If you are planning on making wine at home, the one tool you should not forget out of any other fancy home-winemaking gadget, is a hydrometer. You will need it and find it very handy from pre-fermentation to the very end. What is a Hydrometer? Before we get into how to properly use one, what is a hydrometer? It is a useful tool to keep your fermentations in check; making sure it is not going along too quickly or too slowly which could result in a stuck fermentation. You will need … [Read more...]
If you think about California Pinot Noir, you might automatically think about the Sonoma Valley. For you Pinot lovers there is a new California region you must check out, and you are less likely to pay the Sonoma prices for Pinot, the Santa Lucia Highlands. This newer region for Pinot Noir, over the last couple years has put itself on the wine map for making some competition for Sonoma. Located in the Central Coast, this valley boasts ninety-nine miles of coastline. Along with its … [Read more...]
No matter if you are a newbie to the wine scene or consider yourself a pro, you have not truly mastered the art of drinking wine until you have a firm understanding on the various types of stemware. The type of glass you use goes far beyond whether you are drinking a red or a white. What’s more, the way you clean the glass can actually have an effect on how your wine will taste. Here are the basics on what you need to know when buying, using and cleaning your wine glasses. The Right … [Read more...]
In case you are in the market for a good California Cabernet Sauvignon with some bottle-aging already done for you and one you can truly enjoy, whether it is a casual evening at home to kick your feet up at the end of the work week, or even for a nicely orchestrated dinner in your own home with some guests, this wine will satisfy both scenarios. I am happy to introduce you to the Storybook Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, but first, let me tell you a little bit of their story. The … [Read more...]
With fall finally here, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, meaning you should probably start thinking about what your menu is going to entail. While turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes will grace just about everyone’s plate, let’s not forget about how important those wine glasses are too. In order to fill them with the best possible wine, start planning now by considering the following options that go especially well with turkey and traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. Pinot Noir … [Read more...]
Wine has been a dietary staple since the beginning of recorded human history. It may not surprise you to learn that Italy, France, and Spain produce the most wine in the world, but did you know that Vatican City is the greatest consumer per capita? This infographic outlines all the notable facts and figures about wine production and consumption in the world. You might be surprised at some of these numbers. Embed Code: Infographic via: WineCoolerDirect.com Ever wonder which … [Read more...]
Zinfandel cannot be argued too much as not being the grape of California, or at least that of the Sonoma Valley. This autumn season while you are enjoying all of your favorite cold-weather foods, do consider opening up a Zinfandel every once in a while. It may not have the sophistication of a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Bordeaux blend wine, but it is worthy of consumption to go with your favorite comfort foods. If you have a hunter in the home or are one yourself, this is a great wine to go along … [Read more...]
Wines have distinct taste profiles that either clash or complement various foods. For anyone who loves a glass of wine with dinner, you've probably found that not every food pairs well with your favorite wine. Different wines have distinct taste profiles that either clash or complement various foods. So, we've taken 10 popular meals and paired them with their best wine friends. But first, a short wine vocabulary lesson To understand why some wines go well with certain foods and not … [Read more...]
The word “tannins” is frequently used by wine aficionados and people interested in the science behind wines. In short, tannins are a natural polyphenol commonly found in oak, grape skin, grape seeds, tree bark, and leaves. When used in wines, tannins can add a different textural element. Most notably, tannins are used in red wines to make the wines taste dry. Different tannins can also add different, complex undertones to wine textural profiles. Different Grape Skins Result In Different … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away and pretty soon you will be doing all the shopping for the big turkey and all the fixin’s. Once you get all that done, there is one little ‘fixin’’ you should not look over. The wine. For Turkey Day, the old standby is usually an oaked Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or maybe even some Zinfandel if you have gone a little non-traditional with another game bird. There is one more varietal you should put at the table alongside the others, or perhaps even replace … [Read more...]
Halloween is a holiday that is enjoyed by both kids and adults. If you are hosting a ghouls and ghost party this year, and are planning on providing adult-friendly beverages, consider the following drinks to match the theme of Halloween. 1. Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Sip the blood of the vine’ is this wine’s tag line. Made from grapes from Mt. Veeder in the Napa Valley region, this winery offers a number of different wines and spirits, all with the vampire-themed label. They've even … [Read more...]
In case you really want to treat yourself to a very special wine, or treat somebody else, this may be one to consider. The chosen person being treated should be considered, however. Do they like big, intense, rich and refined wines? Then this will make the perfect treat. If you are an early Christmas gift shopper, then make it a gift. Maybe they will even share some with you! Forget the Napa Cab. Sorry, Napa. Try something different, a Super Tuscan. If you are familiar with Super … [Read more...]
Football, tailgating and... wine? Yep. Imagine delicate aromas of leather and earth, spicy notes of peppers lingering on the palate, and smooth flavors of toasted oak making your mouth water. No, we’re not talking about the aromas and flavors bursting forth from your latest bottle of Spanish Tempranillo. It’s tailgating season, and these senses will be working tirelessly to entice you to pig out beside your pigskin for the next few months. Although historically, beers and Bloody Marys … [Read more...]
In order to gain a true understanding of wine, it is important that a thorough understanding of the self is first achieved. There are many complex flavors compounds, colors, and aromas in wine, each of which plays a significant role in the determination of an opinion relating to the wine. Taste is a very unique and personal thing, and there are frequently dissenting opinions relating to taste. With wine, however, personal taste is often put aside for the sake of objectivity, and tasting is … [Read more...]
With fall in full swing, it’s time to enjoy a number of seasonal traditions. For many, this means pumpkin pie, building fires at night, and decorating the house for Halloween. However, don’t forget about adjusting your wine list too. While fall is known for a number of things, great wines deserve to be mentioned as well. Let’s take a look at some fantastic examples of wines that are perfect for that crisp fall evening. Best of all, they’re all incredibly … [Read more...]
It is about that time of the year when we wake up to still somewhat warm air, but there is a change, a shift in the air. It is chilled, crisp, and refreshingly clean. A look out the kitchen window while preparing your morning coffee, you catch a glimpse of silver frost on the grass, on the leaves of the turning leaves. These are the mornings you want to go out and do a little grocery shopping to get the ingredients for some warming comfort food; chili, lasagna, pasta, maybe some stuff for … [Read more...]
Wine is one of those complex and mystical drinks that can only be fully understood by highbrow experts with advanced degrees or individuals with superior palates. Or, so the wine industry would have you believe. The truth is, even though there are more than 5,000 varieties of wine grapes – not to mention the new varietals being tested as you read this – every wine serves the same purpose: to delight and excite your senses. Wine has the power to enhance the flavors of a meal and even set … [Read more...]
It’s a great time of year to visit wineries. From the cool, crisp weather to the full-bodied taste of red wine, nothing spices up a beautiful day like a visit to your favorite winery. Whether you’re new to wine tastings or a touring veteran, we’ve put together a few tips to help you make the most out of your next wine tour. 1. Do Your Homework Wineries are all the rage right now. New vineyards are popping up all over the place, so it’s important to do a little homework before you go. Here … [Read more...]
I love my job. Not only do I have great access to great wines on occasion, but I am also in contact with some great people from time to time as well. Over the years, I have discovered one thing. Well, in truth, I have discovered many things, but I am talking about wine in this case. There is one thing of which I hold dear to my heart--when it comes to food and wine. It always best when shared. Preferably you are sharing in the company of which you enjoy the most or with loved ones. It … [Read more...]
You’ve heard the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover.” When it comes to wine, with a bit of a twist — don’t judge a bottle by its label — the same principle applies. Alluring graphics and clever packaging aside, wine labels can often be misleading. Although they list important facts like grape varieties, region and alcohol content, unlike the food industry, wine producers aren’t required by any governing body or law to list the actual ingredients that make it inside the bottle on the … [Read more...]
A new season may be upon us and per the usual, this is often times a good moment to switch up the gastronomical routine. Though this year, I may fear is very different for many of us. In one part of the country, we are cooling off, craving warmer foods and the comforting classics. While in other parts there are many of you who find themselves under some hot weather, some very hot weather. I pray that for those of you in the latter group that there will be relief soon. However, in … [Read more...]