In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of Poop.
However, we do not run that risk when drinking wine (or rum, whiskey, beer or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.
Remember:
Water = Poop
Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit :)
There's no need to thank me for this valuable information; I'm doing it as a public service.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Picpoul De Pinet
I don't review many white wines. I am a red wine drinker at heart, but I feel this one is worthy of a few word. I first tried this wine at a wine tasting in Sun Valley Idaho about a year ago. I think it is a great wine in the summer, very fresh, clean and crisp. Hughes Beaulieu's Picpoul De Pinet is pale yellow in color with a tint of green. Fine aromas of exotic fruits and grapefruit. Brings a full citrus flavor to the palate with lime flavors, and a very focused acidity. This wine comes from the Languedoc region of France and is made from a Piquepoul grape, goes great with seafood or shellfish.
Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir
I was at work the other night, and was visiting with a nice woman from Oregon. She is quite a wine connoisseur, living in Oregon for many years. Her husband also used to work for Ponzi winery. We were discussing my love of Oregon Pinots when she offered a recommendation on one of her favorites. Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir, according to her, this is a very heavy, full, voluptuous pinot. Full of beautiful fruit flavors. I have yet to get my hands on a bottle, but I will soon. Try it and see if it is as good as she says. I'll definitely post an opinion when I get an opportunity to try it myself.
Merry Edwards Russian River Pinot Noir
This is a bold, beautiful Pinot from the Sonoma, Russian River Valley of California. Merry Edwards produces a big, dark and juicy Pinot. With Black plum, and black cherry fruit. It is enhanced with chocolate, anise and leather notes. Aged 70% in new french oak barrels, this wine has the legs to carry you to a sublime finish. Retails for about $60, but worth every penny. I think this wine will age well. Try a local wine store or you can order it online from Merry Edwards.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Wine Terms T - Z
Table Wine
A US legal term that encompasses all wines that are between 7% and 14% alcohol.
The term is used in Europe to mean a wine that was not made under the rules of any specific controlled area.
Most Wines (in the US)
Those compounds responsible for the bitter and astringent tastes in wine. They are found primarily in the skin and seeds of the grape, as well as stems (which are not always included in the wine making process). Because white wines have little to no contact with these parts of the grape, white wines have little tannin. Aging in oak barrels can also add (oak) tannin to wines.
Tart
A wine tasting term for a wine that is noticeably acidic. As long as the acid is not overwhelming, it is only tart. A stronger acid flavor would be harsh and a very strong acid flavor would be sour.
Thin
A wine tasting term for any wine that has little flavor. Technically it is used for a wine that has little dry extract (what is left after you remove all the liquid).
Vermouth
Some may be surprised to find out that this classic addition to a martini started out as wine. In a technical sense a vermouth is any wine that has been infused with herbs or fruits. The
Vintage
This term refers both to the actual grape harvest as well as the year of the harvest. The term is also applied to wines that bear this year of harvest on their labels.
White Zinfandel
A rose (pink) wine made from the red wine grape Zinfandel. It tends to be somewhat sweet and easy to enjoy. This is the wine that snobs love to hate.
Wine Cooler
A mix of wine and fruit juices (or lime flavored soda). The practice of disguising bad wine with sweetened juice is as old as wine itself.
Woody
When a wine has had extensive aging in a barrel it takes on the barrel taste, hence it is "woody." The taste of wood, usually oak, should not dominate the flavor of the wine. It is there to help the wine age, and will diminish over time.
Young
A designation for any wine that is not quite ready to drink. In the case of lighter wines, this may be directly on release; but, for Cabernet Sauvignon based wines, and others designed for prolonged aging, the period of youth may last a decade or more.
Zinfandel
A red wine grape found almost exclusively in California. While its origins are undoubtedly European, the exact location and name of its progenitor is one of wine's great mysteries. The Primativo of Italy is often named as the origin of Zin, but some believe that Primativo came from Zin, and not the other way around. Evidence for this is found in DNA testing. Whatever the origin of Zinfandel, it is one of the most planted fine wine grapes in California. These vines are older than most other vines in the area, and for this reason produce some of the most intense fruit. For the uninitiated, Zinfandel means a pink wine.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!
We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
A US legal term that encompasses all wines that are between 7% and 14% alcohol.
The term is used in Europe to mean a wine that was not made under the rules of any specific controlled area.
Most Wines (in the US)
- A wine of lower quality or distinction
- A wine of distinction that does not conform to a standard
- French: vin de table
- Italian: vino tavola
- German: Tafelwein
Those compounds responsible for the bitter and astringent tastes in wine. They are found primarily in the skin and seeds of the grape, as well as stems (which are not always included in the wine making process). Because white wines have little to no contact with these parts of the grape, white wines have little tannin. Aging in oak barrels can also add (oak) tannin to wines.
Tart
A wine tasting term for a wine that is noticeably acidic. As long as the acid is not overwhelming, it is only tart. A stronger acid flavor would be harsh and a very strong acid flavor would be sour.
Thin
A wine tasting term for any wine that has little flavor. Technically it is used for a wine that has little dry extract (what is left after you remove all the liquid).
Vermouth
Some may be surprised to find out that this classic addition to a martini started out as wine. In a technical sense a vermouth is any wine that has been infused with herbs or fruits. The
Vintage
This term refers both to the actual grape harvest as well as the year of the harvest. The term is also applied to wines that bear this year of harvest on their labels.
White Zinfandel
A rose (pink) wine made from the red wine grape Zinfandel. It tends to be somewhat sweet and easy to enjoy. This is the wine that snobs love to hate.
Wine Cooler
A mix of wine and fruit juices (or lime flavored soda). The practice of disguising bad wine with sweetened juice is as old as wine itself.
Woody
When a wine has had extensive aging in a barrel it takes on the barrel taste, hence it is "woody." The taste of wood, usually oak, should not dominate the flavor of the wine. It is there to help the wine age, and will diminish over time.
Young
A designation for any wine that is not quite ready to drink. In the case of lighter wines, this may be directly on release; but, for Cabernet Sauvignon based wines, and others designed for prolonged aging, the period of youth may last a decade or more.
Zinfandel
A red wine grape found almost exclusively in California. While its origins are undoubtedly European, the exact location and name of its progenitor is one of wine's great mysteries. The Primativo of Italy is often named as the origin of Zin, but some believe that Primativo came from Zin, and not the other way around. Evidence for this is found in DNA testing. Whatever the origin of Zinfandel, it is one of the most planted fine wine grapes in California. These vines are older than most other vines in the area, and for this reason produce some of the most intense fruit. For the uninitiated, Zinfandel means a pink wine.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
Wine Terms N - S
Nutty
A wine tasting term for a wine that exhibits flavors reminiscent of nuts, especially hazelnut. In some cases this can be a sign that the wine is oxidized.
Oak
Oak is used to make containers for storing and aging wine. Specific oak is used for small barrels to impart flavor and tannins to the wine. The newer the barrel, the more flavor it imparts. Oak is critical for making long lived red wines, and some whites.
Oxidized
A wine tasting term for a wine that has absorbed oxygen. In extreme examples the wine (usually white wine) has begun to turn brown.
Petite Sirah
A wine grape found primarily in California. Once thought to be related to the Syrah grape of the Rhone Valley in France, it is now known to be the grape Durif. It has been said that this grape is "neither petite, nor Syrah."
Pinot Blanc
A relative of the Pinot Noir, this white grape is planted in abundance in Alsace, France; California and Oregon. At one time this grape was found in the vineyards of Burgundy, along side Chardonnay.
Pinot Grigio
The Italian name for the grape and wine produced from the Pinot Gris grape. Most of this popular wine is rather bland and uninspiring.
Pinot Gris
A relative of the Pinot Noir grape this "grey" member of the family is important in Alsace, France, where it is known as Tokay d'Alsace and in Germany where it is called Rulander, and in Italy as Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Noir
One of the most important red wine grapes in the World. At home in Burgundy, France, it is also found throughout the New World. In California many of the best examples are found in Santa Barbara county. Oregon too boasts exceptional Pinots, and New Zealand is proud of their up and coming contributions.
Pinotage
An important grape in South Africa. The result of crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault (which is known as Hermitage in South Africa). While the South Africans are very proud of the wines made from this grape, I have not had the pleasure of tasting one of note.
Port
A sweet red wine that is made by adding neutral grape spirit (brandy) to the unfinished wine. This is the process known as "fortification." Port is made in several styles.
Vintage Port is made in years that are exceptional. It is bottled young, and ages in the bottle for decades. An aged Vintage Port throws a good deal of sediment and must be decanted before serving.
Primitivo
A red wine grape found in Italy. It was thought for some time that this was the origin of the Zinfandel grape of California. Current DNA methods suggest that the Primitivo may actually have come from the Zinfandel, rather than the other way around.
Prosecco
A white wine grape of Italy. In the US it is best known as a sparkling wine made from the same grape. In Italy the wine may be sparkling, lightly sparkling, or even still.
Reserve
In the US the term reserve has no legal meaning. It implies that the wine is from the better part of the production; however, it is often used on the label of very cheap wines that have not been reserved from anything.
Rice Wine
Made throughout Asia, and best known as the Japanese Sake, this is not a wine at all. The first criteria for wine, both legally and from the point of view of quality, is to be made from grapes.
Riesling
One of the greatest white wine grapes. Found originally in Germany, and still the most important quality grape there, it has now made its way around the world.
Rose
The French word for "pink" and the wines that are close to that color. Rose wines suffer from an image problem. It may be that white wine and red wine drinkers feel that rose does not fit either niche, rather than being a bridge between them. It may also be that the sweet and simple rose wines from the 60s and 70s made people think that all rose wines are as uninspiring.
Round
A wine tasting term applied to a wine that is well balanced. Often used as in "a well rounded wine."
Sake
A Japanese rice based alcoholic beverage often erroneously called "rice wine."
Sangiovese
One of the most important red wine grapes of Italy. Found primarily in the Tuscany region of central Italy. There are several distinct clones of this grape, each of varying quality.
Sauvignon Blanc
A white wine grape planted around the world. In France it is found in Bordeaux, where it is usually blended with Semillon to make a rich styled wine, but with very little varietal character. The Loire Valley of France is home to the villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume which may produce the truest expression of this grape.
Sec
The French term for "dry" (meaning a wine without any residual sugar).
The exception is Champagne. No one wanted to admit to drinking sweet wines, so "Sec" is a term that was adopted for the sweetest style of Champagne.
Secco
The Italian term for "dry" (meaning a wine without any residual sugar).
Sharp
A wine tasting term used when the acid in a wine is out of balance or strong. It would fall between "tart" and "sour" on a scale of perceived acidity.
Shiraz
The Australian name for the grape Syrah. Most of the vines planted in Australia (where Shiraz is one of the most planted red wine grapes) can trace their ancestry back to France, via South Africa. This circuitous route means that the vines left France before the twin plagues of oidium and phylloxera of the last half of the 19th century.
Silky
A wine tasting term for a specific mouth feel that is evident in the very finest of red wines. It is related to balance and is usually used when the wine is old enough for the tannins to have softened.
Smooth
A wine tasting term that refers to a tactile sensation in the mouth (mouth feel) associated with the acids, rather than the tannins in the wine (see "soft"). Technically a wine is smooth due to the presence of lactic acid, which in turn is present in the wine due to malo-lactic fermentation.
Soft
A wine tasting term that refers to the lack of apparent tannins in a wine. If the wine is well aged, or in a style that is enjoyed young, soft is a plus. If the wine is meant to age, and is soft in its youth, it is a minus, as one would expect to find tannins to help the wine age.
Sparkling Wine
That class of wines that has been carbonated. The highest quality versions are carbonated through the action of yeast in a sealed bottle. This is the champagne method, and all Champagne is made this way. Another method is to start in the bottle, but then to transfer all the wine to a tank and filter out the sediment. This is known as the transfer method.
Spice / Spicy
A wine tasting term. Use carefully. Gewurztraminer (which means "spicy traminer") is the only grape that you should use the unqualified term "spice" for (in reference to its aroma). For every other type of wine, it is important to specify what kind of spice you mean (after all there are many spices).
Split
The name for a quarter bottle of wine, especially Champagne.
Syrah
One of the great red wine grapes. At home in the Rhone valley of France, it has made its way to Australia where it is known as Shiraz as well as California where it is still known as Syrah.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!
We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
A wine tasting term for a wine that exhibits flavors reminiscent of nuts, especially hazelnut. In some cases this can be a sign that the wine is oxidized.
Oak
Oak is used to make containers for storing and aging wine. Specific oak is used for small barrels to impart flavor and tannins to the wine. The newer the barrel, the more flavor it imparts. Oak is critical for making long lived red wines, and some whites.
Oxidized
A wine tasting term for a wine that has absorbed oxygen. In extreme examples the wine (usually white wine) has begun to turn brown.
Petite Sirah
A wine grape found primarily in California. Once thought to be related to the Syrah grape of the Rhone Valley in France, it is now known to be the grape Durif. It has been said that this grape is "neither petite, nor Syrah."
Pinot Blanc
A relative of the Pinot Noir, this white grape is planted in abundance in Alsace, France; California and Oregon. At one time this grape was found in the vineyards of Burgundy, along side Chardonnay.
Pinot Grigio
The Italian name for the grape and wine produced from the Pinot Gris grape. Most of this popular wine is rather bland and uninspiring.
Pinot Gris
A relative of the Pinot Noir grape this "grey" member of the family is important in Alsace, France, where it is known as Tokay d'Alsace and in Germany where it is called Rulander, and in Italy as Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Noir
One of the most important red wine grapes in the World. At home in Burgundy, France, it is also found throughout the New World. In California many of the best examples are found in Santa Barbara county. Oregon too boasts exceptional Pinots, and New Zealand is proud of their up and coming contributions.
Pinotage
An important grape in South Africa. The result of crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault (which is known as Hermitage in South Africa). While the South Africans are very proud of the wines made from this grape, I have not had the pleasure of tasting one of note.
Port
A sweet red wine that is made by adding neutral grape spirit (brandy) to the unfinished wine. This is the process known as "fortification." Port is made in several styles.
Vintage Port is made in years that are exceptional. It is bottled young, and ages in the bottle for decades. An aged Vintage Port throws a good deal of sediment and must be decanted before serving.
Primitivo
A red wine grape found in Italy. It was thought for some time that this was the origin of the Zinfandel grape of California. Current DNA methods suggest that the Primitivo may actually have come from the Zinfandel, rather than the other way around.
Prosecco
A white wine grape of Italy. In the US it is best known as a sparkling wine made from the same grape. In Italy the wine may be sparkling, lightly sparkling, or even still.
Reserve
In the US the term reserve has no legal meaning. It implies that the wine is from the better part of the production; however, it is often used on the label of very cheap wines that have not been reserved from anything.
Rice Wine
Made throughout Asia, and best known as the Japanese Sake, this is not a wine at all. The first criteria for wine, both legally and from the point of view of quality, is to be made from grapes.
Riesling
One of the greatest white wine grapes. Found originally in Germany, and still the most important quality grape there, it has now made its way around the world.
Rose
The French word for "pink" and the wines that are close to that color. Rose wines suffer from an image problem. It may be that white wine and red wine drinkers feel that rose does not fit either niche, rather than being a bridge between them. It may also be that the sweet and simple rose wines from the 60s and 70s made people think that all rose wines are as uninspiring.
Round
A wine tasting term applied to a wine that is well balanced. Often used as in "a well rounded wine."
Sake
A Japanese rice based alcoholic beverage often erroneously called "rice wine."
Sangiovese
One of the most important red wine grapes of Italy. Found primarily in the Tuscany region of central Italy. There are several distinct clones of this grape, each of varying quality.
Sauvignon Blanc
A white wine grape planted around the world. In France it is found in Bordeaux, where it is usually blended with Semillon to make a rich styled wine, but with very little varietal character. The Loire Valley of France is home to the villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume which may produce the truest expression of this grape.
Sec
The French term for "dry" (meaning a wine without any residual sugar).
The exception is Champagne. No one wanted to admit to drinking sweet wines, so "Sec" is a term that was adopted for the sweetest style of Champagne.
Secco
The Italian term for "dry" (meaning a wine without any residual sugar).
Sharp
A wine tasting term used when the acid in a wine is out of balance or strong. It would fall between "tart" and "sour" on a scale of perceived acidity.
Shiraz
The Australian name for the grape Syrah. Most of the vines planted in Australia (where Shiraz is one of the most planted red wine grapes) can trace their ancestry back to France, via South Africa. This circuitous route means that the vines left France before the twin plagues of oidium and phylloxera of the last half of the 19th century.
Silky
A wine tasting term for a specific mouth feel that is evident in the very finest of red wines. It is related to balance and is usually used when the wine is old enough for the tannins to have softened.
Smooth
A wine tasting term that refers to a tactile sensation in the mouth (mouth feel) associated with the acids, rather than the tannins in the wine (see "soft"). Technically a wine is smooth due to the presence of lactic acid, which in turn is present in the wine due to malo-lactic fermentation.
Soft
A wine tasting term that refers to the lack of apparent tannins in a wine. If the wine is well aged, or in a style that is enjoyed young, soft is a plus. If the wine is meant to age, and is soft in its youth, it is a minus, as one would expect to find tannins to help the wine age.
Sparkling Wine
That class of wines that has been carbonated. The highest quality versions are carbonated through the action of yeast in a sealed bottle. This is the champagne method, and all Champagne is made this way. Another method is to start in the bottle, but then to transfer all the wine to a tank and filter out the sediment. This is known as the transfer method.
Spice / Spicy
A wine tasting term. Use carefully. Gewurztraminer (which means "spicy traminer") is the only grape that you should use the unqualified term "spice" for (in reference to its aroma). For every other type of wine, it is important to specify what kind of spice you mean (after all there are many spices).
Split
The name for a quarter bottle of wine, especially Champagne.
Syrah
One of the great red wine grapes. At home in the Rhone valley of France, it has made its way to Australia where it is known as Shiraz as well as California where it is still known as Syrah.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
Wine Terms E - M
Earthy
A wine tasting term. It means just what it sounds like, a slight taste of soil. The French use a term "gout de terroir" that is often used to mean the same thing; although it can also mean that the wine has typical tastes for the region.
Edna Valley
An American Viticultural Area south of San Luis Obispo in California (an area broadly referred to as the Central Coast). One of the few transverse valleys in the US (meaning it points to the sea).
Enology - also Oenology
The science of wine production. Enophile - also Oenophile A wine lover.
Estate Bottled - Estate Bottling
Wine that was bottled by the vineyard owner. Many wines are still bottled and produced from grapes that are purchased on the open market, often for the lowest price.
Extra Dry
A sparkling wine that is slightly sweet. This term often leads to confusion since Dry means without sweetness, but Extra Dry for some reason means slightly sweet.
Faded
A wine tasting term for a wine that has lost all or much of its flavor and aromas over time.
Fat
In the US this term often infers that the wine is lacking in acidity. In other parts of the world the term fat is used to indicate a full, well balanced wine, and is a compliment.
Fermentation
The process that turns grapes into wine. Specifically the metabolization of the sugars by the yeast, into alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat.
Finish
The final flavors you taste in the wine. often confused with "aftertaste." I distinguish the finish as being the taste you notice just as you swallow or spit a wine, as opposed to the aftertaste which are those flavors you notice after you swallow the wine, and which linger in your mouth for some time.
Fresh
Most wine is intended to be enjoyed young. When this young wine has ample acidity in the balance, it is often referred to as fresh.
Fruit
Wine basically has three components. Fruit, acidity and tannin. All three must be in balance to make a decent wine. The fruit encompasses all the tastes and smells that that are not sour (acid) or bitter (tannin).
Fruity
Some young wines have an aroma that can only be described as fruity. Beaujolais is one of the best known examples.
Garnacha (gahr-nah'-shah)
The Spanish name for the grape referred to in France as Grenache. Very popular in Spain, it is the grape responsible for Sapin's best known red wine, Rioja.
Green
A wine tasting term for wines made from under ripe grapes. The wine will have the smell of vegetation and be highly acidic.
Grenache (greh-nah'sh)
A red wine grape of the Rhone Valley of France, and elsewhere (especially Spain). In the southern Rhone Grenache replaces Syrah as the most important grape (Syrah being more important in the north).
Hard
In wine tasting terms this relates to a wine that is tannic, particularly one that is so tannic that it is out of balance. This is a function of youth for some wines, and these wines will "soften" with age.
Harsh
A hard wine with excessive acidity will be "harsh". The acid accentuates the tannins and increases the drying sensation known as astringency.
Heavy
Used in wine tasting to imply that the wine is out of balance towards the tannins. This type of wine is more than just "hard" it is tannic to a fault, and may not soften enough with age to be enjoyable.
Herbaceous
A green, vegetable smell in wine. For example, Sauvignon Blanc is grassy when subtle, herbaceous when overpowering. It is not considered a positive attribute when it is more than subtle.
Hot
The burning sensation of excessive or out of balance alcohol in wine. Usually found in the nose, rather than the taste.
Ice Wine
This is an intense desert wine that has been made from very ripe grapes (without Botrytis) that were frozen on the vine. The frozen water is removed during pressing, leaving a very sweet must. In German it is known as "eiswein."
Lambrusco
A lightly sparkling wine, made from the grape of the same name. It is from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Produced both in a dry or slightly sweet style, it is best know in the US as the brand Riunite (which is one of the sweetest examples made).
Late Bottled Vintage Port
A style of Port created originally for restaurants. Since Vintage Port throws a great deal of sediment, it can be difficult for a restaurant to deal with. The solution was to age the Vintage Port first in barrels, between four to six years.
Late Harvest
By harvesting later, the grapes are riper, and sweeter. This is appropriate for making sweet, dessert style wines. Some Late Harvest wines are almost dry, opting for increased alcohol and intensity rather than sweetness, as in the Alsatian "vendange tardive" (French for late harvest).
Light
The opposite of heavy. A wine without much tannin in the balance. The wine may still be complex, and full of flavor. Such wines are often enjoyable young, but rarely age.
Liqueur
A sweet, flavored, alcohol based drink. Used in the world of wine to mean something completely different. In the champagne method of making sparking wines "liqueur de tirage" is the mix of sugar solution and yeast added to the wine, to create the secondary fermentation, which will in turn produce bubbles.
Madeira
A Portugese island in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco. The fortified wines from this region are unique in that they are purposefully baked and oxidized, prior to bottling. In times gone by this was accomplished by shipping the wines on a sailing vessel, the longer the journey the better, although today modern techniques favor specially designed heating tanks. Madeira is almost certainly the longest lived of all wines.
Magnum
A large wine bottle, which holds the same as two normal bottles. The larger the bottle, the slower the wine ages. A magnum is the perfect size for aging great red wines, as it ages the wine slowly, but not too slowly.
Marsala
Often relegated to the kitchen, this is the best known fortified wine of Sicily, Italy. While still popular as a cooking ingredient, it has not kept up with current taste for fortified wines.
Merlot
One of the best known red wine grapes. Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. In the Haut-Medoc region of Bordeaux, France, it is second to Cabernet Sauvignon; but, across the river in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol it is the primary grape. It ages somewhat more quickly than Cabernet Sauvignon, because it is lighter in tannins.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!
We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
A wine tasting term. It means just what it sounds like, a slight taste of soil. The French use a term "gout de terroir" that is often used to mean the same thing; although it can also mean that the wine has typical tastes for the region.
Edna Valley
An American Viticultural Area south of San Luis Obispo in California (an area broadly referred to as the Central Coast). One of the few transverse valleys in the US (meaning it points to the sea).
Enology - also Oenology
The science of wine production. Enophile - also Oenophile A wine lover.
Estate Bottled - Estate Bottling
Wine that was bottled by the vineyard owner. Many wines are still bottled and produced from grapes that are purchased on the open market, often for the lowest price.
Extra Dry
A sparkling wine that is slightly sweet. This term often leads to confusion since Dry means without sweetness, but Extra Dry for some reason means slightly sweet.
Faded
A wine tasting term for a wine that has lost all or much of its flavor and aromas over time.
Fat
In the US this term often infers that the wine is lacking in acidity. In other parts of the world the term fat is used to indicate a full, well balanced wine, and is a compliment.
Fermentation
The process that turns grapes into wine. Specifically the metabolization of the sugars by the yeast, into alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat.
Finish
The final flavors you taste in the wine. often confused with "aftertaste." I distinguish the finish as being the taste you notice just as you swallow or spit a wine, as opposed to the aftertaste which are those flavors you notice after you swallow the wine, and which linger in your mouth for some time.
Fresh
Most wine is intended to be enjoyed young. When this young wine has ample acidity in the balance, it is often referred to as fresh.
Fruit
Wine basically has three components. Fruit, acidity and tannin. All three must be in balance to make a decent wine. The fruit encompasses all the tastes and smells that that are not sour (acid) or bitter (tannin).
Fruity
Some young wines have an aroma that can only be described as fruity. Beaujolais is one of the best known examples.
Garnacha (gahr-nah'-shah)
The Spanish name for the grape referred to in France as Grenache. Very popular in Spain, it is the grape responsible for Sapin's best known red wine, Rioja.
Green
A wine tasting term for wines made from under ripe grapes. The wine will have the smell of vegetation and be highly acidic.
Grenache (greh-nah'sh)
A red wine grape of the Rhone Valley of France, and elsewhere (especially Spain). In the southern Rhone Grenache replaces Syrah as the most important grape (Syrah being more important in the north).
Hard
In wine tasting terms this relates to a wine that is tannic, particularly one that is so tannic that it is out of balance. This is a function of youth for some wines, and these wines will "soften" with age.
Harsh
A hard wine with excessive acidity will be "harsh". The acid accentuates the tannins and increases the drying sensation known as astringency.
Heavy
Used in wine tasting to imply that the wine is out of balance towards the tannins. This type of wine is more than just "hard" it is tannic to a fault, and may not soften enough with age to be enjoyable.
Herbaceous
A green, vegetable smell in wine. For example, Sauvignon Blanc is grassy when subtle, herbaceous when overpowering. It is not considered a positive attribute when it is more than subtle.
Hot
The burning sensation of excessive or out of balance alcohol in wine. Usually found in the nose, rather than the taste.
Ice Wine
This is an intense desert wine that has been made from very ripe grapes (without Botrytis) that were frozen on the vine. The frozen water is removed during pressing, leaving a very sweet must. In German it is known as "eiswein."
Lambrusco
A lightly sparkling wine, made from the grape of the same name. It is from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Produced both in a dry or slightly sweet style, it is best know in the US as the brand Riunite (which is one of the sweetest examples made).
Late Bottled Vintage Port
A style of Port created originally for restaurants. Since Vintage Port throws a great deal of sediment, it can be difficult for a restaurant to deal with. The solution was to age the Vintage Port first in barrels, between four to six years.
Late Harvest
By harvesting later, the grapes are riper, and sweeter. This is appropriate for making sweet, dessert style wines. Some Late Harvest wines are almost dry, opting for increased alcohol and intensity rather than sweetness, as in the Alsatian "vendange tardive" (French for late harvest).
Light
The opposite of heavy. A wine without much tannin in the balance. The wine may still be complex, and full of flavor. Such wines are often enjoyable young, but rarely age.
Liqueur
A sweet, flavored, alcohol based drink. Used in the world of wine to mean something completely different. In the champagne method of making sparking wines "liqueur de tirage" is the mix of sugar solution and yeast added to the wine, to create the secondary fermentation, which will in turn produce bubbles.
Madeira
A Portugese island in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco. The fortified wines from this region are unique in that they are purposefully baked and oxidized, prior to bottling. In times gone by this was accomplished by shipping the wines on a sailing vessel, the longer the journey the better, although today modern techniques favor specially designed heating tanks. Madeira is almost certainly the longest lived of all wines.
Magnum
A large wine bottle, which holds the same as two normal bottles. The larger the bottle, the slower the wine ages. A magnum is the perfect size for aging great red wines, as it ages the wine slowly, but not too slowly.
Marsala
Often relegated to the kitchen, this is the best known fortified wine of Sicily, Italy. While still popular as a cooking ingredient, it has not kept up with current taste for fortified wines.
Merlot
One of the best known red wine grapes. Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. In the Haut-Medoc region of Bordeaux, France, it is second to Cabernet Sauvignon; but, across the river in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol it is the primary grape. It ages somewhat more quickly than Cabernet Sauvignon, because it is lighter in tannins.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
Wine Terms A - D
Acidity
The tart taste in wines. When there is too much acidity the wine can taste sour.
Aroma
The smell of a young wine. Different from bouquet, in that Aroma is the smell that comes from the grapes, and bouquet, which takes time to develop, is the smell that comes from the finished wine.
Balance
A much used, but rarely defined term in wine tasting. A wine is said to be balanced when no single component is overwhelming the wine, and the overall impression is pleasing.
Blending
Blending is perhaps the most important tool of the wine maker. While chemistry and science often have a hand in the final blend of a wine, more often than not it is a tasting that determines the final ratios.
There are several types of blending:
A term that is sometimes used to indicate a wine made in a white wine style from red wine grapes. "Blush" is actually a registered trademark.
Body
The overall mouth feel or weight of a wine. Some tasters incorrectly attribute it to glycerin or glycol in wine (there is not enough in wine to make wine thick).
Bouquet
Used generically to indicate how a wine smells, or more specifically to indicate aromas associated with bottle aging. A more technical term for this later definition is "tertiary aromas."
Breathing
Allowing the wine to come in contact with air, either forcibly or by resting. Since most of the practices surrounding wine are one way or another designed to keep air from wine, breathing is a questionable practice.
Cabernet Franc
Often blended with Merlot and or Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the "other" Cabernet grape. It stands on its own in the Loire region of France where it makes light red wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the most important red wine grapes. It is the base for many of the New World's finest wines, as well as the wines of Bordeaux, France. A rich grape, with sufficient tannins for making wines that age.
California
One of the primary wine growing regions in the United States. Sub regions include Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Santa Maria Valley, and many more.
Champagne
Literally it means a "white chalky plane." This region in France is famous for its sparkling wines, and the method to make them, methode champenoise. "Fine Champagne" and "Grand Fine Champagne" on a bottle of Cognac refers to the white chalky plain found in the Cognac area, and not in any way to the sparkling wine region.
Chardonnay
One of the most popular and important white grapes in the world. It is at home in the Burgundy region of France, and found throughout the New World.
Chenin Blanc
One of the great white grapes, and all too often over looked in the US. Many of the finest wines of the Loire region in France are Chenin Blanc, including the incredible, and long lived dessert wine, Coteaux du Layon.
Chianti
One of the most famous of the Italian red wines. Made from the Sangiovese grape, although a small amount of the white grapes, Trebbiano or Malvasia, may be added for finesse.
Claret (clare-eht)
A term without legal meaning. In some parts of the world in refers to a light red wine. In England, where the term is most widely used, it means a red wine of the Bordeaux, France region.
Clean
In wine tasting this term refers to wines that do not have any noticeable unpleasant or out of the ordinary odors or flavors. Modern wine making has ensured that most wines today are clean. Some may complain that New World wines can be clean to a fault.
Color
The color of wine tells us much about its origin and wine making. Deeper colors usually relate to longer wine making practices and higher quality wines.
Corkage
The fee paid to a restaurant for the privilege of being allowed to bring in your own wine. Usually $5 - $20 a bottle depending on the restaurant. This fee pays for the rental of the glasses and the service you receive.
Cork
The stopper for most wine bottles. Whether made from the bark of the cork tree or from plastic, cork must be flexible, durable and able to create an air tight seal in the neck of the bottle.
Corked / Corky
The most common fault in wine and the reason for the tasting ritual at a restaurant. The characteristic smell is a moldy, wet cardboard aroma.
Crisp
A wine tasting term used to imply that a white wine has a refreshing acid balance. It is used much the same way one may say the taste (not texture) of a fresh green apple is "crisp."
Decant
To transfer wine from a bottle into a crystal or glass container (a Decanter). This is primarily done with older red wines and Port which have developed sediment.
Demi-Sec
Literally this French term means "half-dry." In practice it refers to the sweetest style of Champagne a house will make.
Dessert Wine
Legally, in the US, this refers to fortified wines such as Port or Sherry, but also to the very inexpensive "more bang for your buck" sweet wines that are the favorite of college students and the stereotypical "bowery bum." In fine wine terms it refers to those wines that are destined to be enjoyed after a meal.
Dry
The opposite of sweet in wine parlance. This term is used to denote a wine that has no residual sugar. Often this word is misused to refer to a wine with a minimal amount of "fruit."
Dulce
Literally "sweet" in Spanish, the term usually refers to the sweeting agent added to some Sherry.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!
We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
The tart taste in wines. When there is too much acidity the wine can taste sour.
Aroma
The smell of a young wine. Different from bouquet, in that Aroma is the smell that comes from the grapes, and bouquet, which takes time to develop, is the smell that comes from the finished wine.
Balance
A much used, but rarely defined term in wine tasting. A wine is said to be balanced when no single component is overwhelming the wine, and the overall impression is pleasing.
Blending
Blending is perhaps the most important tool of the wine maker. While chemistry and science often have a hand in the final blend of a wine, more often than not it is a tasting that determines the final ratios.
There are several types of blending:
- Some wines, like Chateauneuf de Pape, Cote Rotie, Chianti, and Champagne, can be made from a blend of red and white grapes. Similarly Rose Champagne is often given that nice pink color, with the addittion of red wine (Pinot Noir).
- Other wines, like Bordeaux are blends of the same color. In the case of Bordeaux, the grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (primarily) are blended, in order to add the character of each grape to the final wine.
- Even wines of a single variety are (or should be) blended. In this last case, wines that have been vinified seperately (refered to as 'lots') are blended together.
A term that is sometimes used to indicate a wine made in a white wine style from red wine grapes. "Blush" is actually a registered trademark.
Body
The overall mouth feel or weight of a wine. Some tasters incorrectly attribute it to glycerin or glycol in wine (there is not enough in wine to make wine thick).
Bouquet
Used generically to indicate how a wine smells, or more specifically to indicate aromas associated with bottle aging. A more technical term for this later definition is "tertiary aromas."
Breathing
Allowing the wine to come in contact with air, either forcibly or by resting. Since most of the practices surrounding wine are one way or another designed to keep air from wine, breathing is a questionable practice.
Cabernet Franc
Often blended with Merlot and or Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the "other" Cabernet grape. It stands on its own in the Loire region of France where it makes light red wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the most important red wine grapes. It is the base for many of the New World's finest wines, as well as the wines of Bordeaux, France. A rich grape, with sufficient tannins for making wines that age.
California
One of the primary wine growing regions in the United States. Sub regions include Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Santa Maria Valley, and many more.
Champagne
Literally it means a "white chalky plane." This region in France is famous for its sparkling wines, and the method to make them, methode champenoise. "Fine Champagne" and "Grand Fine Champagne" on a bottle of Cognac refers to the white chalky plain found in the Cognac area, and not in any way to the sparkling wine region.
Chardonnay
One of the most popular and important white grapes in the world. It is at home in the Burgundy region of France, and found throughout the New World.
Chenin Blanc
One of the great white grapes, and all too often over looked in the US. Many of the finest wines of the Loire region in France are Chenin Blanc, including the incredible, and long lived dessert wine, Coteaux du Layon.
Chianti
One of the most famous of the Italian red wines. Made from the Sangiovese grape, although a small amount of the white grapes, Trebbiano or Malvasia, may be added for finesse.
Claret (clare-eht)
A term without legal meaning. In some parts of the world in refers to a light red wine. In England, where the term is most widely used, it means a red wine of the Bordeaux, France region.
Clean
In wine tasting this term refers to wines that do not have any noticeable unpleasant or out of the ordinary odors or flavors. Modern wine making has ensured that most wines today are clean. Some may complain that New World wines can be clean to a fault.
Color
The color of wine tells us much about its origin and wine making. Deeper colors usually relate to longer wine making practices and higher quality wines.
Corkage
The fee paid to a restaurant for the privilege of being allowed to bring in your own wine. Usually $5 - $20 a bottle depending on the restaurant. This fee pays for the rental of the glasses and the service you receive.
Cork
The stopper for most wine bottles. Whether made from the bark of the cork tree or from plastic, cork must be flexible, durable and able to create an air tight seal in the neck of the bottle.
Corked / Corky
The most common fault in wine and the reason for the tasting ritual at a restaurant. The characteristic smell is a moldy, wet cardboard aroma.
Crisp
A wine tasting term used to imply that a white wine has a refreshing acid balance. It is used much the same way one may say the taste (not texture) of a fresh green apple is "crisp."
Decant
To transfer wine from a bottle into a crystal or glass container (a Decanter). This is primarily done with older red wines and Port which have developed sediment.
Demi-Sec
Literally this French term means "half-dry." In practice it refers to the sweetest style of Champagne a house will make.
Dessert Wine
Legally, in the US, this refers to fortified wines such as Port or Sherry, but also to the very inexpensive "more bang for your buck" sweet wines that are the favorite of college students and the stereotypical "bowery bum." In fine wine terms it refers to those wines that are destined to be enjoyed after a meal.
Dry
The opposite of sweet in wine parlance. This term is used to denote a wine that has no residual sugar. Often this word is misused to refer to a wine with a minimal amount of "fruit."
Dulce
Literally "sweet" in Spanish, the term usually refers to the sweeting agent added to some Sherry.
The above Information was written by Stephen Reiss
Since 1984 Stephen Reiss has been teaching and learning about wine, on what eventually would become the Internet. Consider this a resource. Please visit his wine education site for new insights it may have to offer. If you are so moved, share your comments with Stephen, and invite your friends to visit as well. Click on the photo to the right and check out his wonderful Wine Blog!We thank Stephen for his generosity in posting such valuable information on wine, we look forward to supporting him and his goals. Please do stop by his site!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Yasa Spanish Granacha
Thought I'd review something a little different today. This is a very interesting red wine from Spain. 2003 Yasa Garnacha, or in the states Granache. I have found with this wine it's one you either love, or hate. It is one of the most "earthy" wines I have ever tasted. Very Ruby red color and full bodied. A little acidic, and very strong tannins. Black berry fruit on the nose and on the palate, full of earth, herbs and spice. Very heavy, full finish. Served best with wild game or smoky meats.Calatyud is a huge agricultural region of Spain. Yasa is produced by Virgen Dela Sierra cooperative. The coop has 579 growers who tend to 1,753 acres of Granache. This region is mostly known for its fruit crops of apples and peaches. They also grow some nuts, mostly almonds.I find this wine very nice, different from the usual glass of red. Please pick up a bottle if you come across it, should be reasonably priced. Enjoy a little bit of spain.
Benton - Lane Pinot Noir 2005
Ahhhhh, I do love a great Oregon Pinot Noir. Had some friends visiting from Oregon over the Holidays, and we went out to dinner, and of course. Had to share a bottle of my favorite. Oregon Pinot noir. My friend recommended this bottle, she had heard nice things. Being she is from Oregon, I decided to we should try it. A 2005 Benton Lane pinot Noir was our choice for the evening.I found the aromas to be quite earthy and chocolaty. On the palate a bit spicy (kind of unusual for a traditional pinot Noir). Nice flavors of dark cherry and maybe a hint of coffee or mocha. A nice fuller bodied Pinot and quite complex. It had a quick and clean finish.
I do always tend to love Oregon Pinots. Oregon has a much better growing climate for this ultra sensitive grape. Having a much cooler and moist climate than California, Oregon tends to produce beautiful Pinots. This vineyard is in the Southern Willamette valley of Oregon.
First production of Benton Lane pinot was released in 1992. At first Benton Lane only produced pinot Noir, but in 2003 they produced small amounts of pinot Gris and pinot Blanc, but served exclusively in their tasting room, sort of an experiment. Then in 2004, the headed off with full production of the Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.I found this wine to be a fabulous change from the traditional Pinot and recommend it to anyone.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Red Bicyclette Syrah
I know how a lot of Americans feel about the French, but I must say I have had some wonderful French wines. This is a nice little, very inexpensive bottle of Syrah. Red Bicyclette Syrah has a nose full of Cassis and spice. Very fruity palate with lots blackberry flavors, very rich and full with a note of plum flavors a bit spicy too.
For a Syrah it is very dark in color, has a nice smooth finishThis particular winery is in the Languedoc region of France of the coast of the Mediterranean sea. The climate in this region is great for growing spicy syrah grapes. This is due in part to how the vineyard is sheltered from severe weather by the Pyranesse mountains. This winery is known for producing wines with supple tannins that give it such amazing quality for the price.This is great paired with Lamb, Porkchop or anything with a nice spicy sauce.
Hope you enjoy. We picked this up at the local Albertsons in Idaho Falls.
For a Syrah it is very dark in color, has a nice smooth finishThis particular winery is in the Languedoc region of France of the coast of the Mediterranean sea. The climate in this region is great for growing spicy syrah grapes. This is due in part to how the vineyard is sheltered from severe weather by the Pyranesse mountains. This winery is known for producing wines with supple tannins that give it such amazing quality for the price.This is great paired with Lamb, Porkchop or anything with a nice spicy sauce.Hope you enjoy. We picked this up at the local Albertsons in Idaho Falls.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Erath Oregon Pinot Noir
My previous review was on an Oregon Pinot, and I said I love a good Oregon Pinot Noir. Well this is my favorite to date. This is a fabulous all around great light red wine. Good with beef, fish, pasta, you name it, it's complimentary. 2005 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir - . Erath makes a beautiful pinot, very fruity on the nose with aromas of raspberry and blueberry. This is a sweeter Pinot Noir very fruity on the palate with strong flavors of strawberries and a touch of vanilla.This is a beautiful house red, this Pinot is very versatile with many foods.
Hope you find this wine as enjoyable as I do. Price is around $20, GREAT price for the treat inside. One thing I do not like about this particular wine.... twist top, which is a matter of opinion. I love the ritual of opening wines, smelling wines and of course the best part, tasting the wine. I also love wine corks. I find them unique to each different vineyard.
I also love to make wine cork boards from my collection of cool corks.Erath Winery is one of the oldest Oregon Pinot growers, Dick Erath is a Pinot pioneer. He has been winning awards for his Pinots since 1972. Before I was even born (barley). His goal, to make food friendly, all around affordable Pinot Noir. He succeeded. Dick Erath has one of the most interesting stories of all times.
I wasn't kidding when I said I love a good Oregon Pinot Noir. This is my all time favorite pinot from Oregon, for now. Oregon is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, as far as pinot growing climate goes.
Hope you find this wine as enjoyable as I do. Price is around $20, GREAT price for the treat inside. One thing I do not like about this particular wine.... twist top, which is a matter of opinion. I love the ritual of opening wines, smelling wines and of course the best part, tasting the wine. I also love wine corks. I find them unique to each different vineyard.I also love to make wine cork boards from my collection of cool corks.Erath Winery is one of the oldest Oregon Pinot growers, Dick Erath is a Pinot pioneer. He has been winning awards for his Pinots since 1972. Before I was even born (barley). His goal, to make food friendly, all around affordable Pinot Noir. He succeeded. Dick Erath has one of the most interesting stories of all times.
I wasn't kidding when I said I love a good Oregon Pinot Noir. This is my all time favorite pinot from Oregon, for now. Oregon is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, as far as pinot growing climate goes.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Terre Del Marchesato
My first review on a wine was actually a Christmas gift from a friend and the owner of the restaraunt I work in Idaho Falls. The wine was a 2004 Terre Del Marchesato, Emilio Primo, Toscana. Described by my boss as a beautiful wine, I must agree with him. This Italian beauty is a blend of Cabernet Sauv., Merlot and Syrah. Great balance and nice acidity. This wine feels good in your mouth, and has a smooth finish. Mildly fruity ( not overwhelming) with a hint of chocolate and tobacco.I am still learning a lot about Italian wines. This particular wine comes from a small agricultural area in Tuscany.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)