A Wine Alcohol Artilce for Your Viewing

Which is for You - Blended or Varietal Wines?Darby Higgs




Novice wine lovers soon come across the concept of blended and varietal wines. The two questions that spring to mind are, what does it mean? and does it matter?

At the basic level, the difference is quite simple. Varietal wines are made from a single grape variety, while blended wines are made using two or more. The most obvious example is the difference between the two great red wine styles of France. Burgundy red wine is composed of the single variety Pinot noir. Bordeaux red wines are most often blends of up to five varieties, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit verdot. There are a few Bordeaux wines made from a single variety, but they are the exceptions that prove the rule.

So much for theory. The distinction between varietal and blended wines is less clear in practice. Many varietal wines are made from blends of wine grown in several regions. Australias iconic Grange is such an example. Each year hundreds of samples from many vineyards are tasted and evaluated before the final blend is decided upon. The result is a blend of regions, rather than varieties.

Many more modest Australian wines with to fame are also regional blends. The process of selecting the blend is similar but much more simplified. The clue on the label is often the words wine of South Eastern Australia. This is almost as general a statement that you can get about the origins of an Australian wine.

Some wines made from a single variety are blends of several different vintages, but this is quite rare for table wines.

While on the topic of labels, you should be aware that many wines bearing a single varietal name can legally contain up to fifteen percent of other varieties. If the wine is labelled as a blend, then the variety with the largest percentage composition should be named first, for example wine labelled Cabernet Merlot, should contain a greater percentage of Cabernet than Merlot.

Our second question is does it matter? Well, if you find a wine that you enjoy and it is a blend, then you should continue to drink it. However if you wish to extend your wine knowledge and thus enhance your wine experience you should try varietal wines whenever possible. There are hundreds of varietal wines available, each with a special subtle difference waiting for you to discover.

Novice wine lovers soon come across the concept of blended and varietal wines. The two questions that spring to mind are, what does it mean? and does it matter?

At the basic level, the difference is quite simple. Varietal wines are made from a single grape variety, while blended wines are made using two or more. The most obvious example is the difference between the two great red wine styles of France. Burgundy red wine is composed of the single variety Pinot noir. Bordeaux red wines are most often blends of up to five varieties, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit verdot. There are a few Bordeaux wines made from a single variety, but they are the exceptions that prove the rule.

So much for theory. The distinction between varietal and blended wines is less clear in practice. Many varietal wines are made from blends of wine grown in several regions. Australias iconic Grange is such an example. Each year hundreds of samples from many vineyards are tasted and evaluated before the final blend is decided upon. The result is a blend of regions, rather than varieties.

Many more modest Australian wines with to fame are also regional blends. The process of selecting the blend is similar but much more simplified. The clue on the label is often the words wine of South Eastern Australia. This is almost as general a statement that you can get about the origins of an Australian wine.

Some wines made from a single variety are blends of several different vintages, but this is quite rare for table wines.

While on the topic of labels, you should be aware that many wines bearing a single varietal name can legally contain up to fifteen percent of other varieties. If the wine is labelled as a blend, then the variety with the largest percentage composition should be named first, for example wine labelled Cabernet Merlot, should contain a greater percentage of Cabernet than Merlot.

Our second question is does it matter? Well, if you find a wine that you enjoy and it is a blend, then you should continue to drink it. However if you wish to extend your wine knowledge and thus enhance your wine experience you should try varietal wines whenever possible. There are hundreds of varietal wines available, each with a special subtle difference waiting for you to discover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Another short Wine Alcohol review

A Look at Wine Glass Racks


Any wine collection is not complete without a collection of wine glasses with which to drink the wine. Wine glass racks can store your stemware easily...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Wine Alcohol Products we recommend

Measure Liquor Bottle Pourer - Red


Used by professional bartenders these pourers makes concocting drinks a breeze. Reduces spillage and allows for precise pours. Ideal for home bars. Sold in individual units.


Price: 4.95 USD



Wine Alcohol in the news

make Jug Wine

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:18:11 PDT
Make a tasty alcoholic beverage to enjoy year round! Tons of fun and super easy!

Does the Secret to Good Health Lie in Your Liquor Cabinet?

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:44:24 PDT
When people strive for good health, consuming alcohol probably doesn't come to mind. However, when consumed in moderation, wine has positive effects on mental clarity, heart health and even weight maintenance.

Drinking alcohol raises breast cancer risk

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:12:48 PDT
Overall, moderate drinking raised the risk of developing breast cancer, regardless of whether a woman's preference was for beer, wine, or hard liquor. And the more she drank, the greater the risk.

Staying Out of Trouble with eBay’s Listing Policies

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:58:26 PDT
While you can sell most things on eBay, quite a few things are banned. If you try to sell any of these things then eBay will remove your auction and all bids will be void.Here is eBay’s full list of prohibited or questionable items:Academic SoftwareAirline and Transit Related ItemsAlcohol (also see Wine)Animals and

West Branch cleans up alcohol code confusion (The Gazette)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:06:00 PDT
WEST BRANCH and#8212; Drinking alcohol would not be allowed at the city's fire station but would be at the Town Hall under revisions in the city code the City Council is considering. Beer, wine and wine coolers also would be allowed at the town's Beranek Park.The city code bars alcohol consumption on public property and in a city-owned building. But City Administrator Kyle Soukup said city ...

Beware That Glass of Wine (Washington Post)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:04:49 PDT
Wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages are often touted for their heart health benefits. But if you're a woman, there's a downside to lifting your glass: Every sip of alcohol raises breast cancer risk slightly as you'll learn in today's Lean Plate Club column.

'Wine for Women' (Pensacola News Journal)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:57:50 PDT
Award-winning author Leslie Sbrocco brings her wine passion and expertise to the Gulf Coast Women's Expo


Oregon Wine
Wine Supplies
Housewarming Wine?

Labels: Southern Wine

Posted by John Johnson | 1 comments

A Muscat Wine Artilce for Your Viewing

Understanding Wine Grapes

You will find that one of the easiest ways to get to know your way around wine flavors is through grape varieties. Each grape variety has specific characteristics. In some regions, one grape variety is used to make a wine; in others, winemakers blend several varieties in a single wine. To help you identify grape varieties, below is an overview of each of the major red grapes and their characteristics.

You will find that one of the easiest ways to get to know your way around wine flavors is through grape varieties. Each grape variety has specific characteristics. In some regions, one grape variety is used to make a wine; in others, winemakers blend several varieties in a single wine. To help you identify grape varieties, below is an overview of each of the major red grapes and their characteristics.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the big daddy of the red wine world. It is like the Chardonnay, as it is widely planted and distributed. The result of this is that there are so many versions of this grape. Many people think of Cabernet Sauvignon as being a wine that needs to age, but that is only because the best red Bordeaux need age. Most non-premium varieties are ready to go right away.
Under ideal conditions, it produces an aromatic, tannic wine that ages and evolves to be both elegant and powerful. Perfectly balanced Bordeaux is one that has classic notes of black-currants, cedar, cigar boxes, pencils, mint and dark chocolate. Sounds delicious!

Gamay
For the most part, you will find Gamay produced as Beaujolais. It mainly grows on the hills in south Burgundy. The aroma of a young Gamay is described as a wave of cherry and strawberry fruit. On the palate, Gamay wines are bright and crisp. They are moderate in alcohol and have very little tannin. Wines from Gamay grapes are ideal for all kinds of foods.

Merlot
Merlot started out as a Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux and has risen to international popularity. The great wines of Pomerol and St. Emilion in Bordeaux are based on Merlot with Cabernet in the blend. These wines show Merlot at its toughest and most intense. Merlots popularity is because it is softer, fruiter, and earlier maturing than Cabernet Sauvignon and displays some of the same aromas along with mint, and tobacco. In general, drink Merlot young.

Pinot Noir
At its best Pinot Noir is beautiful with a seductive silky texture and at its worst, it is heavy or flat. A good mature Pinot Noir has complex flavors of strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, violets, all-spice, tobacco and hay. Pinot Noir is relatively low in tannin and acidity and needs a cool climate to grow. Too much warmth, Pinot Noir can develop baked together flavors, losing its elegance.

Sangiovese
A taste of Sangiovese and you will immediately conjure images of Italy. The name of the grape may not seem familiar, but it is the principal variety behind Chianti, Italys most famous red wine. It is taken very seriously in Tuscany, and you will find it in California, Australia, and Argentina. It is naturally tannic and is best used in a blend, usually with Cabernet Sauvignon. It requires a hot climate in order to produce its required richness and alcohol content. In cooler climates, it tends to have sharp and bitter tannins.

Syrah
Called Shiraz in Australia and South Africa, Syrah is one of the greats of southeastern France's Rhone Valley grape. At home in France, it produces wines that are smoky, herby, and austere. Australian Shiraz tends to be richer, softer with a leathery quality and personally one of my favorites. All Syrah/Shiraz need a year or two from the vintage to hit its stride. Top wines will last about ten years.

Zinfandel
It is disputable where this grape originated, but it is indisputably California's grape today, with almost no winemakers in other places producing it. The best Zinfandel is spicy and heartwarming. Other styles range from off white to high intensity sweet wines. Try a bottle not more than three or four years old, because that's when the Zinfandel character is strongest.

Contributor: Stuart Glasure [Designer, Fashion Artist, Creator: "Zany Wearables", Wine Enthusiast]
www.ZanyGiftware.com
www.WineDefinitions.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A Short Muscat Wine Summary

Carneros Wineries And Wine Country


Although Carneros Wineries are located in both Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, the region has always had its own unique identity. Being a huge Pino...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Muscat Wine Items

Wine Enthusiast Magazine Menu Light and Vintage Chart


Ever strain to read a menu or wine list in a dim restaurant? Or wish for extra light when reading a theater program? Menu Light is the slick trendy accessory that can solve both problems-and more! On the flip side it features a handy comprehensive vintage chart from the Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The featherweight design is a heavyweight when it comes to reliable powerful lighting. Just squeeze the card to activate. A super-bright bulb dome switch and mercury-free battery are encased in the waterproof vinyl package. Delivers light day-after-day-for up to 2 years. The credit-card sized device is just 3½x 2¼' and slips conveniently into a wallet shirt pocket or purse. Why not pick up a few extras for friends and business associates before your next restaurant visit?


Price: 12.95 USD



Headlines on Muscat Wine

Bargain whites for springtime (The San Francisco Examiner)

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:21:32 PDT
Last week, I wrote about bargain reds in the aftermath of tax day, so to be fair, this week I'm going to comment on bargain whites. As we head into warmer weather, I am sure many of you are getting into the mood for white wines. It's exciting. White wine equals spring. Yay!

Demystifying French wines

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 07:03:35 PDT
The Quarterback and I attended this wine class at Bacchus last Monday. The class was informative, and the wines good. The teacher was helpful but not terribly exciting. Reading off Powerpoint slides and notes is not the best way to excite your four students. I like having a copy of the Powerpoint slides, though. I am a swot. France ties with Italy for most wine production, with Spain coming in third. 2.2 million acres of France are devoted to wine making. Marseilles was the first place (in 600

Brown Brothers Dry Muscat 75cl

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:23:48 PDT
A delicious unwooded white wine with enticingly fresh flavours of musk and sun ripened grapes that are kept in balance by a crisp dry finish. Colour:White;Country:AUSTRALIA;Delivery:0.00;History:In 1889 John Francis Brown made his first wines at Milawa, located on high ground at the gateway to the King Valley in North East Victoria. Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the Brown family continue to own and operate one of Australia’s oldest w;Unitsize:6;WineType:Wine click here to learn

1000 Overlapping Ruddy Secrets…maybe

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:02:23 PDT
No other yesterday decent a manifold as regards the hire”1000 Destroy rust secrets”, a spreading abroad that proclaims as far as count in package deal the computer language religieuse and adjusted port drinkers duty toward paw social gathering contemporary either buffet, home place bar sinister ornamental garden. Doing nicely, Themselves toilet weight that its a some unblinking take, structured straight after this fashion a write in in relation to snappily blurbs here and ther


Storing Wine
Wine List
Grape Wines | Hanna Wine

Labels: Sauvignon Blanc | Serving Wine

Posted by John Johnson | 0 comments

Another Great Tasting Notes Article

How to order wine in a restaurant

Ordering wine in a restaurant is not much different than buying it in a wine store. The main difference is that you have an audience. Yet ordering wine in a restaurant can be intimidating especially if the wine list is extensive.

Ordering wine in a restaurant is not much different than buying it in a wine store. The main difference is that you have an audience. Yet ordering wine in a restaurant can be intimidating especially if the wine list is extensive.

Experiment or Homework
Keep in mind that even the experts will not be familiar with every selection on a wine list. If you are a novice and your are going on an important date, you should do a little homework to get some idea of what you might want to order. Unless you are feeling extremely adventurous, a restaurant is usually not the place to try something new since the mark up can range from 100 to 200%.

The Wine List
Today, most restaurants have a wine list, but expect a myriad of shapes and sizes. Some establishments might simply offer just a house red or white, while others have a daily blackboard to outline their rotating selection. Most wine lists are presented as a printed menu, with the wines arranged by color; red, white, and rose and the region of country. Additionally, many establishments will number their wines on the list, which helps big-time if you do not know how to pronounce the wine. You can simply say, "I will have the number 8".

Before you order, you are going to want to factor in what you are going to be eating. Unfortunately, not a lot of menus give advice on food pairing. If you need some help talk to the wine steward, or sommelier. They are there to help you make the best decision for your occasion, and a good one will not try to take you out of your price range.

Getting the Best Wine for Your Money

• Skip the house wine. Unless you are familiar with the house wine, don't bother because they generally carry the highest mark up. 
• Scan the wine list too quickly to get an idea on the average price of a bottle. Try to stay within this median price range where the mark ups tend to be average.
• Choose a wine from the same region as the restaurant's food specialty. A good French restaurant, for instance, should have a solid selection of French wines. 
• Ask the server for a recommendation. Just ask if they have any special values currently.
• If two or more at your table are going to have a few glasses of wine, it is cheaper to order by the bottle than the glass.

Corkage
Many restaurants will open and serve a bottle of wine brought by the patron. A quick call to the restaurant will confirm if this is possible, and if so, they will charge a corkage fee. They usually charge between $5 and $15 per bottle, although some restaurants will charge a lower fee if the wine brought is not on their wine list.

Contributor: Stuart Glasure [Designer, Fashion Artist and creator of the Zany Wearables Collection: http://www.ZanyGiftware.com. A wine enthusiast and publishing member of the wine source: http://www.WineDefinitions.com.]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tasting Notes and More

Sonoma Valley Wineries And Wines


Although many AVAs in Sonoma County are well-known for one or two specific varietals, the Sonoma Valley enjoys diverse terroir, and successfully grows...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Tasting Notes Items For Viewing

Vacu Vin Guy Buffet Rapid Ice Golf Instant Wine Cooler


The newest addition to our Vacu-Vin Rapid Ice collection! This little sleeve cools bottles of wine or juice in just about 5 minutes. It stores in the freezer-like most reusable ice packs-then slips over a bottle of wine champagne or sparkling cider for chilling and serving.


Price: 10.95 USD



Headlines on Tasting Notes

Save The Thunder

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:26:17 PST
As we approach Episode #400, we face the very real threat of Wine Library TV ending. Gary Vaynerchuk has charged us with Saving the Thunder. So, here’s your chance…What does Gary like more than seeing Vayniacs embrace their own palates and try new things? Leave a post with tasting notes for a wine you recently tasted.

Hey Wine-o's: Keep Track of Your Wines at CellarTracker.com

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:42:50 PST
Cellar management and community tasting notes for the people with purple teeth.

mon(t)rouge

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:49:35 PST
Des vins, des livres. Books, wines, Des rouges, des blancs, red, whites. Some tastings notes, des dégustations. De l'oenologie. Wein, vino. Le tour du vin en 80 mondes, secret relationships between books and wine. Enjoy.

Send Your Hero an “Original Love Note” Valentine

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:35:26 PST
Romantic Audio Valentines with beautiful music and intimate narration from The Original Love SongCreated for our service men and women who are away from their true love this Valentines Day, an Original Love Note is the perfect way to tell them that you love them, to give them a little taste of home, and to thank them for just being there.


Muscat Grape
Wine Goblets
Grape Varieties | Grape Wine

Labels: Rose Wine

Posted by John Johnson | 0 comments