|
Complexity – Complexity in a wine is that one thing that keeps you drinking to figure it out. Consider wine like a good puzzle… some are made of only 5 pieces and can be assembled by a preschooler in minutes, others are 1,000 pieces that take someone weeks to assemble. The more complex a wine, the more you will want to drink to figure out what it is that is so beguiling. It fills your senses and your mouth and is the sign of a truly well made wine.
Fruitiness – Do not mistake fruitiness with sweetness. Tasting a beautiful dry Riesling might have a very fruity flavor and smell, but the sweet residual sugar is down to 3%, verses a very sweet Reisling as a dessert wine still carries the same fruitiness but the residual sugars are several times the amount, sometimes over 40%. A wine can carry fruit essence without being sweet.
Sweetness & Dryness – These two terms are consistently mis-used. Sweetness is usually confused with fruitiness which is a separate issue. A wine can be dry and fruity or sweet and fruity but not sweet and dry. Sugar in the grapes when grown is converted to alcohol in the making of wine. If almost all the sugar is converted to alcohol, the wine is dry. If only some was converted, the wine has left over sugar, or residual sugar and is concidered sweet.
Tannin – Have you ever eaten a seeded grape thinking is was seedless and the bitter seed taste wrecked the grape’s sweetness? That was tannin. We highly suggest you just try eating some grape seeds and you will never misunderstand tannins again. Good tannins add to the complexity and depth of the wine and create structure for the wine. Unripe, young tannins can taste bitter and will make your tongue pucker up. Properly balanced, tannin acts as a preservative and is the main reason most reds need to be aged some. It comes from the seeds, skins and stems of the grape and are found mostly in red wines.
Terroir – Terroir is also a widely used phrase that holds true in some parts of the world more than others. A French phrase, it is something that is not translatable but simply put, it is the land’s imprint on the grape and ultimately the wine. In California, where winemakers can take wines from throughout a widely varied County or area, the wines become more a process of the winemaker than of the location of the grapes so terroir is not as much of a factor as the terroir of Burgundy or Bordeaux where each region truly produces specialized wines typical of only their territory that reflect the land and character found in the region.
Varietal – Varietal refers to the grape, not the region it is grown in. Riesling is the varietal whereas The Rheinhessen in Germany may be where it is grown.
|
|
|
|
|
|
WINE DESCRIPTIONS
|
|
|
Beaujolais- Beaujolais is an area located in the Burgundy region of France, but is so famous that is stands alone. The principal grape here is Gamay. If you are a white wine drinker, this might be the ideal first red wine for you. It has lots of fruity character and tastes delicious.
Bordeaux- Bordeaux is a wine region in western France that is surrounded by water. Most Bordeaux wines are dry reds, with a small amount of dry whites and sweet whites. There are two distinct regions in the area aptly named the left and right banks. Each area has distinctive characteristics, with Merlot growing mainly on the right bank and Cabernet Sauvignon on the left. Both grapes are generally used in the red wines here, but the proportion changes depending on which bank the wine came from – so check out a map prior to buying.
Burgundy-Burgundy is a wine region in central France. The principal grape here is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but with several different domains (areas) such as Chablis and Beaujolais. The climate is temperate and unreliable but does not usually frost. Because of past revolutions, properties are sometimes split into small vineyards, sometimes as small as two rows, this makes the purchasing and blending of grapes very important. A fine red Burgundy is made of 100% Pinot Nior and a fine white Burgundy is made of 100% Chardonnay. One that lists ‘Premier Cru’ on the bottle is of finer quality and one which lists ‘Grand Cru’ is of the best quality.
Cabernet Sauvignon- Cabernet Sauvignon is all about structure and power. These grapes come from several areas around the world such as Bordeaux (Left Bank), California, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Italy, South Africa and others. This is an adaptable grape and will grow well in just about any climate that isn’t cool: because of this Cab wines come in all price and quality levels. This grape creates a wine that is medium to full bodied and rich in flavor. It typically will be high in tannin, acid and pigment. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Black Cherry |
Black Currant |
Blackberry |
| Blueberry |
Red Currant |
Cedar |
| Cigar Box |
Tobacco |
Tea |
| Coffee |
Vanilla |
Herbs |
| Mint |
Lilac |
Toffee |
| Chocolate |
Pencil Shavings |
Black Pepper |
| Eucalyptus |
Cocoa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chablis- Chablis is a village in the Burgundy region. Chablis’ white wines are 100 percent chardonnay grape. The climate is cooler producing wines that are lighter-bodied and more acidic. This wine is very dry and sometimes flinty.
Champagne- Champagne is the most northerly vineyard France. The cool climate in Champagne makes it difficult to grow grapes that will ripen sufficiently. Because of this the grapes are always high in acidity- perfect for sparkling wine! Most champagne from this region comes from 3 grape varieties: the Momtagne do Reims for Pinot Noir, the Cote des Blancs for Chardonnay, and the Vallee de la Marne for Pimot Meunier. This blend leads to a wine with structure, delicacy, freshness, and fruitiness. However, a true Champagne is all about the blend and master makers will blend thirty to sixty separate still wines to achieve the flavor and body they are trying to achieve.
Chardonnay- Chardonnay is all about the winemaking. The grape can be grown all over the world. Australia, Burgundy, Champagne, and California produce some of the greatest dry white wines that are made today. The grape is highly adaptable to many climates and one of the most popular drinking wines today. This wine is fruity, full bodied, and dry. It has a high sugar content and is high in alcohol and low in acid when the grapes are allowed to full ripen. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
| Flint |
Stone |
Melon |
| Banana |
Butter |
Burnt Sugar |
| Green Apple |
Nuts |
Peach |
| Vanilla |
Butterscotch |
Citrus |
| Pineapple |
Apricot |
Smoke |
| Caramel |
Pears |
Honey |
| Ginger |
Oak |
Nutmeg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chianti- Chianti is a large wine region in Italy that extends through much of Tuscany. Most Chiantis are made from a Sangiovese grape, and it is a dry red wine. The wine ranges from light to full bodied with a concentrated fruit flavor. This wine usually tastes best with food so keep that in mind if you are just sipping it casually. See Sangiovese for the full tasting description.
Gewurztraminer-This grape is all about spice and scent. Grown in both northeastern France (Alcase) and across the Rhine River in Germany, the flavor of this wine is intense, exotic, spicy. It can also be found coming from New York State, where the climate is similar to the cooler regions of Germany or California and Trentino, Italy. Low acidity and high alcohol make this wine full bodied and easy to drink. It is highly aromatic and can be bone dry with fruity flavors to a sweeter wine. You’ll love it or hate it! Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
|
Nutmeg
|
Allspice |
Lychee Nut |
| Rose |
Grapefruit |
Sandalwood |
| Citrus Peel |
Stones |
Cardamon |
| Ginger |
Minerals |
Mace |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loire-If you are looking for a white wine other than Chardonnay, this could well be your valley. The Loire Valley Stretches across northwest France, along the Loire River. The climate is cool and produces light bodied white wines. On the Eastern end you will find the Sauvignon Blanc grape producing Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. Moving to the central part of the area you will find the Chenin Blanc grape, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. On the west end you will find Muscadet grape producing a light, dry wine of the same name.
Merlot-Merlot is all about fleshiness, softness, and sensuality. You will find this grape in Bordeaux on the right bank, Italy, Switzerland, Chile, California, Washington, and New York State. Merlot may be easier to drink that Cabernet Sauvignon because it is less tannic. It will be full-bodied, high alcohol, low acid with a very deep rich color. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
| Blueberry |
Blackberry |
Cherry/ Black Cherry |
| Plum |
Prune |
Black Pepper |
| Cigar Box |
Mint |
Toffee |
| Vanilla |
Cocoa |
Coffee |
| Spice |
Chocolate |
Mocha |
| Leather |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pinot Grigio- Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio is all about refreshment. This grape is grown in Italy, Germany, the Alsace region of France, California, and Oregon. You will find this grape deeper in color than other white varieties, and the flavors will be medium to full bodied with low acidity. Compared to other wines this variety has little or no aromas. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
| Raspberry |
Strawberry |
Plum |
| Leather |
Violets |
Lilac |
| Truffles |
Meaty |
Cherries |
| Earth |
Barnyard |
Gamy |
| Clove |
Cinnamon |
Wet forest floor |
| Smoke |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Riesling- Riesling is all about balance. Germany made this grape famous, but you will also find it in Austria, the Alsace region of France, and New York State. The common perception of this wine is that it is sweet, and many of the desert quality wines from Germany are intentionally sweet ranging in sweetness from the Auslese to the TBA to the Ice Wines. But there are also many that are not, that are crisp and dry with fruity flavors that can appeal to most palettes. You will find this wine light-bodied and refreshing to drink and unlike chardonnay you will never find any oakey flavor in this variety. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Apple |
Pineapple |
Flint |
| Talc |
Fennel |
Petrol |
| Tarragon |
Slate |
Wet Stone |
| Peach |
Honey |
Jasmine |
| Grapefruit |
Minerals |
JuicyFruit Gum |
| Orange Blossom |
Line |
Apricot |
| Ginger |
Kiwi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rioja- Rioja is an area located in north-central Spain and has historically been the countries red wine region with about 75% of production going to the red varieties. The principal grape grown is the Tempranillo, with 3 others, Garnacha, Craciano, and Mazuelo, also allowed in the Rioja wines.
Sancerre- Sancerre is grown in the Loire Valley of northwest France. It is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape and is light, dry, and lively to the taste. This wine is best when young, less than four years of age and perfect for summer drinking.
Sangiovese – Sangiovese is all about rustic and savory flavors of the earth. This wine hails primarily from Tuscany and is meant to be a food drinking wine, not a sipping wine. It is low in pigment, high in acid, has moderate tannins and alcohol and has floral and herbal aromas. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
| Fresh cherry |
Sun baked earth |
Spice |
| Licorice |
Thyme |
Wood |
| Clove |
Toast |
Dried orange peel |
| Leather |
Dried cherry |
Sour cherry |
| Chocolate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sauvignon Blanc- Sauvignon Blanc is all about clarity of flavor. You will find this grape in the Loire valley and Bordeaux regions of France, along with New Zealand (where some of the finest examples of this wine come from), California, Chile, Italy and South Africa. This wine is distinctive in character: high acidity, very aromatic, and dry. It is sometimes referred to as grassy or herbal. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
| Melon |
Hay |
Musk |
| Kiwi |
Gunflint |
Herbs |
| Pear |
Grass |
Lemon |
| Asparagus |
Bell Pepper |
Cat Pee
|
| Fig |
Gooseberrs |
Grapefruit |
| Smoke |
Green Tea |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Syrah/Shiraz- Syrah/Shiraz is all about spices and herbs. This classic grape comes from the Rhone valley region of France where it is called Syrah, and is also grown in Australia (where the name Shiraz came from), California, Italy, and South Africa. Production of this grape results in a wine that is full-bodied, deep in color, with firm tannin and high alcohol. This wine needs time to mature. It is also very aromatic with the scent of spices. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting and keep in mind that Old World (European) wines do differ here from the New World (Australia, California, etc.) tastes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
| OLD WORLD |
| Spice |
Black Pepper |
Rosemary |
| Lavender |
Musk |
Game |
| Mole Sauce |
|
|
|
|
|
| NEW WORLD |
| Blackberry jam |
Vanilla bean |
Baked earth |
| Smoked meat |
Chocolate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Viognier-Viognier is all about heady aromas. This grape is found in France’s Rhone Valley, California, and Virginia. It is medium to full-bodied and profoundly aromatic. In tasting it you will find low acid, high sugar and high alcohol.
Zinfandel-Zinfandel is all about impact. It is one of the oldest grapes in California, and historically comes from a Croatian grape. While most people think of the sweet pink wine that became popular in the 1980’s in California, this grape makes a dark, rich wine that is high in alcohol. Depending on the age you will find that some Zinfandels have a light fruity flavor and others are deep with tannins for aging. This wine has a dense pigment, high tannin, high alcohol and good acid. You will find the aroma enticing with the scent of spice and dark berries. Look for some of the following scents and flavors when tasting:
|
|
|
| Raspberry |
Black pepper |
Blackberry |
| Raisin |
Nutmeg |
Clove |
| Cinnamon |
Cedar |
Anise |
| Tar |
Vanilla |
Jam |
| Spice |
Boysenberry |
Plumy Fruit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
