tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51291235187859340042024-02-19T17:58:27.507-08:00Wine Appreciation 101Putting Flavor into WordsWineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-89588576051129727472016-08-12T14:08:00.001-07:002016-08-12T14:08:43.828-07:00When In Rome<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was lucky enough to
find myself roaming the Italian countryside this summer. Besides the scenery
and history, there was one thing on my mind: Italian food & wine. While
it's hard to go wrong with any kind of Italian food, some cities are known for their
specialties, and that’s what I was on the hunt for.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When
in Rome...</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
When it comes to food, culture and history, the capital city of Italy can do no
wrong. While I knew any menu item here would most likely be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bellissimo</i>, Rome is where I indulged in
the 'traditional' Roman plates such as spaghetti carbonara, lasagna bolognese
and insalata caprese. The list could go on for days but if you only have one
meal in Rome, make it carbonara at Da Cesare in Trastevere. As for the wine
scene, </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Latium</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> is the wine region around
Rome. Most of the wine made here is white from the Trebbiano grape, and it
happens to go perfect with carbonara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Funny how that works! </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A Little Taste of Florence...</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
Gelato anyone! While this dessert is done well all over Italy, it seems that
Florence has found the secret to perfecting this delicious, creamy and sweet
treat. My daughter and I tried almost every local gelateria. Our favorite was
right off the <i>Ponte alla Carraia</i> (second bridge west of Ponte Vecchio,
on the Oltrarno side), Gelateria Carraia. In our expert opinion, the gelato
here was <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">super creamy and most
delicious.<b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>The </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Tuscany
</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">wine<b> </b>region</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">
extends from the city of Florence to the south. Some of the best-known Italian
wines come from this region. Notable are the Chianti wines, and Brunello di
Montepulciano. The rising trend to create Cabernet Sauvignon based, or blended
wines, has led to the unofficial designation “Super Tuscans” for these
expensive and much sought after wines. Sangiovese (or Brunello as one of the
clones is called) is the important red wine grape of the region. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gelato and wine…why not! </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Seafood
in Positano (duh)</span></i></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
This one may seem quite obvious considering this small town is the jewel along
the famed Amalfi Coast. With that said, I did not miss the opportunity to
sample some of the world's finest seafood; from mussels and clams to shrimp,
there are few wrong choices you can make. I currently hold the family record
for ordering Linguini con Vongole. </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Campania</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is the</span> wine district around the
town of Naples. The wines are not well known outside of the region, but
visitors to the region usually run across some examples in the local eateries.
Many of these wine pair beautifully with the seafood of the region. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">No matter where we found
ourselves in this great country, we made sure to indulge in a bottle of vino
and preferably a local one. We had no bad meals in Italy but our mantra was,
“If we get a bad meal in Italy, it’s still a meal in Italy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ciao Bella! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-24184140836980128022015-05-15T20:06:00.001-07:002015-05-15T20:06:20.580-07:00Wine Tasting 101 - Putting Flavor into Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFVps0xQ8-KBttTfaxli5OAEYl5cr6xP6vNwca-XKnmjJeHuDAbEGEvFJW-dH4GvOjZsmg25M-c1HJ7XvjRvF1wOAmTzsyVNc-8Z4sXikwxpOKS945JWptPJD5dXZzY7FNuynJGxq-QU/s1600/Wine+Glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFVps0xQ8-KBttTfaxli5OAEYl5cr6xP6vNwca-XKnmjJeHuDAbEGEvFJW-dH4GvOjZsmg25M-c1HJ7XvjRvF1wOAmTzsyVNc-8Z4sXikwxpOKS945JWptPJD5dXZzY7FNuynJGxq-QU/s320/Wine+Glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="date-start dtstart" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">May 31 @ 4:00 pm<span class="value-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" title="2015-05-31PDT04:00"></span></span> - <span class="end-time dtend" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">6:00 pm</span></h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #29303b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 30px;">Quick! How many tasting terms for wine can you list that everyone agrees on precisely? Better yet, how many precise words are there to describe any flavor? Tasting is, of course, an extremely subjective exercise and you must ultimately let your own palate be your guide. Nobody is born knowing how to taste wine. But tasting is a skill you can learn, just as you learn to dance or play tennis. Unless you want others to tell you what to drink all your life, you’ll need to develop the ability to taste. It’s easy, and practicing is a pleasure – so join us for this fun and informative wine tasting class.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #29303b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 30px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #29303b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: 30px;">Register at: www.backtothetablecookingschool.com </span>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-90298113258782909622014-10-30T08:45:00.000-07:002014-10-30T08:45:07.142-07:00Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrivé!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdw9jXPzArN1BeD45WOQxs20g6XmEAmOlEKUzLMq4cIhWI6VxazPtWxJlVliG25nlz8KvDzr3tuGQECdT6lvinhpTRCvgm6nTolRFuDe2DmqeqLN0dWbgwFFOB03vZrAbW5JBqfQf7ek/s1600/Beaujolais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdw9jXPzArN1BeD45WOQxs20g6XmEAmOlEKUzLMq4cIhWI6VxazPtWxJlVliG25nlz8KvDzr3tuGQECdT6lvinhpTRCvgm6nTolRFuDe2DmqeqLN0dWbgwFFOB03vZrAbW5JBqfQf7ek/s1600/Beaujolais.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
At one minute past midnight on the third Thursday of November,
Beaujolais Nouveau, made from the Gamay grape, is officially released.
There aren't many wines that provoke a reaction as strong as Beaujolais
Nouveau. You either love it or hate it. Just a few weeks old and barely
through fermentation, this grapey wine has become, for better or worse,
a worldwide phenomenon. <br />
<br />
<b>What Is It?</b><br />
Loved
for its simplicity, Beaujolais Nouveau is fruity and ready to drink. It
is amazing to realize that just weeks before this wine's release it was
a cluster of grapes in a growers vineyard and within six weeks after
the harvest, the wine is shipped quickly around the world. It has become
a worldwide race to be the first to serve to this new wine of the
harvest. In doing so, it has been carried by motorcycle, balloon, truck,
helicopter, Concorde jet, elephant and runners to get it to its final
destination. <br />
<br />
<b>The Debate</b><br />
Beaujolais
Nouveau provokes debate among amateurs and connoisseurs. From the
connoisseur's standpoint, Beaujolais Nouveau has three strikes against
it. The grapes come from the less distinguished vineyards in the
Beaujolais region. They're picked early, before they have time to
develop sufficient natural sugar and flavor. And the wine is almost
always consumed in infancy, before it can develop enough complexity to
be taken seriously. For others, drinking Beaujolais is a casual
endeavor, and doesn't demand deep thought or deep pockets. <br />
<br />
<b>How To Serve It</b><br />
This
wine is meant to be drunk upon release and appears on shelves timed
perfectly for Thanksgiving dinner. Beaujolais Nouveau should be served
at "cellar temperature" that is, slightly chilled (cool, not cold) to
bring out its cherry flavor. It goes with a wide variety of foods and
pairs well with rich and fatty foods because the high acidity of the
wine cuts through them perfectly. Its fruitiness is terrific as a
counterpoint to spicy dishes, as well as, grilled sausages and soft goat
cheese.<br />
<br />
<b>Cru Wines To Try</b><br />
If you consider
basic Beaujolais a bit lightweight look to the crus Beaujolais from the
region's top 10 villages. While the grape remains the same—Gamay
Noir—the quality is typically several notches above that of a Beaujolais
or Beaujolais-Villages. Some to look for; Louis Jadot Fleurie, Georges
Duboeuf Morgon Jean Descombes, Joseph Drouhin Brouilly.<br />
<br />
No
one claims it's wine worth a critic's review, but Beaujolais Nouveau
has won the hearts of consumers. Maybe it is a long way from the
pinnacle of what wine can be, but it is a wonderful reminder of what
wine is; so give this juicy wine a try and drink a toast to the new
vintage.Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-76810032042370243232014-04-22T09:40:00.000-07:002014-04-22T09:40:25.576-07:00Wine Tasting 101 - Italy Uncorked <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEfEo36Gr5hH3N5UHi0QCGOShXb-jTUxBV-xDteH6UqhLKj96AWim9quY4uu-R2AO2OIOhSA-gpHtCSAUTVKkWr6rlItknkzGFeXnFeua7StUFVuiITAVx20sX_CVNTDLhf9YS5Dx5Zk/s1600/Entertaining+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEfEo36Gr5hH3N5UHi0QCGOShXb-jTUxBV-xDteH6UqhLKj96AWim9quY4uu-R2AO2OIOhSA-gpHtCSAUTVKkWr6rlItknkzGFeXnFeua7StUFVuiITAVx20sX_CVNTDLhf9YS5Dx5Zk/s1600/Entertaining+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><b>Wine Tasting 101 - Italy Uncorked</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><b>Friday, April 25th </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><b>6:30-8:30pm</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><b>Lafayette Community Center</b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Planning a trip to Italy? Want to feel like you are? Come join us for a wine tasting class of Italian wines.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">The wines of Italy have something for everyone! Take a tour with us to a few favorite regions of Italy; Tuscany, Piedmont, Southern Italy, Veneto. The sheer diversity of styles, regions, and varieties offered up from Italy is amazing. From the tip of the boot to the northern Alps: tasty and unique wines in a range of prices and styles.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Come join us for an informative evening discovering the best Italy has to offer in wine & food. Class includes wine and food tasting, two hours of instruction and take home materials.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;">Please preregister on-line at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: monospace; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4235_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4236_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4246_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.lafayetterec.org/" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.lafayetterec.org</a>. Click on Spring Registration. </span></span></span></span>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-64606169517584450002014-01-20T15:18:00.001-08:002014-01-20T15:18:21.728-08:00Stormy Outside, Warm Inside<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI4QGPmBQK49P2ln8ayvTSCPXGamumn58jJr0SqR7bFNYffxTr6VRRbLlobPT5c1JkI7OTH5u6QBOUR3b1GOM14LsRAPXG2aHV3MgRpPM09GCJOuhztkmtiSjlM9dSNjmr09KipkCh0A/s1600/wine+being+poured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivI4QGPmBQK49P2ln8ayvTSCPXGamumn58jJr0SqR7bFNYffxTr6VRRbLlobPT5c1JkI7OTH5u6QBOUR3b1GOM14LsRAPXG2aHV3MgRpPM09GCJOuhztkmtiSjlM9dSNjmr09KipkCh0A/s1600/wine+being+poured.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #353535; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Here are
three of my favorite reds to weather any storm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Let it snow, people. I’ve got a
list of favorite reds to weather any storm. I did some legwork, err…umm…some
glasswork and have three great reds to wash away the winter blues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Italian Reds: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">If it’s a
big storm, and you’ve got a big budget, go big with a big Italian red like a
Barolo, which is made 100% from nebbiolo grapes. Another option would be to try
a Barbaresco, which is also 100% nebbiolo as Barolo much less expensive.
Snuggle up to the fire, pour a glass of one of these intensely flavored reds
and cook up some risotto. The intensity of the wine will complement the
richness of this classic northern Italian dish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Cabernet Sauvignon: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Nothing
says weather chaser better than a rich cabernet. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The cabernet grape is a
small berry with a thick skin, giving it a high solid to juice ratio and
creating a wine high in color, tannin and extract. Some typical cabernet
descriptors include cassis, cedar and currant. </span><span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Big
and balanced, cabernet is the perfect stormy match for a fatty steak or
something gamey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Zinfandel: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">If the
rations are low, Zinfandel is bold enough to keep you warm all on its own. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Known
as the quintessential California grape, so f</span><span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">ind some
California cheese and enjoy. Many Zinfandels are usually priced for longer
storms in case multiple bottles are needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Don’t shovel the driveway. Pop a
cork instead. And since we don’t usually get snow in Lafayette, pop a cork
anyway - It’s still winter right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which reds will you be sipping on throughout the winter?</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-71841660063964288282013-11-18T19:44:00.001-08:002013-11-18T19:44:13.051-08:00Thanksgiving Wine Advice
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The ultimate Thanksgiving meal is about more than the
menu. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If ever there were a food
lover's holiday, Thanksgiving would be it. And one of the pleasures of my
Thanksgiving is that every family member has a role in the big meal. My role is
a peach. I'm the wine gal. It's a fine job for a number of reasons with my
favorite being the many tastings I conduct leading up to the final wine choice.
It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. I do receive some advice along the
way; don't bring anything too expensive and don't bring anything too weird. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0AwdM9MIszYNz3lGsA1acgvAPbOzXFA6iUvVIQk40IJrnirIl82PyN-mobzDQRWgFVAUQIN_7xYH-Dk0EEyXhprhxTCefiQK9KVqCAbfAAHkc54f_WmYPoHGG6In5Ix3CvqaGyLMYg0/s1600/norman-rockwell-thanksgiving-450x276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0AwdM9MIszYNz3lGsA1acgvAPbOzXFA6iUvVIQk40IJrnirIl82PyN-mobzDQRWgFVAUQIN_7xYH-Dk0EEyXhprhxTCefiQK9KVqCAbfAAHkc54f_WmYPoHGG6In5Ix3CvqaGyLMYg0/s320/norman-rockwell-thanksgiving-450x276.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
To
fit the bill, the wine needs to be a crowd-pleaser and match the menu. No
problem. This year I think I've got it covered.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
I’d like to share a few tips on planning the wine for this
delicious yet tricky wine-pairing meal.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Red or White?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Either! Stuffing is a good guide: if you serve a basic
bread-and-celery dressing, try a white such as Chenin Blanc or an off-dry
Riesling. Add mushrooms or sausage and a red, like Beaujolais, is great. But
the best rule is to let guests drink what they like.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Choosing
the Right Wine? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here's
an easy answer: No single wine will work perfectly with your meal so serve a
few. Regardless of which wine you choose, the style to look for is
medium-bodied, fruity, and without a lot of oak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How Much Wine to Buy?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A bottle is about five glasses, so plan on a bottle for
every two people. If you’re serving wine before dinner, add a glass or two more
per person to the equation. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">With all that's
going on in the world, Thanksgiving is a good time for us to count our
blessings. Whether you're out at a restaurant or celebrating at home, I hope
you'll be enjoying a good bottle of wine with friends and family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-18155075784925205202013-06-24T18:32:00.001-07:002013-06-24T18:32:30.057-07:00Summer Reading List
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoHKDXJzXRMPcG06rVcMopIu0jg152PwOi_iAzpwbQSukGTWfLt8C-9PkQ3xHZyzo7X9L9VNAD7019CdnpAB0Fv-GTl64Vbl6VzbEPtmnH87comDFoGdARfwGL7DfYz1OMvDqA9AWHb8/s1600/Wine+Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoHKDXJzXRMPcG06rVcMopIu0jg152PwOi_iAzpwbQSukGTWfLt8C-9PkQ3xHZyzo7X9L9VNAD7019CdnpAB0Fv-GTl64Vbl6VzbEPtmnH87comDFoGdARfwGL7DfYz1OMvDqA9AWHb8/s320/Wine+Books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">If
you’re more in the mood for a staycation than vacation this summer, you can at
least transport yourself in mind and spirit with a great wine read. </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Reading wine books will inspire you and help wrap your brain around
the immense world of wine, and summer time is a perfect time to dig in. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Here’s a list of a few
books, both new and old, that will take you to some great wine regions or at
least compel you with some fascinating wine tales.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Books on Wine Worth a Read</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So,
pull up your beach chair, pour a glass of something and crack a book open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Judgment of Paris</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> by George M. Taber<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The Paris Tasting of 1976 was
recently put to film in the movie “Bottle Shock.” This is the book that tells
the story of the first time the world realized that wine can be great –even
from places-other-than-France.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Wine and War</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> by</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Donald
Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The Nazi occupation of France was a
flurry of destruction. Wine is the jewel of France and the Nazis had a lust for
finery. During the 1940</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">′</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">s, French winemakers came together to resist and protect their
fragile world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Napa: The Story of an
American Eden</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> by James Conaway<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">You
don’t have to leave the country to find a great wine tale. This book chronicles
Napa Valley, the fortunes made there, and the wine dynasties that have emerged
from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The Billionaire’s
Vinegar</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> by Benjamin Wallace <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">A novel about one of the largest
scams the wine world has ever seen. The story gets interesting when an American
billionaire drops over $100,000 on a single bottle supposedly owned by Thomas
Jefferson.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">
A page-turner made for a lazy summer day, this mystery is the true story of a
1787 Château Lafite Rothschild (Bordeaux).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Under the Tuscan Sun</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> by Frances Mayes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">This
classic and widely read book (and movie) still holds up as a romantic read if
Tuscany, Italy, is on your horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-12311437879016467132013-04-21T14:13:00.001-07:002013-04-21T14:13:34.675-07:00Wine Tasting 101 - Italy Uncorked 4/26
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Planning a trip to Italy? If not, want to feel like you are? Come join us for a tasting class of Italian wines at the Lafayette Community Center this Friday, April 26th from 6:30-8:30pm. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The wines of Italy
have something for everyone! Take a tour with us to a few favorite regions of
Italy; Tuscany, Piedmont, Southern Italy, Veneto. The sheer diversity of
styles, regions, and varieties offered up from Italy is amazing. From the tip
of the boot to the northern Alps: tasty and unique wines in a range of prices
and styles. Come join us for an informative evening discovering the best Italy
has to offer in wine & food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Class includes wine and food tasting, two hours of instruction and take home materials.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Please register on-line at www.lafayetterec.org. </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-56093361423361899882013-04-06T19:20:00.005-07:002013-04-06T19:22:54.749-07:00The World's Favorite White Wine<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAudq-feCvrvtkriocR-U_gjpGp7AFCuZRz0T3mknQK0cPCaBwLpd2BdvKQUz-ulV0blBzY1Ydo0gIUq2IYHrseR_pXF_RKDDRxO1g6sJlP0MIV1rAKaX-qWOJy64wE7lHH37bcgJTI3o/s1600/series+of+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAudq-feCvrvtkriocR-U_gjpGp7AFCuZRz0T3mknQK0cPCaBwLpd2BdvKQUz-ulV0blBzY1Ydo0gIUq2IYHrseR_pXF_RKDDRxO1g6sJlP0MIV1rAKaX-qWOJy64wE7lHH37bcgJTI3o/s200/series+of+glasses.jpg" width="200" /></a><b></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How Popular is Chardonnay? </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Popular enough to have sparked a backlash like the ABC Club – Anything But Chardonnay. Almost without question Chardonnay is the world’s greatest white wine. With characteristics ranging from citrus and green apple in cool growing climates to pear, tropical fruit and fig in warmer areas, this classic white wine grape of Burgundy has become a worldwide favorite. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><b></b></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><br /></b></span></span></b></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></b><div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Growing Regions:</b></u><b style="font-weight: bold;"> </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chardonnay grows in nearly every wine producing area in the world but it shines in Burgundy, France. The french versions are often described as being more restrained and higher in acidity. Burgundy produces Chardonnay under many local place names such as Chablis, Pouilly-Fuissé and Meursault as well as wines with Montrachet in the name and in Champagne it turns into Blanc de Blancs. Among the many other countries that have caught Chardonnay fever America, Australia and Chile are standouts. </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Style Variations</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chardonnay styles can vary dramatically based on origin and winemaker. When well made, Chardonnay offers bold, ripe, rich and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, pineapple, lemon and grapefruit, along with spice, honey, butter, butterscotch and hazelnut flavors. Winemakers build more complexity into this easy-to-manipulate wine using common vinification techniques: Look for the following words on Chardonnay labels: <i>barrel fermented</i> (which imparts toasty oak flavors); <i>cold fermented</i> (which preserves fresh, youthful fruit flavors); and <i>lees contact</i> or <i>sur lie</i> (increasing the contact time between the lees, or sediment, and the wine which adds complexity and richness). </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Food Pairings:</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pair Chardonnay in the leaner Burgundian style with roasted chicken or seafood; the more voluptuous New World Chardonnay can match the buttery richness of pasta dishes made with cream or cheese, with lobster or other rich seafood. Caution: Chardonnay can be hard to match with food if it is high in alcohol (13-14%) or has a lot of oak flavor creating a heavier weight and body. Spicy food tends to accentuate the alcohol and oak in the wine and usually are not pleasant together. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of reds and similarly, Chardonnay is considered the king of white wines making consistently excellent, rich and complex whites. This amazingly versatile grape grows well in a variety of locations throughout the world and creates widely varied wines. </span></div>
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Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-65602844918825072952013-02-02T21:03:00.000-08:002013-02-02T21:03:19.677-08:00Wine & Chocolate Pairing 101 - 2/7/2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8Mhn1tIrtnO8qeGotJVRillF8y-XWLdj6dXrtcI3VT2eU9MwYqDfd64QtMOhxsMwlH5atdAwLl0LlhpM9yW0GgaObCztOcqEQf7rjmHvRu_LhyphenhyphenVPtwQwVaqJJ09TTGBXvMDTlQmEuMU/s1600/VINHOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8Mhn1tIrtnO8qeGotJVRillF8y-XWLdj6dXrtcI3VT2eU9MwYqDfd64QtMOhxsMwlH5atdAwLl0LlhpM9yW0GgaObCztOcqEQf7rjmHvRu_LhyphenhyphenVPtwQwVaqJJ09TTGBXvMDTlQmEuMU/s320/VINHOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Wine & Chocolate Pairing 101</span></b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just in Time for Valentine's Day</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thursday, February 7th 6:30-8:39pm</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Walnut Creek Community Center, Civic Plaza</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">Some say it can't be done, pairing wine with chocolate, but if you have the right wine to complement the right chocolate it can be a match made in heaven! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">Whether you are pairing a delicate white chocolate or a lovely dark chocolate with wine, there are a few pairing tips to keep in mind so join us for a decadent exploration of Chocolate and Wine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">Class includes wine & chocolate tasting, take home materials and 2 hours of instruction. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">Please bring 5 wine glasses to class. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><b>You must pre-register at www.walnutcreek.org class #21406</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br /></span></div>
Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-4209653551017785482012-10-03T08:20:00.002-07:002012-10-03T08:22:04.634-07:00Raise Your Glass! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWR054GUwXkBwMklZtdfc5zCC97jGowFG9s8XXcyzzdgIEGOYznumJHjSg1-4uXlnyPqADo8LNLSRlLmrlfd7Rs9CZYrYqjd-g8mK1D94YtlXSzxVDAfQ1jtaZd74hLF9nr172BrdGes/s1600/two+wt+wines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWR054GUwXkBwMklZtdfc5zCC97jGowFG9s8XXcyzzdgIEGOYznumJHjSg1-4uXlnyPqADo8LNLSRlLmrlfd7Rs9CZYrYqjd-g8mK1D94YtlXSzxVDAfQ1jtaZd74hLF9nr172BrdGes/s320/two+wt+wines.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do some wine glasses enhance
the wine better than others? Should you invest in expensive wine glasses? Are
all 'good' wine glasses expensive? These are some of the questions I often
receive from my wine students. In my opinion, yes, the glass makes a difference.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Why is this so? The shape of
the glass can have a big effect on taste. Experts claim that the depth of the
bowl and the curve of the rim change the amount of air exposure and directs the
flow of wine onto the tongue to enhance or mute flavors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Wine Glasses 101:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">• 1. The size and shape of the bowl -</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> The larger the bowl the better the wine's aromas can
circulate. Glassware intended for red wine tends to be bigger, since red wines
need more time and air to open up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">• 2. The stem length -</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> The stem of the glass allows us to hold the glass
without having our hand on the actual bowl and 'interfere' with the wine's
temperature. No more, no less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">• 3. Stemless -</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Stemless wine glasses have become very popular. This is a good thing,
as they are practical, especially for everyday and casual wine-drinking
occasions. I am a total convert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">• 4. Fine lead crystal or regular glass -</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> The finer the crystal the thinner the glass. This
does make a huge difference. Fine, lead crystal really does enhance the wine
drinking experience. However, these are expensive glasses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">• 5. Plain, colored or etched -</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> In general plain, unadorned glasses are better for
serious tasting, as they allow you to examine all the visual aspects of the
wine such as the color -- its intensity as well as viscosity. However, most
wine drinking situations are not 'serious tastings' so feel free to have some
fun, add some color.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">• 6. Champagne/sparkling wine flutes -</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> The 'flute' shaped glass has long been considered
the best for Champagne and sparkling wines as it allows the wine to manifest
its bubbles with greatest intensity and duration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Try it for yourself. Pour
the same wine into two different glasses and taste the difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-42862100745476793582012-09-02T07:17:00.001-07:002012-09-02T07:17:15.496-07:00Authentic Suburban Gourmet: Red Velvet Cake Balls + Cookbook Giveaway<a href="http://authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com/2012/08/red-velvet-cake-balls-cookbook-giveaway.html?m=1">Authentic Suburban Gourmet: Red Velvet Cake Balls + Cookbook Giveaway</a>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-17104348784479995822012-08-26T15:33:00.004-07:002012-08-26T15:36:28.269-07:00Let it Breathe<br />
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Does wine really breathe? The term breathing usually refers to the process of aerating the wine or simply maximizing the wine's exposure to the surrounding air. Wine needs to come in contact with at least a little air to release its bouquet. Technically, the air causes the esters - fragrant liquids - in wine to evaporate or volatilize. In addition the wine will typically warm up causing the wine's aromas to open up and the overall flavor characteristics to improve. That's why you swirl a wine in your glass before you smell it. </div>
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<b>Which Wines Need to Breathe</b> </div>
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In general, most red wines but only a few white wines and dessert wines can benefit from aeration. Many young, concentrated red wines, like an expensive Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux that can age for several years, undergo a sort of micro aging process by getting lots of air into them. The same goes for a young and concentrated or especially astringent white wine, such as a white Burgundy. The reason is that forced exposure to air begins to oxidize a wine, causing subtle chemical changes that affect both the flavors and the texture. </div>
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<b>How to Let Your Wine Breathe</b> </div>
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Just popping the cork isn’t going to get you there. Pulling the cork out of the bottle and letting the bottle sit there has little perceptible effect on aerating the wine. Under these circumstances only a small amount of the wine in the bottle has contact with air. The little space in the neck of the bottle is way too small to allow your wine to breathe very much. The best and most entertaining way to accomplish real aeration is to pour the wine into another vessel. If you really want to aerate your wine, do one or both of the following: </div>
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<b>Decant</b> - A decanter can be defined as any large liquid container with a wide opening at the top and able to hold the whole bottle of wine. This can be an orange juice pitcher, glass jar or clean flower vase you have on hand. The idea is to splash the wine as much as possible while pouring to maximize the wine’s contact with air. The increased surface area is the key to allowing more air to make contact with the wine. </div>
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<b>Wine Glasses</b> - The wine will do a lot more breathing in your glass than it ever would have while still cooped up in the bottle. Pour your wine into large wine glasses and let it aerate about 10 minutes before you plan to drink it. This is certainly the low-maintenance method and typically works quite well. </div>
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In general, the Aeration Rule of Thumb: the more tannins a wine has the more time it will need to aerate. Lighter-bodied red wines, Pinot Noir for example, that have lower tannin levels, will need little if any time to breathe. </div>
Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-85340370112352547442012-06-15T20:33:00.000-07:002012-06-27T14:31:05.248-07:00A Taste for Wine Country<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2LfCLVBPH57igLwxWDlDKneWvLMFmGsRvsZ0GmDjQXojxtVjLrU1KHofRDpg9Jk4D1RcD2SQG-67SdBNfifUOw9IZDPjEXEY49EpkkIJdXduS5JB1E-31_6CMywMfcTo51FKSPRhnf8/s1600/wine+country.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2LfCLVBPH57igLwxWDlDKneWvLMFmGsRvsZ0GmDjQXojxtVjLrU1KHofRDpg9Jk4D1RcD2SQG-67SdBNfifUOw9IZDPjEXEY49EpkkIJdXduS5JB1E-31_6CMywMfcTo51FKSPRhnf8/s320/wine+country.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Taste for Wine Country <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Summertime is a perfect time
to visit a wine country. I can think of at least three compelling reasons to
spend time in a wine region. First, if you’re already a fan of a particular
region’s wines, it can be an exciting experience to meet its winemakers who are
passionate and eager to talk about their art. Second, there is no better way to
explore the world then by visiting great wine properties; many older wine
estates are built on the most spectacular sites. Third, where there is a
first-rate wine, delicious food is rarely far behind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Living in Northern California
affords us the opportunity to visit wine country as often as we care to. Here
are a few tips to make your visit a success:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Book
the wineries in advance</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. You can
try simply showing up at the winery but keep in mind that the finest
places are often the least accessible. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Observe
the basic rules of etiquette</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. If
you have an appointment, call if you’re running more than 15 minutes late
and don’t be a no show. Word gets around.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dress
comfortably</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Wine touring
requires a lot of footwork. If you’re sampling in a wine cellar, the floor
will probably be cold and damp so come prepared. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Show
interest.</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Listen to what the
pourer is saying and ask questions but don’t pretend you are an expert.
You’re there to learn and have fun. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Offer a
few words of praise</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Start
slowly; odds are your host will begin with the lesser wines and work up to
the more serious in the portfolio. Offering too much of a fuss too early
on will seem insincere. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Remember
to spit</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. You won’t be expected
to drink everything you are given to taste, but if you drain each glass,
your day will be over before lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do
comparative tastings</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. Tasting
rooms offer a terrific opportunity to taste wines against each other. If
there are two chardonnays being offered for tasting, taste them side- by
side. You’ll enjoy tasting
the differences. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Buy a
bottle</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. You don’t have to but
it’s a polite gesture, and if you’ve had a nice chat with the winemaker
ask him to sign the bottle. Some wineries charge to taste and often deduct
that fee from the cost of a bottle. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">A visit to wine country can
often be as entertaining as it is educational so get out there and enjoy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-53049530876220386422012-05-22T08:20:00.000-07:002012-05-22T08:23:13.893-07:00All American Grilling Wines<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnQJGlbK0WZzvOaz8jDzXahn2TRWmrmvRZ8m6uvHGKUuGRewESdsUoKhtDuTy6amYqIvBBJdc6Rbp0WcsCJqLA489s4WqUBVRYu-ZHvTx_c2SXBsXiOtLfR0ZaAiIKS_o-BVUkeiSHN8/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnQJGlbK0WZzvOaz8jDzXahn2TRWmrmvRZ8m6uvHGKUuGRewESdsUoKhtDuTy6amYqIvBBJdc6Rbp0WcsCJqLA489s4WqUBVRYu-ZHvTx_c2SXBsXiOtLfR0ZaAiIKS_o-BVUkeiSHN8/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
As a proud flag waver for America’s own grape, Zinfandel, Zin epitomizes California. Known as the quintessential California grape variety. Much of the appeal of this American treasure comes from the grapes complexity. At the same time, Zinfandel tends to be very approachable and a shoe in for casual summer gatherings. </div>
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<b>Style And Stylish - </b></div>
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This uniquely American fine-wine grape has a history of moving in and out of fashion. Classic red Zinfandel has fruit aromas of dark cherries, plums, raspberries and blackberries and can range dramatically in style. These stylistic variations influence how the wine will likely pair with food. The styles you may encounter include:</div>
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<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Medium-Full Body; expressive fruit with some barrel age; often spicy</li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Full Body; ripe, higher alcohol, often more tannic and oaky</li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Late Harvest; dessert style, sweet, port-like, high alcohol</li>
</ul>
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<b>All About The Food - </b></div>
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Unlike many other reds, Zinfandel is very compatible with food and especially loves the grill. Food pairings that work well include: </div>
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<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Heartier dishes that have been grilled, braised or smoked. </li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Many salty dishes as Zin is better then most reds due to its forward, sweet berry fruit.</li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Fruit based sauces particularly those with berry fruits.</li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Sharp cheeses like Manchego and washed rind cheeses like Taleggio. </li>
</ul>
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<b>A Few Zin’s To Try - </b></div>
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I recently participated in a 2009 Sonoma County Zinfandel tasting (yes, it was fun) and here are my top picks:</div>
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<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Seghesio Family Vineyards Home Ranch</li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>JC Cellars St. Peters Church </li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Carlisle “Carlisle Vineyard” </li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Ridge Vineyard Pagani Ranch </li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Symbol;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Ravenswood Sonoma County</li>
</ul>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-23924173211479006982012-05-02T19:30:00.002-07:002012-05-02T19:34:28.427-07:00Red, White and Green Wine?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1yX6Xzkzm1U9maq327JdyGb1h-zERinoDG8MHClFkF8x-etauOl_7cN-dB80MceLxuwK9tYXOy9yaCjkjV1C6xXKW5iHO-CzuSAGQ3PRoBZzT5Dn3rAI4aBwQ4FW32g7pvrFBd1yVno/s1600/organic-wine-tip-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1yX6Xzkzm1U9maq327JdyGb1h-zERinoDG8MHClFkF8x-etauOl_7cN-dB80MceLxuwK9tYXOy9yaCjkjV1C6xXKW5iHO-CzuSAGQ3PRoBZzT5Dn3rAI4aBwQ4FW32g7pvrFBd1yVno/s1600/organic-wine-tip-med.jpg" /></a>Can there be <i>Green</i> wine? The <i>Green</i> wine category showcases the wines and wineries that use sustainable, organic and/or biodynamic practices - both in the vineyard and/or winemaking process. As we look back on Earth Day 2012, I hope you'll be interested in discovering a few eco-friendly wine styles to toast the planet! </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Biodynamic</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This particularly intense school of agriculture has both organic and spiritual aspects. Biodynamic agriculture views the farm as a single organism, with the plants, animals, crops, soil, air and celestial influences, such as the moon and stars, all interconnected. By balancing these elements, the farmer, in theory, makes his property self-sustaining, thus eliminating the need for artificial nutrients or pesticides.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Natural </b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A small, strict, mostly French movement, "natural" winemaking uses organic grapes that are farmed and picked by hand, and are fermented with native (not manufactured) yeasts. No sulfites or other additives go into natural wine.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Organic</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The use of the term organic is defined by the USDA: For a wine to be labeled organic, the vineyards from which the grapes are picked must be farmed without synthetic fertilizers, conventional pesticides or genetically engineered plant material. In addition, sulfites cannot be added to the wine as a preservative. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Unfortunately, wines made without sulfites can re-ferment or oxidize in the bottle. That’s why many winemakers who use organic grapes also add sulfites. If their wines contain less than 100 parts per million, they are still permitted to label their wines "made with organic grapes."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Sustainable</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Although there are no government standards for sustainable agriculture, practitioners generally promote both ecological and social responsibility by avoiding pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and by enriching soil with cover crops and composts.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">What does it all mean?? Wine drinkers who really care about how a wine is made need to get to know its producer. After all, it’s the integrity of the winemaker that matters more than any certification process. And when you find a winemaker with both talent and integrity, you’ll probably find the best wines, natural or otherwise. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-61940689945695598062012-04-09T17:11:00.001-07:002012-04-09T17:21:47.413-07:00What’s in Your Easter Basket<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg7WLrEBTSCpzg97IQ3QWsvEPKhwNBBG6UQGQxg96MqcqVo59BMvN55yLZpOSLXRHFir-PzJINPZEH3fMgU_xnJMbU1Mhy36xDuWKKyroqdOhRbmM6P9WK5qJ0QmpeEOAW9938M8Z5Iw/s1600/Easterwine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg7WLrEBTSCpzg97IQ3QWsvEPKhwNBBG6UQGQxg96MqcqVo59BMvN55yLZpOSLXRHFir-PzJINPZEH3fMgU_xnJMbU1Mhy36xDuWKKyroqdOhRbmM6P9WK5qJ0QmpeEOAW9938M8Z5Iw/s320/Easterwine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Easter is almost here and families everywhere
will be gathering around the dinner table to feast with friends and loved ones.
This may not sound like the best time to think about serious food and wine
pairings, but if your family is anything like mine the end of Lent is one of
the happiest of days. Chocolate, red meat, coffee or even (gasp!) wine,
whatever you may have given up for the last 40 days, it’s time to reintroduce
yourself. The Easter meal should be a happy occasion, and what better way to
enjoy good company than with a little vino at the table? I</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">f your family celebrates Passover, wow the crowd with a tasty kosher
wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The Easter
Ham<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Ham is often prepared with glazes or toppings
that are sweet and can balance the inherent saltiness of the actual meat.
Well-paired wines can accomplish the same objective. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">If I had
to choose but one wine to accompany an Easter ham, I know what I’d choose in a
heartbeat. Unfussy rosés are bursting with red fruit flavors and pair with a variety
of holiday foods especially Easter ham.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Ros</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">é’</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">s
flavor profile has enough sweet fruit to balance the salt in the ham and enough
acidity to support the combination without compromising the flavor in either
the ham or the wine.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Rosé 101<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Ros</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">é wines are made from red
wine grapes fermented just a short time with their skins. Colors range from
light salmon to bright pink to medium-deep rose. The length of time the juice
is in contact with the crushed skins determines not only the final color of the
wine, but to a certain extent the amount of tannin extracted from the skins and
seeds as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">A Rosé By
Any Other Name<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Rosé spans the style spectrum. Because rosé refers to the
color of the wine, as opposed to a specific grape variety, the wine can be made
from a variety of red grapes and their blends, including Mourvédre, Sangiovese,
Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. With the
variety of grapes used to make rosé, the character of the wine ranges from
light and fruity to medium bodied with hints of tannin. Try rosé wines from
California or Italy, but especially from Spain or from Provence, France. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">I’m happy to bring in spring with a glass of rosé, and as r</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">os</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">é</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> becoming more popular
people will discover the joys of drinking pink.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-47418272297953227912012-03-06T13:50:00.001-08:002012-03-06T13:53:31.013-08:00A Natural Pair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmdyXQNYRm2Uu1gIziK-7PWcv4OFAN2VunqE7riusYAUsCoRrs-nfbiC5cyRVIb63_bald47Ng-tSak0h3infcQwdw2WG4QCXGEi5Ka_exLWEi4KkZ9gKf8r2k1pU_ZA9NgKiUbfH9Uw/s1600/cheese-fruit-nuts-first-image-225x187.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmdyXQNYRm2Uu1gIziK-7PWcv4OFAN2VunqE7riusYAUsCoRrs-nfbiC5cyRVIb63_bald47Ng-tSak0h3infcQwdw2WG4QCXGEi5Ka_exLWEi4KkZ9gKf8r2k1pU_ZA9NgKiUbfH9Uw/s320/cheese-fruit-nuts-first-image-225x187.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716905575646671618" /></a><br />Wine and cheese are friends from way back. Both are the product of fermentation and both can express terroir, or the taste of the place they come from. In the case of cheese, the taste of terroir emerges from the different milk-giving animals; which can range from cows, goats, sheep and even water buffalos – my favorite cheese of all times.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wine & Cheese Pairing Tips:</span><br />The first rule of thumb is that white wines usually pair better with cheese than red wines do – sorry red wine lovers. White wine’s acidity cuts through cheese’s butterfat beautifully. The creamy and nutty flavors in cheese can also bring a white wine to life by contrast. Along those lines, some consider Sauvignon Blanc the overall cheese-friendliest wine. Among red wines, the easiest to pair with cheese are the light and fruity varieties. Terroir-inspired combinations, wine and cheese coming from the same region, are almost always winners.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pairings that Please:</span><br />• White or bloomy rind cheeses such as Camembert and Brie are the trickiest to match; safe bets include soft, fruity reds such as Merlot, Pinot Noir or Beaujolais-Villages.<br />• Hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan and Manchego go with the widest range of wines; safe bets are medium to full bodied reds without too much tannin such as a softer style Bordeaux or good quality Cotes du Rhone-Villages. A buttery, medium bodied Chardonnay is a surprising star as well.<br />• Blue cheeses can be troublesome partners for any wine apart from the classic partnerships of Roquefort and Sauternes or port and Stilton. The salty with sweet principle prevails here. <br />• Strong, pungent cheese offers no safe bets. Sweet or fortified wines are likely to pair well or try an aromatic white such as the classic combination of Munster and Gewurztraminer.<br />• For Goat milk cheeses, Sauvignon Blanc is a good match especially with young soft cheeses; the more acid in the cheese the more acid the wine should have. <br />• Sheep milk cheese can handle a robust red made from Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache or Tempranillo grapes. Or try countering the cheese’s saltiness with a little sweetness in the wine. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strategies for Harmony:</span><br />When planning a cheese platter, try adding walnut bread and a selection of dried fruits to create a more wine-friendly match. When serving a selection of cheeses, try to choose three or four which all pair well with a particular style of wine. Highly-oaked and super-tannic wines can be difficult to pair with cheese so be careful!<br /><br />Pairing up cheese with wine can work like a charm. Just say cheese please and discover a delicious new dimension to your wine-drinking pleasure.Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-66267095123960298522012-01-22T13:34:00.000-08:002012-01-22T13:37:42.725-08:00Warm Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSR5frAyLz4aV5-XJ2ptaVmIPUQDuuSf2LSzZxKDjmv-qsBqZjWGB9mL_Lpqdzt67TmjCg-KUpsJ-RlCkfuk0Toclvr8xVIWckP07lrgtP2EEyCS6t2_VOb70IH4AsQ0nPwuI0RHIi1E/s1600/mulled.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSR5frAyLz4aV5-XJ2ptaVmIPUQDuuSf2LSzZxKDjmv-qsBqZjWGB9mL_Lpqdzt67TmjCg-KUpsJ-RlCkfuk0Toclvr8xVIWckP07lrgtP2EEyCS6t2_VOb70IH4AsQ0nPwuI0RHIi1E/s320/mulled.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700573749980009138" /></a><br /><br /><br />When winter weather swirls in, nothing could be cozier than a toasty mug of mulled wine. Mulled wine, the vine’s version of a classic hot toddy, is a traditional treat in many Old World countries and has been warming people for centuries. These are wines that have been sweetened, spiced and slightly heated - offering a delightful alternative to traditional coffees, ciders and toddy’s on a cold winter's night. Mulled wine is one of my favorite winter drinks because it is hot, sweet and possesses a very special power – it makes you beautifully warm inside. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pick Your Potion</span><br />While red wine and apple cider are the most traditional of the spiced winter warmers, you can also use white wine, hard cider or ale. The primary spice combinations for mulled wine almost always include cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Nutmeg, star anise, allspice berries, cardamom pods, slices of fresh ginger, orange slices and lemon zest are also good additions. The trick to infusing the wine without making it cloudy and gritty is to use whole spices rather than ground versions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mix it Up</span><br />The mixture should be brought to a very gentle simmer over low heat and should not be boiled – that would cause the spices to turn bitter and make the alcohol evaporate. And, gee, that is the last thing in the world we want, right? To really allow the flavors of the spices to infuse into the wine, allow the mixture to simmer on the stovetop for at least half an hour. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mulled Wine Recipe </span><br />1 bottle of dry red wine (Merlot can stand up to heat and the zing of spices)<br />1 teaspoon almond extract<br />2 cinnamon sticks (plus additional sticks for garnish)<br />3 whole cloves<br />1 star anise<br />1 Tablespoon honey<br /><br />Pour wine into top of a double boiler and warm over medium heat. Add remaining ingredients and stir until honey dissolves. Reduce hear, cover, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally. Ladle into mugs and serve, garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.<br /><br />Come in from the cold to the warm aroma of mulled wine. It’s simple, fragrant and beyond delicious. If you’ve never tried it before, you definitely need to. It’ll make you happy on a cold night!Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-6479847251950086542012-01-06T14:55:00.000-08:002012-01-06T14:56:29.593-08:00A New Year's Toast<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span><br />If your New Year's resolutions include: eating better, exercising more and getting healthy. The next time you raise a glass of wine to toast a friend's health, you may be doing more than expressing goodwill. For some of the same reasons "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" a glass of wine a day may set you on your way to wellness. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I'll Drink to That</span><br />Now is a great time to enjoy the pleasures of wine, especially since science is discovering the potentially powerful health benefits of drinking the fruit of the vine. A great number of studies have been done to determine the therapeutic and disease-fighting powers of wine, both red and white. When it comes to protecting the heart, red—not white—wine has always been the hero. We've all heard that red wine is good for us, but how good it is depends on who you are and how much and how often you drink it. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Votre Sante (To Your Health)</span><br />When it comes to health, all alcoholic beverages are not created equal. While all may have the power to relax us, only red wine contains a lot of polyphenols, heart-friendly antioxidants that help inhibit plaque buildup in the arteries. Studies suggest that the polyphenols, or tannins, which derived from grape skins and seeds giving red wine its color also act as protectors against cell damage caused by nasty molecules called free radicals, produced by sun, pollution and cigarette smoke; all believed to be culprits in the aging process. Wine, however, is not the only source of polyphenols: they are also abundant in a wide variety of foods, including tea, chocolate and many fruits and vegetables. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Art of Living Well</span><br />Wine has played an integral role in everyday life, religious ceremonies, celebratory events and the enjoyment of meals by societies throughout history and continues to do so. While some of the recent studies concerning wine and health are more conclusive than others, many of them offers a good reason to make wine part of your daily life.Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-82353532940417365712011-12-24T12:03:00.000-08:002011-12-24T12:05:26.521-08:00Gifts with Taste<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br />Would you like to make some spirits bright this holiday season? If you are still looking for a gift idea for the wine-lover or budding wine-lover in your life, here are a few ideas sure to satisfy. Wine is always in style and always a perfect gift for friends, family or colleagues. That does not mean it's always easy to pick out the right wine gift. You want the wine to match the occasion, the season, and the recipient's personality. Whatever your fancy, there is something to fit the wine-lover on your gift list. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Say it with Bubbles</span> <br />This season, give the gift of bubbles. I'll use any excuse to pop a bottle of bubbly as there's nothing quite like the magical sound of a Champagne pop during the holidays. Bubbles in the glass represent celebration, fun and holiday cheer. Whether you're heading to a party, want to say thanks for being a great boss, or congratulations on anything and everything, you cannot go wrong with bottles that sparkle. With that said, it's hard to get good Champagne for less than $40 a bottle, so if you want European sparkling wine on a budget, look to France's neighbors, Spain and Italy. Spanish Cava and Italian Prosecco are delicious and affordable alternatives to French Champagne. <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wine Clubs </span><br />If you don't want to say it once, but instead what to be remembered all year long, a wine club membership is the way to go. Wine clubs are a wonderful way to introduce wine lovers to new and different wines or help aspiring collectors to build their wine cellar. Whether they are starting from scratch or have been tasting for years, clubs are the perfect way to explore an array of new and different wines delivered right to your doorstep from vineyards all around the globe.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Just Desserts</span><br /> If you're looking for the perfect wine present, consider a sweet treat. To enjoy one of the world's greatest sweet wines is a decadent pleasure. One we don't often allow for ourselves, which makes sweet wine the perfect gift. Great dessert wines are truly remarkable – they offer a unique balance of sugar and acid and combine the nuances of fine wines with a decadent treat for your sweet tooth. Today, a new generation of high-quality dessert wines are being made with the same complexity of table wines. From Port to Bordeaux's Sauternes and Australia's sticky Muscats, dessert wines deliver rich flavor and pure pleasure! <br />Gifts for the Cellar Feeling generous this holiday season? Gifts for the cellar are wines worth splurging on. It is often said that 99 percent of the world's wines are made to be enjoyed within a year or so of their release. Wines worth aging make up the other one percent. This handful of the world's wines will develop and gain in complexity and texture over a period of years and even decades. Some wines are classic collectibles – Bordeaux, cult Cabernets from California and top Burgundies. These wines are ideal for anyone who appreciates quality, patience and age in their wine. <br /><br />The shopping days are dwindling so whether you're looking for an affordable stocking stuffer or a bank-breaking indulgence for your sweetheart, spread a little holiday cheer with any of these tasteful recommendations and give the wine-lover on your list a reason to celebrate. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cheers! </span>Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-27500505138134154312011-10-24T11:21:00.000-07:002011-10-24T11:43:41.115-07:00Wine Types Demystified<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1aHuwhoKNBIBOk1YvU6iymVMj-bAEDCo1jWL2KBvhJV_jpOtiKywWRZWj5Yu1T81iPCb7QqOo2imtoyJQBU49BSrsb3OWtCPHxFjfsK67fNB6sIYiuh6Fd85MhVKjJDpsbwq_4gtfrY/s1600/wine+bottles.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1aHuwhoKNBIBOk1YvU6iymVMj-bAEDCo1jWL2KBvhJV_jpOtiKywWRZWj5Yu1T81iPCb7QqOo2imtoyJQBU49BSrsb3OWtCPHxFjfsK67fNB6sIYiuh6Fd85MhVKjJDpsbwq_4gtfrY/s320/wine+bottles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667131239168975426" /></a><br /><br />I’ve come up with a list of terms my students often want to know about regarding the world of wine. Many of these are simply terms that you might hear in any polite conversation about wine. I have avoided almost all wine-tasting terms, which are a whole column in their own right. <br /><br />Ready? Here they are, in alphabetical order.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bordeaux.</span> French region best known for classy reds made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Burgundy.</span> French region best known for reds made from Pinot Noir and whites<br />made from Chardonnay.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cabernet Sauvignon</span>. Red-wine grape responsible for famous Bordeaux wines and many California “cult wines.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cava.</span> Spanish sparkling wine.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chablis.</span> French region (part of Burgundy) making special, seafood-friendly wines from Chardonnay. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Champagne.</span> French region making outstanding sparkling wine from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chardonnay.</span> Great white grape of Burgundy. No. 1 “varietal” wine in America.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chenin Blanc</span>. Fine grape for dry and sweet wines. Sometimes used in U.S. to mean “cheap white,” but sometimes a fine varietal.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gewurztraminer.</span> Peppery white wine that’s a specialty of the Alsace region of France.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Merlot.</span> Bordeaux blending grape. First bottled as a U.S. varietal in 1972 by Louis Martini. Top red varietal in the U.S.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Muscat.</span> Honey-like grape grown all over the world to make slightly sweet to very sweet wines.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nebbiolo.</span> Great grape of Barolo and Barbaresco in the Piedmont region of Italy.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pinotage.</span> Spicy, unusual red wine of South Africa.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pinot Grigio.</span> Italian wine — same grape as Pinot Gris — that recently became the most popular imported wine in the U.S.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pinot Noir. </span>Great red grape of Burgundy. Specialty of Oregon.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Riesling.</span> Great white-wine grape at its best in Germany.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Rioja.</span> Spanish district best known for woody red wine.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sangiovese.</span> Great grape of Chianti.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sauvignon Blanc</span>. White grape that makes grassy dry wines all over the world. Also used in dessert wines. Same as Fume Blanc.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Shiraz.</span> Australia’s signature red-wine grape. Same as Syrah.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Varietal.</span> Wine named for a grape type, like Chardonnay. In U.S., a wine must be at least 75% of a grape type to be called that.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Zinfandel.</span> U.S. red grape (originally from Croatia). White Zinfandel, with juice allowed a little skin contact for color.<br /><br />Remember, you don’t need to memorize this list to enjoy a delicious glass of your favorite wine. Cheers!Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-52609383371708433802011-09-27T10:42:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:45:40.478-07:00Celebrate California Wine Month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO28OVzges1kWqOzpNtRR7RHhi0tXnKf15_OHoNoItQaqjrZ2vEqQLcwpmko5AgtT0kS3jH3hnaqw1yF_2o_xaZFt22Ttwh93MYilsivkusNchsmt4nuLBTreexoYhK9RcFbyA7TQbQtA/s1600/Cork+Photo.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO28OVzges1kWqOzpNtRR7RHhi0tXnKf15_OHoNoItQaqjrZ2vEqQLcwpmko5AgtT0kS3jH3hnaqw1yF_2o_xaZFt22Ttwh93MYilsivkusNchsmt4nuLBTreexoYhK9RcFbyA7TQbQtA/s320/Cork+Photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657096987096459042" /></a><br />Break out the Pinot - September is California Wine Month, and that makes it a perfect time to enjoy a glass of California wine. California Wine Month celebrates the state’s ideal climate for wine, and its importance to the California economy. Did you know that California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world and makes 90 percent of American wine? In celebration, learning about wine can be one of the easiest and most fun things you do all month. <br /><br />Here’s my Top Ten list of ways to make wine more accessible all month long: <br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Open A California Sparkler For No Reason </span>- There are so many reasonably priced bubblies that they can be a better bargain than many still wines. Put a bottle in the fridge and open it for dinner. <br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Drink More White Wine With Cheese</span> - I've discovered that white wine generally tastes better with most cheeses than red. The acidity in white wines is what does the trick. <br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Take A Flight </span>- Try a wine bar you have never visited and order a flight of wine. <br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Take Notes </span>- You'll find that the wine will change with time, air and warmth. When you go back over your notes, you might be amazed at the changes. <br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stop Holding Back Bottles</span> - I'm as guilty as anyone of saving wines instead of enjoying them. Without waiting for a special occasion, invite friends over and open some of those gems you've got stashed away.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Visit A Local Winery</span> - You’ll be amazed at the diversity of wines and styles in your own neck of the woods.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Try Different Wines</span> - There are more than 5,000 grape varieties in the world, but many of us drink the same one, or ones, week after week (the equivalent of eating chicken every night). <br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Try A Wine You Think You Don’t Like </span>- Are you sure you don’t like Riesling? Things change, including your taste.<br /><br />9.<span style="font-weight:bold;"> Order the Least Expensive Wine On The List </span>- This takes courage, but I've found that many restaurant wine buyers work hard at finding great deals. Why not take advantage. <br /><br />10.<span style="font-weight:bold;"> Enroll In A Wine Appreciation Class</span> - Taking a wine class can be a fun and un-intimidating way to learn more about wine. Whether you take a class on the basics or one with a narrower focus, you'll learn something new and have fun in the process. <br /><br />Hope to see you soon.Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-30215495299670129372011-08-30T12:42:00.000-07:002011-08-30T12:45:26.634-07:00Got A Wine Question?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCbxhYn33vI2Ung3YwRPIBxsMjYc8VdnG-cHNc-kGecSNu1lMviVHeO5PJ8Q5zdEiH2XzTm4AXcpc6CsWTRE1RcoNjqq3VgK2r0CTpcAA975aAIzbeuhcuw5kfBfspSPF4uVmNzXK2UY/s1600/Class+photo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCbxhYn33vI2Ung3YwRPIBxsMjYc8VdnG-cHNc-kGecSNu1lMviVHeO5PJ8Q5zdEiH2XzTm4AXcpc6CsWTRE1RcoNjqq3VgK2r0CTpcAA975aAIzbeuhcuw5kfBfspSPF4uVmNzXK2UY/s320/Class+photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646737450270860962" /></a>
<br />In addition to writing about wine, I teach wine appreciation classes and one of my favorite things about teaching is answering students’ questions. During my wine classes, we take a non-intimidating attitude to learning about wine, and focus more on wine discovery. My hope is that these commonly asked questions encourage you to pull many corks in the quest for higher knowledge.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Does the temperature at which wine is served matter? </span>
<br />In a word, Yes. The temperature at which you serve your wine will affect its aroma, taste and presentation. The volatility of wine's flavor compounds are important, so getting it right will improve the drinking experience. Wine should be chilled to 50-55 degrees for white and rose wines, and just below room temperature for red wines, about 65 degrees.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: What’s the best way to store opened wine? </span>
<br />I don’t face this problem often but know that if you’re going to drink the rest of the wine within a day or two, simply recork it and store at the temperature at which it’s normally served - see answer above for more on this. Exposure to oxygen makes the aroma and flavor of wine deteriorate, so if you want to keep it longer, pour the leftovers into a smaller bottle – the less air space, the longer the wine will continue to taste good – and store in the fridge.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: What does the term terroir mean?</span>
<br />Terroir is the French term for soil, often used as a comprehensive term to describe the characteristics of a vineyard’s soil and microclimate and the resulting flavor profile of the wine made from its grapes. All of these factors contribute to giving the wine its specific personality.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: What does Malolactic Fermentation do to a wine?</span>
<br />Secondary fermentation is otherwise known as Malolactic Fermentation – MLF for short. MLF converts tart-tasting malo acid, naturally present in grape must, to softer-tasting lactic acid. MLF tends to create a rounder mouth feel and a creamy texture in wine.
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: What does the pucker you might feel in your mouth when tasting a red wine come from? </span>
<br />Tannins, chemical compounds in grape skins let loose into the wine by extended skin contact. Additionally, during the aging process oak barrels infuse tannin into the juice. Tannins are a natural preservative and also give wine structure, texture and provide an important flavor dimension in wine. Tannins are good!
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Q: Do all wines get better with age?</span>
<br />The short answer is NO. Some wines are meant to be consumer while they are young, and bad wines never get better.
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<br />No matter where you stand on the learning curve, even the most expert oenophiles agree: For those who are willing to learn, wine is a teacher for life.
<br />Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129123518785934004.post-10680455572445887272011-07-19T16:40:00.000-07:002011-07-19T16:49:52.053-07:00Wines that Pack a Punch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7jaPGOQ1mgqOXpFMMVd9r8gvRABLS0VBdLYlcCHuJd_-0A25rNb47prAGLrvy73915c8v0GzWgmSs0w2s_hkeSmR_MxVOCfHq9K8hBq388MroTibXV069kZ267fmQiGBs6DuJtbYnM8/s1600/Sangria.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7jaPGOQ1mgqOXpFMMVd9r8gvRABLS0VBdLYlcCHuJd_-0A25rNb47prAGLrvy73915c8v0GzWgmSs0w2s_hkeSmR_MxVOCfHq9K8hBq388MroTibXV069kZ267fmQiGBs6DuJtbYnM8/s320/Sangria.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631214583741005970" /></a><br />In July with the mercury still rising, there is nothing more refreshing then a pitcher of sangria. For most people however, the word "sangria" brings to mind a blend of bargain wine, cheap spirits and soggy fruit. This classic Spanish red wine punch has been through some hard times. But making outstanding sangria is simple, and the combinations are endless and delicious. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>Traditionally the punch, which gets its name from the Spanish word sangre, meaning blood, is made by infusing red wine with a splash of brandy and fresh fruit then serving it over lots of ice. The Spanish brought the centuries-old recipe to the 1964 World's Fair in New York. Today you can create your own version of this uncomplicated summer drink by mixing red, white, sparkling or rosé wine with quality spirits, exotic fruits and aromatics for a sangria you can be proud to serve. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tips for the Perfect Sangria</span> <br />You can follow the basic formula or create your own twist on the classic recipe; either way, the goal is to create a flavor-forward concoction with just the perfect balance of fruit and acidity. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pick Your Wine Carefully</span><br />The sangria formula is a simple one. For a classic red sangria, use a Tempranillo wine from Spain. Pinot Noir is also a good choice, either way make sure the wine is not too tannic. For white sangria, try a crisp, dry white wine like an unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. For a spritzy sangria, use a sparkling Spanish cava. Keep in mind that the heavier the wine, the heavier the sangria will be on the palate -- and likely, the less refreshing. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Look for Market-Fresh Seasonal Fruits</span> <br />There is no set rule about which fruits to use. Don't be afraid to experiment because part of the fun is choosing the best mix of what's fresh and what goes best with the wine and any food you're serving. Look for mangoes, pineapples, peaches, strawberries and at least one citrus fruit for some zip. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Select a Sweetener</span> <br />In addition to wine and fresh fruit, some recipes call for a sweetener such as honey, orange juice and sometimes a small amount of added brandy, triple sec or other spirit. Another way to go is to make a simple syrup by dissolving 1 part of sugar in 1 part of simmering water. Cool completely before adding to the sangria. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Let the Sangria Hang-Out</span> <br />The key to a sensational sangria is to let it sit overnight, refrigerated, so that the flavors meld. If sangria is made right before it's served, the flavor of the fruit will be distinct from the flavor of the wine. By steeping the fruit in the wine overnight an okay sangria becomes an excellent one. <br /><br />A well made sangria is a perfect summertime pick-me -up so raise a glass to sunny days and picture perfect nights with a sip of something cool and refreshing.Wineappreciation101http://www.blogger.com/profile/07838537171102450652noreply@blogger.com0