Champ-fun

Champ-fun has always been one of my favorite nicknames for Champagne – its the perfect descriptor for what happens when the cork is popped. First, thank you for reading.  We hope that you enjoyed our January quest to learn a few things about the wines, people and region of Champagne.  I know I can’t wait to [...]

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Time to Split

About 10:30pm every New Years eve, I always ask myself the same question, why don’t I drink champagne more often?  It’s easy to drink, pairs well with numerous dishes, and its always a crowd-pleaser.  So what’s preventing me from enjoying this sparkling delight more often?  I don’t put much weight into the belief you need to [...]

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There are Big Houses in Champagne

Over the years, the key players have come and gone in Champagne.  But, more holdings are passed down generation to generation here than anywhere else.  I even read somewhere (no data to back this up) that growers only having one child in order to avoid the inheritance mess of France law that dictates and equal [...]

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Higher Alcohol Levels Shouldn’t be a Concern

I recently came across a piece written by Felix Salmon that really rubbed me the wrong way.  In the article, the author attempted to explain why alcohol levels have risen in wines, and how that effects their quality.  Not only did I find his information misleading, but he also broke a major rule I hold dear.  If you don’t [...]

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Ringing in a Decade with Champagne

We decided to spruce up the content on Tavola Rosso and focus our food.wine.travel energies in a manner that might actually result in a few people (beyond our moms) reading this site. Separately, I think, Liz, Mark, Nick and myself all had a little new years resolution including Tavola Rosso.  Mark resumed posted a week ago, [...]

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