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Archive for the 'Fine Wine And Spirits' Category
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
It is intriguing to know about the different wines, their tastes and combinations with food. Once familiar, you will see how much more you enjoy the right tastes with the right foods. Those not so familiar feel confused when it comes to making a choice. When it comes to picking up a bottle of wine off a shelf or from a wine list in a restaurant, even the wine connoisseurs are perplexed. Wines differ from one producer to another, even though the grapes are the same. It is virtually impossible for anyone to know everything about wines.
If one is adventurous then try to taste a different wine every time, lest you get bored with the same familiar taste every time you sip wine. There is also the risk of selecting a wine that might disappoint you. Of course, that will get registered and you will never select it again. For those who do not enjoy wine the best thing is to avoid it. But if your reason of not enjoying wine is that you are not well informed about it then rest assured you will begin to enjoy it afresh after reading this.
Most wines range from $ 12 - 20, though for a special occasion the price could be relaxed. Wines are made to go with food and the right wine can be had with just about any main course, side dish or special meals. The general rule of wine drinking is that the red wines go best with the red meats and the white wines are best with white meats like fish and poultry. But these are only the general rules and it is fine to make a combination of your choice.
Some of the wines are-
Z Gris is a dry, fresh rose blend from Rhone grapes and Syrah.
Pinot Grigio is an Italian white from a region in north Venice.
Johannesburg Riesling is a juicy fruity wine, with a long finish.
Reisling Kabinett, Pfaiz, and Diedesheimer Paradiesgarten have a tangy peach fruit flavor.
Sauvignon Blanc has an intense flavor of melon and citrus fruit.
Chardonnay is a vintage of Chard.
Zinfandel goes well with sausages.
Campaccio has a balanced, deep super Tuscan taste from the eleventh century estate in Italy.
Pinot Noir has an earthy, but fantastic berry fruit taste from California.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderfully structured wine.
Here are a few tips to recognize the different wines from the bottles they are stored in. Wines come in three sizes of bottles.
Bordeaux comes in bottles with rounded shoulders.
Burgundy comes in bottles with sloping shoulders.
Rhine comes in tall, slim brown bottles.
Moselle comes in tall, slim green bottles.
Champaign however is the only wine which comes in larger-sized bottles.
Different Wines with Different Foods
Zinfandel, Beaujolais or Cotes de Rhone go well with fast food.
Cabernet Sauvifnon, Pinot Noir or Syrah are good accompaniments to red meats
Merlot or Cabernet goes well with cheese.
Reisling, Rhone, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chianti or Chardonnay are good with poultry.
Soave, Souvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir are good with fish.
As you get to know about wine you will enjoy and relish it better.
Ian Love is the owner of Perth Restaurant group West Valley and also owns Australian Wine retailer - Liquor Merchants. West Valley also specialize in catering for Functions in Perth, Western Australia
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Though Italian red wines are often talked about more than white wines, there are some sparkling white wines produced by certain regions in Italy. The taste of an Italian white wine depends on the variety of grapes used and the time required for aging it perfectly.Like Italian red wines, Italian white wines also carry the distinct flavor of the regi... Wine Reviews With Combined Opinions More Helpful
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California wine clubs are perfect for both wine connoisseurs and novices. Membership to these clubs entitles you to a selection of dinner wines that fall under six specific classes.First is the Apertif, more popularly known as appetizer wines. These include dry sherry and other flavored wines that should be consumed prior to taking a meal. Second a...
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
Though vineyards exist in almost every U.S. state, California outranks all of the others by a great deal and its production can even be ranked on a global scale. In fact, California ranks # 4 in the world in volume production among wine producers with a total of 2 billion liters per year, following only Italy, France, and Spain. It also ranks as one of the most diverse wine regions in the world due to its ability to produce almost 100 separate high-quality grape varietals. Some of the most popular wines include:
* Merlot
* Pinot Noir
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Shiraz
* Zinfandel
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
Within the state, there are approximate 4,500 wine grape growers; a testament to the size and importance of the wine industry in California. In 2006, the California wine industry had a $51.8 billion dollar economic impact on its own state and a $125.3 billion dollar impact on the entire United States. The wine industry in California is easily the most profitable of any other area in the Unites States and its wines are among the top in quality around the world.
Due to different growing conditions within the state, the California wine producing areas are separated into five major regions: North Coast, Sierra Foothills, Central Coast, Central Valley, and Southern California. Each of these regions can be divided even further into sub-regions called appellations (which are often counties) that many people who are not even familiar with wine will easily recognize by name such as Napa, Sonoma, and San Joaquin Valley. When a wine label contains a specific appellation, it means that at least 75 percent of the grapes used within the wine were grown within that specific region. Wine labels can also contain two or three appellations to classify the different grapes used within the wine if the percentages are specifically noted as well.
The climate range in California varies from region to region which allows for superb production of many different types of perfectly grown grapes which results in many different varietals. Elements of the weather, such as the cool offshore breezes that cool the Sonoma County vineyards, are extremely important in the distinct growing condition needs for specific wine grapes.
The most important varietals produced in the California wine region are chardonnay and cabernet, though many other varietals from the region are massively popular such a pinot noir. The California wine region has a reputation for producing a high-quality wine to be enjoyed in a relaxed setting among friends, just the way its biggest fans would want it.
Merlot
Merlot is a popular thin-skinned red wine grape that is believed to be descended from the Cabernet Franc grape and was first recorded in Italy in 1832. It is used for both the purposes of blending inspired by the Bordeaux wine region of France and also for the production of straight varietal wine. In the 1990s particularly, Merlot experienced a huge surge in popularity and became the new trendy wine but its popularity has proved to possess staying power. In 2003 there were over 50,000 acres in California devoted to the Merlot grape alone.
Some of the highest quality Merlots comes from Bordeaux, France, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Chile, and Washington State. These areas have elevated the historical planting of Merlot into better quality soils which have resulted in a Merlot that is less-suited for blending and perfect for its own varietal. The taste of a Merlot is dependent on the type of soil in which it was grown. For instance, Merlot from flatter and more clay-like soil results in a smoother, more velvety wine. Merlot grown in more mountainous regions tends to taste more similar to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Many Merlots tend to have a taste reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but they has less acidity due to a thinner skin in the grapes and earlier ripening time. It also frequently possesses a wide variety of flavors such as: currant, plum, black cherry, caramel, clove, bay leaf, bell pepper, olive, and violet. It is low in tannins and many wine drinkers believe that it is smooth and an easy-to-drink red varietal.
When blended, Merlot is often combined with Cabernet Sauvignon to balance the taste strengths and flavors of each separate varietal resulting in a blend with the best of both worlds. Another benefit to Merlot and the Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blends is that the cost is often substantially less than the fuller-bodied Cabert Sauvignon varietal itself.
Although many wine drinkers think that red wines should only be served right at room temperature, Merlot should actually be served a few degrees below room temperature as it can sometimes develop less pleasant tastes at approximately 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Chilling it for simply a couple minutes will ensure that the wine is slightly cooler and result in the best possible flavors.
Because Merlot is not quite as rich as some other red wine varietals, it is still fairly flexible in its easy pairings with many popular dinner choices. Because it is a medium-bodied wine, it will pair well with veal, meatloaf, sausages, and hearty pasta dishes.
Pinot Noir
Thanks to the recent movie Sideways, Pinot Noir has become much more widely acclaimed by the general wine-drinking population in recent years and multiplied quite drastically in popularity. It originated in the Burgundy wine region of France but today, has spread around the world to vastly differing wine regions which encompass almost all wine growing areas. Despite its worldwide popularity, Pinot Noir remains among the most difficult varietal grapes to cultivate efficiently as it is delicate and difficult to control in terms of preventing mutations of the grapes or any other unwanted variations which result in undesirable changes in the flavors or other characteristics present in the grapes.
Pinot Noir reaches its peak in flavor development when grown in cooler wine regions and has never reproduced the level of accuracy and perfection in development that it has achieved in its home in the Burgundy wine region. However, all Pinot Noir wines are typically a light hue of red which range from cherry to plum. They also possess a fragrant aroma encompassing notes of cherries, violets, berries, and spices. Like most other wines, Pinot Noir wines develop a greater complexity of flavors when aged. The aging process can contribute flavors reminiscent of leather and mushroom to the flavor dimensions of the wine.
Pinot Noir wines are usually considered light or medium-bodied as they are quite a delicate varietal which often also encompass fine silky tannins.
The Pinot Noir grapes, while notoriously difficult to grow efficiently, also become difficult to maintain consistency in the winemaking process. Winemakers struggle to modify the winemaking process for Pinot Noirs in order to find the optimal process to highlight the delicate flavor and structural aspects of this varietal. For example, winemakers must take great care in the aging of Pinot Noirs with oak barrels because the woody flavors can easily overtake the natural fragility of the flavors balanced within the Pinot Noir. Batches of Pinot Noir wine grapes can also be blended together in a way that masks the imperfections due to changes in the winemaking process or weakness inherent in the grapes themselves.
When pairing Pinot Noir wines with foods, remember to go easy on the spices, otherwise the delicate flavors of the Pinot Noir will be masked. Salmon is one of the best pairings for Pinot Noir wines, as the flavors are both fairly light but with a complexity that compliments the opposite quite nicely.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet is a term which encompasses a few different varietals: most notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon is a particularly popular varietal which arose from a grape developed by crossing the Cabernet Franc grape with the Sauvignon Blanc grape. In fact, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely grown red grape in most wine regions of the world and particularly the Boudreaux wine region in France. In other parts of the world Cabernet Sauvignon is also referred to as Petit Cabernet, Sauvignon Rouge, and Vidure so it is important to keep those phrases in mind while abroad.
Additionally, since the 1960s, Cabernet Sauvignon has been the most common varietal term for red wines due to its wide appeal and critical acclaim. Because it is so widely in demand in many wine circles, Cabernet Sauvignon becomes easily subjected to inflation-related cost increases as demand from wealthy wine-lovers drives prices upward. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignons parent grape Cabernet Franc is less popular because it is a less desirable grape than its grape offspring. However, it is quite often used as a blending element in mixed varietal wines, particularly with Merlot. A general tip for most novice wine consumers is that most bottled wines labeled Cabernet belong to the Cabernet Sauvignon family of grapes, rather than the Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes thrive best in regions with long growing seasons due to a warm climate and reaches maturity quite late in the season. It also grows well in slightly arid areas with well-drained soil. These elements will allow the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to mature with a fruity taste, rather than the more herbal flavor that arises from the grapes exposure to increased moisture and excessive soil-based nutrients during the growing process. The grapes themselves are comparatively small with a tough outer skin that protects the grapes from many elements. They are considerably resistant to disease and can be viewed as a fairly hardy grape varietal.
Cabernet Sauvignon is also one of the best aged wines. It is traditionally aged in small oak barrels for up to eighteen months before bottling. This aging period allows the wine to develop a greater complexity and depth of the flavors it encompasses. Some of the flavors which are most often attributed to Cabernet Sauvignon are: dark cherry, black currant, olive, pepper, cedar, and tobacco. Cabernet Sauvignons can also sometimes have spicy or earthy taste profiles as well.
Sirah - Shiraz
Shiraz currently accounts for one-fifth of all wine grape production in Australia and is one of the most widely harvested grapes in the country. Though the intense popularity of the rival red Cabernet Sauvignon has accounted for the secondary status of Shiraz in the minds of wine consumers in recent years, many vintners are beginning to revitalizing their Shiraz with new styles and methods of aging.
The Shiraz wine grape has an interesting history and place in the contemporary wine world as well. Generally described as New World wines, these wines are generally thought to be more fruity in their predominate flavors in opposition to the Old World wines which are often labeled Syrah. Because both variations of wine are derived from the same grape genetically, the differences between them are minimal to say the least. Some wine purveyors even maintain that the distinction between Shiraz and Syrah is in relation to style preferences only.
However, South Africa, Canada, and Australia are three of primary growing regions which refer to this varietal of wine as Shiraz rather than Syrah. These regions keep with the trend of identifying their exports with the New World wine classification of Shiraz which identifies it as a lighter and more aggressively fruity style of wine.
The Shiraz grape is commonly used in the production of red table wines which characteristically age well. Shiraz often reaches its prime complexity of flavor after approximately ten to fifteen years of aging; however it can easily be consumed much earlier in its aging process without sacrificing its excellent taste. It is also commonly used as a blending wine, although this occurs primarily in Spanish regions.
Shiraz wines are characteristically quite full-bodied and flavors vary easily depending on the physical characteristics of the wine region of its production. Some of the flavors most commonly attributed to Shiraz wines are: blackberry, chocolate, black pepper, plums, and spices. Shiraz also has soft tannins and varying degrees of oak flavors. They flourish especially in the wine regions of Australia with cooler, dry climates which allow for the berry finishes. Other Shiraz wine grapes grown in warmer climates tend to encompass the more mellow plum flavors.
Despite its frequent New World wine associations, Shiraz is one of the oldest known wine grape varietals. In fact, it is named for the city of the same name in Iran where wine-making may have originated many thousands of years ago.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel often gets a less-than-stellar reputation among the most pretentious of wine drinkers as it has recently held the reputation of being a starter wine, especially for women, due to its popular sweet taste in the 1980s and 90s. However, in the past several years, winemakers have responded to this prejudice against Zinfandels by improving the complexity and balance of flavors within their wines to make them a more palatable choice to the savvy wine consumers sophisticated sense of flavors.
What makes a wine more appealing to wine lovers? Complexity and fullness of the flavors are a few of the key aspects of a well-crafted wine. In Zinfanfels, a few of the most popularly described characteristics of the flavors are blackberry, raspberry, cherry, cloves, black pepper, and anise. However, depending on the complexity of the Zinfandel, many other levels of flavors may emerge, especially through a tasting in which you carefully give your attention to the subtleties released within the entire experience of the wine. Another interesting characteristic of Zinfandels is that they are also often mixed with others such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Petite Syrah.
Because Zinfandels range from lighter-bodied whites to quite robust reds, they are no steadfast rules for which foods to pair with them. Some zinfandels do possess enough body and presence of flavors to drink even with a hearty steak or rich chocolate dessert. The lighter zinfandels can be a great pairing for Latin American and tropically-inspired foods.
Zinfandel originates from a distinctly American red-skinned Zinfandel wine grape that is used to make both red and white Zinfandels. Formally named in 1832, Zinfandels are traditionally defined as an American varietal and can occasionally be quite difficult to locate in overseas markets. It was recently discovered that Zinfandel grape is genetically identical to the Primotivo grape native to Italy. This discovery begins explains the previously unknown heritage of the Zinfandel grapes development.
Californian vineries have come to embraced Zinfandels as their own characteristic varietal, leading the reputation of Zinfandel to become a representation and branding image for California wine. Some of the most popular regions for the production of Zinfandels are: Napa Valley, Sonoma, Mendocino-Lake, Central Valley, Bay area, Sierra Foothills, and Southern California. However, Zinfandels arent exclusive to California and can be produced in American regions as distant as North Carolina and Tennessee, as well as overseas locations to which the Zinfandel grape has been exported.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay has become the most popular white wine in America in the past few decades. The reasons for this development are varied. The first is that Chardonnays possess a widely appealing taste often consisting of fruity and full-bodied buttery notes. Due to the wines versatility, it can possess many distinguishable variations of flavors and vintners can even mix Chardonnay with other varietals as a way to experience new flavors with blended wines. One of the other most important reasons for its popularity is that its widely available and can be quite inexpensive due to the small, hardy Chardonnay grapes resistance to many diseases and thus easier to grow in many conditions. Thus, the demand for Chardonnay becomes easily to fill, despite the fact that Chardonnay grapes are more delicate in the wine-making phase of development.
Some of the key distinguishing characteristics of this well-loved wine white are that it is dry and often quite full-bodied with the most popularly distinguished flavors and aromas mentioned in descriptions of Chardonnay are apple, melon, pears, lemon, and pineapple, as well as buttery, nutty, creamy, vanilla, oak, and citrus. Particularly when Chardonnay is aged in an oak barrel, it develops a toasty or buttery quality along with a vanilla or coconut flavor which adds to the depth of the richness in the tasting experience. Many cheaper types of Chardonnay that try to achieve the oak-aged taste, use steel barrels with oak chips to lessen production costs while still obtaining similar flavors and textures within their wines.
Chardonnays are one of the most popular varietals grown in the California wine region but also flourish in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and South Africa. In 2000, Chardonnay grapes accounted for 40 percent of the total white wine grapes planted in California wine regions and can thrive in many regions with quite distinguishably different weather patterns. French Chardonnays are also reputed to be of extremely high-quality and in fact, in the Chablis wine region of France, Chardonnay grapes are the only grape varietals allowed.
Todays Chardonnays are less-heavily subjected to oak fermentation as public preference has shifted to lighter and crisper versions of this varietal. The reason for this preference can be viewed as a return from the past several decades in which all chardonnays were so heavily processed with malo-lactic fermentation and other aging techniques that even the most distinctive Chardonnays began to lose their distinctive flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a currently very popular white wine varietal. Californian Sauvignon Blanc is also occasionally referred to as Fume Blanc. The growth of Sauvignon Blanc grapes encompasses nearly 14,000 acres in California alone. Sauvignon Blanc is also grown in regions such as South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, Italy, France, Australia and can even be grown in surprising regions such as Canada and Long Island, New York.
Sauvignon Blanc is often viewed as the best white wine for many food combinations as its tangy, aggressive flavor pairs well with foods. It is especially well-matched with foods containing components such as peppers, garlic, cilantro smoked cheeses, and tomatoes which are foods that would ordinarily completely overpower even the strongest-flavored Chardonnays in addition to most other dry white wines.
Sauvignon Blanc possesses a unique aroma which makes it easily identifiable compared to other white wines. Its flavors tend to be classified as herbaceous such as those of lemongrass, gooseberry, and freshly mown grass. However, it also possesses some other more traditional flavors such as green melon, grapefruit, passion fruit, and bell pepper. Overall, Sauvignon Blanc is a strong, tangy, and flavorful varietal that outweighs many other white wines in intensity and sharpness of flavors.
Unlike many other wine varietals, Sauvignon Blanc is not frequently aged in oak barrels because it often departs an unfavorable taste combination. However, Sauvignon Blancs are frequently blended which is a technique that calms their occasionally abrasive tastes. Blending Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon (another wine varietal grown primarily in France) is a popular practice, especially in Frances legendary Boudreaux wine region, as the Semillon adds a fig flavor and softens the overall taste profile of the Sauvignon Blanc. The ratio of Semillon blended with the Sauvignon Blanc ranges on the region and occurs primarily in France. However, some versions are comprised of 70 percent Semillon and 30 percent Sauvignon Blanc and other varieties are comprised of the nearly inverse ratio of 75 percent Sauvignon Blanc and 15 percent Semillon. These blends are a perfect option for the wine consumers who enjoy some of the flavors of Sauvignon Blanc but find it a little too aggressive for their palates.
Because Sauvignon Blanc is still not as popular with many wine drinking consumers as its more popular cousin varietal Chardonnay, many quality Sauvignon Blanc are very economically priced. Combined with its perfection in matching many difficult to pair food combinations, Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice for a dinner party varietal.
California Wine Clubs
For a wine aficionado, becoming a member of a California wine club is a must. Being a member of a wine club entitles a wine connoisseur privileges not available to anyone. A membership entities access to a vast selection of personally selected wines, choices apt to your specific taste, monthly newsletters and updates, recipes, savings and discounts... California Wines - Now World Class
California is well known for first-class wine and wineries. While they do not have as much romance and mystery as their European counterparts do, they, however, have a vibrance and body to them that is hard to deny.California, with over 200 days of sunshine and a very dependable growing season, is ideal for cultivating grapes and setting up winerie... California Wine Clubs
California wine clubs are perfect for both wine connoisseurs and novices. Membership to these clubs entitles you to a selection of dinner wines that fall under six specific classes.First is the Apertif, more popularly known as appetizer wines. These include dry sherry and other flavored wines that should be consumed prior to taking a meal. Second a... The History Of American Wines - Where Did The California Wine Boom Come From
Its only been within the past 30 years that American wineries have made since a large mark on the world. For hundreds of years its been the French and the Italians that have defined the world of wine, so how did America become a front runner? Heres a brief history of the grape and its evolution in the United States.Spanish missionaries planted th... The French Wine Market
The market for French wine is very large, not only in France, but also in Europe and other parts of the world. French wine has been distinguished by its quality and its unique taste, which is why wine lovers from across the globe have exhibited a clear preference for French wine. Over the years, the market for French wine has grown in large numbers... How to Purchase Wine Online
Answer one question before continuing to read this article: are you a raging alcoholic? No? Good! Then you may want to consider purchasing wine online for its ease of use and safety. If you purchase wine online, you will know exactly what order and it will delivered to you on time, every time. There are some things you should know before you purcha... Be Healthy - Drink Wine!
Is wine good for you? The answer is, Yes! Theres lots of research providing proof that there really are health benefits from drinking wine.Flavonoids from the skins and seeks of red grapes are the key to wine being good for you. These flavonoids lower your risk of coronary heart disease by reducing your LDL or bad cholesterol levels. At the sam...
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
California wine clubs are perfect for both wine connoisseurs and novices. Membership to these clubs entitles you to a selection of dinner wines that fall under six specific classes.
First is the Apertif, more popularly known as appetizer wines. These include dry sherry and other flavored wines that should be consumed prior to taking a meal. Second are the red dinner wines that are normally dry and go well with main-course dishes such as spaghetti, red meat and other food with many seasonings. These wines should be served cold to bring out their taste. Some of the more famous red dinner wines are the claret, burgundy, cabernet and chianti. Pink dinner wines or rose wines are a special type of red wine that goes well with any type of dish but are best with cold meats, curries and pork.
White dinner wines are usually either sweet or very dry. These wines should be taken chilled and are best with white meats and seafood. Examples of this type are Rhine wines, Chablis and wines made from various grape varieties such as Chardonnay and White Riesling. Sparkling wines are normally served with any course and meal. They are a popular choice during weddings, formal dinners and banquets. The most popular types of this wine variety are champagne and sparkling Burgundy.
Table wines are not bubbly, although some have slight carbonation. They have an alcohol content of more than fourteen percent alcohol. Desert wines range from medium-sweet to sweet and are sometimes served with desserts. Among these are the port wine, sweet sherry, muscatel, Tokay and Botritis. Lastly, cooking wines typically contain a significant amount of salt. They are not palatable and, as the name suggest, are intended for cooking purposes only.
If you become a member of any of the California wine clubs, you will receive a regular ration of all these wine essentials. You will receive only high-quality wines, because California wine clubs have resident experts who choose for you.
Wine Clubs provides detailed information on Wine Clubs, Wine Of The Month Clubs, California Wine Clubs, Wine Making Clubs and more. Wine Clubs is affiliated with Wine Tasting Tours.
California Wine Clubs
For a wine aficionado, becoming a member of a California wine club is a must. Being a member of a wine club entitles a wine connoisseur privileges not available to anyone. A membership entities access to a vast selection of personally selected wines, choices apt to your specific taste, monthly newsletters and updates, recipes, savings and discounts... Wine Of The Month Clubs
A lot of wine clubs offer fun and easy ways to experience wine. Their wine club selections are made from genuine wineries and have even won awards from famous publications. Most wine of the month clubs offer the usual selection of wines like Chardonnay and Merlot. There are a few clubs, however, that offer lesser known fare like Malbec, Carmenere, ... Wine Tasting Tours
If youre a wine lover and enthusiast, youd surely be delighted to attend wine tasting activities and events. But wont it be great to have that wine tasting experience while on holiday trips or vacations? Thats exactly what wine tasting tours will offer you: great wine tasting and wine festivals while touring great wineries and the countryside.Wine ... Finding a Great Wine Club
Wine lovers from around the world often form a wine club to discuss their love of wine and learn more about some of their favorites. There are many different notions that can influence what a wine club is, but most often it is simply a place to meet people with similar interests and experience new tastes and flavors. With a wine club, people find t... The History Of American Wines - Where Did The California Wine Boom Come From
Its only been within the past 30 years that American wineries have made since a large mark on the world. For hundreds of years its been the French and the Italians that have defined the world of wine, so how did America become a front runner? Heres a brief history of the grape and its evolution in the United States.Spanish missionaries planted th... How to Purchase Wine Online
Answer one question before continuing to read this article: are you a raging alcoholic? No? Good! Then you may want to consider purchasing wine online for its ease of use and safety. If you purchase wine online, you will know exactly what order and it will delivered to you on time, every time. There are some things you should know before you purcha... Be Healthy - Drink Wine!
Is wine good for you? The answer is, Yes! Theres lots of research providing proof that there really are health benefits from drinking wine.Flavonoids from the skins and seeks of red grapes are the key to wine being good for you. These flavonoids lower your risk of coronary heart disease by reducing your LDL or bad cholesterol levels. At the sam...
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
A wine refrigerator may seem like a frivolous expense that only rich people and wine snobs would concern themselves with. But, in truth, if you enjoy entertaining and you enjoy wine, it can be a great addition to your home appliance collection-especially if you are someone who likes to collect and serve vintage wines. A wine cooler as this refrigerator is sometimes called, keeps the wine at an ideal storing and serving temperature. It is a lot less expensive and takes up a lot less space than a wine cellar, so it is affordable for even beginning wine enthusiasts.
Is It Different Than A Regular Refrigerator?
A wine refrigerator is different from your regular refrigerator in many important ways. This is why many people choose to get a special refrigerator for their wine. Your food refrigerator is kept at well below 50 degrees-this is well below the ideal temperature for storing wines. Also the refrigerator in your home is opened and closed several times each day which alters the temperature many times which is bad for wine storage. A wine refrigerator maintains the temperature at the perfect level for wine and it is not opened and closed several times every day.
Size
When you are shopping for your first wine refrigerator you may wonder what size you should get. There are models which hold only six bottles and will fit nicely on your countertop, and also models that hold twenty or more bottles and would not fit on your countertop, but would allow for different temperatures in the different sections of the wine refrigerator for the different types of wines.
Temperatures
To guide you in what temperatures you should store and serve wines here are some basic guidelines:
Blush, rose and dry white wines should be stored in your wine refrigerator at around 55 degrees and served at between 46-57 degrees.
Champagne and sparkling wine should not be stored at all, but should be served at 43-47 degrees-think of the ice bucket.
Light red wines should be both stored in your refrigerator and served at 55 degrees.
Full-bodied wines should be stored at temperatures below 55 degrees and served at 59-66 degrees.
What About A Wine Cellar?
A wine cellar is actually a room in your home that acts as a big refrigerator. It does not necessarily have to be in the cellar, but it should be dark and also it should have humidity. A wine refrigerator does not provide the humidity for storing wine that a cellar does. The ultimate wine cellar will have different climate zones for different types of wine and when a connoisseur is storing and serving wine he can bring a bottle from one zone to another to prepare it for serving which you cannot usually do with a wine refrigerator. Although all of this may sound very appealing to some, it is very expensive to carry out. The construction of the cellar itself is expensive and unlike a wine refrigerator, you also need to have the extra room in your home to build a cellar. The refrigerator is much easier to accommodate.
Where To Purchase
When you are ready to buy a refrigerator for your wine there are several places that you can look to for purchase and also for information. You can go online to a manufacturers website and get particulars on different makes and models. Many home improvement stores and appliance stores now offer wine coolers as part of their regular inventory. Comparison shop for size and storage capability to find the cooler that will best suit your needs. Dont let a sales person talk you into something that you cant afford and dont need. Once you have found your perfect cooler, celebrate with a glass of perfectly chilled wine.
Written By Author Margarette Tustle. Read more on refrigerators from irefrigerator.com.
Red Wine Storage Tips - What You Should Know About Storing Your Red Wines
For people who collect and enjoy red wine, making sure that the bottles are stored properly is very important. Here are a few simple tips that will help you with, red wine storage, which will allow you to keep your red wine in top condition, making it possible to enjoy your favorite wine whenever you like.One of the most important things to keep in... Not So Essential Wine Accessories
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Wine can be a complicated topic. Some people have no idea about wine. Knowing the different types of wine will help you to make a more educated choice the next time you are out buying a bottle.Wines from the United States are named first for the type of grape used in them and then for the place they were made. European wines are named by the pla... California Wine Clubs
For a wine aficionado, becoming a member of a California wine club is a must. Being a member of a wine club entitles a wine connoisseur privileges not available to anyone. A membership entities access to a vast selection of personally selected wines, choices apt to your specific taste, monthly newsletters and updates, recipes, savings and discounts...
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
I think a lot about wine: Pinot Noir is on my mind whenever dinnertime rolls around, Beaujolais is in my thoughts as the holidays approach, Merlot and Cabernet share time on my brain when I attend a local happy hour. Sometimes wine is even in my dreams: bottles of White Zinfandel, knowing I am not a fan, chase me into dark and desolate alleys. But then, of course, there are the times when I dont think of wine at all; one of these times is when I think of Canada. In my thoughts, the words Canada and Wine are rarely side by side.
However, my thoughts are wrong (my thoughts, mind you, not me). Canada and wine are two things that actually do go together. Up and coming, Canada is one nation hell bent on climbing the grapevine of the wine industry. Look out drinkers, the Canadians bacon, I mean, beckon.
Now, Canada is certainly not a wine region as well known as the Napa Valley or Italy - Canadian grapes can easily mix with the public without being bothered by paparazzi - but their subtleness is due mainly to the fact that Canadian wineries are some of the newest in the world: they are just getting started.
This is not to say that the idea of growing wine is a new concept to Canadians - wine can hardly be a new concept to any country that once had areas owned by France - its just that wine, until recently, has been unable to flourish in Canada. This was mainly due to the economic restraints placed on vineyards: owning a winery simply didnt pay and potential growers were forced to chose between making wine and making money. In the 1990s, however, the government monopolies that controlled the production and sale of alcohol changed and producing wine in Canada became a much more profitable endeavor.
Ontario and British Columbia shot out of the gates to lead the country in wine production, a lead they still maintain today. Ontario accounts for 75 percent of wine sold, wine that is grown in a unique environment: with a close proximity to the Great Lakes, the vineyards of Ontario undergo a bit of a warming affect, just enough to stop arctic winds and make growing grapes feasible.
British Columbia produces the majority of the remaining wine. One of the most northern vineyards in the world, the climate in British Columbia is ironic: it is not as arctic as one might assume. The valleys of the region are tucked away behind mountain ranges, allowing the temperatures to be warm, sunny, and usually dry.
The vineyards of Canada contain mostly white grapes. Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris are frequently planted. Red wines, however, are showing some potential and grape growers have been able to find success with Cabernet, Gamay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. That aside, moving Merlot over and telling Riesling to give it a rest, the true wine belonging to Canada is ice wine.
Ice wine is a type of dessert wine that is made from grapes frozen while they are still on the vine. The sugars in these grapes dont freeze, but the water inside them does. This results in a wine that is very sweet tasting. But, because the freezing happens before fermentation takes place, the wine also keeps its acidity. The end result is a wine known for being both sweet and acidic, a rare combination for any concoction.
While ice wine is made in a variety of places - Germany, the US, Austria, France, and Australia to name a few - the best ice wines, and the most expensive, come from Canada. This honor is likely two fold: first of all, Canada contains wine regions with climates unique to most other places in the world; second of all, Canada takes their ice wine very seriously. By law, the grapes used in Canadian ice wine must weigh less than 35 brix, with a brix being a unit that measures the ratio of sucrose to water. The grapes must also be picked when the temperature is no higher than 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Lastly, the grapes must freeze naturally.
Canadian ice wines are often made using Vidal, Riesling, and - although ice wines from Canada are usually white - Cabernet Franc grapes. As for characteristics, ice wines are known to be quite refreshing with a medium to full body of flavor. The flavors are dictated by the type of grape used but are often described as tasting of peach, apricot, pear, apples, and even honey and caramel. Canadian ice wines typically have a alcohol content between 8 and 13 percent.
The past decades have seen other types of wine - table wines, sparkling wines, even boxed wines - fill the glasses of drinkers, but ice wines are slowing leaving their mark on the viniculture world. As Canada becomes a more prominent player in the wine industry, ice wines will increase in popularity and soon everyone will know that this type of wine is so much more than just adding a cube of frozen water to a glass of bubbly.
Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.
Movie Studios Really Screwed Up With The Baby Boomer Market
The QuestionEver since I wrote the post 10 movies to Recommend to your teens from before they were born, I have been thinking about the scarcity of movies made for the teen audience before the mid 1970s. Baby Boomers are considered to be people born between the years 1946-1964. So by the mid 70s half of all baby boomers were no longer teenagers and... Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards
Formerly LaCompte Estate Winery, Hawthorne Mountain Vineyards sit atop Hawthorne Mountain, and from a distance it almost looks as though the rows of plants could slide right off of it. This is one of the highest altitude wineries in Canada and is more of a destination winery as it requires a bit of a deviation from the beaten path.Do not be deceive... Basic Wine Knowledge
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Though Italian red wines are often talked about more than white wines, there are some sparkling white wines produced by certain regions in Italy. The taste of an Italian white wine depends on the variety of grapes used and the time required for aging it perfectly.Like Italian red wines, Italian white wines also carry the distinct flavor of the regi... California Wine Clubs
California wine clubs are perfect for both wine connoisseurs and novices. Membership to these clubs entitles you to a selection of dinner wines that fall under six specific classes.First is the Apertif, more popularly known as appetizer wines. These include dry sherry and other flavored wines that should be consumed prior to taking a meal. Second a... Bad Credit Car Loans - Canada
We are witnessing a world of fast changing lifestyles and ever growing human needs. People are always looking for additional finance to fulfill their much needed desires. Loan seems to be the most viable option for turning dreams into reality. But non repayment of loan will affect your credit rating adversely. People who already have a bad credit h... Italian Wine
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Monday, September 15th, 2008
Wine cellar racks allow the wine enthusiast to have a professional looking cellar right in their own home. A wine cellar rack is most often a wall mounted or stackable wine rack unit. It can hold from 10 to 100s of bottles depending upon your individual need and with space in mind; they are also customizable. Wine cellars and racks for the home allow the individual wine lover to convert any space in their home into an instant cellar in a matter of moments.
Wine bottles need to have proper storage to ensure that the wine maintains optimal flavor and wine cellar racks provide this storage. Anyone with an interest in wine should know that the proper and more convenient way to store wine bottles is on their sides. By using a wine cellar rack, bottles either are individually or grouped together on their sides in cubicles. This arrangement is necessary for several reasons. First, by storing the bottle on its side, the sediments that settle out of the wine over time are more evenly distributed and help the wine keep most of the desired original flavor. In addition, the label and corks are better preserved.
Wine cellars and racks for the home are inexpensive. They are easy to assemble, come with detailed, easy to understand instructions, and all the necessary hardware and they are durable. They come in a wide range in size, styles, colors, and are composed of various materials. Wine cellars and racks for the home are really more convenient than just keeping those few bottles on the pantry shelf. They actually take up more space being upright, then if properly stored on their side in on of our small wine cellar racks.
Wine cellar racks are no longer just for the winery or commercial entity. Although cellar racks can easily accommodate these larger consumers, the individual wine connoisseur can also benefit from a wine cellar and rack for the home. By purchasing customizable units, cellar racks for wine can be placed in almost any location available, from that junk closet to a conventional cellar.
Learn about the best wine cellar racks by visiting our resource: http://www.wine-racks-selection-guide.com/Wine_cellar_racks.html
Wine Cellar Equipment
There are many kinds of equipment that is essential to make a proper wine cellar. These include wine coolers, wine refrigerators, storage systems and wine racks, among others. Each of these serves different purposes and aids the wine enthusiast to properly maintain his/her wine collection.Wine coolers and wine refrigerators are very essential to a ... Discover Wrought Iron Wine Racks
Wrought iron wine racks are made to last. It takes skilled artisans to design and replicate these metal wine racks. It is important when purchasing wrought iron wineracks that you buy one that is preassembled. This will ensure that the wine rack is properly braced and welded in place.Many larger dealers that supply decorative wine racks made from i... Wine Storage Ideas
There are many ways wine can be stored in a house. You can buy wine racks, have them custom-made to suit your needs, or you can even build a wine cellar for storing wine. Adopting one of these options depends on the amount of wine you have that needs to be stored. If you have a large, sizable collection of wine bottles from all over the world, you ... Discover Unique Wine Racks
Serious wine collectors prefer diamond wine racks for storing their treasured bottles of wine. Whether a wine lovers tastes run to a rich, savory burgundy or a light, citrus toned Pinot Grigio, they all know the trick to any wine cellar is having ample space. Diamond wine racks provide ample storing capacity and proper horizontal storage conditio... Enhance Your Decor With A Wrought Iron Wine Rack
Wine racks are of utmost necessity for anybody who is a wine connoisseur and has or intends to make a wine cellar at home. Wine racks are both decorative as well as utilitarian. Whatever purpose you buy a wine rack; it ultimately holds wine bottles and frees the rack spaces.The purpose may be either simply storage of wine bottles or a beautiful dis... Wine Storage Cabinets
The construction of a wine cabinet is often the most overlooked aspect in building a good wine collection, though it is of great importance. The purpose of a wine cabinet is simply to prevent fine wines from spoiling due to environment fluctuations resulting due to temperature, sunlight and vibrations. Storing fine wine allows it to develop its ful... A Guide To Contemporary Wine Racks
Wine Racks Are The Chic You Call ForMoney-making wine racks are by and large alienated in two main groups. First group is represented by in-store saleable wine racks, developed for high traffic areas of the store to arouse sales. The second group consists of cellar or warehouse Commercial wine racks, predominately made for storage of large quantiti...
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Monday, September 15th, 2008
This wonderful libation has been quenching the masses for centuries and yet most of us admit to knowing very little about the brewing process. Well if a visit to a brewery is not in your near future this article will at least get your on your way to knowing more about one of the worlds favorite alcoholic beverages.
There are two main families of Beer: Ales and Lagers.
Ales are top fermented and require much less conditioning time than lager. Ales are generally brewed at higher temperatures (between 15 - 24C or 60 - 75F) at these temperatures the yeast will produce a significant amount of esters and aromatic flavors in the ale. This will tend to give Ales fruity or floral compounds. Ales tend to be slightly sweeter than Lagers. Some Styles of Ales include but are not limited to, Stout, Barley Wine, Best Bitter and Albier.
Lagers are Bottom fermented and require much more conditioning time than Ales. Lagers are the most commonly consumed of the two families. Lager undergoes a primary fermentation at 7 - 12C or 45 55F then it will undergo a secondary phase or the lagering phase at 0 - 4 C or 30 - 40 F. This secondary fermentation will clarify and mellow the brew. The cooler temperatures will inhibit some the byproducts associated with brewing to give lagers a crisper taste than Ales. Some familiar styles of Lager are Pilsners and Bock.
Of course to start the brewing process we need to have a few vital ingredients:
Hops
Hops are derived from the cone of the Humulus Lupulus plant. Hops were originally added to beer as a preservative. It is now mainly used for its bitterness and aroma. The bitterness of the hops will generally balance the sweetness of the malt. The bitterness of commercially brewed hops is measured on the international bitterness unit scale and other than beer production, there is very little in the way of commercial uses for Hops themselves.
Barley
Barley is a cultivated cereal and is major food and animal feed crop. It is heartier than wheat and will thrive in cold temperatures. It was used by the ancient Egyptians for bread and of course beer. The Barley that is used for todays beer production is malted barley. A process where the cereal grains are forced to germinate and are then quickly dried before the plant develops. This malting process allows the enzymes to convert the cereal grains starches to sugars, most notably of course in Barley.
Water
Water is the primary ingredient to beer and when heated becomes known as the brewing liquid. Different water from different regions will affect the beers taste due to mineralization. Hard water is generally used for production of darker beers such as Stouts and Ales while soft water is better suited for Light beer production such as pilsners or lagers.
Yeast
Yeast is a microorganism responsible for fermentation. It interacts with the Starches and sugars of Malt barley to create alcohol and carbon dioxide. Before 1876 and Louis Pasteurs discovery of the single yeast cell, the fermentation process with yeast was a natural occurrence, hence the localized flavors of different regions being affected by the different naturally born yeasts. Now that Science has controlled the formation of yeast it can be broken into 2 main strains. Ale yeast (top Fermenting) or Lager Yeast (bottom Fermenting)
Brewing 101
Brewing beer has become a scientific process of late with several variations, filtering characteristics and flavorings but the process itself is a simple five step constant of Mashing, Sparging, Boiling, Fermentation and Packaging.
Mashing is the first process in brewing. The barley grains are crushed and soaked in warm water creating a malt extract. This extract is kept at a constant temperature to allow the enzymes to convert the starches of the grain into sugars.
Sparging is where water is filtered through the mash to dissolve the sugars inside. The result is a dark, sugar heavy liquid called Wort.
During the boiling process, the wort is boiled along with other ingredients, excluding yeast, to kill any microorganisms and release excess water from the brew. Hops are added at some point in this process.
Fermentation then takes place. The Yeast, either Ale or Lager yeast is added to the mix and the beer is then allowed to settle. This is called the primary fermentation process. There can be a second fermentation process but many breweries may simply filter off the yeast at this point.
Packaging the beer is the next step. Beer at this point will have alcohol but very little in the way of Carbon Dioxide. Many large scale breweries will infuse CO2 into the beer through the keg or bottling process. Smaller breweries or craft breweries may add residual sugars or small amounts of yeast to the bottles or kegs to produce a natural carbonization process. This is called Cask or Bottle fermented beer. No matter what process the brewery takes, all beer eventually ends up in steel kegs, bottles, cans and sometimes casks.
Although you now know the beer brewing process inside-out, the proper packaging of this libation has created much debate over whether beer is fresher when bottled or left in a keg.
The answer: A KEG.
The keg captures beer directly from the brewery and is kept refrigerated during transportation to your local pub!
Bottles on the other hand are transported by unrefrigerated trucks and left on shelves where the beer is exposed to enough light that will inevitably have an affect on taste!
Michael Kyle has been an event coordinator and hospitality expert for 18 years. His passion for event planning and guest services helped lead to the successful launch of http://www.thesexykitchen.com; a web-site dedicated to kitchen design, renovation, party planning, hospitality, and more. Perhaps you have a passion or hobby youd like to write about. Discover how to turn your passion into a successful website, visit http://www.succeed-from-your-passion.com to learn how.
What Are The Right Home Brewing Supplies?
Millions of people all over the world enjoy the craft of brewing their own wine or beer. In the USA and some parts of Europe it has even become one of the most popular hobbies there are. This is probably caused by the fact that it is quite simple to brew wine and beer if you have the right brewing supplies, a good recipe and some patience. The proc... Beer - A Brief History
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Lots of people may be thinking why would anyone want to buy beer online? Especially when they could just go to their local pub, bar or liquor store. Well, if you are a connoisseur of this type of lager then you will no doubt like to try many different kinds and not every pub, bar or liquor store has a variety from around the country let alone aro... Cool Beer Anytime With Beer Tap Dispensers
Enjoy cold Draught Beer in the comfort of your home. All you need is a Beer Tap Dispenser. Available in different styles and designs, these are the best buy for your house.Beer Tap Dispensers are the perfect party entertainers. You can treat your guests to cold beer with just a press of the tap. With this dispenser, you are always ready for a grand... A Brief History Of Beer - Part 1 4300 BC - AD1502
4300 BC
Babylonian clay tablets detail recipes for beer.3000 BC
Chinese brewed beer called Kui.3000BC
The imperial Egypt of the Pharaohs- beer was already an important food item in the daily diet and was made from lightly baked barley bread. Beer was also used as a sacrament.2100 BC
Hammuabi, the 6th king of Babylonia specified provisions regul...
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Saturday, September 13th, 2008
It can be embarrassing if you are out on a date at a fancy restaurant and you dont know the right wine to order, its even worse if you are out with another couple. Even though ordering a bottle of wine while dining out isnt all that different than buying from a winery you do have people watching you and that can make the situation a little uncomfortable if you dont have at least some kind of knowledge of basic wines.
The thing to remember is that not even the so-called wine masters that go to all the wine tasting events know every wine. What is important to you as a novice is to just study up a little if you have a big date coming up and you have an idea where you are going and what kind of food and wines are likely to be there. You should also try to get an idea of what the cost will be ahead of time so you arent surprised by that as well.
The majority of dining establishments these days offer a wine list but that list can vary even more than the meal selection of various restaurants. Usually the wine list will be printed on a menu just like the food selection and the different types of wines will be listed by the color and type of wine as well as by region plus the smarter restaurateurs will have the list numbered which keeps you from having to try to pronounce that fancy French or Italian wine properly.
What type of meal you will be eating is of superior importance when considering what wine to order. This is when it pays to have done your homework or at least be familiar with the wines that the particular restaurant you are dining at offers. If you are in a higher class restaurant they will usually have a wine steward you can ask for advice as well.
Now that we have some of the preliminaries out of the way, lets look at some more specific advice. One thing you should avoid in most cases is ordering the house wine, it is there out of convenience and like most things in life that are convenient they come with a price. House wines generally are marked up in price more than others; you may get a much better wine for only a few dollars more.
To help you avoid overpaying look over the wine list and note the average price, if you keep around that figure you should be safe. Thirdly, you should order a wine that is from the same region as the food you are ordering if at all possible. If you are dining at a restaurant known for exquisite Spanish meals then Spanish wines should be made available. You can also ask your waiter for some suggestions and if they have any specials that he recommends. Keep in mind when you are ordering that if you plan on having a few glasses of wine it is always less expensive to order a bottle.
Gregg Hall is a consultant for online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Find out about personalized wine bottles at http://www.winebottlespersonalized.com
How To Taste Wine
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Answer one question before continuing to read this article: are you a raging alcoholic? No? Good! Then you may want to consider purchasing wine online for its ease of use and safety. If you purchase wine online, you will know exactly what order and it will delivered to you on time, every time. There are some things you should know before you purcha... Starting A Wine Cellar
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Saturday, September 13th, 2008
If you are looking for fine French wine and food, consider the world-famous Bordeaux region of southwestern France. You may find a bargain, and I hope that youll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour in which we review a Bordeaux ros from an internationally renowned producer.
Among Frances eleven wine-growing regions Bordeaux ranks first in acreage with about 50% more land devoted to vineyards than the second-place Rhne Valley. But its more than just a question of acreage and volume. Bordeaux is widely considered as one of the top wine producing regions of the entire earth and has been for centuries. The wine reviewed below comes from somewhere in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux produces over seventy million cases of wine per year, about 85% red, 12% white, and the rest ros. That means a total of more than two million cases of ros wine per year. When I wrote the first Bordeaux article in this series, I Love French Wine and Food A Bordeaux Merlot I stated that I didnt remember ever tasting a Bordeaux ros. I also promised to deal with this problem and Ill review Bordeaux ros in this article.
There are over twenty two thousand vineyards in Bordeaux englobing about 280 thousand acres. This means the average Bordeaux vineyard is less than 13 acres or somewhat more than 5 hectares, which is not a big area. About half of the vineyards produce their own wine, and about six thousand produce and sell their own wine, the rest selling wine through cooperatives. Bordeaux boasts about 60 different wine appellations ranging from fair-to-middling to world class with plenty in between. Some Bordeaux wine classifications date back to 1855 and have barely changed since, except that Baron Rothschild was able to get his best wine promoted from Second Cru (Second Growth) to Premier Cru (First Growth). Those in the know say that his Chteau Lafitte definitely deserves this honor. Well review some fairly top-notch Bordeaux wines sooner or later, but the wine reviewed below is quite inexpensive. Interestingly Chateau Petrus, crafted by another internationally known Bordeaux wine producer holds no prestigious classification. However, Chateau Petrus is definitely world class and comes with a price to match, if the wine merchant will even look at your money.
Believe it or not, Merlot is the major red grape in Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon comes in a distant second. Well talk about the remaining important Bordeaux red grape varieties elsewhere in this series. The major white grapes are Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Both the village of St. Emillion, population about twenty-four hundred, and its surrounding vineyards are UNESCO World Heritage sites. St. Emillion has its own wine classification dating back to 1878 and revised about every ten years. If you want to test your memory or become an old-fashioned sommelier then you can learn the gory details of this wine classification. Interestingly enough several St. Emillion wines were declassified in 2006, the most recent moment that the judges wielded their feared ax. One such unlucky wine was the Chteau La Tour du Pin Figeac, produced by Jean-Pierre Moueix, the guy who makes the famous Chateau Petrus and who produced an inexpensive Merlot reviewed in the article cited above.
If youre going to tour this area you should come during the week. The Office du Tourisme (Tourist Office) organizes tours of local vineyards including Chateau Petrus and Cheval Blanc another top of the line producer. Just south of town is Chateau Ausone, rounding out the best producers in the region.
In addition to vineyard tours and wine tasting, there are a few sights to see. St. Emillion itself is lovely with ancient stone buildings and the ruins of the city walls. The Eglise Monolithe (Monolithic Church) was hewn out of rock between the Ninth and the Twelfth Centuries. It is one of Frances largest underground churches. Its Clocher (Bell Tower) dominates the town center. Youll also want to see the Thirteenth Century Chateau du Roi (Kings Castle) built by the English; remember that Bordeaux was once in the hands of the English. Enjoy the Place du March (Market Square.)
Before reviewing the Bordeaux wine and imported cheeses that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Andouillette (Chitterling Sausage).
For your second course savor Esturgeon la Libournaise (Sturgeon cooked with White Wine).
And as dessert indulge yourself with Fanchonette Bordelaise (Puff Pastry with Custard and Meringue).
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Mouton Cadet Rose 2006 12.7% about $11.00
Lets start by quoting the marketing materials. Vinified using the traditional saigne method and blended by the family company, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, le Rose de Mouton Cadet is made from carefully selected wine from chosen vineyards in the Bordeaux region. It should be drunk young at a temperature of 8 C, which will enhance its subtle and refreshing fruit, sustained in a full finish. And now for the review.
My first pairing was with home made barbecued chicken accompanied by rice, grilled Portabello mushrooms, and grilled red peppers. It was quite substantial for a ros. However, I tasted bubble gum. The acidity was nice but the wine was a bit sour.
My next meal consisted of an omelet with local Havarti cheese, Turkish salad, and sliced avocado. The wine was not very present and this combination was not a success. I felt that I was drinking alcoholic fruit juice. This mild tasting meal overpowered the ros. Interestingly enough the wine went well with the avocado, but I still tasted bubble gum with the Turkish salad. I had the feeling that this wine was almost worth drinking with fruit-juice candy.
My final meal was whole-wheat spaghetti with a homemade tuna, red onion, garlic, and Greek Olive sauce that had a commercial tomato spaghetti sauce as its base. I doused on a lot of grated Parmesan Cheese. I was moderately proud of this meal, but the wine pairing was no success. This ros tasted like a fruit juice and didnt react differently to the sauces different components.
The first cheese pairing was with a Dutch Edam that was nutty, a bit fatty, and somewhat sour. The wine was not so bad; I tasted fruit in the background. The next cheese was a mild-tasting Italian Fruilano. It was OK, an acceptable combination of fruit and acidity.
Final verdict. No doubt about it; even if I didnt expect much at this price I was disappointed. I have tasted red Mouton Cadet and this ros was in a different league. There was some left in the bottle and I couldnt bring myself to finish it. Perhaps I missed a great pairing. I dont think so.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian, French, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His global wine website is http://www.theworldwidewine.com and his Italian travel website is http://www.travelitalytravel.com .
The French Wine Market
The market for French wine is very large, not only in France, but also in Europe and other parts of the world. French wine has been distinguished by its quality and its unique taste, which is why wine lovers from across the globe have exhibited a clear preference for French wine. Over the years, the market for French wine has grown in large numbers... French Wine Baskets
Most of the French wine shops offer special French wine baskets to their customers. These French wine baskets are generally decorative baskets comprising of a bottle of French wine accompanied by some chocolates or specific food items which are ideal for the particular wine. These are considered to be quite ideal for gifting purposes on various occ... French Wine Reviews
Many wine guides and special books on French wine are easily available these days. These guides and books provide reviews on the various different kinds of French wine. These reviews give a lot of information on the many French wines which are useful to not only novices who want to know more about the different wines, but also to wine enthusiasts w... I Love French Wine and Food-Launching a Series
This article will launch our new series, I Love French Wine and Food. You may be aware that we have written over two dozen articles in our first series, I Love Italian Wine and Food. This series will continue this labor of love, but for French wine and food. While this article launches the French series, it is actually not our very first one descri... French Red Wines
Wine is an alcoholic drink made through the fermentation of juices obtained from grapes, honey, flowers and malt or grain. Most countries manufacture wine products for local and global export; some even making a respected and well-trusted brand name in the wine-making industry.Wine and its OriginsEver since man learned to make certain wine from gra... French Wine Can Cost Over $1000 Per Bottle
Wine is undoubtedly one of the great national treasures of France, which over the years has become an integral part of French culture and is rooted in history with around half a million vineyards.Although you can find many great value wines and numerous different varieties to choose from whatever your palette, there are also some of the most expens... French Wine Country
French wine country refers to all the places within the entire French countryside, where the vineyards are cultivated. It has become a popular tourist destination attracting people from all over the world. Of course, it is also an educational place for wine lovers, who get an opportunity to increase their knowledge about the different kinds of Fren...
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Saturday, September 13th, 2008
The word ” wine cellars” often bring up imagination of splendor and pleasure. After all, the finest European villas take pride in their wide collections of wine cellars. Even the finest restaurants in the locality brag about the meticulous way they have kept their expensive wines in a very good condition.
The more focus on wine cellars tend to leave an average person to wonder what a wine cellar is for, and more so, when he or she begin to question whether their love for wine is posh enough to want them to actually buy or build a wine cellar at home.
I know for a fact that most wine enthusiast would not need a fancy storage for their wines. Instead they will focus on carefully chosen bottles they will be drinking on a regular basis but in a small quantities. This kind of wine consumer, building a wine cellar at home would be needless.
For wine lovers who enjoys having collection of varieties of wines, or enjoy stocking wines, a cellars solely for wines will be indispensable. A wine cellar can placed in any suitable location in your home.
Before you buy a wine cellar, there are certain thing you need to put into consideration, for example, the size, humidity, light, vibration, and the temperature. In other words, how large the wine cellar will be, how many bottles capacity does it have. This can also be in relation to the availability of the amount of room you have available for your wine.
Temperature, light, vibration, and humidity controls are important to keep your wine in high quality condition. Too much light (especially sunlight or fluorescent light) is known to damage wines. Your wine cellar should offer a darkened storage space.
One of the enemy of wine is vibration; too much of disruption to the sediments in wine, will cause it to have color and taste change. The more delicate a wine has, the exposure it will have to vibration and light.
Another factor you should consider is humidity, as it known that too much of humidity may cause the wine to mold and too little humidity may also affect the cork to shrink, which in turn lead to wine spoilage and and spillage. The recommended optimal humidity for wine is about 70%.
And finally, temperature is another factor that need consideration, because higher temperature will reduce the flavor of the wine and lower temperature will cause the wine to freeze.
So when deciding to buy a wine cellar, you should first of all consider some factors for instance:
- How many bottles holding capacity does it has.
- How many bottle of wines you would like to store
- The sensitivity factors in terms of how much sensitivity you need to control the temperature, light, humidity, and vibration.
- Whether the wine cellar will be placed in the open or somewhere in the room.
Essentially, buying the right wine cellar comes down to the features, the price, and space. So, you know your drinking habits hence, buy the best wine cellar you can afford which meets your current needs, and have room to expansion.
Victor is the owner of wine 101s.com. We specialize in offering high quality red wine, wine glasses, wine cellars, wine gifts, wine accessories, and wine coolers. Visit us now to take advantage of our great prices!
A Guide to Wine Cellar Racks
Wine cellar racks allow the wine enthusiast to have a professional looking cellar right in their own home. A wine cellar rack is most often a wall mounted or stackable wine rack unit. It can hold from 10 to 100s of bottles depending upon your individual need and with space in mind; they are also customizable. Wine cellars and racks for the home ... Wine Cellar Equipment
There are many kinds of equipment that is essential to make a proper wine cellar. These include wine coolers, wine refrigerators, storage systems and wine racks, among others. Each of these serves different purposes and aids the wine enthusiast to properly maintain his/her wine collection.Wine coolers and wine refrigerators are very essential to a ... Wine Refrigerator - Guidelines To Choosing The Perfect One
A wine refrigerator may seem like a frivolous expense that only rich people and wine snobs would concern themselves with. But, in truth, if you enjoy entertaining and you enjoy wine, it can be a great addition to your home appliance collection-especially if you are someone who likes to collect and serve vintage wines. A wine cooler as this refrig... Starting A Wine Cellar
Appreciating to drink a rare and fine wine can give you the desire to start creating your own wine-cellar. Collecting wine can be a very pleasant hobby. Especially when you seek the bottle of wine which is different from the others.If you wish to start a wine collection, you will have to spend a little more money than you think. Indeed, wine collec... Wine Storage Cabinets
The construction of a wine cabinet is often the most overlooked aspect in building a good wine collection, though it is of great importance. The purpose of a wine cabinet is simply to prevent fine wines from spoiling due to environment fluctuations resulting due to temperature, sunlight and vibrations. Storing fine wine allows it to develop its ful... Wine Storage Ideas
There are many ways wine can be stored in a house. You can buy wine racks, have them custom-made to suit your needs, or you can even build a wine cellar for storing wine. Adopting one of these options depends on the amount of wine you have that needs to be stored. If you have a large, sizable collection of wine bottles from all over the world, you ... Wine Rack Storage: Simple Guides on Choosing The Right Rack for Your Wines!
When you hear the word wine, most probably the thing that pops-up to your mind is celebration. Most, if not all, are using wines as symbols of merrymaking and festivities; most celebrations, gatherings and special occasions include wine.When a friend visits you at your place, wine will be poured; when your children got awards and honors at school, ...
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