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Barbera Wine Goes Great With Any Food

September 6, 2011 Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a red wine that you can serve with any meal, then the choice has to be Barbera. This wine is made from the second most planted variety of grapes in Italy. It has a robust fruity taste and lower tannic qualities than most other red wines so that it won`t overpower the taste of the food.

Just after the grapes have been made into wine, it has a really strong aroma of fresh red and black berries, similar to a Nebbiolo (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Nebbiolo). It is thought that this wine originated in the hills of the Piemonte region in the Monteferrato hills of Italy in the 13th century.

Throughout the Middle Ages, this wine was localized to the Piemonte area, but immigrants brought this wine with them when they traveled throughout Europe and the New World. Today Barbera is bottled in several countries of the world.

• In Bolivia, this grapes are grown in Traija

•Italian immigrants to Argentina started growing the grapes, which are now widely grown in this country and used as blends for other wines

• Barbera grapes have been grown in Australia for the past 25 years in the Mudgee region of New South Wales. More recently they have been planted with success in Kings County, Victoria and in the McLauren Vale and the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. The grapes ripen here at the same time as those used for making Shiraz (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Syrah/Shiraz/) and Merlot wines.

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• In the wine growing regions of California, Barbera is known as the backbone of jug wines and in used in several of the Monticello wines.

The Barbera grapes flourish in warm climates. They grow in compact bunches on the vines and are late to ripen. Some wineries allow the wine to age in oak barrels so that the flavor of the oak can seep into the wine. Others add a hint of vanilla and still other wineries do not age the wine in oak at all, thus preserving the original flavor. In this case, the wine is drunk when it is young so that it retains its complex taste.

The best known Italian varieties of Barbera wines are Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Alba. The grapes can be used to make a variety of wine styles, such as spritzers. The varieties also include wines that need to be aged for several years before you drink them.

One of the nicknames for this wine is “Italian summer wine” and for many it is the perfect beverage to serve with pizza because it goes so well with the tangy taste of tomato sauce. It is also one of the best wines you can serve with barbecued food.

Some of the California varieties of Barbera wine include the 2005 from Cooper Vineyards and the 2006 from Latcham Wineries in Granite Springs. Montevina Wineries produce several varieties of Barbera that have rich, concentrated flavors.

The wines have a taste of black cherry mixed with toffee and other fruits as well as a taste of toasted graham crackers. The Barbera of the Windwalker Winery is aged in oak casks and has the taste of vanilla, coconut and caramel added to give the wine more flavor, although you can still get the fruity taste of the red and black berries.

Barbera wine makes a great choice for any occasion. Serve it with Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner as well as those more informal events.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer specializing in international travel, cuisine, and fine wines, such as Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Shiraz. She currently resides in the San Diego, CA area. For a wide selection of wine varietals, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.


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Learn How To Grow Grapes

September 6, 2011 Leave a Comment

How To Grow Grapes the way to amazing Wine
by Pierre Duponte

The history of growing grapes and making wine is pretty much as old as humans themselves. It’s a process that was seen all over the world in all the major civilizations. In today’s society, growing grapes and making wine is just as rewarding and is definitely worth the effort.

The Growing Process

previous to tasting your first glass of home made wine, growing grapes properly is the prime step. With two different grape varieties to choose from, before you even think about your grapevine.

Choose Your Cultivars According to Climate

the 1st step to growing your grapes is picking the type to plant. While you’ll pick from the general red or white grapes, you will also have to select from European grape varieties and Hybrid grape Varieties. European grape varieties are utilized in warm climates, with long growing seasons and in grapevines where traditional wining methods are employed, such as in California. Hybrid grape varieties, on the other hand, have developed to become highly impervious to cool weather and common plant illnesses, making them the hottest variety amongst harvesters in places of cold weather and short-lived growing seasons.

what type of grapes to grow

the most vital thing to bear in mind about growing grapes is that they are perennial plants, and therefore , it is going to be about 3 years before you are able to harvest your first crop. some good news is that the quality does not think on the winemaker but on the grapevines.

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Establish perfect Growing Conditions

Giving your grapevine plenty of sunlight and a nutrient deficient soil is vital for the cropping of a healthy grapevine with fruit suitable for wine making. While sunlight will help in the grapes sweetness, a nutrient-poor soil will stress out the vine. This will force the grapes to grow smaller and maximize the quantity of skin ; the key to the color and flavor of the wine. Large grapes, on the contrary, are far more suitable to eat since they offer more juice and less skin’ a friendlier scheme for our palate.

Establish the Prime Cropping Time

When it is time to crop your grapes, you will need to kick off with completely ripe and illness free grapes. Most hybrid grapes are high in astringency. Due to this, you’ll need to purchase chemicals from a local wine making store to bring the astringency down to the correct levels before you add the yeast.

Fermentation, Clarification & Bottling

While there are many different yeast types that can be used to ferment your wine, each type will offer different subtleties in flavor and bouquet. Finding the one that’s the best for your taste might take a bit of analysis or testing, but it may just be the taste change that you are looking for. As soon as you control de acidity levels, you can move on to adding the yeast for fermentation to occur. Fermentation takes roughly a week, after which the wine is ready to age. Ageing varies in length, from many months to countless years, to finish.

This age old custom is really worth the effort and time. When the time is right to open that first bottle made particularly by you, acquaintances and family will line to be amazed and admire your newly purchased talent.

Pierre Duponte is a wine making enthusiast. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on How To Grow Grapes or you can get his free 10 part mini course on grape growing and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.

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Pierre Duponte is a wine making enthusiast. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on How To Grow Grapes or you can get his free 10 part mini course on grape growing and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.


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Dessert Wines: A Pleasant Surprise

September 5, 2011 Leave a Comment

I have enjoyed a good glass of table wine many times with my meals.  Wine tasting parties have always been a favorite pastime, especially when combined with cheese.  No, I am not from Wisconsin so I do not rate a “cheese head hat”.  Recently, after a pleasant dinner party with good friends, I was introduced to a new class of wines that I had never tried before.  The dessert wine I was served turned out to be the fitting end to a fabulous evening. 

Grapes used for dessert wines are not harvested in the same fashion and timing as your typical table wine grapes.  The goal is to increase the sugar content of the grape by mainly harvesting them later in the season.  Often in dessert wines a noble rot forms on the grapes before harvest.  In another dessert wine type named ice wine, grape harvest is delayed until the first freeze.  Some times these wines are developed by pausing the fermentation process. 

There are several types of grapes primarily used in the making of dessert wines.  Semillon grapes are commonly used in Sauternes that often smell like the wildflowers where it is grown.  Muscat grapes may remind you of orange and honey.  Fendant and Chasselas are typically found primarily in Switzerland.  Spicy Gewurztraminer wines are good tasting and seem to age well.  Fortified wines like sherry, port and Madeira are made differently than your typical dessert wine, but are also a great choice and considered in many circles to be “honorary dessert wines”.  Be aware that some wineries are making great dessert wines by “late-harvesting” table wine grapes used for Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier. 

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When serving dessert wines, a general rule is the wine should be sweeter than the food it is served with.  Good matches include fresh sweet fruits, bakery goods and chocolate and toffee based dishes.  White dessert wines should be served chilled but not to cold, while red dessert wines are mainly served at room temperature.  Because of their sweetness, dessert wines come in smaller bottles and often are more expensive than table wines.  It is best to serve these wines in a small glass with a pour of only 2 ounces.  Dessert wine can be served without dessert, but in any case with or without, ready your body for the sugar high that will result. 

Selecting the right dessert wine for your next entertainment event could be a little challenging.  A great suggestion is to try a “test-run” before you plan your gathering.  Get your chosen dessert prepared ahead of time.  Taste the wine you think will compliment your dessert choice and note your impressions.  Lastly, taste your wine along with your dessert.  If you find the combination pleasant to your palate, you are home free.  If the combination dulls the flavor of the wine, consider going with a less-sweet dessert or a sweeter wine. 

What I learned about dessert wines has been known for a long time by cultured Europeans.  On this continent, we have always appreciated having dessert after our meals, but have not extensively appreciated what a good accompanying wine could do to our “taste-buds”.   I have decided that having a dessert wine in my cellar to enjoy occasionally is a personal requirement.  As I always say, select your wine to fit your individual taste, store and serve it properly, and enjoy. 

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, April 2010

Ronald Senn is currently Vice-president of Ideal Wine Coolers.  Ron served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1970.  Ron graduated from the University of Arizona with BS and MS Degrees.  Ron is retired from the U.S. Forest Service after serving over 30 years.

Come visit our website: http://www.idealwinecoolers.com/page/home/index.html

Also visit our blog: http://www.winecoolerblog.com


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The Differences Between Red And White Wine

September 3, 2011 Leave a Comment

Most people have tried various red wines and white wines and they still have no idea what differentiates both. If you have no clue, then this article will give you the factors to look for; apart from the color which is obvious. Red and white wines can either be dry or sweet or anywhere in between.

The red wine is more robust, more complex than white wines. White wines are generally lighter without the complexity of reds. Though the grapes used do matter, but the main difference is in the fermentation process. Red wines are mostly made from red and black grapes, and white wines from green grapes. Sometimes red, black and black grapes are combined.

During the fermentation process for white wine, the stems, seeds and grape skin are gently removed from the grape juice after it has been squeezed from the pressing machine. On the other hand, during fermentation process for red wines the grape stems,seeds and grape skins are left in the squeezed juice. By leaving the stems,seeds and grape skins in the juice it produces tannins and pigments and are the ingredients that is also responsible for the complexity of red wines.

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Tannins are compounds that are present in grapes and other plants. When you partake in drinking a very strong cup of tea, the bitter, sharp taste is caused by these tannins. These tannins act to prevent oxidation of the wine during the aging process. This prevention is very important in red wines, since they’re usually aged and matured for much longer period of time than white. Because it is aged longer the tannins provide another layer of flavor, therefore increasing the complexity of the wine and also making it more robust. The bite of the tannins will diminish and be mellow as the wine ages.

Both red and white wine can make an excellent addition to your delicious meal, depending on what brand and flavor you chose. The rules for picking the type of wine to match your meal is not edged in stone, but the differences in wine do provide some guidelines. I will pick red wines to go with my strong flavored meals, because it is more complex and robust in taste.

White wines on the other hand I will pick for my less flavored meals. Some people prefer red for meat dishes and white for fish and chicken dishes. The most important factor in choosing a wine for a meal is your own taste. Do you like it dry, light, sweet or slightly in between? Regardless of what wine you chose for your meal, just sit down and relax and pour yourself a glass as you slowly enjoy your meal.

As you enjoy your meal take a sip of your favorite nice wine without any food in your mouth. Some people make the mistake of sipping wine while still chewing. The proper etiquette is to sip your favorite delicious wine after chewing your food. This is the only way to truly enjoy your meal and get the true of your wine.

Find tips about mimolette cheese and cottage cheese diet at the Cheese Facts website.


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October is Wine Month in Texas

September 3, 2011 Leave a Comment

October is here and that means its wine month in Texas. All throughout the month of October, wineries across Texas will be celebrating the state’s wine industry. Some of the state’s best wineries can be found right here in the hill country with over twenty wineries to explore. All month long, wineries will be hosting various events including food and wine pairings, concerts, vineyard races, and grape stomps. Friends, it’s time to get out and taste Texas.

Wine has been a part of Texas’ history since as early as the 17th century when Spain was exploring the Americas. During prohibition the wine industry in Texas became nearly void and it wasn’t until the German and French settlers came to Texas to plant grapes. It was not until the late 1970′s that the wine industry in Texas would begin to rebuild and eventually flourish in the late 1990′s.

As reported by the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association and Texas Tech’s Wine Marketing Research Institute, Texas is the nation’s number five producer of wine. In addition, Texas is the number 7 producer of wine grapes. The most popular grape grown in Texas for the use of wine is the Mustang grape. With Texas being on the list as one of America’s top wine producers, Texas is home to 163 wineries producing approximately 2.4 million gallons of glorious Texas grape wine.

A few of the events that visitors can look forward to this month are: Sip into Sunset at Driftwood Estate Winery, Stone House Harvest Dinner in Spicewood, Wine till Nine at the Pedernales Cellars, Dungeness Crab Pick at Dry Comal Creek, Live Music Overlooking the Vineyard, Wine Dinner at the Texas Bistro, Groove in the Grapes, Live Music at Solero Estate, and Halloween at Pedernales Cellars. Be sure to check with your local winery for the events they will be hosting throughout the month.

Whether you live in the hill country or are visiting the hill country for the day, make sure to get out this month and visit your local winery and explore what Texas wines are all about. There is no doubt that you will appreciate the uniqueness of a Texas grown grape and the many varietals available to sip and taste. Go Texan!

Deborah Allen is a sales counselor at Ranches of Brushy Top, a hill country acreage real estate community. They sell some of the most remarkable, rural, hill country Texas land located near Blanco, TX. For more information please visit http://www.brushytop.com

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The Best Grapes for Growing a Successful Vineyard

September 3, 2011 Leave a Comment

California isn’t the only location for growing vineyards. Vineyards can be grown almost anywhere as long as it has the right conditions. Grapevines are adaptable even in locations that experience extreme weather. These areas are also being classified as being perfect places for growing a vineyard. For those who are just beginning, you should choose grapes that can adapt well and withstand the climate in which you live.

When trying to determine a certain grape variety, keep in mind that the area which you will be growing them in affects a major part of your experience. Growing the same grape in two different parts of the world will have a totally different taste to them. This is because soil in both places is completely different and this as well as the weather can play a huge role in the taste of grapes and wines. You can find out more info by seeking advice from local vintners.

There are a variety of grapes, over 5,000 to be exact, and it includes hybrid grapes. If you are in an area that has a shorter growing season, you may notice that access to hybrid grapes is limited. Grapevines are able to withstand climates that are cooler, and they are also more resistant to diseases. One of the things that can help determine the kind of grapes that have the ability to successfully grow in your area is the weather conditions.

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Hybrids can grow in temperatures that are cooler, however not all grapes can flourish in all parts of the world. You should determine your area’s growing season in order to determine the grapes that will successfully grow, and will best fit your needs. A growing season does are the days without frost. There are some grape types that require a growing season that is a bit longer in order to ripen.

Wine grapes are classified as vitis vinifera however in this category there are hundreds of cultivars and they all vary as far as their characteristics go. Vitis vinifera grapes are the ones that are used to make wine. This is because they have skin that is tighter, which makes them ideal for wine making. These grapes are what make up about 99% of our wines all over the world. Other grapes include white and green ones. Both types of grapes can be used to produce wine. Some of the red grape varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. White varieties include Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sylvaner. The vitis vinifera grapes are found in the Mediterranean region, Spain, southwestern Asia and the central parts of Europe. American grapes came from Vitis labrusca, and they can be found in the eastern part of the US and Canada.

Grapes used for wine are for the most part smaller as opposed to other types, and they are seeded. Their skins are thicker and this is the part of the grape that is the most desired as this is where much of the wine’s aroma comes from. Grape wines also are sweet for the most part. The weight of these grapes at the time they are harvested is about 24%.

Even though there are an amazing 71% of grapes that are wine grapes, grapes are grown for several other reasons. Grapes are great for eating fresh and they can also be made into dried fruit. Grapes can also make jelly, candy, jam, seed oil, and also grape seed extract.

Want to learn more about grape growing? http://www.growinggrapescenter.com/best-grapes-for-growing

Visit my site http://www.growinggrapescenter.com for more information and helpful tips on how to grow a successful vineyard at home.

- Sebastien Hebert is the owner of Growing Grapes Center and all the articles have been written in collaboration with J.D. Stone, a wine lover!


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The Benefits Of Growing Grapes In Your Backyard

September 2, 2011 Leave a Comment

While a lot of people are growing grapes in their backyard as a hobby, many still do not realize that it does have a number of benefits. The most obvious benefit has to do with money, in which growers can either save or earn money from the grapes they grow in their garden. What is more important though is the fact that growing grapes actually has health benefits as long as growers consume them, of course.

As you push a grocery cart down the isle of a local grocery store to buy grape products such as grape jelly, juice, and wine, you will notice that they come at a relatively expensive price. You may be able to afford them every once and a while but frequently stocking them in your fridge may prove to be too luxurious for wallet. Even regularly buying bunches of grapes to serve to your family at the dinner table is too expensive. But if you are growing grapes in your backyard, you will spare yourself from all this expense and be able to constantly fill up your fridge with home-grown grapes and home-made grape products.

The type of products that you can make with home-grown grapes depends on the variety that you are growing. Some grape varieties are able to produce red wine (red grapes), while others can be used to make white wine (white grapes). These varieties can’t be eaten raw though. There are also grape varieties that could be served fresh for raw eating (table grapes) and still be used to make grape juice and jelly. The most versatile varieties – whether classified as white, red, or table grapes – can be used to make home-made wines, juice and jelly, as well as be eaten fresh off the vine.

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When growing grapes in your backyard then, a smarter decision is to grow the more versatile breeds. It really depends on what you will be using the grapes for. If you are growing grapes only to make wine, as this is the most expensive by-product of grapes, then it would be best for you to grow wine grapes for the best-tasting home-made wine. On the other hand, if you only want to satisfy your children’s appetite for peanut butter and jelly and grape juice, table grapes are the best varieties that you can grow because of their naturally sweet taste.

As a grape grower, you also have the option of selling your grapes right after you harvest them. Growing grapes is a tedious process that can be pricey at the beginning. Selling your first two harvests may be able to make up for these expenses and earn your family a few extra dollars to splurge with or save.

Better and improved health has to be the best benefits of growing grapes in your backyard. A popularized version of how grapes can be beneficial is the said effects of red wine on the heart. In two studies published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in their July issue, researchers from the University of Ulm in Germany found that the resveratrol found in red grapes effectively protects against heart disease. The study also verified that resveratrol is good in the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes type 2.

You don’t have to make wine out of the grapes growing in your backyard to enjoy the health benefits of grapes. According to experts, resveratrol is found in the skin of all grape varieties. Eating them raw, therefore, will not affect their significant impact on your and your family’s health. Aside from the disease-fighting resveratrol, grapes are also rich in antioxidants which can come in handy when you need a boost in your immune system or if you want to delay the aging of your body.

Growing grapes in your backyard definitely has a lot of benefits. Undeniably, growing grapes is a win-win situation that will benefit not only you but your family as well.

Charles Perkins is a grape growing expert. For more information on the growing grapes in your backyard, visit http://www.GrapeGrowingFun.com


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Growing A Vineyard – How To Choose A Grape Selection To Cultivate

August 31, 2011 Leave a Comment

If you love to create jellies or wines, planting grape vines within your back yard should be the first thing for you to do. It is possible to of course grow some types exclusively for eating. With only a small financial commitment you can start growing grape vines today for your pleasure. Prior to growing your own grape vines use the suggestions listed below to pick the appropriate grape variety for your specific location and requirements.

The very first thing you have to discover is definitely the location for planting grape vines in. Make sure it receives sufficient sun as well as the water flow in the ground suits the species of grape you’re going to grow. Each and every grape will likely have its unique specifications just for thriving.

In addition try to make sure you fully understand the grape you will raise, grows well in your current location. Look at a hardiness-zone map in order to determine out just what your zone is. Almost all these plants anyone may get now have just what specific zones they will thrive in on them. This should enable you to establish the very best varieties for your needs.

Truth be told there are actually a number of different varieties of grapes that you can pick from. Along with each and every form of grape you have an interest check to be sure it will grow in your area. Also in the event that you are going to be producing wine some grapes will be superior as compared to others pertaining to this. Quite a few grapes tend to be excellent for producing jellies or raisins. Know your grapes. What follows is some of the kinds of grapes you can plant……

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Concord is a highly favored grape, it produces delicious jelly and also home wine. These grapes happen to be blue in color. Zones 5 to 8 are recommended for these grapes..

Another excellent wine grape is the Merlot, which is red in color. It may also be used for blending from time to time. Traces of currant, berry and plum can be found in this medium-bodied wine. This particular grape is a popular one in France.

Frontenac grapes winter well can are normally grown throughout zones 3 to 7. These grapes are mainly used for wine making. If you are considering having your own vineyard and live in these zones, definitely consider this variety.

Another grape variety is known as the Marquis. It is a green seedless grape and is great for raisins to wine and everything in between. It is mostly grown in zones 5 to 8.

The golden muscat is delicious for eating. It is golden in color like its name and grows in clusters. Ideal growing conditions are in the zones 5 to 8.

The above are just a few examples of the grapes that can be grown. The most important thing for you to remember is to ensure that the grape you choose is suited for the purpose you are growing grapes. Whether you are making jellies, raisins or wines you want to maximum flavor for each.

To buy your grape vines check with your local nurseries to see what is recommended for your area. You may discover a certain local variety that grows really well in your area. Anytime you can grow a species that is native to the area you will get premium results.

The information here will help you get started planting grape vines in your backyard. Having your own vineyard whether big or small can be quite rewarding. Your harvest can either be used on the table as a fruit or in your own special wine.

You too can learn <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/3824520']);” href=”http://www.grapegrowingschool.com/”>how to grow grapes</a>! Visit http://www.grapegrowingschool.com for a FREE 10 day email course on <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/3824520']);” href=”http://www.grapegrowingschool.com/”>grape growing</a>.


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Value Italian Wines

August 31, 2011 Leave a Comment

In the spirit of our “Value Italian” wine tasting on Thursday, I thought I would highlight some of our bargain Italian wines. I will admit that my Italian wine knowledge is not as strong as I would like it to be, but I always find that research is a great teacher. Since I love rustic Tuscan cuisine in my own home, as well as experimenting with simplistic ingredients that are in season, I really ought to be focusing in incorporating Italian wines into my rotation. And fortunately enough, there are plenty of fantastic Italian wines out there that won’t break the bank!

Italy is home to some of the oldest wine growing regions in the world. Etruscan and Greek settlers were planting grapes long before the Romans started their vineyards in the 2nd Century BC. Today Italian wines account for one-fifth of the world’s wine production,  currently beating out the French in production.

Italians love their wine. It is the soul of every meal each day (as well as an occasional afternoon nip). Although Americans have increased their wine consumption and appreciation over the years, the Italians still have us beat…and by a long shot. Italians consume 59 liters per capita per year, compared to American’s 7.7 liters. Since there are 750 ml in a standard bottle of wine, that’s 10.2 bottles of wine for the Americans (that’s pitiful folks) and 78.6 bottles for the Italians. Hopefully I did my math right.

You are not going to find the typical domestic grapes, or even the French grapes, in the Italian wines. Standard grapes are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Barbera, Nero d’ Avola, Moscato and Pinot Grigio. If you are new to Italian wines, those grapes can sound intimidating, but trust me, they’re not. Once you familiarize yourself with these grapes, picking out Italian wines becomes a more enjoyable process. The best way to learn about varietals is to taste them!

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Italian wines can range from bold and boisterous to soft and subtle. They tend to have earthy and cedary characteristics in contrast to many of the domestic wines that can be very fruit forward. These characteristics come from vines that have been cultivated in the same earth for centuries as well as the “old vine” wines which can be up to 100 years old and tend to be less common in the United States due to our “newness” to wine production.

Italian wines are typically built to go with food. Meaning drier, fuller bodied wine that will compliment the food yet not overpower it either.

Here is just a sample of some value Italians:

Terredigiumara Nero d’ Avola 2007 –
This wine is made from 100% Nero d‘Avola, a variety unique to Sicily. Over the years, it has been referred to as the “Prince” or “Emperor” of Sicilian varietals. The grapes are ripened to perfection under the warm Sicilian sun and are picked in September/October. This wine captures the essence of Sicily. It is ripe and concentrated, offering supple flavors of wild strawberries and black cherries. The finish is soft, round and appealing, with hints of sweet red berries lingering on the palate and a spicy finish.

Brigaldara Valpolicella Classico –

A blend of 40% Corvina,  20% Corvinone, and a mix of 40%  Rondinella, Molinara and Sangiovese. This baby Amarone is aged 6 months opposed to the standard 3 years for Amarones, giving it a much nicer price tag. Amarones are typically rich and dry, made with partially dried grapes. The process is labor intensive and time consuming, making a standard aged Amarone more on the expensive side.

Castello di Farnetella Chianti 2007 –

Made with the Sangiovese grape from the Chianti region of Tuscany.  Very dark reddish-purple with ruby glints. This wine is a great benchmark of Chianti with its aromas and flavors. Black cherries are up first on the nose and palate, with an overtone of leather and a back note of subtle spice. Fresh and bright, mouth-watering acidity and soft, barely perceptible tannins.

Ca’ Donini Pinot Grigio –

A pure Pinot Grigio from northern Italy vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Pale gold in color. Fruity bouquet with hints of crisp apples. Dry, crisp, and refreshing on the palate. Beautifully balanced to compliment a wide range of foods from white meats, shellfish and seafood.

For more details, Please visit our site : http://www.decantedwines.com


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Change you mind about wine!

August 30, 2011 Leave a Comment

Be it a first date with somebody special or a toast proposed by you on your good friend’s marriage, Wine is viewed as essence of each ceremony. Perhaps the most complex occasions are accompanied by wine. It is an ancient and traditional drink which is associated with parties.

 

Researchers have found that it was made 8000 years ago in modern time region of Georgia. Traces of wine making were found in various European countries and also in areas of central Asia (in India and China). Apart from this, wine was moreover main beverage used in ancient cultures of Greece, Rome, Thrace and Greek. Roman God Bacchus and The Greek God Dionysus represent wine. Also in the present day wine is used in Christian and Jewish rituals and events.

 

Scientifically, it is an alcoholic beverage made by the of fermentation of fruit juice, basically from grapes. The genuine chemical constituent of grapes allows them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or some other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting smashed grapes by working with several kinds of yeast. Yeast is a natural enzyme which uses the sugars in the grapes and converts them into alcohol. Different categories of grapes and strains of yeasts make different sorts of wines that are different in taste, color and actually odor.

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Wine is traditionally saved in oak casks which help in creating a distinct taste and flavor of the wine. There are different tastes of wine such as coffee, chocolate, vanilla and alot more.

 

Wines can additionally be made by blending different types of grapes created by the genetic crossing of 2 species. Wines could also be made by merging a variety of grapes which makes them different from the varietal wines made from a single variety of grape. A few of the world’s most luxurious wines are created by combining several varietal wines of same vintage (time period). Wines are labeled differently in different parts of the world. In European regions they are categorized on the basis of their location of manufacturing such as “Bordeaux”, “Rioja” and “Chianti”, whereas in non-European locations they are categorized on the basis of the grape used in manufacturing like “Pinot Noir” and “Merlot”. Mixed wines are traded by the names and the trademarks of the companies. These trade marks are authorized by the Government bodies and laws.

 

Red, White and sparkling wines are probably the most famous and are recognised as soft wines because they have only 10–14% alcohol content by volume. Many wines like aperitif and dessert wines contain 14–20% alcohol and are fortified to make them richer and sweeter.

 

Wine not only accompanies a wide variety of European and Mediterranean-style foods but it also enhances their taste and joy to eat. It is significant in cuisine not just for its value as a beverage but as a taste agent in planning dishes, marinating and some other kitchen uses. It brings harmony and its affluence of taste in dishes.

 

Yet another classification of wine is Vintage Wine. A “vintage wine” is the one which is manufactured from grapes that were all or mostly grown up in a specific year and were labeled as such. Generally a vintage wine includes a portion that is not from the labeled vintage. This leads to variations in a wine’s flavour from year to year which contains subtle variations in palate, color, odor and development. If properly saved, high quality wines can improve in taste with time. Wine enthusiasts and vintners tend to keep its bottles especially of good vintage wine for future consumptions and trade.

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Article from articlesbase.com

Filed Under Wine Making Grapes Tagged With About, Change, mind, Wine
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