Dave DeSimone is a member of the American Wine Society. He can be heard daily on KQV Radio with the Wine Cellar reports. His Wine Cellar column appears Wednesdays in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Dave DeSimone can be reached via e-mail
Pause to remember, celebrate veterans with cookout favorites
By Tribune-ReviewMemorial Day — a time to enjoy picnics and cook outs with tasty wines and beers. But it also marks a day for remembrance of …
Top-notch white Burgundies are a relative bargain in Pa.
By Tribune-ReviewChardonnay, the most popular white-skinned grape, attains its zenith in a narrow sliver of land around the Burgundy villages of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. There, …
Treat Mom to a meal with wine for her special day
By Dave DesimoneIn the United States, the second Sunday in May means, of course, just one thing — Mother’s Day. The tradition started in 1908 when Anna …
Savor a taste of some lesser-publicized Italian red gems
By Dave DesimoneModernize: To adapt to modern needs and habits, typically by installing modern equipment or adopting modern ideas or methods. — Merriam-Webster Dictionary You walk into …
Burgundies retain a special place among French wines
By Dave DesimoneIn the world of red wine, no region surpasses Burgundy for presenting both tremendous challenges and opportunities for sheer pleasure. Hundreds of vineyards and producers …
Fabulous spring lamb dishes pair well with chilled fruity reds
By Dave DesimoneYoung, energetic lambs gamboling on pasture hillsides offer one of spring’s most uplifting and joyful symbols. Like the new season itself, lambs represent rebirth and …
The Wine Cellar: Restoring true Sichuan at How Lee in Squirrel Hill leads to strong pairings
By Dave DesimoneJust a generation ago, American-Chinese restaurants typically lumped dishes arising out of China’s spicy Sichuan cuisine within the general menu. Most menus featured some mild …
Traditional rosés have more depth of flavor than blush wines
By Dave DesimoneSpring’s soft touch will soon arrive to stay and create ample opportunities to enjoy al fresco dining. And when luxuriating under blue skies and brilliant …
Easter time affords diners a chance at perfect wine, food pairings
By Dave DesimoneEaster dinners the world over coincide with nature’s “rebirth.” As the beginning of a new growing season brings fresh hope, traditionally, Easter meals incorporated whatever ingredients might be on hand after enduring winter’s harshness. A delicious diversity of flavors results …
‘Pope’s wine’ gives drinkers a sense of place, history
By Dave DesimoneThe Conclave of Catholic Cardinals’ recent papal elections riveted attention on the Vatican in Rome. After two days of voting, the new Pope Francis greeted the faithful. Centuries ago, in 1305, a much different papal election unfolded with profound implications …
French Loire wine region also produces fine orange liquor
By Dave DesimoneThe city of Saumur lies in the heart of the Loire Valley’s famed wine-producing appellations. Cabernet Franc accounts for the delicious, dry red wines of Saumur-Champigny, Chinon and Bourgeuil. Chenin Blanc grapes give rise to Coteaux du Layon’s luscious sweet …
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