Archive for the ‘Beer & Wine’ Category

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French Wine and Their Regions


2011
03.18

No wine producing area outside of France has seen such a big difference in wine choices between regions within the same country. This alone has made French wine an outstanding choice for the best wine club but also as simply a good set of wines to try and to expand your palate. The reasons are clear, but are largely focused on the fact that these grapes actually are native to their respective regions in France and are uniquely suited to the specific growing environments found in those regions. Bordeaux is known for a number of grape varietals including but not limited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. While many American wine consumers think the region is known for Cabernet Sauvignon in direct competition with American standout Napa Valley, California most of the top scoring right bank blends from Bordeaux are largely Merlot based. The Merlot is richer, deeper and fuller while keeping it’s restraint when compared with any being crafted anywhere else in the world. Champagne is the only region of the world which is suppose to be able to use that specific name (located just 45 miles northeast of Paris) all the sparkling wines being created in Champagne are based on the Chardonnay grape. Bordeaux is perhaps the second best well known red wine region in France and a great choice for wine gifts and the only red grapes allowed to be grown in the area are Pinot Noir. White wine grapes are a bit more open, but they are largely Chardonnay, although no sparkling wines are produced (not to compete with Champagne). Last but definitely not least (according to me at least) is the Rhone Valley of France which has given us grapes such as Syrah, Viognier and Roussane which have been taken to the highest level in the Rhone of anywhere in the world.

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The Best Way to Become a Wine Expert Wine


2011
02.12

The best way to know if a person is a wine pundit is to share some wine tasting days out.

However, if there’s no one who claims to be an expert you can try to become proficient in the subject. In order to get the knowledge you need, you should start by going to a wine tasting session.

Don’t forget that you should have a liking for the beverage, otherwise you’ll be wasting your time. These sessions are not similar to going to posh wineries because you will get to learn a lot more. The good thing about them is that you will learn to combine the wines you like with the meals you enjoy.

Apart from you, you will learn how to differentiate the varietals you try by observing the colour, feeling the texture and smelling the wine. After enjoying a wine tasting day out you will be on the way to becoming an expert.