Unlike other beverages, the unique thing about wines is that they draw a massive influence from the geographic area where the grapes are cultivated. The impact of factors like soil content, altitude and climate mean that a Chardonnay from one country will taste completely different when compared to an offering from vineyards on the other side of the world. With so much diversity in the industry, why do so many people limit themselves to products from California, France and Italy? To help you … [Read more...]
Sangiovese is one of the most highly regarded red wine grapes in the world, and is a staple in an enormous range of Italian wines. Its name can be translated to the blood of Jove, which caused many to believe the Sangiovese grapes were cultivated by the Romans and Etruscans. The translated name has stuck through the years due to its reddish-orange tinted color. This grape produces a fresh, humble tasting wine with several layers of aromas and flavors. Whether you are a newbie drinker or a … [Read more...]
With autumn's arrival in just a couple of days, we will all be hearing about the hottest new wine trends for the season. Before we get the memo about the great new Chardonnay for the season, I thought I’d kick it off with something a little unexpected: the 2012 Tim Adams Semillon. It is a rare white wine and one which is synonymous with Sauternes, France. However, Semillons can be found in a few Australian wine regions as well. While it has been widely popular in and around the Hunter Valley, … [Read more...]
Anyone with even a passing knowledge of wine is familiar with the most common varieties, such as Chardonnay, Bordeaux, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and so on. And, you probably have your favorite out of the bunch. However, there are many less common varieties of wine that hail from countries like Greece, the Americas, Spain and the corners of France, which is known as the wine capital of the world. These lesser-known varieties are not of poorer quality than their more famous counterparts, but … [Read more...]
Sake is sometimes referred to as a rice wine, which is intended as more of a descriptive approximation than an exact comparison. Technically, wine is alcohol made from the fermentation of fruit, so the rice used for sake doesn’t precisely qualify. However, sake does share some distinct qualities with European and American styles of wine, which means that the appellation, while not entirely accurate, is a good way of describing what to expect from a glass of sake to the unfamiliar. Those who are … [Read more...]
It is easy to love a wine with a good story behind it--a story which romances you and inspires. For most of those in the winemaking industry, this is a story of romance. However, the reality of it is not what many of us see in the movies. Sure, rolling hillsides and mountainscapes of vineyards might make the story line. But it is not all about scenery and vineyard-side lunches in the sun with a glass of wine and the perfect picnic. Those who choose to make winemaking their lot in life have a … [Read more...]
The Mediterranean Coast Craggy hillsides covered with grapevines, sunlight on the Mediterranean, a town so small the only commerce is a bread van that visits a couple of times each week: welcome to Languedoc-Roussillon, a place with more foie gras than you can possibly consume. This region in France is notable for the delicious wines from appellations you’ve never heard of. Oh--and did I mention the castles? Languedoc-Roussillon is in the southwest of France. It borders the Mediterranean … [Read more...]
If you're anything like me, you are always on the lookout for unique collector’s wines to stock up on for social gatherings or to hoard in your cellar as a trophy. Sometimes the truly unique collector's wines are hard to come by. If you are open to a recommendation and need to fill in some spaces in your collection, why not try the Mollydooker 2011 Carnival of Love Shiraz? This wine has a special history and wonderful label art--it is sure to be a special addition to anyone's collection. … [Read more...]
During the summer and fall, many of us like to partake in BBQ parties and other outdoor events. When you picture yourself in that scenario, you no doubt also picture a cold drink in your hand. For some people, beer is the quintessential beverage of summer. For others, they want something a little different. Wine has garnered something of a reputation as being an indoor beverage, suitable only for occasions where everyone’s wearing their best, but that certainly should not be the case. In fact, a … [Read more...]
By now most of us are familiar with the Mendoza wine region of Argentina. I sure have given a number of wine reviews of various wines from this region. What was once an emerging region about a decade ago, is now a full-fledged wine region with worldwide acclaim and recognition, including more than a few quality wines and renowned wineries. The Tilia Malbec 2013 of Bodegas Esmeralda is one worth talking about. The Story of Bodegas Esmeralda Bodegas Esmeralda of Junin, Mendoza is a winery … [Read more...]
There are a plethora of different things to consider when browsing wine coolers. Whether you’re purchasing your very first unit for your growing collection, or you just need to replace that old, dusty model you got as a wedding gift years back, you’ve got to do some decision making before you pull the trigger on your purchase. Bringing home a model that is merely name-brand, but lacks a lot of the features you might expect in a modern cooler can be a nasty surprise. Take a look at this … [Read more...]
Backyard composting has gained a lot of popularity among families in recent years. This is great news for our gardens, as composting provides valuable nutrients to our soil at little or no cost, and is a much more environmentally friendly solution for boosting plant growth than fertilizers. However, some people feel the list of things that can and cannot go into a compost pile can be a little complicated. Afraid of breaking the bacterial rules, they may be wary about even getting started on … [Read more...]
It is always nice to find a wine that is unique and unlike any wine you've ever had. The weather is cooling off and it is about the time when our cravings and tastes start to change. The changing of the seasons allows for a welcome change for our wine picks as well. For the occasion, the Cantina Cellaro Luma Inzolia-Chardonnay blend--a special local grape and Chardonnay blend from Sicily--is sure to be a bounty in your glass. About Cantina Cellaro and the Wine Region of Sicily Their … [Read more...]
For decades it seemed as though rosé wine earned less respect than its red and white cousins, despite the fact that its popularity in the United States is well known. Rosé has a light, fruity taste that is low in tannins, which make it a terrific starting point for new wine drinkers. However, in recent years the global love for rosé has developed to such a degree that it is now more popular in France than white wine. Here’s a look at some interesting information about this versatile wine as well … [Read more...]
I never really got Malbec when I would pull a bottle from the shelf of my favorite wine shop in the United States. At the beginning of my wine career, Malbec was something different to try when I wanted something outside of California Zinfandel. It was easy to drink and taste--just pure and simple enjoyment. Not really anything special, it was beyond me why it was all the rage from Argentina. Even after I learned a bit more about wine, it was far from the hype surrounding the grape and its wine. … [Read more...]
If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen in the near future, there are probably a lot of ideas bouncing around in your head on how to make your new cooking space the best it can be. Along with a kitchen redesign usually comes quite a bit of shopping for new appliances and accessories. Of course, what you choose to outfit your kitchen with depends on a lot of different variables. The space you have to work with, your budget, the time you spend working in your kitchen--these are all key … [Read more...]
In the summertime, when wine enthusiasts are looking for something light, crisp and a little bit sweet, they tend to reach for Riesling. This white wine is traditionally German, however it is still made all over the globe. The source of your Riesling can be determined by the nature, taste and aroma of your glass. Riesling has a reputation as only a sweet wine, but there are plenty of dry options out there, as we will see below. Let’s take a look at this tasting guide and introduction to the … [Read more...]
Summer is still on! While it is still warm out, be sure to take advantage of these last few weeks by enjoying this season’s biggest trend: Rosé! There are plenty of rosé wines from all around the globe to pique your interest. Grill up your favorite salmon, halibut or just make a great ceviche recipe with some scallops and watermelon, some citrus juices and tarragon. These favorite summer ingredients just cry out for a rosé, and I have the perfect pick. This week we will be looking at the 2014 … [Read more...]
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Coast Range to the west, there’s a magical place called the Willamette Valley. On a warm summer weekend, you’ll find the Blackberry Jam festival--a celebration of luscious, ripe blackberries and local musicians and artisans. During the week, you can swing by Domaine Drouhin Oregon for Wood Fired Wednesdays and sip a glass of wine on the deck while you enjoy wood fired pizzas and fare from a local food truck. Oregon’s Willamette … [Read more...]
Everyone knows that having a glass of Merlot or Cabernet at the end of a long day can be a great way to kick back and unwind, but relaxation is far from the only benefit of wine. Vinotherapy is an emerging trend being used in spas for potential rejuvenation and healing. These spa treatments utilize the by-products of wine such as the skins, stems, and seeds of grapes to create concoctions and elixirs that are believed to revitalize the body. Wine has been known for its potential medicinal … [Read more...]
Back in the day, a trash compactor seemed an absolute necessity in any modern kitchen. Recently though, it’s become a bit out of date. Many families find they rarely use their compactor. In fact, the appliance has even become obsolete to some people. Garbage disposals can take care of most food waste and trash output has declined due to the popularity of recycling and reusing. This being the case, quite a few families these days have opted to remove their built-in trash compactor and replace it … [Read more...]
