Overview To Sampling Wine
The fundamentals of tasting red wine are reasonably straightforward to find out. As soon as the basics are understood, the nuances and details can be enhanced over a lifetime. Like any kind of various other skill, More »
Red Wine Types
Red wine has a lot of different types, among which, the most popular include Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Moreover, More »
A Wine Lover’s Weekly Guide to $10 Wines – A Red From Montenegro
This is our first review of a wine from Montenegro, a small country in southeastern Europe that was part of Yugoslavia. Montenegro has been producing wine for more than two thousand years, so perhaps it’s time to take a look at one of their products. This particular wine is produced from the red Vranac grape whose name means black stallion. So let’s guess that we are looking at a powerful wine. The company’s vineyard is one of the largest in Europe, containing over 10 million vines.
OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Palntaze Monte Cheval Vranac, 2006 11.5% alcohol about $ 8.00
Let’s start with the marketing materials. Tasting Note: Medium garnet; leather and earth with a hint of plum and spice; earthy dried fruit flavor with a hint of spice. Serving Suggestion: Stew and casseroles. And now for my review.
At first tasting the wine was dark and oaky with round tannins. It was mouth filling and chewy but relatively short. The initial meal involved slow-cooked beef ribs and potatoes. I tasted cherries and chocolate. Its palate cleansing acidity was good because the meat was fat but this Vranac seemed to fade away. It did not pick up when I added spicy green jalapeno pepper sauce to the meat.
The second meal consisted of commercially barbecued chicken thighs in a light herb sauce and deli potato salad. The wine was powerful, but perhaps a bit too acidic. It showed dark fruit but didn’t overpower this lightly flavored dish.
The final meal was based on Merguez, North African spicy lamb sausage. The wine was mouth filling and I tasted stewed fruits. It cut the grease and, believe me, this meal was greasy. The deli potato salad muted the wine. When I added spicy green jalapeno pepper sauce this time the wine stepped into the background and its fruit was gone.
I finished the tasting with two cheeses. The first cheese was a marbled cheddar. The wine was dark and tasted of cherries and plums. It seemed well balanced. With a sheep’s milk feta cheese the wine lost a lot of its character. This cheese was too much for this wine.
Final verdict. I won’t buy this wine again. It is better than many $ 8 wines but with all the cheap wines out there, I won’t hold the presses for this one.
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Leverage River Wine Rum
“To Wuliangye River, led by wine-oriented development strategy, people feel great pressure.” March 22, in Chengdu to participate in rum in Maotai Group dealer Ping Xu says.
He having been said? Sichuan liquor due to set off a “scent” revolution. Decade sword, Wuliangye, Tuopai devaluation Maotai liquor, Langjiu the new push and flavor liquor, the second-tier Sichuan wine also introduce new flavor – 17 On the afternoon of the first stock company Wuliangye Maotai Liquor “Yongfu sauce wine” available in Chengdu, the annual capacity of 27,000 tons, surpassing annual output of 2 million tons of Maotai Liquor leading enterprises – Maotai, became Maotai liquor production championship. So far, China’s wine industry began in the 2000 King of the strategic end-flavor Lu Zhen Rong; 18, Langjiu Group announced the launch of the groom and flavor of wine and said it would move more flavor enterprise development; In addition, the Group has a high-profile Tuopai launched its first Maotai spirit “swallowing of the peace,” adding that its production capacity of nearly ten thousand tons, second-tier wine Sichuan Syrian government also launched a soft elegant wine and liquor flavor.
In the increasingly competitive wine market, today, introduce new flavor of the wine can become a Sichuan development of new blue ocean? 2010 rum can become a starting point for the development of new wine in Sichuan?
Decade, the new scent Secret brew
“This is to meet consumer demand, while the move taken by the diversified development.” In the “Yongfu sauce wine” is published at a news conference, Wuliangye Group Chairman Wang Guochun disclosed, the company started in 2000, the idea of wine in preparation for more kinds of development planning. By 2002, butter wine production will reach 2.7 million tons. Through continuous testing to improve the current wine sauce production process has become perfect.
“The first time I heard Wuliangye wants to wine sauce, the feeling did not understand, but in goods, in view of its products, I felt this wine will definitely fire.” Internally renowned wine experts Yong-Song Hu spoke highly of the “Yongfu wine sauce.”
Now can not buy taste? Taste like? Packaging How? How much? Know Wuliangye launched the “Yongfu wine sauce”, the Group’s chief engineer Li China Tuopai asked eagerly. “Because we are well over a decade to build, it introduced the first Maotai liquor ‘swallowing of the peace’.” Langjiu Chairman Wang Jun, Lin said that the flavor is conducive to innovation and expand the market space, Langjiu the introduction of the groom and flavor alcohol will be at the same time toward the production of Maotai, aroma, and three kinds of spirits of wine flavor enterprise development.
Liquor development of a new blue ocean
“We are confident to achieve sales of 10,000 tons this year.” 17, Yongfu sauce on behalf of the general distributor of wine, silver-based Trade Development (Shenzhen) Company Chairman Leung Kwok-hing, said that in 3 months full product to market. “It’s the industry, the impact will be enormous.” It is understood that in the past Luzhou-flavor liquor a single large room for market growth has been limited, at present the total Maotai liquor market is also very small, there are only the scale of tens of thousands of tons of , accounting for only 20% of total sales of liquor.
“It indicates that Maotai liquor market still has room for growth.” Wuliangye AG, Tang, chairman of the bridge that, according to Wuliangye development plan, by 2020, the Group will achieve sales income of 100 billion yuan, of which the primary industry should be The sales income of more than 20 billion yuan. The realization of this strategic goal, the company will resolutely carry out the main wine industry “a business-based” development strategy, the company became a true industry leader. Not just industrial scale and sales revenue, but also the number of kinds of wine. Therefore, the introduction of Maotai products are also the focus of strategies to achieve this goal.
Lee will explain, “swallowing the peace,” the current situation is very satisfactory sales and investment. “Swallow the peace,” the high-end positioning, market price at around 1,200 yuan per bottle, the market prospect. “Sichuan liquor in recent years, maintained a sound momentum of rapid development, the most important reason for thanks to product innovation, marketing innovation of the all-round innovation.” 18, held in Chengdu, China wine Innovation Forum on the competitiveness of the provincial Food Industry Association, predicted that all CUI, flavor innovation is expected to lead the development trend of Sichuan wine in a new one.
Growing Wine Grapes
While growing wine grapes, the basic thing to remember is that each grape variety is unique in its own way with its own distinct flavor and characteristics. Grapes from the Vitis vinifera family are the most commonly used variety of grapes used for wine making. Usually this variety is found in Europe but there are varieties that are abundant in North America as well. The Vitis Labrusca is another popular variety and is commonly found in eastern parts of United States and Canada.
Success in growing wine grapes largely depends on suitable climatic conditions and the variety of vine you choose. These are the most important factors in growing wine grapes which ultimately decide the quality of grapes. Extreme climatic conditions may destroy the whole crop and it cannot be imagined how destructive it can be. Under ideal conditions such a variety should be chosen which ripens during the cooler temperatures instead of summers.
Though soil condition is important for any type of vineyard, they can still be manipulated by adding fertilizers and minerals. The most important thing is to provide necessary mineral content to the roots. You need to test the soil and see if it is free of toxic mineral content. Irrigation channels can be provided so as to make sure that that there is enough soil moisture level.
However, climatic conditions cannot be changed and the only way you can probably provide somewhat better climatic condition is by application of greenhouse transplant. So make sure that the fruit varieties you choose have a proven track record of growing properly in the climatic zone you wish and desire to grow your wine grapes. This will help you greatly in improving your chances of an excellent harvest of grape wine.
It may so happen that you don’t have an alternative. However, in case you are successful in choosing your area for growing wine grapes, care should be taken to avoid such areas where there are very low winter and spring temperatures. Moreover you should also avoid such areas where there is frequent or excessive change in temperatures or there are early frost fall.
Avoid Vine Direction Disasters
Since frost plays a very destructive role in growing wine grapes, you should see to it that you don’t choose lowlands for cultivation since these are the areas where frost hits the hardest. Usually frost settles in these areas first and remains there for a long time. For growing grape wines it is better to choose slopes facing south as there is a bit more sunshine. In areas of high rainfall slopes facing east are better as the rising sun dries the slopes faster. This helps in reducing diseases caused due to accumulation of moisture.
Three crucial factors are to be kept in mind while speaking about climate:
The climate of the region: this includes humidity and temperature range.
The climate of the site: includes drainage and slope.
The climate of grape vine: includes environment within a specified area like a cluster and canopy.
The place you choose should have a long growing season so that vines properly mature. It means that there should be enough sunlight while the fruit ripens because sunlight is most essential while the fruit ripens.
Though it may seem as if there are a number of things to consider, be assured that the plant needs your attention not just once. After they are put in the ground the grape plants only need pruning from time to time. You should be able to find out the right place for growing wine grapes. Though it may take some time, but once you have found it, half the task is done. The next step is to choose a grape variety that suites that particular climatic condition. You can also ask for expert guidance from experienced grape and vineyard growers which would take you to the path of success.
Wining and Dining
This article explains some basic information about wine as it relates to food and cooking. I cannot think of a better marriage in the culinary sphere than that of food and wine. What we choose to drink with our food can completely alter the entire dining experience; whether it is in a 5-star restaurant eating duck confit or sitting in your own backyard with the grill fired up, wine will always bring a new level to your food experience. This article will cover how to read wine labels, order wine in a restaurant, pair wine with food, and avoid the ever-so-dreaded corked wine. Once one has a basic grasp on these core principles they will feel more comfortable mingling food and wine in their next dining experience.
Wine labels do contain a ton of information and reading them can prove to be a daunting task. One way of elevating this concern is to realize that the information is being provided to assist you in making an informed, accurate wine selection. Use the information to your advantage and you will begin to reap the benefits quickly. The largest print of the front of the wine bottle is the name of the winery from which the wine came. To some this means nothing, to others this is a deal breaker. The smaller text under the name is referred to as the “appellation” or simply put ‘the country or region where the grapes were grown’. This can be extremely broad, like earth, or very specific, like Joe’s Winery, row 2 section 4. Take this information with a grain of salt. It can shed some light as to the wine’s contents, but should not be a deciding factor when making your selection. The date on the bottle correlates to the wine’s vintage- the year in which the grapes were harvested. A lot of people are incorrect in thinking this is the date in which the wine was bottled, but that is not necessarily the case. Wines can be bottled years after the grapes are picked. Varietal refers to the specific kind of grapes from which the wine was made. Not all wines list a varietal as they may not be required to do so by law, or the wine contains levels of numerous varietals. A few other “uncommon” items you may see listed on a label are ripeness, estate bottling, and other required information by law.
Ordering wine with food can be very difficult as restaurants usually present you with a bible listing of available wines. The most important things you need to consider are what you are looking for in a wine at that specific time. Go around the table and get a feel for what everyone is going to order, what their wine preferences are, are what kind of mood you are trying to set for the meal. Keep in mind the one bottle of wine usually serves about 3 people. If you have a group of 5 to 7, and some want red and others want white, then go ahead and order one of each. Once you have a feel for what you are looking for, then delve into the wine list. Most good wine lists will contain the wine’s producer, country of origin, vintage, specific varietal notes, and offer suggestions for ideal food pairings. If this information is limited, feel free to quiz your server a bit about what they suggest, which wine has been most popular, or what the chef may recommend. This is a great chance for you to learn and for them to show off all of the wonderful memorization. Once selected, make sure you verify your wine selection when it is brought to the table. This is usually a great chance for the server to add $ 50 onto the bill. Take a taste, confirm, and enjoy your evening.
Pairing wine with food is probably the most personal aspect of discovering the world of wine. What tastes good to you outweighs all other predefined principles on how food and wine interact. I generally get the fullest essence of a wine by using both smell and taste. The nose can pickup smaller notes that your mouth is just not equipped for. Use the two senses in conjunction with one another to gain the most insight. A general rule is to pair delicate wines (white) with light food, and full wines (reds) with heartier food.
I tried to avoid this topic, but if I’m going to talk about food and wine as it relates to the culinary world, then I must share a little knowledge with you about corked wine. Corked wine arises when the actual cork (yes, the cork, not the wine) has been contaminated with TCA. Depending on the amount of TCA, the affects will range from the wine smelling like nothing at all to smelling like an old, damp attic. TCA can almost always be identified in the ordering stage listed above, when the server brings the bottle to your table and you take your initial whiff. Now, corked wine wouldn’t be worth mentioning, except I recently came across an article which shows that nearly 5% of wine bottles are affected by TCA contamination in at least some part. This was a staggering statistic to me, and after watching how many bottles get popped at a restaurant in any given night, I thought it was something to start paying attention to. If you cannot detect after your initial whiff and first taste, then it will most likely not affect your dining experience. Only in strong cases would one need to send a bottle back due to the amount of TCA present. This is not something to look for in every bottle, and I am not trying to make the general public skeptical about every bottle of wine, but it is something to tuck back in the wine sector of your brain. I hope this article presented you with some useful information on how food and wine interact with one-another. I can’t stress how intermingled the two are in the culinary world, and if one wants to become a success in the kitchen then they must have at least a basic understanding of this relationship. Now that you have a basic grasp on how to read wine labels, how to order wine in a restaurant, how to pair wine with food, and how to avoid the ever-so-dreaded corked wine, you can feel that much more comfortable in your next dining experience. If anyone has had some successful (or not so successful) wine experiences while dining out, I ask that you share them in your comments here. Real-world scenarios are what help everyone else learn about the superb relationship between food and wine.
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Wine Making Recipe
Below you will find the basic steps to making a delicious wine. This method can used both for whites and reds. It’s great for beginning winemakers who are looking for a simple recipe, with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
11 ½ kg of Grapes
5 ½ kg of sugar
10-11 liters of Water (plus more for topping)
2 ½ tsp. dried Pectic Enzyme
5 Campden Tablets
4 tsp. Yeast Nutrient
1 package of Wine Making Yeast
6 ½ tsp. Sparkalloid
Winemaking Method:
1. Put 5 Campden tablets in a jug of water and spray the solution onto your work area. Let act for 10 minutes. Rinse and let air-dry.
2. Use a crushing grate to process our grapes. Extract as much juice as possible, and remember to remove any stems.
3. Dissolve 4 kg of the sugar into 8 liters of warm water. Pour into primary fermentor, along with the must.
4. Add water to the fermentor until you reach the 5-½ gallon marker.
5. Use a hydrometer to test the prepared must. You must look for a SG of 1.113-1.1123, and a PA of 15.
6. If the hydrometer reads the proper numbers, allow the must to rest for one day.
7. Combine the yeast nutrient with yeast, some sugar and lukewarm water. This will activate the yeast. Let sit for 20-30 minutes. It should become bubbly and cloudy.
8. Incorporate the yeast mixture into the fermentor and cover, without mixing.
9. For best results, temperatures must be between 18°C-24°C. Once two days elapse, mix the fermenting must once or twice a day to ensure even fermentation, for 5-7 days.
10. Test the mixture in a hydrometer for a SG of 1.03.
11. Eliminate any pulp from the top using a strain. Make sure to remove any liquid that has been left behind in the pulp.
12. Use a hose to siphon the wine into a secondary fermentor. Once again, top with water to 5-½ gallon marker and equip the carboy with a wet airlock. Allow to ferment for another 4-6 weeks.
13. Siphon the wine once more.
14. Use a fining agent, such as 6 ½ teaspoons of Sparkalloid to clarify the wine.
15. At this stage, maintain wine at temperatures between 5-10 degrees Celsius.
16. Before you bottle, you should taste the wine for sweetness. If you decide to add more sugar, make it into syrup so that it thoroughly dissolves in the wine. To stop any yeast being awakened by the sugar, add a dose of crushed Campden tablets or sodium bisulfite. If adding sugar, allow to rest for at least one week before you bottle.