THE CHALK REPORT

Food, Wine, Travel

Some stories are filed in more than one category because of their overlapping subject matter

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andychalk

Mar 6, 2021
1 min

Texas Winery Dogs - Book Available Now!

The books that showcases the wonderful dogs of Texas all in their natural environment. Click on the image to buy your copy now!

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WINE REVIEW: Sosie 2019 “Bare Necessity” Sparkling Rosé Wine, Sonoma County, CA ($36)

andychalk

16 hours ago
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Sosie 2019 “Bare Necessity” Sparkling Rosé Wine, Sonoma County, CA ($36)

by Andrew Chalk Overlook the failings in the education system that cause Sosie, a label resplendent with magnificent bears, to slip to...

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WINE REVIEW: Wente Vineyards 2020 "Niki’s" Pinot Noir Rosé, Arroyo Seco, Monterey, CA ($35)

andychalk

2 days ago
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Wente Vineyards 2020 "Niki’s" Pinot Noir Rosé, Arroyo Seco, Monterey, CA ($35)

by Andrew Chalk Pinot Noir is normally vinified as a red wine. This wine shows how successful it can be as a rosé. The wine has a copper...

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NORTH ITALIA IS THE PLACE FOR COCKTAILS, PIZZA, AND ITALIAN FARE!

andychalk

3 days ago
2 min

NORTH ITALIA IS THE PLACE FOR COCKTAILS, PIZZA, AND ITALIAN FARE!

by Andrew Chalk Not to mention a spacious patio when it cools down a little! At a media event in Uptown today I was blown over at the...

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andychalk

4 days ago
5 min

QUICK BITE: Stepchild

by Andrew Chalk ‘Attalie Featuring Stepchild by Misti Norris’, as Resy calls it, is quite a word salad. What it unpacks to is that the...

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andychalk

5 days ago
4 min

THE FATHER OF MASON COUNTY WINEMAKING

Don Pullum’s Efforts Bear Fruit After Two Decades by Andrew Chalk Don Pullum started the industry in Mason County with his Akashic...

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Prestige Wine Imports Introduces New Rosé to Rapidly Growing Portfolio, Delisa by Mezzacorona

andychalk

Aug 5
2 min

Prestige Wine Imports Introduces New Rosé to Rapidly Growing Portfolio, Delisa by Mezzacorona

by Andrew Chalk Author Note: I visited Mezzacorona in Trento before the pandemic as part of a media delegation financed by the Trento...

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andychalk

Aug 4
2 min

FETZER BECOMES BONTERRA...

FROM THE WIRES... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fetzer Vineyards Adopts the Operating Name Change of Bonterra Organic Estates HOPLAND, Calif.,...

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WHERE ON EARTH CAN I GET SOME TEXAS WINE MADE FROM ITALIAN GRAPE VARIETIES?

andychalk

Aug 3
3 min

WHERE ON EARTH CAN I GET SOME TEXAS WINE MADE FROM ITALIAN GRAPE VARIETIES?

by Andrew Chalk Earlier this year I reviewed the Neapolitan pizza restaurant in San Antonio, Dough. It was distinguished not just by the...

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THE STARTUP - STARTING FROM NOTHING IN MASON WINEMAKING

andychalk

Aug 1
5 min

THE STARTUP - STARTING FROM NOTHING IN MASON WINEMAKING

DAN MCLAUGHLIN IGNORED CONVENTIONAL WISDOM, AND EVENTUALLY WON RESPECT by Andrew Chalk Dan McLaughlin could have stayed in his...

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andychalk

Jul 30
1 min

Grand Lux Cafe Weekend Brunch Excels

by Andrew Chalk Now that we are getting out again Grand Lux Cafe is a must-go destination for weekend brunch. Not only is it an opulent...

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WINE REVIEW: Smith Devereux La Fleur Rosé, CA ($25)

andychalk

Jul 29
2 min

WINE REVIEW: Smith Devereux La Fleur Rosé, CA ($25)

by Andrew Chalk TASTING NOTES Appearance: Copper and Texas sunset; Nose: Strawberry and roses; Palate: Medium-plus acid, strawberry...

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It Is Time We Introduced The Italian Passion for Aperitivos and Digestivos

andychalk

Jul 28
1 min

It Is Time We Introduced The Italian Passion for Aperitivos and Digestivos

by Andrew Chalk In Italy, it's a culture. The pre-meal appetite enhancer or aperitivo (aperitif in French) and the post-meal...

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Clown Shoes Beer Gets Augmented Reality without Needing to Use its 9% ABV!

andychalk

Jul 27
1 min

Clown Shoes Beer Gets Augmented Reality without Needing to Use its 9% ABV!

by Andrew Chalk The beer makers who’ve been telling stories with their labels for years are now bringing them to life as Boston-based...

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Flat Top Hills 2021 Buttery Chardonnay, CA ($14)

andychalk

Jul 25
1 min

Flat Top Hills 2021 Buttery Chardonnay, CA ($14)

by Andrew Chalk FROM THE WIRES… For Immediate Release Flat Top Hills Expands Line-Up with Buttery Chardonnay Pour a glass and tune in to...

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JAJA TEQUILA FOR NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY JULY 24th

andychalk

Jul 22
2 min

JAJA TEQUILA FOR NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY JULY 24th

by Andrew Chalk With National Tequila Day this weekend on Sun, Jul 24th, JAJA Tequila is offering cocktail options utilizing all three of...

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$7 Margaritas at Toller Patio for National Tequila Day

andychalk

Jul 22
1 min

$7 Margaritas at Toller Patio for National Tequila Day

by Andrew Chalk Kick off your boots and celebrate the spirit that gets you dancing because July 24th is National Tequila Day! This year,...

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andychalk

Jul 21
1 min

Rombauer Zinfandel Is For Barbecue!

FROM THE WIRES... Delight in your happy place by sharing the comforts of a backyard barbecue with friends, family and the 2019 California...

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WINE REVIEW: Line 39 California Bargains

andychalk

Jul 20
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Line 39 California Bargains

by Andrew Chalk Simplicity is a way of life at Line 39, where premium wines are crafted with care, and each bottle fully embraces the joy...

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WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR NEIGHBOR TRIES TO EXTORT YOU?

andychalk

Jul 18
2 min

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR NEIGHBOR TRIES TO EXTORT YOU?

by Andrew Chalk Imagine you are working at your computer on a Sunday afternoon and suddenly you receive an email with an invoice...

108 views0 comments

andychalk

Jul 18
3 min

MASON'S TOP GUN

by Andrew Chalk Robb and Dilek Parr, founders of Parr Vineyards, can say exactly when their futures became interwoven with Texas wine. It...

1,185 views0 comments

WINE REVIEW: Poliziano 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, DOCG, Italy ($30)

andychalk

Jul 15
2 min

WINE REVIEW: Poliziano 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, DOCG, Italy ($30)

by Andrew Chalk Vino Nobile DI Montepulciano is one of two hilltop towns in Tuscany making Sangiovese-based wines that are granted the...

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andychalk

Jul 14
1 min

A Certification System for Seafood

by Andrew Chalk There is a new certification process that ensures consumers are buying not only the best-tasting seafood but also the...

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WINE REVIEW: Gehricke 2014 Zinfandel, Ponzo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, CA ($49)

andychalk

Jul 13
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Gehricke 2014 Zinfandel, Ponzo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, CA ($49)

by Andrew Chalk A few years ago California Zinfandels were massive fruit bombs in their youth, fruit that faded in only a handful of...

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Summer Wine Essentials from Martini & Rossi

andychalk

Jul 13
1 min

Summer Wine Essentials from Martini & Rossi

FROM THE WIRES... Summer is here, which means it’s time to start locking in summer plans with friends and family, and nothing brings...

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WINE REVIEW: Lohsa 2019 Terre del Poliziano, Morellino di Scansano DOCG.Italy ($16)

andychalk

Jul 12
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Lohsa 2019 Terre del Poliziano, Morellino di Scansano DOCG.Italy ($16)

by Andrew Chalk Outside of the central Tuscan regions mentioned above, the other key pillar of Tuscan wine production is its coastal...

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andychalk

Jul 12
1 min

Drinks For Dad!

by Andrew Chalk Some drinks we have mentioned before here that seem particularly apposite for Dad's day on June 19th. Mijenta Tequila is...

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andychalk

Jul 10
6 min

THE BADASS OF MASON COUNTY

by Andrew Chalk An early summer stop at the quirkily-named Fly Gap Winery where Brock Estes makes around 800 cases of wine a year in his...

1,165 views0 comments

Chalk Hill Announces Donation for Healdsburg Future Farmers of America

andychalk

Jul 8
2 min

Chalk Hill Announces Donation for Healdsburg Future Farmers of America

by Andrew Chalk One of the backbones of American agriculture is Future Farmers of America. Congratulations to Chalk Hill Winery for their...

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andychalk

Jul 8
1 min

Mezcal Mavens: Check Out Ojo de Tigre

by Andrew Chalk They already picked up tabs on Cinco de Mayo. Watch out for more promotions in the near future! Sample.

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Neal Family Vineyard Announces Over $200,000 Raised Through Its Namesake Scholarship Program

andychalk

Jul 7
2 min

Neal Family Vineyard Announces Over $200,000 Raised Through Its Namesake Scholarship Program

by Andrew Chalk FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Neal Family Vineyard Announces Over $200,000 Raised Through Its Namesake Scholarship Program...

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WINE REVIEW: Gary Farrell 2018 Pinot Noir, Hallberg Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($60)

andychalk

Jul 6
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Gary Farrell 2018 Pinot Noir, Hallberg Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($60)

by Andrew Chalk Gary Farrell is a leading producer of Sonoma County pinot noir and this wine continues the record. The tradition goes...

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WINE REVIEW: Memento Mori 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA ($250)

andychalk

Jul 6
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Memento Mori 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA ($250)

by Andrew Chalk Little known but likely to be renowned in the future, Memento Mori is best summarized by winemaker Sam Kaplan:...

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WINE REVIEW: Fattoria Selvapiana 2018 Bucerchiale, Chianti Rufina, Italy ($36)

andychalk

Jul 5
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Fattoria Selvapiana 2018 Bucerchiale, Chianti Rufina, Italy ($36)

by Andrew Chalk First created in 1979, Bucerchiale is Selvapiana's flagship wine, a Riserva-level Chianti Rùfina crafted from the grapes...

15 views0 comments

andychalk

Jul 2
1 min

An Impressive Winery Video

by Andrew Chalk This would be a great format for more US wineries to adopt. 2021 seen by Brigitte Rullier-Loussert et Charles Pouvreau,...

151 views0 comments

Mark Guillaudeu Wins the Best USA Sommelier Association Finals

andychalk

Jul 2
1 min

Mark Guillaudeu Wins the Best USA Sommelier Association Finals

FROM THE WIRES Mark Guillaudeu Wins the Best USA Sommelier Association Finals –Named “Best Sommelier USA,” Mark Guillaudeu will represent...

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DUCA DI SALAPARUTA - INTRODUCING THREE WINES FROM TOP SICILIAN WINERY

andychalk

Jul 1
2 min

DUCA DI SALAPARUTA - INTRODUCING THREE WINES FROM TOP SICILIAN WINERY

by Andrew Chalk Wines of Sicily have been on a tear the last few years as people discover their distinctive grape varieties and value for...

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andychalk

Jul 1
1 min

Grand Brulot Cocktail Thoughts...

by Andrew Chalk Some thought on cocktails from the folks at Grand Brulot Grand Brulot Espresso Martini For this classic espresso martini,...

28 views0 comments

andychalk

Jul 1
1 min

July 4th - Try Reposado!

by Andrew Chalk It looks like Dallas is in for a hot July 4th. Time for some cocktails, and why not add JAJA Reposado Tequila to the...

11 views0 comments

andychalk

Jun 30
1 min

Stewart's Sodas are now Spiked!

FROM THE WIRES... Stewart’s premium craft sodas, made with cane sugar and natural flavors, have been all-American favorites since...

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CHAMPAGNE PALMER UNVEILS PREMIUM VINTAGE CHAMPAGNES

andychalk

Jun 30
3 min

CHAMPAGNE PALMER UNVEILS PREMIUM VINTAGE CHAMPAGNES

by Andrew Chalk In 1947 seven grape growers in the Champagne region of France threw their efforts together to form a coop to produce...

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WINE REVIEW: Ancient Peaks 2021 Rosé, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, CA ($26)

andychalk

Jun 29
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Ancient Peaks 2021 Rosé, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, CA ($26)

by Andrew Chalk Despite it's prosaic name, this wine is actually 100% pinot noir. It is a copper hue. Aromas of melons, white flowers,...

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Kona Grill Celebrates New Cocktails, Menu Additions

andychalk

Jun 29
1 min

Kona Grill Celebrates New Cocktails, Menu Additions

by Andrew Chalk Kona Grill the classic American grill with fresh seafood, great steak and chops, sushi and delicious cocktails held a...

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WINE REVIEW: Capezzana 2017 ‘Villa di Capezzana’, Carmignano, DOCG, Italy ($29)

andychalk

Jun 28
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Capezzana 2017 ‘Villa di Capezzana’, Carmignano, DOCG, Italy ($29)

by Andrew Chalk Tenuta di Capezzana is an important producer in the Tuscan wine region, specifically the Carmignano DOCG. They have been...

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WINE REVIEW: Ferrari-Carano 2019 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, CA ($22)

andychalk

Jun 28
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Ferrari-Carano 2019 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, CA ($22)

by Andrew Chalk Ferrari-Carano’s 2019 Chardonnay is a truly versatile wine, making it an ideal choice for spring. This wine is composed...

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BOOK REVIEW: Texas Dive Bars. Anthony Head, Photography by Kirk Weddle. Texas A&M University Press

andychalk

Jun 27
3 min

BOOK REVIEW: Texas Dive Bars. Anthony Head, Photography by Kirk Weddle. Texas A&M University Press

by Andrew Chalk Why would someone want to go to a dive bar? The image conjures up an eccentric place, the product of an eccentric owner....

537 views0 comments

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO II WOWS PACKED CROWD AT EATALY WITH HIS TUSCAN WINES

andychalk

Jun 23
4 min

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO II WOWS PACKED CROWD AT EATALY WITH HIS TUSCAN WINES

by Andrew Chalk There was hardly a spare seat in the house on Wednesday night as Salvatore Ferragamo II, CEO of Il Borro winery in...

192 views0 comments

Check Out Sotol, the Tequila Alternative

andychalk

Jun 23
3 min

Check Out Sotol, the Tequila Alternative

FROM THE WIRES... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3 Badge Beverage Introduces Quechol Sotol Derived from the Dasylirion plant in the Mexican state...

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WINE REVIEW: Sosie 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Charlie Smith Vineyard, Moon Mtn. Dist., Sonoma Co ($50)

andychalk

Jun 23
1 min

WINE REVIEW: Sosie 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Charlie Smith Vineyard, Moon Mtn. Dist., Sonoma Co ($50)

by Andrew Chalk Sosie is emerging as a reliable maker of individualistic quality wines in Sonoma. A key factor in their identity is the...

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Celebrate the 4th of July with all-American cocktails from Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey

andychalk

Jun 22
1 min

Celebrate the 4th of July with all-American cocktails from Stranahan’s American Single Malt Whiskey

FROM THE WIRES... This Independence Day (July 4th), show off your patriotic pride with flavorful and festive refreshments from the...

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