Growing Wine in France

Wine growing and harvesting: A grapevine produces for 30 years. It takes three years for a young grapevine to begin producing and six years to reach its normal production. Pruning takes place in winter and the vines are sprayed several times a year in order to eradicate the grapevines' enemies: mildew, phylloxera, oidium and vicoses. Artificial clouds protect against frost.

Winegrowing methods vary from one region to another. In Burgundy harvesting the stems begins without delay. In the Bordeaux region, however, harvesting takes place over three weeks, especially for the sweet white wines, and the grapes are harvested as soon as the grape reaches absolute maturity, and not before. The workers go from grapevine to grapevine each day picking only the fully ripe bunches to ensure the sweetness of the grapes. They are called "rotis" (roasted by the sun.)

In Champagne, the grapes are carefully cut off the vine with scissors and any grape that isn't perfect is removed. The grapes are then transported in special carts equipped with springs. Once they reach the winegrower's facility the grapes are stripped from the stems, either totally or partially depending on the region and placed into vats where the grapes are pressed to burst the skins; certain wines, however, retain their grapes intact, with the skin on. The pressing (foulage) is now done by machines, except for very small private wine growers. For centuries this was done by men. The author remembers spending hours under a hot September sun, jumpings in vats with several other little girls, squashing the grapes. It took months to get rid of the stains on our legs. The skins were collected and thrown to the side and chicken gorged themselves, until they were drunk, falling and running in circles. They loved their "vin nouveau."

Once the skins are removed, the grapes are placed in vats where they will ferment. For many centuries these vats were made of wood, but these days they have been replaced by stainless steel vats, with the exception of certain grands crus wines.

The legal definition of wine: The product of the fermentation of fresh grapes. Fermentation occurs spontaneously due to the yeast contained naturally in the grapes. According to Pasteur, the temperature required for fermentation must not exceed 35 degrees Celsius and never reach below 19 degrees. The ideal temperature is 25 degrees. The length required for fermentation varies according to regions, from twenty four hours to fifteen days. Modern tendencies seem to prefer shorter periods. In Burgundy, for example it is now only one or two days. The wine is then filtered and put into oak barrels where fermentation continues at low temperatures. Ordinary table wine is then delivered for consumption and quality wines are allowed to stay in barrels for three or four years before being poured into bottles where they will continue to age.

Our next article will be dedicated entirely to Champagne. See you then.

Francine Fuqua - author, artist and lover of life. Born in war-torn France at the beginning of World War II, I have experienced and remember the horrors of war. Having witnessed the pain and suffering of so many, I have a true love of life and appreciate the freedom I now have living in the United States of America. Join me in a celebration of art, french cooking, my family's rich history and my native country at.

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Your First Wine Tasting

Wine tasting events can be an entertaining and astounding experience, especially when it is your very first one. Unfortunately, there are many people who will never take the plunge and partake in one because they are afraid they won't know what to do, wear, or say; they are afraid of the unknown. Wine tasting is not something to be weary of; there are just some basic things one needs to know before showing up to one of these events.

First, you should expect for the women to be served before the men; this is completely normal. When handed a glass of wine, it should always be handled by the stem of the glass so the temperature of the wine is not affected. Often times, there will be bottled water and different basic snacks such as crackers offered between tastings. This is offered to normalize the flavors in the mouth, clean it out, and prepare to fully experience the flavor of the next wine.

The wines are always served in crystal clear glasses to allow a complete review of the wine, including the colors. Table cloths are a simple white to further enhance the ability to examine the colors. The name of a wine does not always correctly describe them, so never assume anything from their name. More advance wine tasters will likely be seen gently swirling the wine around in their glass. Swirling the wine is not an odd fascination, or people being weird. It is common because doing so lets the wine release the full aroma and flavor that it is intended to provide. Wine is carefully aged, and can be stored for very long periods of time.

There is a sort of ritual that unfolds during a wine tasting, and it is well proven to be effective. When tasting at these events, the wine should gently be handled by the stem, and be carefully observed by sight. Next, the unique aromas that abound from the wine are thoughtfully inhaled. The aroma of wine is an integral to the overall enjoyment, and full experience of tasting wine. Before taking that delightful taste, it should be gently swirled around in the glass.

Finally, the wine is ready to slip onto the taste buds. Tasting the wine is an art in itself. It should be swished around in the mouth for a few seconds because it needs time to effectively awaken both the taste buds on the front of the tongue, and in the rear. After it is swallowed, it's amazing how the true flavor is still finding the way to all the senses.

It should be apparent, but before going to a wine tasting, there should be as much research as possible as to the types of wines that will likely be served. This will aid in understanding what to look for in the wine. Fear should not prevent anyone from attending one of these extraordinary events!

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Starting Your Own Winery

Anyone who has always wanted to start a winery needs to do a lot of research prior to taking that big step. If the money is available, whether it is from investors or personal money or even grants, the person considering the venture needs to make certain that the numbers balance out. No one wants to invest in a proposition that is going to lose money.

Owning a winery is not easy. There is no such thing as "immediate return on the money" in a winery. The perfect land must be found prior to making any other plans. While looking at land the buyer has to consider the condition of the soil and research the grapes that will be planted there to see if they will grow and thrive in that type of soil. Altitude, soil type, and temperatures should be investigated. A new winery owner should know what sort of pests might attack the grapes in the vineyard and how to kill them. Is there sufficient water for a new winery in this area? Water quality and rainfall should be tested prior to purchasing the property. You should also know if there are other small wineries in the area and visit them to see what sorts of problems they might have had.

Then, the potential buyer should check with other area land owners to see if there would be any possibility of expanding the winery at a later time if the venture were a success. If not, then he/she should check to see if there was a potential for area land to be leased later on for planting more grapes or if area farmers would be willing to assist with growing specific grapes at a later time.

A lot of research is required to find out if a winery will be productive and if it will be financially successful. A person who wants to start a winery needs to know all there is to know about grapes before he/she even decides where it is to be. He/she must know how the varieties differ and understand the skin colors and what they mean to the flavor of the grape. Then he/she needs to learn about the thickness of the skins and the size of the grapes and how they ripen. While studying these variables, it is important to consider why some types of grapes perform so well in certain places and which sort of variety grows best in which type of soil. If this isn't enough to totally confuse the person, he/she needs to decide which type of wine will be made from the grape planted.

A person who wishes to start a winery should also consider if there are grants to assist in financing the winery. Some areas might actually be willing to make a small business loan to the owner of a new winery just to be able to bring new business into the areas. New wineries also bring in many visitors who want to find a good new label wine.

Starting a winery involves purchasing things like fermentation tanks, barrels, storage tanks, crushers, steamers, and machinery like tractors. A new owner will want to hire people who are knowledgeable about all areas of wine growth and production. It will also be necessary to know where to get the cuttings and new vines that will become the special wine to be produced.

Some people decide to purchase wineries that are already in operation in order to have personnel already at work that know the grapes, the soil and the processes. Sometimes this is a good move but for the person whose dream is to start his/her own winery the process is a long and detailed one.

Some people begin by learning the history of grape growing and wineries in the area in which they wish to locate the winery. If the winery is to be in a well known wine making area of a particular country, the person should learn the history of the area and of the wine made there. The very first grape grown in the "New World" is still in existence and bearing grapes.

 It was first noticed by Sir Walter Raleigh's passengers who found the massive prolific vine on Roanoke Island, N.C. It is known as the Mother Vine and is thought to be about 400 years old. The vine was an indication that the Native Americans actually cultivated the white grape to make wine. If a person were to decide to begin a winery in North Carolina, cultivating the Mother Vine grape and making a version of that historical wine would be one of the best marketing ideas the owner could have and would create an instant interest in the winery from the very beginning. Maybe it was good grape juice or wine that got the people through those cold winters of the 1600's.

A new winery will need people to take care of the day-to-day operations of the business as well as the plants. People will have to be hired to plant the vines and to pick the grapes. Then someone will have to be in charge of making the wine. No one person can do it all but a person with a life long desire to own a winery should be prepared to do as much as possible on his/her own to learn the business from the "soil up".

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Wine Selecting Tips - Basic Advice on Choosing a Wine at Dinner

Wine has played a kingly role in the history of the world.

People have drunk it in majestic rituals and it has lived in the palace cellars. It has survived through the medieval times and has been used by the priests to cleanse the body and cure devotees their common maladies. Whereas it used to be enjoyed only by kings and noblemen, today wine is ubiquitously consumed by people all over the world. A buffet or a fine dining experience will not go well without a Chardonnay, for instance. Most people drink wine to loosen themselves up, after a hard day's work. Others imbibe wine as a form of epicurean art.

A meal will always be more enjoyable if paired with a great tasting wine.

The complication arises, however, as soon as you peer into the wine list and begin to squint in confusion. Of the thousands of wine choices now available, which of them should you set on the dinner table along with your steak? Which should you drink to wash your tongue after a fruity dessert? The common dictum is to drink white wine with fish, chicken and other white meat, and to complement a rich lamb or veal dish with red wine. This idea is tried and tested and people have agreed that it works. But do you know not all types of red wine are for rich, red meat alone?

Red wine is indeed majesty of liquor.

Not only does it go well with almost all kinds of meal, it also plays an essential role in our health. The latest news is that red wine actually combats Alzheimer's disease by preventing the build-up of plaque in the brain. Red wine contains resveratrol (a natural compound) which scientists say fights the slow degeneration of the nervous system's components as it combines with other anti-oxidants. Pinot Noir, for instance, has been discovered to be chock full of resveratrol. It has been reported, too, that this red wine compound can also help battle other degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease.

Now let's go to the nitty-gritty.

Basically, there's a wine for every meal but the bottom line is to rely on your sense of taste. Different people have different palates and even the connoisseurs cannot agree on one rule when it comes to the perfect wine for a dish. However, the distinct characteristic of each wine should dictate which meal it should harmonize with.

For example, Cabernet Sauvignon being a varietal wine (which is a blend of one dominant grape and other less distinct flavors), Petit Sirah and Bordeaux can jibe well with red, heavy meat dish such as lamb, beef (most dish with spicy sauces) and other intense-flavored cheeses. Because of its full body and strong tannic taste, it can balance the feeling of greasiness in the cheese and the meat.

Sweet, sour, fruity, acidic, smooth sharp, crisp - Oh my.

You can recognize a particular wine's characteristic through its acidity, its body, the tannic content, its sweetness, its aroma as well as its overall balance. Chardonnay harmonizes with poultry and cheese. There are many variations of this white wine that can run from sweet and fruity to sour. It can even be paired with seafood such as oysters and can be served as aperitif. Chenin Blanc is also a white sparkling wine and goes well with fish and chicken. Most fish meals usually get paired with white wine but there are exceptions since fish dishes are prepared differently. The general rule is that wines that blend well with fish and other white meat contain high acidic flavor. The sharp, crisp hint of acid enhances the flavor of fish like a drop of tangerine juice would.

Pasta dishes & wine - An easy pair.

Wines that work well with pasta dishes are Merlot and Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio. Pinot Noir makes a wonderful combination with steaks. It is a Burgundy wine that gets darker as it ages. It also matches well with fowl whereas Merlot is a good chocolate complement.

Advanced pairing, great combinations to enhance flavour.

Desserts are best paired with Rieslings, Port wines, or Madeira. Most oriental food and white meat dishes won't go wrong when matched with a Riesling. Spicy Mexican foods on the other hand are best eaten with Shiraz. Shiraz (also called Syrah) is a versatile wine; it complements many popular meat dishes such as chicken (tenderloin, rib or prime) as well as pork, beef and duck. If you like our regular fast food dishes like burgers and pizza or any meal with red spicy sauce Red Zinfandel is the perfect complement. A medium bodied wine such as Red Zinfandel will always taste better with red meat while White Zinfandel which is a newly-developed wine in the market goes in tune with pasta with light sauce, fish and most light dishes.

If you like ham and sausages a wine called Gewurztraminer will serve you well. This is also best for Asian foods and is known for its fruity flavor. Another wine that is in perfect harmony with pasta chicken and fish is the Sauvignon Blanc, more popularly called Fume Blanc. Most grilled dishes like fish and vegetables as well as exotic spicy foods go with Rose. Turkey served on Thanksgiving should be paired with a white burgundy wine called Chablis. If smoked salmon is served on the dinner table, it's best to enjoy sparkling wines.

Waiter, I'll have the ... how do you say it?

Apart from knowing which wine to drink along with your meal, it also essential to know a few important vintner's terms. If you're buying wine you must recognize whether it's brut, demi sec, sec or off-dry. These terms refer to the sweetness of the wine. Demi sec wines are a bit sweet and brut wines are not sweet at all. You will have a fair idea of the sweetness of it before actually opening its cork if you look at the label that's printed under the brand of the wine.

Because wine selection can be baffling, it is essential to understand some rudiments that you can use in your own dinner hosting or restaurant visits. If you have no idea at all as you gaze at the wine menu board which wine is what, ask your local chef or connoisseur. These people have fair enough experience when it comes to wine tasting, preparation and serving that you can bet they can give you what you are asking for. Once you have received some expertly advice, do the wine tasting yourself. Remember that one person's taste bud is different from another so you will have a notion of what really appeals to your taste.

The purpose of a good wine is to enhance, not bury.

A wine's purpose is not to overwhelm or overpower the dish served with it, but to complement, highlight or contrast its strengths and hints of flavor. For most people this requires a really fine and discerning taste bud. Some wines take time to mature and in this process their tastes change and either mellow out or grow more intense. You should be aware of this aging process of each wine. Some of these wines absorb the flavor of their storage barrels such as oak. Other wines can have complex taste through their color and smell. The rule is to sniff the wine for a good nose (a vintner's term used to denote the overall smell of a wine, including the aroma and the bouquet) and if you like the nose, it is highly likely that you will also adore its taste.

"Wine Connoisseur" is just a friendlier term for "English Major".

It is important to experiment with different wines. Connoisseurs may have a fairly good idea of what wine suits their taste, but you can't ask for a connoisseur's help each time you will prepare a meal with a wine. Experimenting helps you open up your wine vocabulary and expand your wine knowledge. It will give your taste buds a chance to explore the art of wine expertise. When trying out many different wine brands and learning each wine characteristic, make sure that you take note of each wine's uniqueness. In other words, a single wine tasting session does not make a wine taste consistent. The next time you taste red Bordeaux, for example, when paired with another dish, it will not be the same Bordeaux wine that you used to know. As you expand your tasting capabilities, you tend to forget a particular wine's characteristic too. That is why keeping an olfactory note of any wine is a must for anyone wishing to explore its complexity.

Your nose knows good wine, trust it.

Finally, trust your own taste when it comes to selecting wine either for aperitif, for dinner or for dessert. Do not be concerned about the "right" or the perfect wine. The key is to find which will complement and highlight the taste of your meal best. As you taste more wines and learn more, your confidence will grow. Don't shy away from new wines; instead give yourself the opportunity to be an expert yourself. Always exchange wine information with your local restaurateur/wine expert/wine merchant. Try new wines and mix them with various meals. You can break rules for as long as you as a host and your guests will enjoy your discovery. The point is, wine is an enjoyable meal complement and a dinner table's best friend. It should always stay that way.

Sean M. writes for several how-to, self-help related sites including those about his long time passion of drinking a little Pinot Noir and not looking foolish.

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All You Need to Know About "Old World" and "New World" Wine

The earliest New World winemakers in the 18th and 19th centuries generally followed the principles of the wine making techniques present in European countries at that time, with the intent of creating wines that strongly resembled those obtainable in Europe. However, their own climates and soils were totally different; often having to put up with sweltering temperatures never encountered in the Old World homeland. For example, settlers in California found the scorching heat was too much for the production of superior Wine grapes, until finally they realized the valleys of Napa as well as Sonoma could take advantage of the gaps within the Coastal range of mountains which sucked in cold air and fog from the ocean, providing the essential cooling element so necessary for top class wine.

New World wines are usually defined as "Wines produced in regions established by colonies of European exploration, which started with a number of the longer voyages in the 15th century."
Put simply, New World wines are all those developed in areas other than Europe and the Mediterranean countries.
It was during the 1960s, when traditions ended up being questioned, and boundaries were coming down, which gave New World Wine its chance for worldwide success. Brought about within the US by men such as Robert Mondavi and in Australia by Max Schubert of Penfolds, there came the desire to change and improve on the Old order. This arrived in combination with a complete rethink of how to explain and market the wines.

Initially, the New World were simply using well-known names from the Old World; "Australian Burgundy" and "Californian Chablis" became commonplace. International law quickly caught up with this particular practice, however, ruling that Burgundy or Chablis are only able to be made in Burgundy or Chablis. so even though the New World producer would use identical grapes and identical techniques to produce a top quality version of one of these famous wines, he could not use any name which the customer would recognise.

These producers soon came to the conclusion that it was the flavour belonging to the different grape varieties that was the single most important factor in their wines, and arrived at the solution of varietal labelling.They highlighted the grape variety on the label, their own name, and left it at that. This has changed the whole way we think about, speak about, choose - and most importantly - buy Wine. We now know the importance of the various grapes, as it is these varieties, as opposed to the place of origin, that is stressed on the label. We are all now used to ordering a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or a Rioja. No other idea has made the enjoyment of Wine so easily accessible to every one.

This accessibility has led to a willingness to experiment: to purchase and experience the type of wine we enjoy, no matter where it was made, New World or Old World. Now the Old World has recognized that it must move into this modern World so that it can compete and survive, and the naming of grapes on labels has become almost as popular in Europe as anywhere in the winemaking World.

The task for the newer producers is to produce wines which have the high quality of the originals from the Old World, that will have the staying power to keep them being purchased and enjoyed by wine lovers around the world. This really is all good news for us; it means that we have a larger choice of wines than ever before, from a wider variety of places. Additionally, it means that we have a opportunity to experience what some of the world's best wines have to offer - at a reasonable price.

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Expensive Wines: A Luxury Item For Collecting And Consumption

Wine, a fine drink to accompany a meal, for some has a far greater value to others. Wine connoisseurs themselves would only be able to enlighten us with tales of the most luxurious wines available, some at prices one who does not study wine would never know about. Based on a variety of characteristics such as the where they are from, the quality of the grapes used to make the wine, the oak aging process if necessary, as well as how many bottles of that particular wine are made are all factors contributing to the price of wine. A fine wine could cost upwards of thousands of dollars.

Although many people buy wine to consume there are also plenty of wines sold as a mere addition to a connoisseur's collection. The most expensive wine ever sold was bought by Thomas Jefferson the third American president for $56,588; it was a 1787 Chateau d'Yquem. This bottle was bought purely as an addition to Jefferson's collection since wine of such an age is beyond its years for drinking.

The world's most expensive wine that was still able to be drunk was actually the most expensive wine ever to be sold in the United States of America which was a Montrachet 1978 sold in 2001 at an auction. This white wine was sold as a lot of seven bottles but per bottle ran at about $23,929. Even this price is overly extravagant; as the story with this price is that a bidding match between two men got a little out of hand both men trying to outbid each other. The actual value was probably substantially less.

Now even though most people can't afford such extravagant purchases there are wines that are much more affordable but still quite expensive which cost a few hundred dollars. Many people like to save these wines for special occasions when they are opened and shared and of course there are the few that buy as a hobby of collecting wines.

An owner of expensive wines must be aware that like any expensive purchase, they should be insured in cases of theft or damage. Just imagine if you were storing half a dozen bottles of pricey wine in your wine storage cabinet and came home to find it empty. In such an unfortunate event it is imperative to have coverage so that you suffer no loss of the money you spent on those bottles. Wine collectors are even more encouraged to protect themselves and their collection with insurance since it might be composed of rare and unique wines that are hard to come by as well as expensive.

In any case, learning about and indulging in fine wines either as a consumer of them or collector is incredibly fascinating. The price range is vast and varying depending on the characteristics of the wine. For those wine connoisseurs that are interested in the more luxurious and highly priced wines it is always better to be safe and have your wine insured in the event that something or someone damages your precious collection.

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How to Make Wine From Grapes - The Different Factors That Influence Your Homemade Wine

Learning how to make wine from grapes is something everyone can learn. Doing it properly though, from a good quality recipe can take just a little more time. But it's well worth it. The ability to control the wines development is what ensures you end up with a fantastic tasting wine.

Some of the things you'll be able to control when using a good recipe are Sugar levels. The correct sugar levels are essential in producing a top quality wine. Too little sugar and the alcohol levels will be low. Too much and your wine will be too sugary. Having a good quality recipe will let you adjust your wine's sugar levels with confidence.

Acidity. Don't be put of by the word acidity. Acid in the correct amount is crucial to a wine with good taste, full body and lovely clarity. When to press. A few days into fermentation some grapes need to be pressed. This releases more flavor to give a richer taste.

Additives. Oak can be added to smoothen some wines. Potassium Bisulfite too is often used to kill any mold that may develop. What additives to use, and when, is crucial information. Temperature. Wine that is stored at different temperatures often takes on different characteristics. This is why wine stored in the garage, for example, may well end up tasting different than had you keep it under the bed. Temperature then is an important variable in the quality of your wine. A good recipe will give you correct temperatures to store your particular wine.

Now all this may sound a little complex, but it really isn't when you have a good set of clear instructions.

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A Guide to Fine Wine

Wine is made from grapes, primarily the Vitis Vinifera. The main grape varieties, often called noble, are grown all around the world. They are widely recognised as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Grigio (Gris) for white grapes and Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (Shiraz), Merlot, Pinot Noir and Grenache for red.

There are over one thousand (1000) grape varieties, as recently listed in the new book by wine expert Jancis Robinson. Wine is made all around the world, but is commonly divided into traditional wine producing countries (Old World) and countries where grapes have only been recently cultivated (New World). Old World wines come from countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Romania and England. New World wines come from countries like the USA, Chile, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

Old World Countries have complex laws that define how and where grape varieties may be grown. These exist under the European framework of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). In France the system is the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and Vin de Pays. In Spain it is the Denominación de Origen (DO) and the Vino de la Tierra (VDLT). In Italy Denominazione di Origine Controllata (e Garantita) (DOC/DOCG) and the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT). In Germany there is the Prädikatswein and Qualitätswein.

Famous wine producing regions include Bordeaux in France, where the red wine is often called Claret. The famous classification system here dates back to 1855 when the top Chateau were classified into five stages. This only applies to the wines produced on the left bank of the Dordogne river.

Other famous French wine regions include Burgundy, home to Chablis, Loire where Sancerre is made and the famous wines of Alsace. The most famous wine region in Spain is undoubtedly Rioja and the name Chianti and Chianti Classico is synonymous with Italy.

The New World Wine regions include the Napa and Sonoma Valley in California, USA where Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are famous grapes. Wines such as Mondavi and E&J Gallo are well known and popular. Jacob's Creek is the best known Australian brand, although quality wine regions include the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale in South Australia where quality Shiraz is grown, Semillon from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and Margaret River in Western Australia.

In New Zealand the Marlborough region produces fresh Sauvignon Blanc, although Central Otago is becoming a classic Pinot Noir region. The Malbec grape produces fantastic red wines in Argentina, mainly from the high altitude region of Mendoza.

Chile is home to a wide variety of grapes, their long thin country having several valleys that run parallel to the Andes, such as the Casablanca Valley, Maipo and Colchagua.

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The Overall Health Benefits Of Pure Wine

Of all types of alcoholic beverages, wine is most likely the most elegant of them all. It will be nicely combined with practically all varieties of food items, especially throughout supper as well as during special gatherings. And also, it could be used for cooking culinary meals, especially Italian dishes.With this article, we're going to talk about 1 of the types of this alcoholic beverage this is gathering popularity on the market in the present day, mainly because of its natural health benefits.

Introduction to Purely Natural Wine

Naturally produced wine started from fresh fruits which are grown by way of natural and organic farming. Multiple types of fresh fruits are used, whereas the most familiar of all are grapes. The grapes utilized for these holistic drinks are made through environment friendly gardening techniques, which would imply that there isn't any chemical or insecticides involved. Now let us learn about a few of the health benefits that you could possibly obtain from consuming that sort of organic alcoholic beverage.

Lessens the Threats of Coronary and All kinds of Heart Conditions

Enjoying 1 glass of natural wine each day could help reduce the probability of coronary diseases as well as other medical conditions in connection with your heart. This is mainly because it has the power to enhance the level of the HDL or the high density lipoproteins in the blood. Those are in fact regarded as the good cholesterol that aids in our normal blood flow. On the flip side, the LDL or the low density lipoproteins, also identified as the "bad cholesterol", are also decreased, as a result, reducing the probabilities of having a stroke or a cardiac arrest.

Develop and Strengthen your Bones

The other benefit of that sort of wine is that it enables you to develop and strengthen the bone tissues, and also lowers the incident of hip crack. This is very beneficial to those who are suffering from any kind of bone-related disorders. In addition, researchers have also determined that any varieties of liquor could certainly aid to boost the estrogen stage as well as other hormones that are needed to allow bone tissues to remain powerful.

Decreases the Risk of Atherosclerosis

If in case you have not heard of atherosclerosis yet, it is normally a condition that develops as a result of solidified blood vessels. That usually occurs if there's a cholesterol and fat increase in one's arteries. Natural wine is recognized as an anti-oxidant that helps stop an oxidative approach to take place.If that process is not stopped, this may result in atherosclerosis. Also, that pure drink also provides flavonol, which is a natural anti-oxidant which is believed to stop platelets to clump, so, avoiding any blood clots to arise.

In addition to the three physical health benefits mentioned previously, there are many other rewards that you could obtain out of drinking that natural and organic cocktail. However, it is important to take note that the same as with some other alcoholic beverages, this drink needs to be taken in control. One glass of wine for girls is required each day, whereas 2 glasses are for the guys. You can ignore those physical health benefits if you ended up consuming greater than what's required of you. The same as with anything in life, moderation is the paramount.

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The English Wine Boom

When you think of Fine Wine regions, where do you think of? Most consumers think of France, Italy or New World regions as the places the best wine comes from. However, increasing numbers of top quality, award-winning wine is coming from England. Known more for its ales and cider than English Sparkling Wine, the industry has seen a boom in recent years. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, the climate. Global warming has been kind to some part of the UK. The increase in sunshine, particularly in the south of England, has given vine growers a boost. It is the sunshine that helps ripen the grapes and thus flavour the wine so any addition to the hours the sun is pounding down is welcomed by English Wine growers.

Vine growing is about microclimates. One patch of land can be perfect for it, while a neighbouring patch will not. The increased sunshine increases the odds but there is also the rain to consider. As well as the increase in sunshine, England's plentiful rain has helped water the vines. Again, too much rain and the crops are rained out, not enough and it will not grow. England's vineyards range from Kent to Yorkshire - it all depends on the microclimate around the growing area.

The second factor that has led to the boom in English Sparkling Wine is the changes in technology. Technology has made it easier for growers to know when soil needs nutrients, when vines need water and how to get the best yield from their crop. By tweaking the process here and there, the wine growers have made an overall increase in yield that has meant that their businesses have become more sustainable.

The third factor is that there has been an increase in interest in English Wines as investors find new sustainable places to put their money. Instead of being seen as a cottage industry or the bastion of eccentrics, being part of the English Sparkling Wine industry is seen as a viable business proposition. While it might not be as scalable as some of the vineyards in the New World, or the traditional wine regions of France and Italy, it certainly can be a business that brings both profit and kudos to the Wine grower.

English Sparkling Wine does not yet have the international reputation it deserves. That has not to say it will not come. With more and more agricultural entrepreneurs opting for this way of life, the sheer numbers will force the market open and gradually introduce domestic consumers to the product. Until that time however, enjoy your English Sparkling Wine at the affordable prices while you can. http://ezinearticles.com/?The-English-Wine-Boom&id=7319613

Maniks Read holds business expertise, and has written several articles on English Sparkling Wine. The Bluebell Vineyard produces superb quality of English sparkling wines and share big stake in the UK wine market.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7319613

The Rise In Popularity Of Online Wine Merchants

With the digital age in full swing, more and more people are buying wine online. And with a wide range of wine merchants making sure that they have a strong online presence, there's not much to stop them.

There are also many online websites such as Snooth or MustLoveWine that bring wine merchants and lovers from all around the globe together to compare wines and talk about new finds.

In addition to this, there are many specialty websites showcasing only Californian white wines for example or recommending the best places in Spain to book a wine tasting tour. These niche websites are attracting more and more visitors every month.

Many online wine merchants are using the internet to highlight their latest offers and newest wines. The internet is great for spreading word quickly even between people who don't know each other. Using social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, a merchant can get word out there fast about offers and new wines. Similarly, online discount sites such as Money Saving Expert or Groupon allow merchants to put offers on that then get promoted by the websites themselves.

Furthermore, the are copious amounts of forums and discussion groups that allow people from all over the world to communicate.Online shopping is so easy to do for the consumer with only a small charge most of the time for delivery that it's no wonder that more and more people are doing it. This is especially true if you live a long way away from supermarkets or wine stores and would be spending time and money on transportation anyway.

However, even though there has been a massive rise in the popularity of shopping online, many still prefer the actual shopping experience. This can be especially true when looking for wines. Many people need advice when they are choosing the perfect wine for their dinner party or other event. For example, if you are looking to serve a wine that complements your menu, it can be helpful to ask a wine merchant which of their wines would work best.

While online you can find information about different wines, it is not the same experience as speaking to someone face to face and even trying samples of some of the wines.

Which ever way you prefer to shop, the amount of people buying their wine online looks set only to rise in the upcoming years.

Bio: Emily Barclay runs The Perfect Wine, an independent online wine merchants. She started to set up The Perfect Wine in 2008, bringing together her love of wine and her passion for travelling in Europe. The Perfect Wine is based in Norwich but delivers to the whole of the UK. All wines come from excellent independent vineyards within 1,000 miles of Norwich.   http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Rise-In-Popularity-Of-Online-Wine-Merchants&id=6255870

Benefits Of Red Wine - What Makes Organic Red Wine Good For Your Health?

Perhaps you've read an article or two about the benefits of red wine, but you are not quite sure if it is really healthy? Look no further: in this article I will present you with trustworthy information about the health benefits of wine, and especially the benefits of organic red wine.

Many doctors and scientists nowadays do agree that red wine is healthy for your body, if drank in moderation. By moderation they usually mean one small glass per day, by the way. However scientists are not quite sure what exactly in the wine provides these health benefits.

One possible good-doer in wine could be flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants. Flavonoids are known to help your body by providing protection against LDL (or "bad") cholesterol oxidation. Flavonoids are found in other foods too, such as dark chocolate and certain types of alcohol, but are highly concentrated in red wine.

Another substance which could explain why red wine is good for you is called resveratrol, which is a non-flavonoid that also works as an antioxidant. Resveratrol is beneficial to your health because it destroys free radicals, which are responsible for cell deterioration (thus causing health problems and speeding up the aging process, perhaps even changing your DNA!) Resveratrol may also help to reduce your LDL cholesterol levels and prevent fatty buildup in your arteries, making it very beneficial to your heart.

Perhaps surprisingly, the alcohol found in wine may also have health benefits. But in fact is has been proven that moderate amounts of alcohol may help to raise levels of HDL, (the "good") cholesterol, and may also help to prevent blood clots from forming in blood vessels, therefore preventing stroke and heart attack as well as other circulatory problems. Further scientific research is currently being done to validate the link between alcohol and health.

You can reap all these benefits from any old red wine, but you'll get the most out of an organic red wine. You see, even though all red wines have the same benefits, conventionally grown wines can have contra productive substances in them, such as residues of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which can be harmful to your health. As these substances are used in growing conventional wines, it cannot be excluded that some of them can make their way into the finished wine, too.

By drinking organic red wine, you don't have to worry about any negative health effects, as organic wine has been grown without chemicals or toxic pesticides. Now that's a pleasure! http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-Of-Red-Wine---What-Makes-Organic-Red-Wine-Good-For-Your-Health?&id=7054510

Buying Cheap Wine Online

Wines could be taken in a different perspective depending on the personality of the person. Some people would see wines as a necessity as this tends to be their main drink with their meals. Some others would only buy wines whenever they are going to hold a special occasion while a few buy wine only as gifts to special people in their lives. 

Wines are luxurious alcoholic beverage that everyone considers to be special. Drinking wine can make one feel elegant, sophisticated and classy. But there are some people who often drink wine even in their homes. This makes wines the most loved alcoholic beverages in the world. If you own a wine shop, you are definitely lucky as wines are known around the world.

Today, the trend in wine buying is online. People would prefer buying a cheap wine online than to spend a few hours of their time going to the wine shop. Online wine buying is convenient, easy and quick. You can simply go over the inventory of the online wine store that you have chosen and click on the wines that you would like to purchase. Most of the time these shops accept credit cards and money order. And the best thing about it is that your order will delivered directly to your home. There really is no sweat in purchasing wines online.

It is also better to shop online because you can compare the prices of the wines that you would like to buy. In doing this, you get to take the cheapest possible price for it. Cheap wines can be of plenty over online shops. You just need to choose wisely on which shop to purchase from. You may have to make a research and study the reputation of the shop that you would like to purchase from. This way, you can be sure of the quality of the wines that you will be getting. With proper research, you can avoid online shops that are just scamming people out.

With online wine shops, you can also get to take advantage of the promotions that they give out usually every month. You can even get bigger discounts when you take advantage of the promotions that the shops are giving away. With this, you can then save money when you buy wines. You just need to know when these shops are holding their promotions. 

This way, you will be the first one who will take advantage of it. Buying cheap wine online is a lot more beneficial as you can still make a research on the wines and shops that you are purchasing from. People will have the chance to get to know more about the shop before purchasing from them. Once one has found the right shop to purchase from, shopping online will be a lot easier and more convenient. http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-Cheap-Wine-Online&id=7048460

Top Cheap Australian Red Wines to Try This Year

Australian red wines are known to be full-bodied and full of flavour. If you are a wine enthusiast, you have probably tried a lot of Australian reds in your lifetime. This year, however, you might want to try these first-rate red wines. That is if you have never tasted them already. Here's a list of some of the best reds from Australia under $15 to try this year.

RED KNOT CLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON SA 2011

Not too many people are a fan of Red Knot, but if there is one Knot you should taste, it's the Red Knot Classic Cabernet Sauvignon SA 2011. Produced from a 5-star winery, this Cab Sav is a true-blue Australian red that is rich in body and integrated with harmonious fruit flavors. Among the aromas this Red Knot brings include chocolate fruit, dark cherry, and blackberry. You can get this for only $10 a bottle.

PENNYS HILL RED DOT MCLAREN VALE MERLOT 2011

The Penny's Hill Red Dot McLaren Vale Merlot 2011 is another red produced from a 5-star rated winery. One reason to drink this wine is the fact that it's produced from one of the premium winemaking regions in Australia. It's delicious and has a medium body with rich texture and dark fruit tannins. A perfect match for seafood, pasta sauce, and white meats, you can get this wine online for only around $8.

GRANT BURGE DALY ROAD SHIRAZ MOURVEDRE 2008 

Australian Shiraz has a reputation of being fruity and very high in alcohol content. Some even say it can overwhelm any type of dish. Nevertheless, the Grant Burge Daly Road Shiraz Mourvedre 2008 is a must-try. It's an award winning red wine and is perfect for any food-loving Shiraz drinker out there. Rich in flavor and aroma, you can get this bottle for only $15.

HESKETH COONAWARRA THE DEALER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011

Yet another red produced from one of the 5-star rated wineries in Australia, the Hesketh Coonawarra The Dealer Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 is a best seller. This is one wine you should try if you are a fan of wines produced by family-run vineyards. Tom and Jonathan Hesketh, makers of this first-rate Australian red wine are committed in producing high-quality wines, which means you can rest assured this wine is going to be worth every penny. It gives you the classic Coonawarra herbaceous aroma, and has a persistent finish of fine-grained tannins on the palate. Get this for only $9 per bottle.  http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Cheap-Australian-Red-Wines-to-Try-This-Year&id=7739312

White Wine's Influence on the Lungs

For years now, we've been praising the health benefits of red wine, raising our glasses and toasting Merlot as bottles of white wine sit in the corner, fermenting with jealously. Because red wine has been known to have a positive impact on the human body, with particular profits to the cardiovascular system, we drink it and we heart it.

Not to be outdone by its colorful adversary, studies have recently found white wine to be beneficial to health as well. While both red and white wine aid in lung function, white wine has a more positive impact on lung health.

According to a study by the American Thoracic Society, a positive link between white wine and lung health was found for people who drank between one and three glasses a day. These people possessed overall better lung function than those who drank red wine, or other alcoholic beverages. This study also took into account several other variables such as the wine drinker's general health, age, and whether or not they were a smoker.

Because white wine contains higher levels of flavonoids, a group of plant substances known for their antioxidant activity, researchers believe that white wine soaks up the toxins in the blood, like a "mop and glo" for the thorax, reducing inflammation of the airwaves in the process. This helps protect the lungs.

Drinking white wine may also be beneficial because of the presence of free radicals lurking in the human body. If antioxidants are the "peacekeepers" of the chemical compound world, with their main goal being to keep the body void of disease and destruction, free radicals are the bad seeds, often caught red handed spraying graffiti of cancer and illness on internal organs. Consumption of white wine, however, possesses the ability to stop the creation of free radicals, taking away their can of spray paint and leaving them enervated.

All of these factors add up to better lung function, with each glass increasing respiratory performance. According to a study at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, one glass of white wine produced 1.5% higher lung function. Three glasses of white wine produced 3.0% higher lung function. 

This is not to say that people should be chugging gallons and gallons - huge amounts of white wine won't give people the ability to breathe underwater - but drinking white wine in moderation may make a human's lungs operate at a higher level of performance. This can, on average, add one to three more years to a person's life span.

With red wine bragging about its ability to lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure, white wine has been left in the shadows, unable to boast about a benefit of its own. But, with new studies, people are learning that white wine may be as beneficial as red, its benefits just involve a different organ. If our hearts belong to red wine, our lungs belong to white, allowing both white wine drinkers and bottles of overzealous Pinot Gris to breathe a little easier. http://ezinearticles.com/?White-Wines-Influence-on-the-Lungs&id=266266

Wine and Celebration Have Gone Together For Thousands of Years

I occasionally look for reasons why wine is so intrinsically linked with celebrations and social events; more so than any other drink. Wine's place in history seems to have always been right in front of our eyes. Even in earliest recorded history, wine seems to have been enjoyed many fans-from royalty to the common man.

I grew up in a home that would be defined as teetotaling, based upon religious beliefs. Nonetheless, I could never really accept what appears to be a "teetotaler's paradox". For example, here is the rub: Was not the first miracle in the New Testament the turning of water into fine wine at a wedding celebration? Also, the Last Supper had wine with the meal. Again, in this example wine was consumed in the context of a celebration. In total there are more than 235 mentions of wine in the Bible; and yes some are admonitions about abuse of strong drink.

Over the years I got over this conflict in logic, but I continue to ponder how wine has become a drink associated with celebrations, of welcomes, of friendships and even something to be enjoyed as a quiet moment of self reward. Great people through the ages talk about wine with awe, reverence and as if wine had/has mystical qualities. 

Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were absolutely in love with all things wine and even seemed to be inspired by wine. During my years in the Navy I participated many occasions of festive recognitions with the ceremonial toasts using wine. There are even books written on the etiquette of toasting. We see wine used all around us; everything from state dinners to a casual meeting of friends at a dinner party. It isn't unheard of that a teetotaler may raise a glass of wine for a toast without drinking the wine.

But the question still remains: How did wine become so recognized as a celebratory drink?

Any wine commentary with attributions before say 5,000 BC becomes somewhat meaningless to me. Just for the record however, there are indications that grape vines have been discovered in historic carbon dated digs going back 60 million years. Vines are not wines, so let's move on. Wine as a fermented beverage starts at about 8,500 BC following the first fermented beverage which was mead and beer.

 "As cultivated fermentable crops, honey and grain is older than grapes, although neither mead nor beer has had anywhere near the social impact of wine over recorded time," says Tom LaMar a wine researcher. From what I can determine, the first recorded vineyard and wine production can be attributed to Noah following the Great Flood. Thank you Noah.

Probably Egypt and Mesopotamia (due to the commercial route facilitated by the Euphrates River) were the first to develop a great appreciation for wine. There is evidence that royalty found favor in wine and used wine for social events and trade. Some say beer and wine consumption was the outgrowth of poor water quality; however that may not be totally true as peasants did not have much access to wine or beer.

The Greeks, being great world traders about 1,600 BC, are credited with bringing wine to more markets. After discovering the medicinal values of wine, wine was celebrated for its therapeutic values along with social values which have been commented on by great Greek thinkers like Plato. "No thing more excellent nor more valuable than wine was ever granted mankind by God," Plato-400 BC. But, it was the conquest of the Romans that stepped up the trade in wine all over their empire. 

We all have read enough about the Roman Empire, including the findings in Pompeii, to know the Romans treasured their wine for celebrations. From a historical perspective it is believed wine may have been around for approximately 10,000 years. It must have been a very pleasant drink in its most early existence because it survived a rather hostile environment-considering fermentation techniques, containers, heat, etc. 

Folklore indicates that a young Persian princess, in a fit of depression, attempted suicide by eating rotting grapes. To her surprise she found fermented grapes tasted good, relieved her of emotional stress and left her feeling buoyed in spirit. I think that same effect of fermented grapes can hold true to this day! From these humble beginnings many empires have found great value in wine, even establishing wine trade; from the Greeks to the Romans to Western Europeans. So, we know wine had great perceived value.

From the Bible we know man has been instructed to look at wine as part of festivities and celebration. Even the Old Testament instructs that there is medicinal value to wine. In fact science has been researching wine aggressively since 1954 when Dr. Jack Masquelier started doing wine research relative to health. As an aside, there are more than 300 compounds found in wine and others yet to be discovered. Seems science likes wine.

The complexities found in wine continue to keep the mystery of wine thriving and add to the romance of discovery. Even the fact that wine comes anew every year makes it magical. Maybe because wine is crafted in art and science, orchestrated by Nature, this adds to the pedigree that is totally wines'.

I conclude wine has maintained its personality and value and allure in societies celebration over the past 10,000 years for the following reasons:

• Wine manages to impact the senses like no other fermented beverage. There is a mystical color that captivates our sight. Wine has very complex smells. The tastes of wine runs the gambit of spices, smoke, leather-and the list goes on. Part of the taste is driven by tannins and acids. Even the sound of pouring wine is pleasant to the ear.
• Wine is precious. It is created in and of the land, which is traditionally a humble existence. This is part of the pedigree that makes it precious--handmade.
• The academic side of wine has been documented since Biblical times and re-enforced in subsequent cultures. Mr. Jim LaMar wrote that wine is a most "democratic beverage"; probably because it is available for the masses to enjoy the same as royalty. It is well researched and science continues to improve wine.
• Tradition and classic cultures have kept wine as a social and celebratory drink.
• The complexity of wine enhances the enjoyment of food and food is always part of celebration.
• The alcohol in wine stimulates and can be relaxing and these factors always are part of a social atmosphere.
• Lest we forget, wine has health benefits-'here's to your health' is a toast often heard at many events.
• A wide variety of wines satisfy most any palate at an assemblage of people with various levels of wine experience and background.
• The last factor that I think has made wine an enduring beverage of celebration and social gatherings is its mystery; not even the most educated amongst us can explain.

Some traditions don't last from one generation to another. Even some celebrations don't survive over the millenniums. But wine has survived the test of time and still holds people in its grasp when it comes to celebrations, social events between friends and family, and meaningful events. For me, it works as a sipping beverage after a hard day and I just want to relax with my family.

Cheers!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Wine-and-Celebration-Have-Gone-Together-For-Thousands-of-Years&id=7570844

Red Vs White Wine Glasses

Take a sip of wine from a quality glass, and you'll notice flavors, aromas, and even colors that would escape you if the same wine sat in a plastic cup. Though many practical wine lovers have one mid-sized glass at home for reds, whites, and roses, glasses come in an array of shapes and sizes to complement the characteristics of particular wines. The basic glass types are:

• Red Wine Glasses: Red wines are generally served at room temperature, often allowed to "breathe" in a carafe before serving to improve flavor and depth. A red wine glass tends to be fairly bulbous and short, with broad bowls and narrower lips, in order to trap aromas while giving the wine plenty of space to spread out and breathe. The glasses are designed to be held by the bowl rather than the stem.


• White Wine Glasses: Most whites (and many roses) are served chilled. White wine glasses are taller and slimmer, with longer stems and narrower bowls. Holding the glass by the stem keeps the wine colder for longer, since body heat from your hand doesn't directly contact the vessel. The taller, slimmer shape protects the delicate flavors of whites from exposure to too much air while keeping a chill for longer.


• Champagne Flutes: Designed for sparkling wines, which are carbonated to contain delicate flavors and effervescent bubbles, flutes are tall and slim with long stems. Most hold 6.5 ounces or more. The design traps more bubbles and keeps delicate flavors protected from the air.


• Stemless Wine Glasses: In the last two decades, stemless wine glasses have become popular. These glasses take a range of shapes designed specifically for reds or whites. Most keep the traditional rounded bowl shape, but sit on a flat bottom rather than being elevated by a stem. These glasses must be held by the bowl, and so may not be ideal for chilled wines.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to shape, color also affects the wine drinking experience. According to the acclaimed Wine Spectator magazine, "the clearer the glass, the richer the wine's color." Glasses with thinner rims also distract less from the flavor of the wine as it slips over the lip into your mouth.

Specialty glass sellers often have extensive lines of glasses designed for particular grapes or varieties. Tall, smaller-bowled Bordeaux-style glasses and squat wide Burgundy-style glasses are both red wine glasses, for example. Despite the near-endless variety, a single mid-range glass can work well for most wines in a home setting.  http://ezinearticles.com/?Red-Vs-White-Wine-Glasses&id=7645906

Best Winter Warmer Food and Wine?

The cold weather is the terrific reason for a bottle of red along with a hearty stew.

It is unusually cold up and down the region in addition to we're being forced to head home from work in boots to a chilly home, precisely what better way to warm up than with a casserole together with bottle of red?

The recent snowfall provided the perfect excuse to cook a Sunday roast at the weekend. The lamb could sit cooking in the oven until you came in from a stroll, taking the boots off and selecting the perfect accompaniment like an Argentinean Malbec or spicy Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cooking a roast is a little impractical during the week, but the weather continues to bite, so it could instead be a good idea to get a casserole or hearty stew going in the slow cooker so that it is ready to eat when you get in after work.

What's more, you can think about it cooking away all day as an added incentive to get home!

But with the winter food chosen, what is the best choice of wine to match? One of the best things about winter is having the excuse to open a bottle of full-bodied red wine with lots of tannin and warm you up from the inside.

Australian wine writers Debra and Keith Gordon suggested on their Wine on Tuesdays blog that a Chateauneuf de Pape is "made for winter", while a "musty Malbec" could also work well with a winter dish.

Other suggestions come from Lisa Redwine at the UT San Diego, who recommended a food and wine pairing of Californian Cabernet with braised short ribs, marinated lamb, nuts and fig jam. She also recommends searching out lesser-known varietals like Mourvedre for a pot roast dish, Petit Verdot or a Charbono.

However, there are still white wines that can be nicely paired with a winter warming supper. For Lisa Redwine, a rich and full-bodied Chardonnay can do the same job of a red wine, while providing an added freshness.

She pairs these wines with veal or rabbit stew as well as roast chicken and dumplings.

For another winter alternative, delving into the spirits cupboard could be a surprising match. A glass of port, for example, could add cosiness to a bowl of stew.

You could also try some Canadian icewine for something really different. While it might not really match your dinner, a glass of grapes that have been naturally frozen on the vine could be a fun aperitif to get the evening started. http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Winter-Warmer-Food-and-Wine?&id=7824749

Have you ever been to a wine bar or restaurant and decided to try a wine that was available by the glass; a wine you had wanted to experience without committing to a whole bottle? Maybe it was a wine someone recommended. Or, you found a wine you really like--the aroma and taste that was unexpected. Then at a subsequent next trip to your wine shop or Costco you bought the identical vintage produced by the same winery. You get it home, lit the candles, and broke out the same cheese and bread you enjoyed at that memorable tasting, only to be thoroughly disgusted that the aromas and taste of the wine was not what you remembered back at that restaurant or wine bar when that ah-ha moment hit.

About every other week I go to wine country and San Francisco to make sales calls and when possible I visit the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant in the late afternoon to get the feel for what's new in wines. Because they have a large selection of wines by the glass I get to experiment. Recently I tasted (by the way they are not cheap) a Zinfandel with some cheeses and bread and really enjoyed the flavors of the wine. I was so impressed with the Zin, I bought a bottle of the Zin on the spot, along with the cheese and bread and went back to the hotel to continue with the wonderful tastes. Guess what? It was not to be replicated, even within a few hours. What happened?

To try and figure out what happened I contacted my go to Master of Wine friend. I explained in details of the dilemma I faced relative to my experience in the change of taste of a nice wine in a wine bar (a public venue) versus my hotel room. My question was: What happened to the wonderful experience between the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant and my hotel? It has probably happened to all of us; a nice wine experience at a place and point in time that is not replicable later in a casual home setting. So I will attempt to coalesce what I learned on the subject into some semblance of an orderly explanation.

It appears the taste and pleasant reaction to a wine is affected in 4 ways: psychological, physiological, properties of the wine itself, and environment or settings. There might be iterations of these or even a whole new category but let's focus on these because these seem to explain why wine taste different when consumed in a public setting versus at home, even with similar/exact accoutrements (cheese, bread, and grapes, etc.). The following denotes the issues in each of the categories that can impact the taste of wine, in various venues, that is identical in vintage, varietal and winery.

Psychological

• Attitude plays a critical role in how we approach most events. Back to the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant experience. I noticed some people were drinking wine while they waited for their ferry to board for destinations across the Bay; they simply were in no hurry-laid back attitude. Others went through the motions of having a perfunctory glass of wine without concentrating on anything to do with the wine itself. It is probably difficult to replicate a specific wine experience if ones attitude is not consistent, and it rarely may be.


• Stresses obviously impact attitude--stresses of the moment or the ebb and flow of residual stresses of daily work routine. Don't forget stress impacts us in physiological ways, which impact how we process taste profiles and aromas.


• Wine seems to be a conscious drink best enjoyed with a clear focus. Are the aromas, color and taste approached with positive anticipation or casual appreciation? The mind forms the definition of the experience of that wine-even the exact wine you are trying for the second time.


• We also approach wine with a preconceived expectation. Any variation of that, for whatever reason, we set ourselves up for a disappointment in an attempt to replicate a given wine experience. Seems like nothing is repeatable.


• Relaxation is critical and there are degrees of relaxation. A relaxed state of mind opens the senses of smell and taste and regulates how wine is perceived.


• A Master Sommelier told me about an occasion when a middle age couple came into his restaurant and when seated it wasn't long before an argument ensued. He said he was concerned because a pleasant meal will dictate how the restaurant is judge by patrons. "At that moment it was imperative that I try to defuse the situation," he said. Yes, even sommeliers are aware that psyche can direct a person's attitude about wine and food, even over the course of an hour.

Physiological

• Supposedly 90% of taste comes from our olfactory sense. If anything changes the way we perceive scents around us, taste will change also.


• Nothing is constant except change. Therefore, the chance of accurately repeating the utopian wine experience is by definition difficult if not impossible because our bodies are in a constant state of change.


• The tongue is going to tell the brain how to process the taste of wine. If the taste buds change from one tasting to the next, differences will be recognized. Too much of a good thing is a recipe for failure. That goes for wine also because the tannins and acids will negatively impact taste if they become burned out. Taste is subjective, so technically taste is always truthful.


• Age of the consumer will also impact how wine is experienced. Although we are focused on why the change in taste, over a matter of as little as 60 minutes with a change in venue, if you wait a year to experience that exact same bottle of wine you could be disappointed based upon age factors.

Properties of the wine

• There may be different batches of the same vintage that will impact taste slightly. The time of day that a specific vintage and varietal was picked and process can impact the wine from bottle to bottle. The fermentation tanks themselves can add some subtle differences and even the oak profile of the barrels between barrel vendors.


• The time and distance one case of wine travels versus another of exact vintage/varietal makes a difference (remember the movie Bottle Shock) or was a different case exposed to heat?


• How long did your special wine breath that produced that great taste you are now trying to reproduce? Remember, you are trying to find that magic in a bottle all over again; hard to do.


• Did the wine temperature change between your great bottle of wine versus the one you bought hoping to find that magic all over again? Temp is a critical element in your attempt to match the flavors, even within same vintage, varietal and winery.


• Now ask yourself if the vintage has aged in the bottle from the first time you experienced the wine.


• There could be some smells from a "corked" bottle of that same vintage and the winery due to cork contamination.

Environment/Setting

In attempting to duplicate the same great taste of a wine you experienced at a wine bar versus being at home, the environments are different. The environment is recognized as an important element in the wine experience.

• Temperature in the room will impact how you perceive the wine you are drinking.


• Sometimes even subtle difference in the way wine is stored can impact taste, even if the wine is the same vintage and from the same winery.


• Like golfers that repeat a routine/ritual, when trying to achieve the maximum pleasure from a wine, be consistent in a ritual you go through in tasting the wine: letting it breathe, not overly handling the bottle prior to opening, and decanting.


• Where were the wine glasses stored? New cabinets (if wine glasses are stored in a cabinet) may still have a wood smell that will linger on the glasses. It is suggested they be rinsed and dried and let air out to eliminate inherent cabinet smells.


• Lighting of an environment will set a mood that can change the way wine is appreciated. You don't need a mood ring but just be aware how lighting will even change the look of a nice wine in the glass.


• If you are trying to reproduce a flavor you previously got from a nice wine, the food must be the same. For the sake of this discussion, we are assuming identical cheese and bread.


• We said earlier that smell drives taste so in your environment what aromas are you sensing and are perfume scents present? Some tasting rooms will ask people to leave if perfume is too strong.


• As a penultimate statement: The recommendations of a friend or sommelier will definitely set you up relative to what you will expect in a wine. So don't let people dictate your standards in taste.


• Never underestimate the impact the company around use when we drink wine. The social ambiance of friends impact us greatly.


• Music. This is a subject that has received some research over the past few years. In a 2011 article in the British Journal of Psychology, it was reported that wine taste better with music. Adrian North of Heriot-Watt University in England said, "The research... considers the possibility that the emotional connotations of music may be able to function as a symbol that influences perception of wines' taste. The results reported... indicate that independent groups' ratings of the taste of a wine reflected the emotional attributes of the background music being played while they drank the wine." The connotations he is referring to are such descriptive attributes as: bold, zingy, light and airy, well developed, etc., being applied to the wine. Mind you, he is talking about people subconsciously interpreting music characteristics and using those characteristics in describing the wine they were drinking, especially if they like the music.

Relative to the two bottles of wine that started this whole discussion; the first one you tried and fell in love with and now the second identical bottle you are expecting to be the same and isn't. We have discussed a lot of reasons why the second identical bottle is not going to totally give you the same stimulation of taste profiles. But, had you ever given any thought to "music" as a component of a wine experience; in private or in at a wine bar?

It is almost impossible to replicate the taste of wine from one bottle to the next identical bottle, even if the wine is the same vintage, varietal and winery. There are simply too many factors that come into play that can and will impact flavor. The old adage is: you can never recapture exactly what once was.