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Kyle Meyer, wine buyer for BestWinesOnline.com, teaches us about the wines of the Rhone Valley in France. Part 1: Northern Rhone
Languedoc – Roussillon Regions – French Wines
Welcome to Wine-O-Pedia!
Kyle Meyer, Wine Buyer for BestWinesOnline.com, teaches us about the wines of the The Languedoc – Roussillon.
Bordeaux Region – French Wines
Kyle Meyer, wine buyer for BestWinesOnline.com, teaches us about the wines of Bordeaux
Bordeaux Wines
Wines From Bordeaux, France
By Roxanne L Sisneros
Wineries all over the world aspire to making wines in a Bordeaux style
What is Bordeaux wine?
Bordeaux (“Bore-doe”) refers to a wine from Bordeaux, France. Over 90% of Bordeaux wines are red wines made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec
Bordeaux is one of France’s most important wine-producing regions. The Dutch drained the marshes of the Medoc in the 17th century. The climate is as humid as it was when the land was covered in marshes instead of vineyards, leading to a variety of problems, such as rot and mildew
Red Bordeaux Primary Flavors: Black Currant, Plum, Graphite, Cedar, Violet.
Bordeaux reds are medium to full bodied with bold aromas of black currant and plums. Depending on the region where the Bordeaux wine is from, fruit flavors range from more tart fruit to sweeter ripe fruit.
As with the reds, white Bordeaux wines are usually blends of S�million and a smaller proportion of Sauvignon blanc. Other permitted grape varieties are Sauvignon gris, Ugni blanc, Colombard, Merlot blanc, Ondenc and Mauzac.
Here’s what to know about serving this wine:
Best served just slightly below room temperature (around 65 �F / 18 �C).
It’s always a great idea to decant red Bordeaux wines.
Store Bordeaux and all your red wines below 65 �F / 18 �C.
A decent vintage and solid producer (around $25+) will easily age for 15 years.
Pairing Food with Bordeaux Wine
Meat:
Black Pepper Steak, Roast Pork, Filet Mignon, Beef Brisket, Buffalo Burgers, Chicken Liver, Pot Roast, Venison, Duck, Goose, Dark Meat Turkey
Cheese:
Basque Cheeses, Swiss Cheese, White Cheddar, Provolone, Pepper Jack
Herb/Spice:
Black Pepper, White Pepper, Oregano, Rosemary, Mustard Seed, Cumin, Coriander Seed
Vegetable:
Roast Potatoes, Lentils, Mushrooms, Onion, Green Onion, Green Bean Casserole, Chestnut
Climate and geography
The major reason for the success of wine making in the Bordeaux region is an excellent environment for growing vines.
In Bordeaux the concept of terroir plays a role in wine production with the top estates aiming to make terroir driven wines that reflect the place they are from, often from grapes collected from a single vineyard. Remember that the right bank is dominated by Merlot and the left bank is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.
Buying Bordeaux
Buying Bordeaux can be an intimidating experience. French wine labels steer clear of grapes and focus on geography.
Bordeaux has ruled the world of wine for three centuries and it will continue to influence consumer trends and the future of wines for years to come.
Please visit my blog “Fine Wines Worthy of Your Wine Cellar” at http://1p13.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Roxanne_L_Sisneros/1436663
http://EzineArticles.com/?Wines-From-Bordeaux,-France&id=9750042
Brunello Di Montalcino
Brunello Di Montalcino
By Kevin J O’Rourke
One of the most prestigious and famous wines in Italy is Brunello di Montalcino. The homeland of the wine is located in Tuscany and it is made from Sangiovese grapes. These grapes are grown on the slopes of Montalcino.
Wine enthusiasts who are new to Brunello di Montalcino do not know Brunello translates to “little dark one.” This is the local vernacular for a form of Sangiovese which has large berries. The wine began to increase its reputation as one of the finest in Italy by the time World War II ended. Documents from the government at that time showed that the Biondi-Santi firm was the only commercial producer of this wine. There were only 1888, 1891, 1925, and 1945 vintages available.
The lack of vintages encouraged more producers to make new Brunello di Montalcino wine. This wine was being made by 11 producers by the 1960s. There are nearly 200 winemakers who are mostly small farmers and family estates making this high-quality red wine now.
Complex wines are typically created using traditional wine making methods. This includes aging wine in large oak vats for long periods of time. However, there are some wine enthusiasts that think this method results in a wine that is too dry and tannin. Modern methods for wine making have created fruitier wines due to shorter barrel maturation times and smaller French barrels. This method was first established in the 1980’s.
The classification of Brunello di Montalcino wine means specific regulations need to be followed. The vineyards used for growing the grapes are required to be in areas with good exposure to altitudes that will not exceed 1968 feet or 600 meters above sea level. All vineyards will be located on various hills. Heights at this range are meant to ensure grapes will reach optimal flavor and ripeness before harvesting.
Tuscany has a warm and dry climate that meets all the requirements for growing Sangiovese grapes. This means achieving optimum ripeness will typically not be an issue. Wine needs to be made from 100 percent Sangiovese grapes and then aged for a minimum of four years in oak barrels. If wine is meant for commercial release, then it must be bottled four months before offering it for sale.
Some outstanding example of this wine are the Castelgiocondo Brunello and the Riserva Brunello from the same estate made by Marchesi De Frescobaldi. This Riserva is the finest example from this estate. Also from the Marchesi de Frescobaldi family of estates is the Tenuta della Vita Luce Brunello di Montalcino. Luce means light in Italian and the label is an artists impression of this. The Lice recently was awarded 93/100 wine spectator points and is a wine that can be drunk now but will benefit from many years of careful ageing.
For an older style and often consider more traditional example of Brunello look for the Carpineto Brunello di Montalcino. This estate does not especially like the more modern style of this wine and prefers a slower maturation and longer time in bottle. Carpineto has been named IWSC Italian Wine Producer Of The Year in 2003 and was the first ever Italian winery to win the IWSC International Winemaker of the Year Trophy in 1994.
Brunello di Montalcino wines are available from http://www.wineman.co.uk where the owner Kevin O’Rourke carefully selects only the finest restaurant quality wines and makes them available for the public to purchase.
This arduous task of tasting and selecting only the highest quality and greatest value wines is something that Wineman specialises in.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kevin_J_O’Rourke/23913
Verona Wine Tours
How To Take Wine Tours From Verona
By Gabriele Monti
If you are looking to taste great Italian wine and relax in a quiet and serene atmosphere, Valpolicella in Verona is a perfect destination. It is among one of the best tours from Verona. This little town, whose name translates to “valley of many cellars” in Latin, has a long history of welcoming visitors to wine tastings through wine tours. During the tours you visit different wineries and of course you are free to buy some to take home. You even get the chance to learn a little about the process of making wine as you will see several wineries in action. In addition to this, it is close to some of the top tourist destinations such as Lake Garda. Because it has great weather all year, you can go to Valpolicella any time.
Valpolicella has great views that many wake to enjoy every morning during their holiday there. You will not be disappointed by the food choices there – there are lots of quiet restaurants where you can quietly sample different Italian delicacies. As you may already know, Lake Garda, which is visited by many who have been to Valpolicella, is packed with activities for tourists. There is a wide range of water activities that you can enjoy and those who prefer some peace and quite can take a hike in the hills. Don’t forget to order the local wines to accompany your meals. History buffs will also have a great time here – there are castles and churches in this region that have long and interesting histories.
Although Valpolichella is famous for many types of wines, it is most well known for several excellent wines. One of the most famous is Amarone which is short for Amarone della Valpolicella. It is made using a method called Passito that is unique to the area. In brief, grapes are dried for several months before they are fermented. The longer the grapes are left to dry, the denser the sugars and flavors become. Eventually, after the fermentation process is complete the wines are quite alcoholic. The other popular wine making method in the area is called the Ripasso method and it produces wines that have an even fuller body than the Amarone. In short, wine that has already been made using the Passito method is re-fermented. Other wine varieties from this area include Sweet Recioto, the famous Molinara and another very popular brand, the Negrara.
Other than go on wine tasting tours, there are several other things you may want to do while you are there. You can go to Negrar which is halfway between Lake Garda and Verona to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Another spectacular scene is the Park Falls of Molina as well as the many historical sites that are near Valpolicella.
Give yourself a treat by visiting Valpolicella; it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy.
If you plan to visit the Itailan north east and you are a wine lover you might consider taking a wine tour from Verona to discover the Vapolicella area and taste some Amarone wine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gabriele_Monti/1889710
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Take-Wine-Tours-From-Verona&id=8481310
10 Top Wines Between $15 and $20
10 Top-Rated Wines Between $15 and $20
By Scott Barnard
If you drink wine regularly, and you’re on the quest for the perfect budget-friendly wine between $15 and $20, take a look at these top ten wines from around the world. Whether rich or light, fruity or spicy, read on to find your perfect bottle of vino.
Choosing a wine in this price range can be challenging for some, but for under $20, you can find a wine that is excellent for your meal, an event, a gift or just for staying at home and relaxing. Often, wines under $10 can run the gamut from “exceptional value” to “horrible mistake” and unless you have tried a particular bottle in that price range, it’s generally better to go with a wine above $15 to ensure you’re getting good quality grapes from well- kept land.
1. Chehalem INOX Chardonnay 2012
For a perfect summer Chardonnay, try Chehalem INOX Chardonnay 2012 from Oregon’s famous wine producing Willamette Valley. It’s a very light and crisp Chardonnay, yet offers a full bodied flavor at a great value.
2. Seghesio Zinfandel 2012
If a rich, bold red is what you’re looking for, try Seghesio Zinfandel from California’s Sonoma Valley. Full of flavor, this bottle goes great with bold, spicy and hearty meals. This bottle is one of the best values of the Sonoma County Zinfandel’s to be purchased. This wine is bold and structured enough to go with rich foods, but not too strong as to be overpowering.
3. Khroma Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
For something far from the norm, try the Khroma Cabernet Sauvignon, also a California wine. With overtones of ripe blueberries and vanilla and an oak finish, this isn’t a wine you’re likely to forget.
4. Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses 2013
Summer meals aren’t complete without a great Rose. Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses from France is a simple, fresh Rose that offers great balance and flavor to pair with your favorite light summer meal. It offers a very slight bit of sweetness and is excellent served very cold.
5. Canoe Ridge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
For a deep and balanced Washington red, try Canoe Ridge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a very deep and dense flavored wine and has hints of fruit without being overly sweet. Washington’s Columbia Valley is known for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and this particular bottle doesn’t disappoint.
6. Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2012
For a classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, try Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc. The flavor is very fresh and pure. It’s a very bright wine incorporating the taste of citrus and spice. For a dry and crisp white wine that is delicate yet flavorful, this is a perfect pick.
7. Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Reserva 2009
No list would be complete without a big, bold Italian Chianti. Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Reserva 2009 delivers just that. This is a very bold and full wine with flavors that are definitely earthy, but remains a very well structured wine.
8. Chook Shiraz Viognier 2012
For a smooth Shiraz, try Chook Shiraz Viognier, a Shiraz Syrah blend from Australia. This wine gets high marks for its breadth of flavors that finish nicely and with good length. It has notes of berries with hints of spice and pepper to give it a lively yet smooth flavor.
9. Domaines Schlumberger Princes Abbes Pinot Gris 2011
For something a little more full bodied than a Pinot Grigio, try a Pinot Gris from Alsace, France. Domaines Schlumberger Princes Abbes Pinot Gris is darker than a Pinot Grigio and has a stronger aroma and flavorful taste. Unlike its lighter cousin, this Pinot Gris is best described as a full bodied wine that tastes rich and creamy.
10. Pacific Rim Vin de Glaciere Organic Riesling 2012
To end on a sweet note, those who enjoy a nice dessert wine won’t want to miss Pacific Rim Vin de Glaciere Organic Riesling from Washington’s Columbia Valley. The wine has hints of honey, fruit and walnuts with an extra-long finish. This Riesling is best served cold and is one to savor. At just $15.99, this bottle offers exceptional value.
Be adventurous, try new things and keep notes when you find a bottle that you particularly enjoy. In time, you’ll be recommending great wines between $15 and $20 per bottle to your friends and family.
To find more wine articles and content please visit Remember Wines.
RememberStuff.com is the place to save and remember your favorite wines, visit http://www.RememberStuff.com. You can also save recipes, restaurants, beer, movies, books, and more. NEVER FORGET AGAIN.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Scott_Barnard/1973175
http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Top-Rated-Wines-Between-$15-and-$20&id=8684298
Chianti From Tuscany
Tuscany Chianti Wines
By Susanna Mantovani
Chianti wine takes its name from the area in the countryside near Florence, where we produce the famous Tuscany wine, well known and sold around the world. The taste of these wines is characterized by fruity notes only that match well with the most Tuscan food thanks to their high level of acidity. The grapes used for this wine are mostly from the Sangiovese grape in Tuscany, that is most common in this land. It has found the optimal conditions both for the cultivation of grapes and for the characteristics of the agricultural land in the area Tuscany.
There are many varieties of Tuscan wines that are known worldwide for their high quality, below we make a list of the best:
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino is a famous wine that takes its name from the place of origin of the grapes from which the product is derived from the vineyards of Sangiovese.
Brunello di Montalcino comes from a small area of renowned Chianti countryside near Florence and is produced in a limited amount that is often unable to cover the high demand. This Tuscan wine is appreciated for its sweet fruity flavor and its more dense texture than other Chianti wines. Brunello di Montalcino wine has been very successful in the USA where it is served in the most famous restaurants in the country thanks to its ability to adapt perfectly to many types of foods.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a Tuscany white wine considered among the best Italian white wine. The name Vernaccia comes from the name of the grape varieties that are used to produce this excellent Tuscan white wine which was the first Italian wine to receive the mark DOC. The taste is fresh and sparkling. It is one of the hallmarks of Vernaccia di San Gimignano which is fermented in oak barrels, which give this wine a perfect balance.
Tignanello wine
The Tignanello is a wine made from the world famous brand Antinori. This wine was among the first to launch the Super Tuscan wines, which are produced by the mix of grapes from different areas, the wine Tignanello is obtained by combining the classic quality of Tuscan grape Sangiovese with the French Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a quality of grapes mingle and improves by aging in oak barrels.
Morellino di Scansano
Morellino di Scansano is a red wine produced on the coast of the Maremma using grapes grown in the area of Sangiovese di Scansano. Morellino di Scansano wine is made from grapes, where the mix of quality Sangiovese is a large part of the compound. This Tuscan wine is among the few who do not need to age. Its fresh and clean taste can be savored in less than a year of aging.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is obtained by combining various types of grapes, the highest percentage is the quality of the Sangiovese grape, Classic Tuscany, this is mixed with grape vine Canaiolo and small percentages of local grapes. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has an ancient tradition that dates back to ancient times. Today as in the past, this wine is aged in oak barrels for at least two years.
Susanna Mantovani is a expert Florence Tours guide by Made of Tuscany
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Susanna_Mantovani/1912298
Favorite Italian Wine
When a Wine Seduces Your Senses
By Diego Ganeo
As I have always said in many articles, it is really quite rare to me to express a complete and uncontested satisfaction when I taste a wine. This emotion – or it would be better to say “surprise” – happened to me last year, when I met Mr. R. Rancan, a joyful and happy man who entered Ca’ dei Conti in 2007, the vineyard that his family had managed for almost seventy years, since 1940. In this circumstance, I discovered his own small production of wine in the renowned area of Valpolicella.
I have tasted many Valpolicella Superiore DOC wines before but never ever I have tried a similar product. So let me try to explain my impressions.
The first thing that astonished me was, as I said before, the “surprise”. When you are going to taste a Valpolicella Superiore, your mouth and mind are ready to a certain kind of taste. Of course, you expect a full-bodied wine with some typical features common among the Northern Italian wines. These features are not the ones you are going to taste in the Valpolicella Superiore DOC by Ca’ dei Conti. Perhaps, it could appear more like an Amarone than a Valpolicella Superiore DOC to an expert.
Just smelling it, the nose is enchanted by deep and complex flavours. I have closed my eyes and let my mind travel around all the hints that this wine gave to me. Chocolate, vanilla, leather, oak are clearly perceivable, and also some nuances of toasted and animals aromas. The intensity of the scent is high and persistent.
If the nose has not been captured enough, the mouth will complete the escalation of feelings, giving the final positive judgment. It is in the mouth that it is possible to feel the true power of this wine. This Valpolicella Superiore DOC is balanced, full-bodied (indeed it has 15% alc. vol.).
Now, to the inexperienced “listeners” this wine could sound like something strange or new. But actually, there is nothing new. The vinemaker has simply retrieved some dated grapes that were grown in the Valpolicella area many years ago. One of these grapes is the so called “Oseleta”. This grape shows certain features that gives the wine a particular body and color. Nowadays, the Oseleta grape can be considered one of the most prestigious and top valued grape in Northern Italy. In the Valpolicella Superiore DOC by Ca’ dei Conti, there is a 5% of Oseleta that makes the difference.
It is a wine that can be ideally paired with important main courses based on grilled or stewed meat. Even better with game. In the meantime, it is a meditation wine, that could be perfectly appreciated alone, in front of fireplace.
Try this wine on Pure Italian Tradition [http://www.pureitaliantradition.com/shop/ca-dei-conti/valpolicella-superiore-doc/].
Pure Italian Tradition is the e-commerce of the Italian excellence, fruit of years and years of research, tastings and selections. Not only a place to find high quality wines and fine food but the place to learn the exquisite Italian art of fine living.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Diego_Ganeo/2003417
http://EzineArticles.com/?When-a-Wine-Seduces-Your-Senses&id=8754533
Italian Wine Cruise
Enjoy the Highlights of a Wine Cruise in Italy
By Paul D Newman
Italian cruising holidays are a great way to discover the country. With so many beautiful waterways to explore, and a host of wonderful Italian ports to stop off in, you’ll experience a very different view of the country.
One of the most popular options for boating holidays in this region is to go on a wine cruise. Here are some of the highlights you can enjoy around the lovely Venice and Mantua region.
Mazzorbo
Mazzorbo is a gem of a town located not far from Venice. On a cruise along the waterways in the area, it is definitely one of the Italian ports you should disembark to explore. Here you will find the Venissa wine estate, which has a delightful walled vineyard, and of course you will have the opportunity to taste some of the excellent wine it produces.
Villa Widmann Borletti
Villa Widmann Borletti is in Adria, another of the Italian ports you may be able to visit on your journey. This huge complex was designed by Baldassare Longhena, an architect from the 17th century, and is a fascinating place to explore. You will also be able to visit its wine estate and indulge in some more wine tasting opportunities.
Soave
This medieval town is famous for its dry wines, so it will definitely be one of the stops on the itinerary of a wine cruise of the region. The garganega grape produces excellent whites, so a tasting session here will be a real treat for wine aficionados.
Other Highlights Along the Way
There are many other highlights on a wine cruise through this region of Italy. Venice itself is a wonderful city to explore, with many world-famous attractions including St Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal. You can also cruise past islands like San Giorgio Maggiore, with their brightly coloured houses.
Choggia is another great place to stop off, and the fish market held here is a bustling and vibrant place to spend some time. You can also stop off in Ferrara to see Estense Castle and Schifanoia Palace, which is home to some 15th century frescoes. When you reach Mantua, a visit to the Ducal Palace with its many gardens and thousands of paintings is an absolute must.
Enjoy a Wine Cruise in Italy
Italy is rightly famous for its beautiful towns, famous sights and, of course, its wines. You can combine all of these on a dedicated wine cruise, stopping off at various Italian ports and exploring each of them at a leisurely pace.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you’re looking for river cruises, we have a host of itineraries stopping at numerous Italian ports to enjoy the sights of the country’s most picturesque waterways. We also offer experiences in France, Holland and the UK.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Paul_D_Newman/1471427
http://EzineArticles.com/?Enjoy-the-Highlights-of-a-Wine-Cruise-in-Italy&id=8777057
The Wine-Tasting Wonders of Italian River Cruises