric Degerman, we turn a page into a new chapter of Pacific Northwest wine and culture. Eric and I met in 1989 when we worked for the Tri-City Herald, one of the better mid-sized daily newspapers in the Pacific Northwest. We had become friends in that newsroom, working nights together while … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: A new start for Great Northwest Wine
Ste. Michelle CEO Baseler retires after 17 years at the helm
WOODINVILLE, Wash. - Ted Baseler, who led Ste. Michelle Wine Estates through a period of tremendous growth, announced his retirement on Wednesday, Aug. 22, ending a 34-year career with the company, including the last 17 as its president and CEO. Baseler, 64, started with the winery in 1984, when Allen Shoup hired him as director of marketing. "We lost $3 million that … [Read more...] about Ste. Michelle CEO Baseler retires after 17 years at the helm
GSM among Washington’s most delicious blends
Among the most exciting developments in Washington wine country in the past decade is the rising interest in red Rhone varieties. This includes such grapes as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, and a few other varieties. Syrah has developed a keen interest in Washington, becoming our third most-popular red grape and making some of the state's most interesting … [Read more...] about GSM among Washington’s most delicious blends