Amarone is a special red wine from Italy. Why is Amarone (ah ma rho nay) so special? It is made from Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes from the Veneto region of Northern Italy. Once the grapes are picked from the vine, a portion of them are laid to rest on straw mats for three to four months in a well-ventilated room. This concentrates the flavor of the grapes, lending to the big bold flavors of Amarone. The higher concentration of flavor is also reflected in the sugar content which makes it a higher alcohol yield (approx 15-17%).

So what’s it taste like? Amarone is powerful, intense, and has a stunning complexity of vibrant flavors. It is a deep rich crimson color. The depth of color is another attribute that is attained through the drying process. The longer the skins remain in contact with the grape, the more concentrated the color.

The intense flavors and high alcohol make it a heavy bodied yet well balanced wine. It is packed with rich flavors of raspberry, blackberry, with slight hints of almond and chocolate flavors. The unique straw-mat drying method also affects the tannins (a compound found in grape skins). With its high tannins, Amarone has a long beautiful velvety finish.

Generally, five years is considered an average age time for Amarone. However, whether you consume it young or old, this wine requires breathing to allow the complex flavors to open up. It is best to decant an Amarone for at least an hour before serving. Typically most wine drinkers serve red wines at room temperature, which is not exactly correct. Red wines should be served closer to 60 degrees. A great idea is to place the wine decanter in the refrigerator for approximately 20-30 minutes prior to serving. This will give it a slight chill and the Amarone should be perfect.

Wendy Kielar has a passion for wine. She owns Let’s Do Wine, a wine and beer making supply store. She provides people with the equipment, ingredients and knowledge to make high quality wine and beer right in their own homes. See Wendy in action at http://LetsDoWine.com in several of her “how to” videos. For more information about wine and beer making visit the website or send her an email Wendy@LetsDoWine.com

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Most of the drinkers forget about alcohol free wine or when they think about various types of wine they drunk or desire to drink. Non alcoholic wines are great option for pregnant women, designated drivers and for persons on medications due to some heart or some other disease. This type of wine is also good for those people who want to keep the taste of wine in their life without the effects of alcohol.

Non alcoholic wine surely allows people to enjoy the social experience and classic taste of wine eliminating alcohol from it. Such wines are available in a huge range of flavors and styles, which includes:

• Chardonnay
• White Zinfandel
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Burt Zinfandel

Wine without alcohol is normally and easily found on affordable price in market. You can easily get required non alcoholic wine in many local markets, or if you do not wanted to walk to the market you also have an option on online purchase. You find many domestic and foreign companies selling these types of wines and make them available on your door.

Taste:

It’s a basic and important property of non alcoholic wine and you also find consumer conscious about it. Premium grapes are used to prepare non alcoholic wine and it is fragment and aged in barrels. Before bottling the wine the alcohol is eliminated from the wine with the help of filtration process. The method used to prepare non alcoholic wine is the same as regular wine. And taste of the wine is the same as other regular wines but this one is without the alcohol.

What is actually meant by Alcohol Free?

The real and exact definition of alcohol free drink is that, “A Drink that holds less than one half of 1 % of alcohol”. While it not physically possible to eliminate alcohol from the alcoholic drink completely. But the remaining quantity of alcohol in the wine never make you feel drunk and in real it would be less than you find in a single glass of fresh orange juice.

How You Can Enjoy Alcohol Free Wine:

You can enjoy this drink in various ways and situation you just need a glass and a bottle of wine and if you like other to join you can invite you family on the wine table. Non alcoholic wine is also a great option for your parties, dinner table and for corporate events. It’s also a intelligent choice for the events and meeting where you want be alter and focused. If you are on medication and can’t stay without the taste of wine, alcohol free wine proved to be best. This wine also safe for diabetics, but it is recommended for diabetes to consult with his/her doctor before adding new drink in the diet schedule.

Best from getting rid of Alcoholism:

If someone desire recover from the alcoholism non alcoholic wine provides a way in which desired person can still enjoy the taste of wine without alcohol. It also provides a great chance for the person in recovering to blend in to business situations where he does not desire to know he is not drinking.

Conclusion: There are many health benefits of wine regarding health but wine containing alcohol can put bad effects on your health. So for those who do not desire to take a risk of their health alcohol free wine is best option. There is no difference between alcoholic and alcohol free wine, accept alcohol.

From alcohol free wine reviews. You will find more information and material about alcohol free wine here.

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I must admit, that for many of us, walking into a store to buy a bottle of wine can be a little like visiting a foreign country and not knowing the language. If you’re buying wine for yourself that’s probably not a big deal, although it might be nice to be somewhat knowledgeable so that you’re more likely to buy something you will enjoy. However, if you are buying a bottle of wine as a gift, then being able to interpret information on the label becomes a bit more important. But, first things, first.

Your first consideration should probably be where you will be shopping. If you live in a state where alcohol sales are controlled or restricted, your options may be limited. I happen to live in Pennsylvania where consumers are only permitted to purchase packaged wine and alcohol from state-operated Wine and Spirits Stores or a privately owned Pennsylvania Winery. You may, of course, travel out of state to purchase a limited amount of alcoholic beverages, but these purchases are subject to an 18% state tax. (However, I can’t say that I know anyone who has traveled out of state to buy wine and actually fessed-up, claimed their booty, and paid that outrageous tax.) To find the best selection of wine in a state where alcohol sales are controlled, check on the internet for information and locations of any retail outlets. For example, PA has premium wine stores and you can get a listing of their locations by checking out the PA Liquor Control Board web site.

If you live in a state with more liberal alcoholic beverage laws, you probably have more options available for buying wine: Large retail chains like Wal-Mart and Target, large drug store chains, supermarkets, independently owned liquor stores, specialty wine shops and wine warehouses. You can buy excellent wines at all these venues, but the independently owned stores have the potential to vary in the quality and quantity of their inventory. One of the best avenues for selection and price is a wine warehouse and if you’re really lucky, you live in a state where you can order wines online from a wine distributor.

Not all wine shops are created equal so there are some issues you should be concerned with when choosing where to purchase wine. One consideration is how the wine is stored. Exposure to excessive heat, wide temperature fluctuations, and bright spotlights may cause deterioration, so take note of any wine that may be stored next to radiators or heating vents. You should also observe the general aesthetics of the store. Are things well-organized, and neat or is the merchandise dusty and in disarray? A sign of a quality wine shop is when a store carries more than one vintage of a particular wine. This would indicate the shop owner is interested in the depth of their offerings as well as the breadth.

Every retail store has organization and a wine store is no exception. Even though all those bottles may look deceptively similar, a closer look will probably reveal some system of how the wine is displayed. They may be broken out in such wide categories as the type of wine i.e. red, white, or sparkling. They may also be categorized by region: Napa Valley, Sonoma, Loire, Finger Lakes, Italian, South African, etc. or by varietals: Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc, etc. Getting an idea of the layout of the store will at least help you find a particular section you may be interested in.

Now on to the label…

There are laws that mandate what information must be included on a wine label. These laws vary from country to country and are based on where the wine is marketed rather than where it is produced. Much to the dismay of the producer, this may mean that one wine will have several different labels. After the label is designed it must be approved by various governmental agencies.

Most wines bottles will have two labels affixed to it. In addition to these labels providing the legally mandated information, they are intended to help market the product. The front label is designed to attract the consumer’s attention by the use of marketing tactics such as logos, interesting graphics, color and lettering. The back label will often try to entice your senses. A Pinot Noir that I have in my inventory but have not yet tried states “…Rich in texture with a lingering finish and versatile enough to compliment just about any cuisine.” It caught my attention! These optional endorsements are not governed by law.

Labeling requirements for the United States are established by the Treasury Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. These requirements include:

Identifying brand name or brand identification- This may be the owner’s name, trademark name, winery name, growing area, appellation or grape variety. The brand name must not be misleading as to the quality, origin, age, or grape varietal. In the U.S., a wine cannot be labeled a particular varietal unless it contains at least 75% of that varietal. For example a wine may not be called zinfandel if it only contains 74% zinfandel grapes.

Class of wine, type or designation- The wine is labeled with the class number or with a description similar to those described here:

Class 1 - May be labeled “Light Wine”, “Light White Wine”, “Table Wine”, “Sweet Table Wine” “Red Table Wine”, or something similar. A Class 1 wine must have an alcohol content between 7% and 14% by volume.

Class 2 - May be labeled “Sparkling Wine” or something similar. A Class 2 wine has been made sparkling by a natural method only.

Class 3 - May be labeled “Carbonated Wine” or something similar. Class 3 wine has carbon dioxide injected into it.

Class 4 - May be labeled “Citrus Wine” or something similar. A Class 4 is wine that was produced primarily with citrus fruit.

Class 5 - May be labeled “Fruit Wine” or something similar. A Class 5 wine was produced primarily from fruits other than grapes or citrus.

Class 6 - Wine that has been made from agricultural products such as vegetables.

Class 7 - May be labeled “Aperitif Wine” or something similar. A Class 7 wine has an alcohol content of not less than 15% by volume; the grape wine has been compounded with added brandy, alcohol, and flavored with herbs and natural aromatic flavoring.

Class 8 - May be labeled “Imitation Wine” or something similar. A Class 8 wine contains man-made materials.

Class 9 - May be labeled “Retsina Wine” or something similar. A Class 9 wine is a grape table wine that has been fermented or flavored with resin.

Alcohol content by volume- The alcohol content must be listed on the label only if it contains more than 14% by volume. Wines that contain more than 14% alcohol are taxed at a rate four times higher than those containing less alcohol. These are considered “fortified wines” even if the high alcohol volume is attained by natural fermentation. For wines with an alcohol content of 14% or greater, a 1% variation is allowed. Wines that have less than 14% alcohol by volume are permitted a 1.5% variation. Wines containing less than 14% alcohol must state it on the label or be labeled by the appropriate class or description such as “light table wine”.

Net volume of contents- In 1977, the U.S. government mandated that metric measurements be used as the wine industry standard. The most common bottle volume is 750ml. If the volume does not appear on the label look for it molded into the glass bottle.

Name and address of the bottler, producer and country of origin- This information is required on all American wines and the words “bottled by” must immediately precede the name and address of the bottler. The term “produced and bottled by” may be used if the bottler also made no less than 75% of the wine by fermenting the must (juice) and clarifying the wine. “Made and bottled by” may be used if the named winery fermented and clarified at least 10% of the wine or if the winery changed the class of the wine by fortifying it, adding carbonization or making it a sparkling wine by adding a secondary fermentation process. When the words “cellared”, “vinted” or “prepared” are used it means that the named winery cellared, clarified or barrel aged the wine at that location. “Blended and bottled” indicates that the named winery mixed the wine with other wine of the same type and class at that location. The country of origin indicates where the wine was produced and not necessarily where the grapes were grown.

- This designation tells the country or region where the grapes were grown. The information provided may be broad and indicate the country or it may be very specific and name the particular vineyard. Some labels include both. In the U.S. it is mandatory to include the appellation of origin if any of the following apply:

1.A generic term is used

2.A varietal term is used

3.The name is qualified with the word “brand”

4.The vintage (year the grapes were harvested) is included on the label

In addition, for American wines to be labeled as California appellation, CA state law mandates that 100% of the grapes used must be grown in CA. Most other states have a 75% requirement. For a wine to be labeled a specific viticultural area (Sonoma), 85% of the grapes must be from the named area.

Declaration of sulfites or “Organic” wine-Winemakers will sometimes add small amounts of sulfur dioxide to the wine to preserve the fruity flavor and retard oxidation. Other winemakers will spray their grapes with sulfites to prevent disease and reduce pests. Because sulfites may cause allergic reactions or severe headaches in some individuals, when the sulfite content is higher than 10ppm, the label must say “sulfites added”. If a wine is labeled simply “organic” it means it contains only naturally occurring sulfites. “Made with organically grown grapes” simply means that the grapes were organically grown (not sprayed with sulfites) but the sulfite content might be higher than wine labeled “organic”.

Health warning- In 1989, the United States mandated that any alcoholic beverage bottled or imported for sale or distribution in the U.S. must include a health warning statement on the label. These warnings many include any of the following specific messages:

1.”According to the surgeon general, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects”

2.”Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery”

3.”May cause health problems”

In addition to all the information listed above, many wine producers may include optional information…but I’ll leave that for another time.

Now that you know how to read a wine label run, don’t walk, to the nearest wine store and try your new skills!

Nicole Adams is a successful freelance author who specializes in several topics including wine. You will find additional wine-related articles written by Ms. Adams at http://www.wine-reviewer.com

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Choosing Wine for Your Wedding

Most people associate weddings with Champagne; it is the customary choice for wedding toasts. But wines are just as customary and should be considered with care when planning your reception menu. Even if your knowledge of wine is limited, it can be easy to select the right wine for your wedding reception.

Choosing the wine is an important detail, one that should not be overlooked. You sample the food and the cake, why would you not sample the wine? An experienced caterer will have many wine options to share with you while you are sampling their dinner and appetizer menu. Keep in mind; you are not limited to the selection provided by your caterer. Sometimes, going on your own with your wine purchase can save you money on your overall reception bill (we’ll discuss that more later). Whatever you choose, make sure that you sample the choices and pick the wine that you feel is going to be the best compliment to your wedding.

Where to begin?

First, we must admit that it’s impossible to give advice on selecting wine that will work for everyone. Which wines you choose for your wedding and how much you order depends on many factors; here are a few things to consider when deciding on wine for your wedding:

Your Guests:

What kind of wine do you like? How about your friends and family? Do they prefer red, white, rosé, sparkling, or a dessert wine? Would your guests enjoy one or two really nice glasses of wine to sip as they socialize? Or, is wine not that important to your guests?

Menu:

What are you serving for dinner? The heavier and more flavorful the dish, the more full-bodied and complex the wine can be. So if you are serving beef in a hearty sauce, then by all means, bring on the Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux. If you are serving a delicate white fish, you should offer a light bodied white - a Sauvignon Blanc would be the perfect choice.

White wine top picks: Don’t overlook Sauvignon Blanc, a super-versatile white that goes splendidly with seafood, chicken, eggs, vegetables, and salads.

Red wine top picks: Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine in America, built best for hearty meats.

Don’t forget Rosé: Dry rosé is crisp and fruity, without the sweetness of white zinfandel and other blush wines, and pairs beautifully with salads, poultry, pork, tuna, salmon, and even sirloin. Rosé is perfect in both warm and cool weather, day and night and is a favorite for weddings.

Time of Year:

Is your reception scheduled for the middle of summer or the dead of winter? The season could make a difference in what wine you decide to serve your guests-are you trying to warm them up or cool them off? If you are hosting an outdoor reception and the weather is expected to be warm, plan accordingly and serve a refreshing, lighter wine like a Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc, rather than a heavy Chardonnay. For red wine drinkers, you might offer a Grand Cru Beaujolais or a Pinot Noir. You might even consider a dry rosé.

Other things to consider:

Are you a novice to selecting wine?

Here are some tried and true wine suggestions:

Two wines that go very well with many different types of foods and that can be served year-round are Sauvignon Blanc for a white and, among reds, Pinot Noir. Both of these are lighter in body and less fruity than Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. They’re also excellent when served as aperitifs.

Unless you know your guests will enjoy your creative selection of wines, stick with what people know and love best — a white such as Chardonnay or a Chardonnay-based wine and a red such as Merlot. If you prefer to veer just a little bit off the beaten path, try a light, food-friendly white such as Sauvignon Blanc and a red Zinfandel.

Which varietals do you want to serve?

You may want to cater to guests’ expectations. Many of your guests who drink wine regularly may limit their choices to what they are familiar with. If you want to ensure that guests will have a wine they are familiar with, then your whites should be Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc and your reds should be Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Want to try something a little different?

Wine is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated, why not try something fun! Why not offer your guests a new experience? Have a wine tasting with your friends before the event or go to a local wine bar and enjoy some new varietals. In whites, consider a Riesling, Muscadet, Pinot Gris or Semillion. In reds, be sure to taste a Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah or Rioja.

Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Weddings are all about celebration, and so is champagne and sparkling wine. Be sure you have enough on hand to have at least one reception toast. Read more about selecting champagne for your wedding toast on our Tips and Advice page.

How much do I buy and what will I spend?

You don’t have to spend a fortune to serve terrific wines at your wedding. The wine world is enjoying a boom in quality these days, so there are plenty of first-rate, inexpensive ones to choose from. Premium bottles can be as low as $7, ranging to more than $30 a bottle.

Wine will likely represent about 15 percent of your overall reception budget. If you arrange for your caterer to provide the wine, it will typically be included as part of the bar bill. If you purchase from your caterer, expect to pay about twice retail on each bottle that’s served. This is standard for both restaurants and caterers; the increase covers service and helps with food costs.

Couples who decide to serve wine they’ve bought themselves should anticipate a possible corkage fee from the caterer; this fee covers opening and pouring. Still, buying your own wine can save you money: A $20 bottle with a caterer’s markup will cost you $40, whereas your own $20 bottle with a $15 corkage fee will cost $35. Also, most retailers offer discounts for purchases of cases of wine and champagne.

Will you buy wine from the caterer or pay a corkage fee to bring in your own? This depends entirely on your budget and tastes. In some cases, caterers will offer a great selection of high quality wines that might meet your needs perfectly. In other cases, corkage fees can vary wildly, and if you can find a wine you like at a good price (find a local wholesaler), it may be worth it to purchase by the case and pay the fee.

To determine the number of bottles to buy, a good rule of thumb is to allot anywhere from a half to three-quarters of a bottle per person, assuming that most guests will drink two glasses with dinner. Most bottles serve about 5 glasses of wine. There is some debate of whether more white or red wine gets consumed at wedding. Take into consideration your menu and time of year of your wedding when deciding the ratio of white to red. If the wines will also be served with cocktails, double that amount. Guests will likely enjoy a glass or two before sitting down to dine.

The final touch

Your wine choice can also provide an opportunity to further personalize your wedding. For instance, you might serve the wine that you had on your first date or the kind your parents drank on their wedding day. Depending on where you’ll be holding your reception, you could choose a wine from a local vineyard, or pick one from a favorite vacation spot or your honeymoon destination.

There are many websites that offer you the option of designing custom wine labels to display on your wedding wine bottles. These labels can be personalized with your name, photo, date and personal message to your guests. Your bottle of wine or champagne becomes an elegant addition to your wedding décor. You can give full sized wine bottles, or mini-bottle, as wedding favors for your guests. You can also personalize your wine bottles to give as gifts to your bridal party, special guests and staff that participated in your special day. It’s a great way to let them celebrate with you even beyond the reception.

Sarah is the founder or Personalized Wine Labels Etc. View her label designs and get more tips at http://www.personalizedwinelabelsetc.com

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Wine tasting parties are perfect for getting together either formally or informally with friends. Everyone can relax, taste a few fine wines, and snack on some delicious snacks. Wine tasting parties take a lot less work to organize than a dinner party, and they can also be very elegant.

Planning your party is still important. Pick a theme. Perhaps you will serve wines from one region only, or from places that are not generally recognized as winery country. Maybe it would be interesting to try wines made from fruit other than grapes, or try an international night where you feature wines from France, Italy, or Australia.

Once you have decided on the wines you want to serve, pair them up with appropriate appetizers. Lighter, white wines need light food to accompany them like tapenade or shrimp, while you can couple full-bodied red wines with substantial offerings like meats or even chili. If you are choosing dessert wines, you need to decide if you prefer to serve a sweet dessert appetizer with them or something savory to cut the sweetness.

It seems that the simplest, freshest foods bring out the best in wine, which is why bread, cheese, and fruit top the list of appetizers served at wine parties. Combinations of these foods can be used to create more appetizers, like tomato and herb bruschetta or baked brie and bread cubes.

When you are setting up for your wine tasting party, be sure to have plenty of fresh water on hand. Your guests may want to cleanse their palate between tastings, and the water will help everyone stay hydrated. You may also want to keep a receptacle available in case someone only wants to savor and then spit out the wine. Swallowing too many different types of wine can cloud their judgment when tasting other varieties or they may not like one that they try.

Keep some bland appetizers available for the actual tasting portion of your party. This will also help remove the flavors of the previous wine from your guests’ palates. Once the initial tasting is all done, bring out the good appetizers and let everyone enjoy them with their favorite wines of the evening.

It can be a lot of fun to let your guests rate the wines you have chosen for the evening, giving them ratings and descriptions for what they did and did not like. Do not worry about them rating the appetizers, though; they will be a sure hit during the evening.

Make sure that there is a designated driver or that your guests can get home safely if they have imbibed a bit too much. This is another good reason to provide plenty of snacks. If they are busy eating, they will enjoy the wine but not drink too much.

Top 10 Appetizers

1. Bruschetta
2. Cheese and Crackers
3. Seasonal Fruit
4. Bread with Olive Oil and Herbs
5. Tapenade
6. Chocolates
7. Smoked Salmon Points
8. Baked Brie
9. Shrimp Puffs
10. Shrimp Ring

Make some easy party appetizers for your next shindig. Easy appetizer recipes do not stress you out, they taste delicious, and you can take the time to enjoy your party instead of working in the kitchen!

EasyAppetizerRecipes.net - You Make the Appetizers, We Help You Make Them Delicious

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 By Walt Yehl

1. A glass of wine a day will help keep your memory (and overall health) from going away. A study showed that women over seventy who drank a glass of wine a day had a better memory than those who abstained from wine.

o A glass of wine also helps prevent clots and reduce blood vessel inflammation.

o Alcohol also seems to raise HDL, the so-called good cholesterol, which helps unclog your arteries.

o If that information wasn’t enough, a British study found that women who drank a glass a day reduced their risk of infection of a virus called Helobactor pylori, a major cause of many intestinal diseases, by eleven percent.

2. Keep your weight down. Studies show that people who drink a glass daily have a lower body mass index than those who do not. Most moderate wine drinkers have smaller waists. Alcohol may encourage the body to burn calories faster, up to 90 calories can be burned after having a drink in your system to the equivalent of only a few without the drink. This is not true for people that drink excessively, moderation is the key.

3. The Fountain of Youth. Thought to be just a figment of your imagination, right? Not so! Red wine may help reduce the effects of aging.

4. Drink Away the Risk of Cancer. Red wine is an extremely plentiful source of biologically active phytochemicals, or chemicals found in plants. Red wine also has particular compounds called polyphenols (such as catechins and resveratrol, see definition below), which are thought to have anti-oxidant or anti-cancer properties. Of course, make sure you talk to your doctor before thinking this will cure your cancer. (Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds found in the skin and seeds of grapes. When wine is made from these grapes, the alcohol produced by the fermentation process dissolves the polyphenols contained in the skin and seeds. Red wine has more polyphenols than white: white wine is made differently, where the skin is removed after the crushing of the grapes.)

Of course, alcohol should always be consumed in moderation. You might be wondering what moderation exactly means… In men, one or two glasses of wine a day (that’s about five ounces each); in women, one glass a day (again, five ounces). So next time you want to feel better longer, keep your lovely figure, or forget that pesky memory loss, grab a glass of wine and toast to your health.

Check out the Wine Stopper Store for unique wine stoppers and wine gifts. We’ve got hundreds of interesting stoppers to choose from including, glass wine stoppers, pewter, stone and more. Stop by and take a look!

–Walt

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I will admit that I’m rather picky. I will only eat certain kinds of food, rarely ingesting dishes entitled with words I can’t pronounce or made up of animals I think are cute. And, I will only date certain types of men, limiting myself to those who are good looking, charming, successful, or, at the very least, breathing. But, my pickiness doesn’t stop there. Transcending many categories, I tend to be picky when it comes to everything from what kind of clothes I wear to what kind of soap I use. However, oddly enough, when it comes to wine, my pickiness subsides: I’ve never met a type of wine I didn’t like or wouldn’t drink.

Despite my willingness to form a loving relationship with any type of wine that seeps into my life, you may not be as much as a booze flooze as myself: some of you may prefer certain types over others. Because of this, it’s important to understand the different types of wine that exist: the more aware you are of all the varieties, the more likely you will find a wine you really like.

However, I can’t discuss all the types of wine - listing each vintage and flavor and mentioning every grape under the sun. Doing so would take forever and by the time I finished, I, myself, would start to ferment. But, I can provide an overview to help you, the loyal drinker, find something to quench your thirst, a type of wine you’ll want to invite over to fill your glass at dinner.

Apéritif: Known as appetizer wines, these are the chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks of the wine world. They are flavored wines typically meant to stimulate the appetite before eating a large meal. They can include sherry, and Madeira.

Barley Wine: Though in possession of the word “wine,” Barley Wine isn’t really wine, masquerading as such because of a high alcohol content that reaches up to 12 percent by volume. Made from grain instead of fruit, Barley Wine is simply strong beer, like an ale that regularly works out. While it originated in England, Barley Wine is available world wide. However, when sold in the US, Barley Wines are required to be sold with the label, “barely wine-style ales,” thus avoiding confusion for the wine-seeking consumer.

Cooking Wines: Wine of extremely poor quality is usually labeled “Cooking Wine,” as if being poured into a pan is one step up from being poured down the drain. Typically containing a large amount of salt, Cooking Wine isn’t made to be consumed by itself. Instead, it is meant to be used as a way to enhance a dish, bringing out certain flavors and seasonings.

Country Wine: It may seem like Country Wines are wines in possession of a laidback lifestyle and a southern drawl. But, in actuality, they are simply wines that are made from a fruit other than a grape and supplemented with sugar and honey. However, because the word “wine” legally insinuates a drink made from grapes, Country Wines are often fruit-specific in their definitions. They include types such as “plum wine” and “apple wine.”

Dessert Wines: Known for being served beside a piece of carrot cake or a slice of apple pie, Dessert Wines are wines that range between medium sweet to extremely sweet on the spectrum of sugar. They typically include wines such as Port Wine, Tokay, and Sweet Sherry. Aside from baked goods and fruity creations, dessert wines also go very well with many types of cheese.

Red Wine and White Wine: It may seem like Red Wine and White Wine are always in competition with each other, with bottles of each snapping in unison as the other approaches. But, the truth is that Red Wine and White Wine are so different in flavor, and go best with such different dishes, that the two don’t need to compete. While Red Wines are typically good at enhancing meals made of red meat or tomato sauce, White Wines are typically good at enhancing meals made of white meat or white sauces. They are also different in taste because Red Wines are made with grape skins during the fermentation process, causing them to carry “tannin,” a sensation you get that makes your tongue feel as though liquid is evaporating off of it. White Wines, however, are made without grape skin and never carry “tannin.”

Rose Wine: Rose Wines are also called “Pink Wines” and, because they are often refreshing in mid-summer heat, “Summer Wines.” Like a beverage that can’t quite make up its mind, Rose Wines aren’t really red and aren’t really white. Instead, they possess attributes of both true red wines and true white wines. They are often best served with seafood, salad, cold cuts, and pork.

Rice Wine: Just like Barely Wine, Rice Wine is a bit of an imposter, an ale that wishes it was a wine. Made from rice instead of grapes, Rice Wine possesses a higher alcohol content than most beer and wines combined weighing in between 18 and 25 percent. Rice Wine is known as Sake to the Japanese.

Sparkling Wines: Probably the most famous member of the Sparkling Wine family is Champagne, a drink that routinely fills the glasses at wedding receptions and banquet halls. But, Champagne can’t hog all the sparkling spotlight, Sparkling Wines can be any type of wine infused with Carbon Dioxide. Because Sparkling Wines do not usually pair well with meals, they are best served alone or with appetizers.

Table Wine: Table Wine is wine that is not fortified and not sparkling, making it erroneously seem like the most plain of wines. By technical definition, Table Wines contain at least 7 percent alcohol and no more than 14 percent. While many people equate Table Wine with poor tasting, cheap wine, many Table Wines aren’t cheap, and certainly don’t taste like it either.

Whether your favorite type of wine is Red or you, having misplaced your salt lick, actually do like to consume Cooking Wine, wine has a variety of flavors. This makes it one of the most versatile alcohols, possessing the ability to adapt to everything from cocktail hours to State dinners and enabling you, no matter your type or your level of pickiness, to always find something with which to fill your glass.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com. With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

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I have enjoyed a good glass of table wine many times with my meals. Wine tasting parties have always been a favorite pastime, especially when combined with cheese. No, I am not from Wisconsin so I do not rate a “cheese head hat”. Recently, after a pleasant dinner party with good friends, I was introduced to a new class of vintages that I had never tried before. The dessert wine I was served turned out to be the fitting end to a fabulous evening.

Grapes used for these type of wines are not harvested in the same fashion and timing as your typical table wine grapes. The goal is to increase the sugar content of the grape by mainly harvesting them later in the season. Often a noble rot forms on the grapes before harvest. In another dessert type named ice wine, grape harvest is delayed until the first freeze. Some times these wines are developed by pausing the fermentation process.

There are several types of grapes primarily used in the making of dessert wines. Semillon grapes are commonly used in Sauternes that often smell like the wildflowers where it is grown. Muscat grapes may remind you of orange and honey. Fendant and Chasselas are typically found primarily in Switzerland. Spicy Gewurztraminer wines are good tasting and seem to age well. Fortified wines like sherry, port and Madeira are made differently than your typical dessert wine, but are also a great choice and considered in many circles to be “honorary dessert wines”. Be aware that some wineries are making great dessert wines by “late-harvesting” table wine grapes used for Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.

When serving, a general rule is the wine should be sweeter than the food it is served with. Good matches include fresh sweet fruits, bakery goods and chocolate and toffee based dishes. White dessert wines should be served chilled but not to cold, while red dessert wines are mainly served at room temperature. Because of their sweetness, dessert wines come in smaller bottles and often are more expensive than table wines. It is best to serve these wines in a small glass with a pour of only 2 ounces. Dessert wine can be served without dessert, but in any case with or without, ready your body for the sugar high that will result.

Selecting the right dessert wine for your next entertainment event could be a little challenging. A great suggestion is to try a “test-run” before you plan your gathering. Get your chosen dessert prepared ahead of time. Taste the wine you think will compliment your dessert choice and note your impressions. Lastly, taste your wine along with your dessert. If you find the combination pleasant to your palate, you are home free. If the combination dulls the flavor of the wine, consider going with a less-sweet dessert or a sweeter wine.

What I learned about these special wines has been known for a long time by cultured Europeans. On this continent, we have always appreciated having dessert after our meals, but have not extensively appreciated what a good accompanying wine could do to our “taste-buds”. I have decided that having a dessert wine in my cellar to enjoy occasionally is a personal requirement. As I always say, select your wine to fit your individual taste, store and serve it properly, and enjoy.

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, April 2010

Author: Ron Senn, Vice-president Ideal Wine Coolers, Tucson, Arizona

Ideal Wine Coolers offers a wide selection of products to address your wine and beer cooling needs.

http://idealwinecoolers.com/page/home/index.html

We also have a blog that you can visit.

http://winecoolerblog.com

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At the end of the day there is nothing better than winding down with a glass of wine. So let’s look into low alcohol wine and see why it is good for your health.

If you have visited a wine bar or hotel, you might have noticed that the size of these glasses has increased by as much as 50 per cent in volume. So what, you might say, but this is a cause for concern.

It is obvious why this is happening - to boost sales and increase profits for businesses, possibly struggling in difficult times. The introduction of these large wine glasses, especially in pubs and wine bars, is no doubt great for business, but it’s not great for your health.

I’m sure many consumers agree, and can’t see what the fuss is about. While the contents of one bottle will fit into perhaps just four glasses instead of the usual six, are these producers and vendors swaying away from a moral responsibility? Some will say yes they are, others, absolutely not. This is where there is room for a low alcohol version.

As the glass size grows, the volume of wine obviously increases, which leads to a rise in the alcohol content volumetrically. You don’t have to be clever to be aware that you will now be taking in more alcohol than before, your reactions will be slower. This is not a kill-joy attitude, but if you are the driver of a vehicle, you may not realise that you are over the legal limit for driving, as you have only had ‘one glass’.

Being aware of the situation in the first place is key, and knowing more about which wines are more likely to be those high alcohol heavyweights, and from what countries to expect them from.

Global warming is happening, whether you agree or not, makes little difference. Grapes are getting riper quicker, and it can be a real dilemma for winegrowers as to when the crop should be harvested.

This is what they are faced with:

• Picking the grapes too early (when [sugars = potential alcohol] are lower) will ensure a higher acid content, which will lead to an unbalanced wine that could be lacklustre and harsh. Often this is the preferred alternative provided the grapes are clean and ripe.
• Harvest too late, and the winegrower could have good low acid levels, but very high sugars - which of course convert in to extremely high alcohols. Also, low acid means that the wine will not age as well.
• Get it right - not always as easy as it sounds as the acid/sugar balance must be ideal for the style of wine being made. The weather may not be kind, (i.e. too much sun or rain; diseases may be prevalent). We don’t want a flabby, blockbuster of a wine just as much as we don’t want an acidic lightweight.

Each vintage is different, especially from a viticultural point of view, and that’s what makes winemaking such an interesting art.

Remember, just because you may be faced with a low alcohol wine in the store or supermarket, does not mean that that it is inferior in any way, only it doesn’t pack in the punch so much as to leave you legless after a few glasses.

Drinking in moderation of any strength of alcohol is the recommendation, and it is YOUR health you are aiming to look after, therefore low alcohol wine is good for your health.

Rob Hemphill has been a professional winemaker for over 20 years, and is now a freelance marketing writer living in Ireland. He specializes in wine consultancy and has a wide knowledge in vines, vineyards and wine growing techniques as well. His favourite varietals are Gewurztraminer and Shiraz.

To learn more, please visit Low Alcohol Wine where you will find plenty of interesting information.

Ever made Homemade wine before? Don’t know how to, why not visit http://winemakinghome.blogspot.com.

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When most people think of U.S. wine production, destinations like Napa Valley, Washington, and Oregon come to mind. And it’s no wonder, since they are all prolific wine producing areas. But here are three under the radar wine travel destinations you may not know about…

Wine Trails In The U.S.

Over the last few years, the number of wine trails in the United States has grown by leaps and bounds. Technically defined, a wine trail is a cluster of wineries in a reasonably specific geographical area that band together for marketing and tourism purposes.

Many states officially designate the trails, thereby making them eligible for promotional money from state tourism offices. It has proven to be good business, particularly since eco tourism is rising in popularity. Wine trail designation also allows individual wineries more bang for their marketing buck. It’s good for wine travelers too, as they can discover a unique wine growing area in a day or two.

Currently, there are well over 100 wine trails in America. The number is expected to grow by 50% in the next five years, as more states recognize the value of promoting wine travel as an economic driver.

Here are three unique wine travel destinations that have flown under the radar up to now…

Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has been a leader in designating wine trails and marketing their wine industry to tourists. A quick glance of the state’s main travel brochure gives ample evidence to wine travel being an economic benefit.

There are eleven wine trails here, stretching from Philadelphia to the western edge of the state. Interestingly, each is a distinctly different micro climate. Almost all the wineries use local grapes, so you will notice a different character in the wines from area to area.

Nebraska: The Cornhusker State is in the final stages of designating their wine trails, following the lead of neighboring Iowa. Nebraska has a surprisingly vibrant wine culture, particularly in the eastern portion of the state.

Several river valleys in eastern Nebraska create the perfect grape growing environment, and area vintners take full advantage. You will find a wide array of wine styles from Nebraska wineries, including complex reds, light and drinkable whites, and unique fruit wines made from fresh local apples, pears, and more.

New Mexico

Those living in or close to New Mexico are well aware of the active wine industry in the state. The national reputation has yet to manifest itself, but it may well happen in the near future.

There are over 40 wineries in the state, and four distinct wine trails. No matter where you travel in New Mexico, you won’t be more than a half day drive from one of the four trails. The trails are divided geographically, encompassing the northern, central, and southern part of the state.

Summary

Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and New Mexico are three of many states with lesser known but very vibrant wine industries. Each state actively markets their trails, which helps to publicize not only the individual wineries, but the overall industry.

Expect to see additional wine trails designated in more states in the near future. With the ever increasing popularity of eco tourism, state tourism boards are embracing the positive impact wine travelers have on their state’s economy.

Jim Hofman is the owner and developer of a website dedicated exclusively to wine travel and wine trails in the United States. To learn more about these and other under the radar wine travel destinations, stop by and visit us at: http://www.winetrailsusa.com

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Leftover wine may bring about problems for many of you that leftover food doesn’t possess. While it’s easy to throw a vat of macaroni in a Tupperware bowl or wrap a piece of bread in a plastic baggie, the same can’t be said for wine. When it comes to saving wine, there is no place for foil or Saran wrap.

This makes figuring out what to do with unused wine particularly challenging. And, it further perpetuates the idea that no wine should ever be left over. Just like we, as children, were taught to clean our plates before we could leave the table, as adults we must empty our bottles before we’ll be excused.

Nonetheless, there are still instances when leftover wine simply can’t be avoided, times when - as a result of a party, a misjudgment of thirst, or a huge wine sale that could not be passed up - wine must be kept another day. So, what do you do then? Well, move over whales, it’s time to save the wine.

Can I get an Ice Box?

We’ve all been in the familiar situation of a restaurant meal we couldn’t possibly finish. The portions of that fillet mignon were too large, too many drinks have been consumed, and we’ve just given our last antacid to the bus boy. At this point, there’s only one thing that can be done: a box must be requested. This concept, for those who can’t finish a bottle, also rings true for wine.

The ice box, for saving both red wine and white wine, is one of the first places to start. This may seem a bit opposite as red wine, by rule, is not typically served cold. However, after a bottle is open, keeping it in a cool, dry place may be the best chance of keeping it as fresh as possible. But, even with refrigeration, the remainder of the wine should still be consumed within three or four days; the longer it remains in the ice box, the more tasteless it will become, soon spitting nasty comments in the direction of the Arm and Hammer.

The freezer, not to be left out, also extends itself to our “Save the Wine” campaign. While wine is not usually frozen, except by those of you who are rare cravers of a port-sicle, left over wine can be placed in the freezer, and then used as cooking wine.

Put a Rubber Cork In It

The freshness the original wine cork keeps inside the bottle can never be replaced. As soon as that wine cork was extracted, wine began to fall victim to the air that entered. However, a rubber wine cork can be placed in the bottle to preserve some freshness, and keep it from spoiling further.

When this rubber wine cork is coupled with a pump, a device that is used to take air out of the bottle, the wine may be even fresher than with the rubber wine cork alone. However, some wine experts assert that this is not a good way to preserve wine, believing the device is simply putting on airs about taking it out.

Invent Wine Tupperware

The day when the containers used to store week old ravioli and leftover fried chicken can also be used to store Merlot is a day that is good for all mankind. However, this day may not ever come. One of the problems with the Tupperware used to store foods and liquids is that it also stores great amounts of oxygen. When it comes to leftover wine, oxygen is the number one nemesis, its least favorite element in the entire table.

Still, the idea of Tupperware doesn’t have to be wasted on wine. Instead of using the plastic containers kept in your cupboard, purchase some smaller wine bottles. There are several wine stores that sell small wine bottles just for this purpose. These small bottles allow you to fill wine up to the top - thus keeping air out - and re-cork the bottle.

Get Gassy

For those of you who drink too much wine in one sitting, you’ve probably noticed that wine and gas can sometimes go together. However, when it comes to storing wine, a completely different gas is fortunately involved.

Private Preserve is a brand name of gas made with the intent of providing a blanket of freshness over your bottle of wine. The gasses in the Private Preserve are heavy, more so than air. This moves oxygen away from the wine, preventing the wine from spoiling. Because of its effectiveness, many restaurants and bars use it. With no components that alter the taste of wine, Private Preserve is subtle, safe, and environmentally friendly.

Buy Less, Drink More

Wine is easy to buy. It’s a drink we often love unconditionally. Even a red wine carpet stain or the world’s worst hang over isn’t enough to make us cut all ties; the vine, so very often, can not be severed. This is for one reason: wine is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Because of this, it’s often easy to purchase large bottles when small ones are warranted. You may think you are doing the right thing, asking the stock boy to help you load a forty pound vat of wine into your cart, but you must keep in mind that wine is made from fruit, a food that spoils easily.

Instead of purchasing huge bottles of wine, try purchasing ones that you can actually finish in a single setting. This takes the entire problem of leftover wine out of the picture. This may seem more expensive, as often wine purchased in bulk is cheaper, but wasting wine or letting it spoil can get expensive too; it can certainly do a number on your bank account, not to mention your soul.

Leftover wine can be one of the hardest to deal with: it’s a high maintenance leftover. But, it’s not impossible to save extra wine in a manner that will keep it from spoiling. From refrigeration to a rubber cork, from using small bottles of wine to using specialized gas, there is sure to be a process that works for you. After finding which one is most efficient, you’ll be able to buy wine, drink wine, and keep some for later…. Just remember to soften the blow for the excess remaining by telling your leftover wine that just because it’s unused, doesn’t ever mean it’s unwanted.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com. With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

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You don’t have to be a billionaire to appreciate and enjoy fine wine! Appreciating fine wine can be intimidating at first. With the weak dollar and the world popularity of wine skyrocketing, it seems like wine is becoming more and more inaccessible. And for those of you who are new to the world of wine, you may think “what is the point?” If you can’t afford the high end wines that “wine snobs” rave about, then how will you ever build an appreciation for fire wine?

Well nothing could be further from the truth! Yes, many top wines have become more and more unreasonable to purchase and afford. Does that mean we should give up on wine? That there are no good, inexpensive wine options out there anymore? No, absolutely not! In fact, the wine world is filled with wonderful wines that are just waiting to be discovered. Most people, even billionaires, don’t drink the only rare and highly rated wines every day. There is a place for wines which are simply good and don’t have to be the best wine you have ever tasted. And you don’t have to stop there…there are wines of very high caliber which can be had for affordable prices if you know where to look. Unfortunately, in many of the most famous wine producing regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy and even California, it has become harder and harder to find great wines at an affordable price. But if you think outside the box a bit, exploring regions and producers that may be unfamiliar to the average wine drinker, there are a slew of wines out there that deserve your time and attention and will not cost you an arm and a leg.

Here are a few tips about some regions and types of wines that are capable of greatness and which so far can still be found at prices that mere mortals can afford. Whether it is an everyday pizza wine you are looking for or a world class wine with complexity you can get lost in, there are affordable options out there.

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, or Val de Loire, is a large wine producing region in France that ranges from nearly the center of the country, west of Burgundy, all the way to the west coast. It is a vast area encompassing many different appellations which produce all types of wines, from light-bodied whites to full-bodied reds. For some reason, besides a few notable producers this region has remained relatively invisible to the great majority of the wine world. While well versed wine enthusiasts know and love the Loire well, your average wine drinker in the United States knows little of the region.

Muscadet: From the west of the Loire, these wines are usually very inexpensive. Made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, they are light, fresh and crisp. They are great summer wines, refreshing and cold. Excellent with light seafood like shellfish.

Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé: These both produce primarily white wine from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. With more depth and body than Muscadet, these are intense mineral-imbued wines which pair well with a number of richer seafood dishes.

Savennières: This small region which produces 100% Chenin Blanc makes some of the worlds best white wines. While many years ago they were as sought after as the best white Burgundy, they are largely unknown to many wine drinkers today. In general, their prices are still very reasonable but the best producers are capable of producing a truly great dry white wine which is both intense and filled with minerals as well as full-bodied with layers of flavor. These age beautifully, intense and tight when young, they blossom into a rich, complex, honeyed goodness!

Vouvray: Also 100% Chenin Blanc, these wines can vary from dry to sweet dessert wines. While the best producers’ sweet wines can fetch a hefty price, the sec (dry) and demi-sec (off-dry) wines, even from the best producers, are still quite reasonable. Outstanding food wines, the slight sweetness of the demi-sec wines pairs nicely with some spicy Asian dishes. There are even some excellent, inexpensive sparkling wines made here which are an excellent option if you don’t want to spend the kind of money that Champagne sets you back.

Chinon, Saumur-Champigny and Bourgueil: Looking for red wine alternatives to expensive Bordeaux and California Cabernet? These villages in the Loire produce wine from primarily Cabernet Franc, a cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon. These can vary from fruity, simple wines for easy sipping to dark, rich, age-worthy, full-bodied wines. While the best producers’ prices have risen somewhat, they are still several times cheaper than their Bordeaux and California counterparts.

Languedoc-Roussillon

The Languedoc-Roussillon region is a large region in the south of France, west of Provence along the Mediterranean coast and up to the Spanish border. The region encompasses several appellations producing a large range of wines. While historically the Languedoc produced only inexpensive and largely mediocre wine, in the last few decades quality has soared here! Many small producers have taken advantage of the warm, beautiful climate to produce many wonderful wines. Because many still remain largely unknown and do not have the prestige of the better known wine producing regions, prices for the most part have stayed low. Wines vary from white to red and even great dessert wines. Many of the red wines are based on Provençal and Rhone grape varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, but some producers blend in Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet as well.

Provence

Provence is in the south of France, along the Mediterranean coast. While the eastern most part, up to the Italian border, is the French Riviera, the west is still a large wine producing region. Most widely known for the excellent Rosé wines produced, the red wines of Bandol are where quality really hits a high. Made from at least 50% Mourvedre, the wines of Bandol are rich, dark, meaty and complex. They are also capable of long-aging. Again, while the best producers prices have risen somewhat, many inexpensive options are available. These are great wines for pairing with the rich, rustic cuisine of Provence.

German Riesling

German wines are often overlooked by English-speaking wine drinkers because of their confusing names and labels. The long German names, often printed in confusing medieval fonts, can confuse even the most open-minded and cause them to go elsewhere. Additionally, many people think of German wines as being sweet and not good food wines. Part of that misconception comes from the fact that cheap German wines like Liebfraumilch and “Blue Nun” is a slightly sweet, poorly made wine. Great German wines, particularly those made by the noble grape Riesling, are a whole other story. Yes, they can be sweet, but the sweetness is well balanced by intense acidity and minerality which prevents the wine from being cloying. These can be truly great wines! While the best producers and particularly the dessert wines can be very expensive, lower Pradikat wines like Kabinett and Spätlese wines and even the QbA (Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete) can be delicious, less expensive options. And these wines are great with food! German Riesling is one of the best wine pairings I know of for spicy Asian cuisine, such as Thai, Indian and Vietnamese dishes.

Italy

Italy is way too big a region to sum up in one brief article. However, I include it because it produces a bevy of great, inexpensive wines. While it is most famous for the wines from Tuscany and Piedmont, these wines can be quite expensive. But there are dozens of other appellations throughout Italy which produce outstanding wines which can be quite inexpensive. Regions like le Marche, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli, Umbria, Abruzzo, Campania, and others all produce dozens of excellent wines that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Don’t get stuck in a Chianti rut, explore the lesser known regions in Italy and you won’t be disappointed!

Find a local wine retailer that carries a good selection. Ask a knowledgeable salesperson to recommend some inexpensive wines from some of these regions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with producers and regions you don’t have experience with, there is only way to learn. And you may find that almost everyone can afford to drink well!

Josh Dusick is the editor of the Wine Tastings Guide at http://www.wine-tastings-guide.com where you can get information about how to host a wine tasting party, how to serve and taste wine and even about pairing wine and food.

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I will admit that I’m rather picky. I will only eat certain kinds of food, rarely ingesting dishes entitled with words I can’t pronounce or made up of animals I think are cute. And, I will only date certain types of men, limiting myself to those who are good looking, charming, successful, or, at the very least, breathing. But, my pickiness doesn’t stop there. Transcending many categories, I tend to be picky when it comes to everything from what kind of clothes I wear to what kind of soap I use. However, oddly enough, when it comes to wine, my pickiness subsides: I’ve never met a type of wine I didn’t like or wouldn’t drink.

Despite my willingness to form a loving relationship with any type of wine that seeps into my life, you may not be as much as a booze flooze as myself: some of you may prefer certain types over others. Because of this, it’s important to understand the different types of wine that exist: the more aware you are of all the varieties, the more likely you will find a wine you really like.

However, I can’t discuss all the types of wine - listing each vintage and flavor and mentioning every grape under the sun. Doing so would take forever and by the time I finished, I, myself, would start to ferment. But, I can provide an overview to help you, the loyal drinker, find something to quench your thirst, a type of wine you’ll want to invite over to fill your glass at dinner.

Apéritif: Known as appetizer wines, these are the chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks of the wine world. They are flavored wines typically meant to stimulate the appetite before eating a large meal. They can include sherry, and Madeira.

Barley Wine: Though in possession of the word “wine,” Barley Wine isn’t really wine, masquerading as such because of a high alcohol content that reaches up to 12 percent by volume. Made from grain instead of fruit, Barley Wine is simply strong beer, like an ale that regularly works out. While it originated in England, Barley Wine is available world wide. However, when sold in the US, Barley Wines are required to be sold with the label, “barely wine-style ales,” thus avoiding confusion for the wine-seeking consumer.

Cooking Wines: Wine of extremely poor quality is usually labeled “Cooking Wine,” as if being poured into a pan is one step up from being poured down the drain. Typically containing a large amount of salt, Cooking Wine isn’t made to be consumed by itself. Instead, it is meant to be used as a way to enhance a dish, bringing out certain flavors and seasonings.

Country Wine: It may seem like Country Wines are wines in possession of a laidback lifestyle and a southern drawl. But, in actuality, they are simply wines that are made from a fruit other than a grape and supplemented with sugar and honey. However, because the word “wine” legally insinuates a drink made from grapes, Country Wines are often fruit-specific in their definitions. They include types such as “plum wine” and “apple wine.”

Dessert Wines: Known for being served beside a piece of carrot cake or a slice of apple pie, Dessert Wines are wines that range between medium sweet to extremely sweet on the spectrum of sugar. They typically include wines such as Port Wine, Tokay, and Sweet Sherry. Aside from baked goods and fruity creations, dessert wines also go very well with many types of cheese.

Red Wine and White Wine: It may seem like Red Wine and White Wine are always in competition with each other, with bottles of each snapping in unison as the other approaches. But, the truth is that Red Wine and White Wine are so different in flavor, and go best with such different dishes, that the two don’t need to compete. While Red Wines are typically good at enhancing meals made of red meat or tomato sauce, White Wines are typically good at enhancing meals made of white meat or white sauces. They are also different in taste because Red Wines are made with grape skins during the fermentation process, causing them to carry “tannin,” a sensation you get that makes your tongue feel as though liquid is evaporating off of it. White Wines, however, are made without grape skin and never carry “tannin.”

Rose Wine: Rose Wines are also called “Pink Wines” and, because they are often refreshing in mid-summer heat, “Summer Wines.” Like a beverage that can’t quite make up its mind, Rose Wines aren’t really red and aren’t really white. Instead, they possess attributes of both true red wines and true white wines. They are often best served with seafood, salad, cold cuts, and pork.

Rice Wine: Just like Barely Wine, Rice Wine is a bit of an imposter, an ale that wishes it was a wine. Made from rice instead of grapes, Rice Wine possesses a higher alcohol content than most beer and wines combined weighing in between 18 and 25 percent. Rice Wine is known as Sake to the Japanese.

Sparkling Wines: Probably the most famous member of the Sparkling Wine family is Champagne, a drink that routinely fills the glasses at wedding receptions and banquet halls. But, Champagne can’t hog all the sparkling spotlight, Sparkling Wines can be any type of wine infused with Carbon Dioxide. Because Sparkling Wines do not usually pair well with meals, they are best served alone or with appetizers.

Table Wine: Table Wine is wine that is not fortified and not sparkling, making it erroneously seem like the most plain of wines. By technical definition, Table Wines contain at least 7 percent alcohol and no more than 14 percent. While many people equate Table Wine with poor tasting, cheap wine, many Table Wines aren’t cheap, and certainly don’t taste like it either.

Whether your favorite type of wine is Red or you, having misplaced your salt lick, actually do like to consume Cooking Wine, wine has a variety of flavors. This makes it one of the most versatile alcohols, possessing the ability to adapt to everything from cocktail hours to State dinners and enabling you, no matter your type or your level of pickiness, to always find something with which to fill your glass.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com. With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

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Wine has played a kingly role in the history of the world.

People have drunk it in majestic rituals and it has lived in the palace cellars. It has survived through the medieval times and has been used by the priests to cleanse the body and cure devotees their common maladies. Whereas it used to be enjoyed only by kings and noblemen, today wine is ubiquitously consumed by people all over the world. A buffet or a fine dining experience will not go well without a Chardonnay, for instance. Most people drink wine to loosen themselves up, after a hard day’s work. Others imbibe wine as a form of epicurean art.

A meal will always be more enjoyable if paired with a great tasting wine.

The complication arises, however, as soon as you peer into the wine list and begin to squint in confusion. Of the thousands of wine choices now available, which of them should you set on the dinner table along with your steak? Which should you drink to wash your tongue after a fruity dessert? The common dictum is to drink white wine with fish, chicken and other white meat, and to complement a rich lamb or veal dish with red wine. This idea is tried and tested and people have agreed that it works. But do you know not all types of red wine are for rich, red meat alone?

Red wine is indeed majesty of liquor.

Not only does it go well with almost all kinds of meal, it also plays an essential role in our health. The latest news is that red wine actually combats Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the build-up of plaque in the brain. Red wine contains resveratrol (a natural compound) which scientists say fights the slow degeneration of the nervous system’s components as it combines with other anti-oxidants. Pinot Noir, for instance, has been discovered to be chock full of resveratrol. It has been reported, too, that this red wine compound can also help battle other degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.

Now let’s go to the nitty-gritty.

Basically, there’s a wine for every meal but the bottom line is to rely on your sense of taste. Different people have different palates and even the connoisseurs cannot agree on one rule when it comes to the perfect wine for a dish. However, the distinct characteristic of each wine should dictate which meal it should harmonize with.

For example, Cabernet Sauvignon being a varietal wine (which is a blend of one dominant grape and other less distinct flavors), Petit Sirah and Bordeaux can jibe well with red, heavy meat dish such as lamb, beef (most dish with spicy sauces) and other intense-flavored cheeses. Because of its full body and strong tannic taste, it can balance the feeling of greasiness in the cheese and the meat.

Sweet, sour, fruity, acidic, smooth sharp, crisp - Oh my.

You can recognize a particular wine’s characteristic through its acidity, its body, the tannic content, its sweetness, its aroma as well as its overall balance. Chardonnay harmonizes with poultry and cheese. There are many variations of this white wine that can run from sweet and fruity to sour. It can even be paired with seafood such as oysters and can be served as aperitif. Chenin Blanc is also a white sparkling wine and goes well with fish and chicken. Most fish meals usually get paired with white wine but there are exceptions since fish dishes are prepared differently. The general rule is that wines that blend well with fish and other white meat contain high acidic flavor. The sharp, crisp hint of acid enhances the flavor of fish like a drop of tangerine juice would.

Pasta dishes & wine - An easy pair.

Wines that work well with pasta dishes are Merlot and Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio. Pinot Noir makes a wonderful combination with steaks. It is a Burgundy wine that gets darker as it ages. It also matches well with fowl whereas Merlot is a good chocolate complement.

Advanced pairing, great combinations to enhance flavour.

Desserts are best paired with Rieslings, Port wines, or Madeira. Most oriental food and white meat dishes won’t go wrong when matched with a Riesling. Spicy Mexican foods on the other hand are best eaten with Shiraz. Shiraz (also called Syrah) is a versatile wine; it complements many popular meat dishes such as chicken (tenderloin, rib or prime) as well as pork, beef and duck. If you like our regular fast food dishes like burgers and pizza or any meal with red spicy sauce Red Zinfandel is the perfect complement. A medium bodied wine such as Red Zinfandel will always taste better with red meat while White Zinfandel which is a newly-developed wine in the market goes in tune with pasta with light sauce, fish and most light dishes.

If you like ham and sausages a wine called Gewurztraminer will serve you well. This is also best for Asian foods and is known for its fruity flavor. Another wine that is in perfect harmony with pasta chicken and fish is the Sauvignon Blanc, more popularly called Fume Blanc. Most grilled dishes like fish and vegetables as well as exotic spicy foods go with Rose. Turkey served on Thanksgiving should be paired with a white burgundy wine called Chablis. If smoked salmon is served on the dinner table, it’s best to enjoy sparkling wines.

Waiter, I’ll have the … how do you say it?

Apart from knowing which wine to drink along with your meal, it also essential to know a few important vintner’s terms. If you’re buying wine you must recognize whether it’s brut, demi sec, sec or off-dry. These terms refer to the sweetness of the wine. Demi sec wines are a bit sweet and brut wines are not sweet at all. You will have a fair idea of the sweetness of it before actually opening its cork if you look at the label that’s printed under the brand of the wine.

Because wine selection can be baffling, it is essential to understand some rudiments that you can use in your own dinner hosting or restaurant visits. If you have no idea at all as you gaze at the wine menu board which wine is what, ask your local chef or connoisseur. These people have fair enough experience when it comes to wine tasting, preparation and serving that you can bet they can give you what you are asking for. Once you have received some expertly advice, do the wine tasting yourself. Remember that one person’s taste bud is different from another so you will have a notion of what really appeals to your taste.

The purpose of a good wine is to enhance, not bury.

A wine’s purpose is not to overwhelm or overpower the dish served with it, but to complement, highlight or contrast its strengths and hints of flavor. For most people this requires a really fine and discerning taste bud. Some wines take time to mature and in this process their tastes change and either mellow out or grow more intense. You should be aware of this aging process of each wine. Some of these wines absorb the flavor of their storage barrels such as oak. Other wines can have complex taste through their color and smell. The rule is to sniff the wine for a good nose (a vintner’s term used to denote the overall smell of a wine, including the aroma and the bouquet) and if you like the nose, it is highly likely that you will also adore its taste.

“Wine Connoisseur” is just a friendlier term for “English Major”.

It is important to experiment with different wines. Connoisseurs may have a fairly good idea of what wine suits their taste, but you can’t ask for a connoisseur’s help each time you will prepare a meal with a wine. Experimenting helps you open up your wine vocabulary and expand your wine knowledge. It will give your taste buds a chance to explore the art of wine expertise. When trying out many different wine brands and learning each wine characteristic, make sure that you take note of each wine’s uniqueness. In other words, a single wine tasting session does not make a wine taste consistent. The next time you taste red Bordeaux, for example, when paired with another dish, it will not be the same Bordeaux wine that you used to know. As you expand your tasting capabilities, you tend to forget a particular wine’s characteristic too. That is why keeping an olfactory note of any wine is a must for anyone wishing to explore its complexity.

Your nose knows good wine, trust it.

Finally, trust your own taste when it comes to selecting wine either for aperitif, for dinner or for dessert. Do not be concerned about the “right” or the perfect wine. The key is to find which will complement and highlight the taste of your meal best. As you taste more wines and learn more, your confidence will grow. Don’t shy away from new wines; instead give yourself the opportunity to be an expert yourself. Always exchange wine information with your local restaurateur/wine expert/wine merchant. Try new wines and mix them with various meals. You can break rules for as long as you as a host and your guests will enjoy your discovery. The point is, wine is an enjoyable meal complement and a dinner table’s best friend. It should always stay that way.

Sean M. writes for several how-to, self-help related sites including those about his long time passion of drinking a little Pinot Noir and not looking foolish. For more of his work visit the wine selecting website, or directly download the wine tips [http://www.wineselecting.com/pdf/wine-tips.pdf] free ebook.

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Measuring the pH of a wine is one of the most important tests in a winery. Here are some facts on pH, why we need to know about it and how to measure the pH of your wine accurately.

Most of us learnt about pH in chemistry class at school. If you can’t remember what it is, here is a refresher - ‘pH is a measure of a solutions acidity or alkalinity’, pH means Positive Hydrogen ion, and the pH scale is from 0 to 14. A neutral solution numerically is equal to 7, while the more alkaline the solution, the higher the number increases. An acid solution decreases from 7 as the acid level increases. Class over!

Measuring pH is of fundamental importance to any winemaker, it tells him or her so much about the wine generally. The colour, oxidation, biological and chemical stability are all influenced by pH, as are the amount and strength of acids present.

Why is it necessary to measure pH?

Because it tells us how stable the wine is. Some micro organisms find it easier to grow at a higher pH, so it is important to control this growth. This is done by accurate and consistent use of sulfur dioxide (SO2) as an anti bacterial agent. The effectiveness of control reduces as the SO2 level reduces and the wine pH increases.

What is the optimum pH for a wine?

The optimum range for a good quality wine is pH3.2 to pH3.6. Lower than pH3.2 will diminish survival rates of both yeast and malolactic bacteria, while higher than pH3.6 will enable harmful bacteria to flourish and therefore cause the wine to deteriorate.

Is there a relationship between pH and total acidity?

To some extent there is a relationship between the two, however it is not that straight forward. As pH can measure the amount of acids present, ie. the total quantity of acids, it also measures the tartaric to malic acid ratio as well as the amount of potassium in the wine.

Wines containing lower acid and more potassium will show higher pH values, whereas wines with more tartaric acid, less malic acid and less potassium will have lower pH values.

As wine contains a mix of acids, predominantly tartaric, with some malic, citric and lactic, pH alone cannot express the wines acidity. And so this is why titratable acidity (TA) is also measured. TA represents the amount of tartaric acid that is present in the wine, and values range from 7-12 g/l.

How can the pH and TA levels be adjusted?

It is convenient that pH and TA can be adjusted together at the same time. To increase the acid, many winemakers add pre-purchased tartaric acid powder for red wines, and maybe a combination of two thirds tartaric to one third malic for whites. It is difficult to achieve an exact pH especially as wine is a buffered solution. Predicting how a certain g/l acid addition will adjust the pH is not easy. Even professional winemakers struggle with this, and ultimately it comes down to experience and vineyard knowledge.

The best way, and most accurate, is to get the musts measured for total acidity in g/l. Good wine laboratories can undertake these analyses for you. Once the TA is measured, you will know exactly how much acid to add per litre of wine to adjust the TA by the numbers. Some examples of pH ranges for:

• Californian whites - 5.5 to 8.0 g/l
• Californian reds - 5.0 to 6.5 g/l

NB. Not to forget that it is a decision always based on other factors, such as Balance, Taste and Flavour as well.

About tartaric acid?

Tartaric acid is a naturally present acid in the grape. It is not consumed by yeasts or by any other microorganism during the winemaking process, but remains in the wine. These small acid crystals - much the same size as grains of sugar - can be removed from the wine by a process of cold stabilization. Failing to remove the crystals when the wine is cold will allow them to either redissolve and stay in the wine, only to settle out if and when the wine gets cold.

If you have ever seen these small crystals at the base of a glass of wine or bottle, don’t worry, they are completely harmless. They are referred to as ‘potassium tartrate crystals’ or ‘wine diamonds’, and are just rather unsightly.

pH TESTING EQUIPMENT

1. Hanna Checker-1 Digital pH Meter. This is a small hand-held electronic pH meter which is easy to read and use. It is highly accurate with 0.01 resolution and a replaceable electrode. It does require calibrating solutions.
2. HI 222 Professional pH Meter. This meter allows for automatic pH calibration at pH3 and pH7. Most conventional pH meters fail to warn the user when the pH electrode is dirty, but this meter uses Hanna’s signature Calibration Check(TM) technology to detect a dirty electrode and warn the user during calibration.

It can be seen how important it is to measure pH, so you will end up with an attractive, stable and well balanced wine. It might sound complicated, but using your educated wine palate along with a little pH testing meter, you will never look back and leave it to chance.

Rob Hemphill has been a professional winemaker for over 20 years, and is now a freelance marketing writer living in the UK. He specializes in wine consultancy and has a wide knowledge in vines, vineyards and wine growing techniques as well. His favourite varietals are Gewurztraminer and Shiraz.

To learn more about wine, please visit Understanding Wine where you will find a wealth of interesting wine information.

Ever made Homemade wine before? Don’t know how to, why not visit http://winemakinghome.blogspot.com.

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By Angella Jones Brown

Wine and its health benefits have always been a burning topic of discussion. There are many myths and facts surrounding this topic. In this article I would like to list out some of the facts which concern about health and drinking wine.

In recent past many studies conducted throughout the world have revealed that red wine decreases the risk of heart attacks. The scientific data has proven that one drink per day for women and two drinks a day for men lower the risk of heart attacks by around 30-45%. The studies indicated that the red wine is capable of increasing the high density cholesterol or the HDL cholesterol and decrease the production of low density cholesterol or the LDL cholesterol. The HDL is a good fat which actually decreases the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary blood vessels thus decreasing the risk of heart attacks.

This effect of red wine is mainly due to its rich source of antioxidants, especially flavonoid phenolics. The phenolic is present in the grape skin in the form of Resveratrol. This antioxidant is the main reason why the red wine increases production of HDL cholesterol while decreasing LDL cholesterol. The flavonoid present in the red wine also has additional effects such as preventing formation of intravascular blood clots and plagues, this property helps in preventing strokes and heart attacks.

In the year 2002 the study from University of Buffalo found that white wine drinkers had better lung functions. The correlation between white wine and lung function was not completely determined. According to the survey group the people who consumed white wine only, were people who had the highest amount of antioxidants in their blood. These people were also people who had a healthy body compared to beer or other alcoholic drinks drinkers. Another study has proven that consuming moderate amount of wine per day increased the excretion of metabolic wastes such as uric acid, thus preventing gout. Like any other alcoholic drink consumption of wine increases urinary output, decreasing the chances of formation of renal stones

All the studies of wine and health had one thing in common, the amount of wine consumed. If the amount of wine consumed per day exceeds the normal limit, then the individual will have adverse effects. In order to truly experience the beneficial effect of wine it is important that one drinks responsibly and limits the consumption to one or maximum two glasses of wine per day. Excess wine results in putting extra load on the liver and in due course of time leads to cirrhosis of liver.

Angella Brown is an expert author on various interesting topics. In this article she discusses about wine and health, to know more visit yellowtail wine. In order to truly enjoy wine it is important to know little bit more about wines. To know more about wines and wine glasses feel free to visit red wine.

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Depending on your perspective, Alta Vista Winery is either one of the great successes of the globalization of the wine industry, or one of the forbears of a coming apocalypse of standard wines being produced everywhere.

Alta Vista is owned by the Edonia Group, which is based in France and produces wine in France, Hungary and at Alta Vista in Argentina. The d’Aulan family (majority owners of Edonia) saw the great potential in Argentinean wines during a trip to South America in the early 1980’s and after acquiring Alta Vista have focused the production of the winery on Malbec and Torrontes which are the two most successful native varietals in Argentina. In many ways, it is impossible to separate wine from Argentina from Malbec. Not only does not other wine producing county craft Malbec of the same quality, Argentina has not been able to consistently produce world class wine outside of Malbec itself.

Alta Vista itself is a huge operation, even on the international stage. It makes close to 1 million cases of wine per year (by comparison Mondavi makes about 6 million) and it is reported that it is the largest producer in all of Argentina. Given such huge production levels it is impossible to simply suggest that any wine from Alta Vista is a good one. However, given their French owners (and therefore influence) it is often the case that their single vineyard wines receive the most attention and care. They truly believe that each of their vineyards imparts a different quality to the wine and when sampling them side by side it is impossible to disagree. If you need to select a wine from Alta Vista, purchasing a general Malbec in good vintages (like 2007) will certainly work well, however in worse growing years you may be advised to either look elsewhere or spend the extra money to purchase a single vineyard wine which generally speaking, would be more consistent.

Generally speaking, you can find a good example of their basic Malbec at almost any good wine store with prices likely to range from $12-$20 depending on the year and the relative size of your local market.

If you’ve tried a Malbec from Argnetina, this is a great place to start because you will be able to taste differences in both vintages and vineyards hopefully giving you a good idea what Malbec can create when handled well.

Want more wine information? Want to join a real wine club that is interested in more then just taking your money for their real business? Use promo code EZine at Uncorked Ventures to take 10% off your first wine club order just for reading this article!

Wine Clubs

Wine Club

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Spy Valley is located in Marlboro New Zealand and since its inception in 1993 has been growing some of the most impressive fruit in all of the New Zealand wine industry. Starting in 2000 the winery started producing wines under their own name instead of simply selling the fruit and the results certainly speak for themselves.

Focused on the French ideal of terrior Spy Valley crafts wines which are largely vineyard designated (meaning each wine comes from only 1 vineyard) and they attempt to show not only a representation of a single varietal in each wine, but they also want to show a sense of place and what makes New Zealand wine unique. Their string of successful and now world class wines are even more impressive when you consider not only the young age of the winery, but also the fact that the land on which the vineyards now site was, when they were purchased, considered too hard, rocky and infertile to grow quality grapes. With a focus and an ultra modern wine making facility Spy Valley has proven this assumption to be false and the ownership and winemaker do truly believe in the Napa California ideal that grapes forced to struggle will produce the highest quality fruit anywhere they are grown.

One of the most impressive environmentally conscious wineries on the planet, Spy Valley takes extraordinary steps to insure that they are not only good stewards of the environment, but that they are actually leaving the land better then they originally found it. Some of these steps include waste water recycling (used to water the vineyard), organic mulch made from excess vine cuttings, achieving 100% recycling including all glass bottles used on the property (mostly done on site), going as far as to have a resident pig living on site so that no food scraps are wasted. It is this type of environmental consciousness that all wineries and business should attempt to reach.

Of course, all of this wouldn’t be possible without the production of world class wine. Largely known for white wines, Spy Valley produces some of the most well balanced wines anywhere in New Zealand. They are especially known for Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines show the type of high acidity, food friendly, fruit forward characteristics that wine lovers the world over have come to enjoy and expect from New Zealand. This is largely possible because of the dramatic temperature differences that the land experiences from warm climates during the day to hugely on shore flows off the ocean at night which allow the grapes to recover from the warm day time temperatures. With multiple wines scoring 90+ points from major critics such as Wine Spectator and famed wine critic Robert Parker, this is certainly a winery label to look for during your next visit to your local wine store.

Want more wine information? Want to join a real wine club that is interested in more then just taking your money for their real business? Use promo code EZine at Uncorked Ventures to take 10% off your first wine club order just for reading this article!

Wine Clubs.

Wine Club.

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Since its inception in 1987 Montes Winery in Santiago Chile has been producing some of the finest, most affordable wines anywhere in South America. Recently in the news after being selected to pour at the Wine Spectator grand tasting event and for the horrific earthquake I am happy to note that the winery suffered only superficial damage and should not see any affect in its ongoing product.

A project of four partners (two original, plus two additions a short time later.. all 4 with previous experience within the wine industry either domestically in Chile or abroad) Montes original aim was to prove that the small and medium sized wineries in Chile could in fact produce world class wine, instead of the cheaper product that was geared specifically for customers at their local supermarkets. In many ways they wanted to show that the Chilean wine industry was capable of competing on the international stage with American, French, Italian and Australian wineries. For wine drinkers the world over, we can be thankful that Montes helped to begin this trend in Chile as their wine as well as the wine being produced by other estates in Chile is some of the most affordable highly rated wine in the world.

One of my favorite parts of Montes is their commitment to their environment which is very common in Napa and Sonoma, but much less so in other parts of the world. Montes is focused on producing grapes using sustainable farming practices, natural pest management, preserving water and using recycled products whenever possible. They believe that these types of commitments may raise the prices of their wines in the short term by a small amount, but will allow them (and all other farmers) to product high quality fruit indefinitely on their current estate.

Lastly Montes has made a name for itself as one of the few wineries outside of the United States that not only accepts wine tasters, but encourages them. I can highly encourage anyone who happens to be vacationing in South America, Chile in peculiar, to take an afternoon to enjoy the view, wine and lunch being offered on a vineyard tour from the winery. You’ll enjoy some of the best fruit forward Cabernet Sauignon and Chardonnay that is being produced in Chile, even being named the International Winery of the Year in 2007 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This is the type of family owned operation that I like to support if they are found in the United States, or internationally.

Want more wine information? Want to join a real wine club that is interested in more then just taking your money for their real business? Use promo code EZine at Uncorked Ventures to take 10% off your first wine club order just for reading this article!

Wine Clubs

Wine Club

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Ask anyone who is passionate about a particular sport or hobby and they’ll tell you that to get started, you need the right equipment - a cyclist needs a decent bike and helmet, a golfer needs a good set of clubs. What they don’t tell you up front is the kind of stuff that matters - the stuff that makes you feel like you’re a part of it - like knowing where everyone meets for that caffeine fix after the Sunday morning ride, or how to get nominated into the best golf course.

The same can be said for anyone getting into wine or getting serious about it. So, how do you maximise your enjoyment of wine? We’ve put together a list of tips, ideas, and equipment for any self confessed wine lover. If you can’t tick each of these, you’re not getting the best out of it, and boy, you’re missing out.

Wine Education - expand your wine knowledge

A good way to start here is to get your hands on a good wine book and subscribe to a couple of wine sites plus a magazine or two. The major newspapers have regular features recommending wines so try these and see what you think. You may find that you disagree with some wine writers and that your taste is aligned with others. There’s no right and wrong when it comes to wine, all that matters is what you like to drink. You could also attend a wine course which is a bit of fun.

Next, get to know a reputable wine retailer and introduce yourself to someone there who has broad knowledge in both local and overseas wines. Tell them what you like and don’t like and ask them to suggest which wines you should try. Buy a bottle or two then give them feedback on the wine they recommended. If you really like something and it will improve with age, buy a half dozen to pop into the cellar.

When visiting wineries, try a few wines at their cellar door and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Again, you can just buy a bottle or two of what you like and subscribe to their mailing list if you really love their wines.

Wine Racks - great for short term drinking

A wine rack at home is fine for short term wine storage, wines that you aim to drink within a couple of months. Of course, your choice of wine rack will depend on a number of factors, including space, budget and aesthetic preference. There are a myriad of wine racks on the market to suit all of the above, but please, please don’t keep wines there you plan on cellaring long term.

Wine Storage - start a cellar and maintain good records

There is probably no better sense of satisfaction for a wine enthusiast that opening a bottle of wine you’ve cellared for a few years. Assuming it was a decent wine to start with, the quality of the wine after cellaring will depend largely on how and where it’s been cellared.

Ideal conditions for cellaring wine include a consistent low temperature, high humidity, low vibration, minimal lighting and good air flow. So, storing wine in the home simply doesn’t cut it.

Your options here are offsite storage in a professional facility, a good wine cabinet, or wine fridge as they are more commonly called, or to build your own cellar. Of course, each option depends on a number of factors and each has their advantages and disadvantages so you really need to do the research to determine the best option.

Serve Wine at its Ideal Drinking Temperature

Whilst all wine needs to be cellared at the same storage temperature, its ideal drinking temperature depends on its variety, as the table below clearly illustrates (temperatures are in degrees Celsius):

<br /> Wine Variety Storage Temperature Drinking Temperature<br /> Cabernet / Shiraz 14 18<br /> Pinot Noir 14 14<br /> Chardonnay 14 10<br /> Sauvignon Blanc 14 8<br /> Champagne 14 6<br />

Easy to say, but how do you determine the wine’s temperature? If you consider that your fridge at home is set at around 4 degrees Celsius, you could take out the bottle of white a bit before drinking, and with reds kept at room temperature (which is around 21 degrees), you could put it in the fridge a bit before drinking. If you want something a bit more precise, there are a number of wine temperature gadgets on the market that will do the trick.

Corkscrews

Get yourself a decent corkscrew. Here are three that I can thoroughly recommend:

1. Screwpull’s LM400 Lever Model Corkscrew - a heavy duty corkscrew from a very reputable brand and the easiest corkscrew I have ever used.

2. Forge Laguiole corkscrew - a classic every wine enthusiast should aspire to own.

3. Pulltap corkscrew - a good basic corkscrew to keep in the wine bag or picnic basket.

Decanters

Decanting aerates wine which releases aromas that accentuates the nose and palate and almost every bottle of red will benefit from decanting. Some people collect decanters, but you can’t go wrong with the following:

1. Riedel Tyrol Decanter - to impress at your next dinner party.

2. Parabola Decanter or Cantatrice Decanter - something different for you or a great gift for someone else.

3. L’Atelier du Vin Lola Carafe - because it’s easy to use everyday.

If you can’t be bothered or don’t have the time to decant, get a wine finer or wine aerator, which will basically do the same thing. Heck, get one anyway and put it in your wine bag for that weekend getaway.

Glassware

Do yourself a favour and buy some decent wine glasses. Anyone who has ever attended a masterclass where they have tasted the same wine in different ‘vessels’ will tell you what an incredible difference it makes to the smell and taste of the wine and that you’ve got to get it right. Here are three glasses you will undoubtedly enjoy:

1. Whilst Riedel is a well known brand, they have so many ranges and shapes that you really need to speak to someone who knows what they’re talking about. Riedel Vinnum is a good place to start and buy at least two for your favourite wine variety and you will feel like a king when you drink out of them. Don’t let them get too dusty though, use them whenever you open a great bottle.

2. Spiegelau Authentis - also made of crystal and impressive enough for the dinner party but won’t send you broke if someone breaks a glass, so great for everyday use too. Best of all, you can put them straight into the dishwasher.

3. The Wine Enthusiast Fusion Break Resistant Glassware - perfect for outdoor entertaining because it takes a lot to break them. Dishwasher friendly too.

Wine Care

There are a heap of ‘wine care’ products that make your life easier when it comes to looking after glassware, like decanter cleaning beads, a stemware cleaning brush (which we use almost every night and wouldn’t wash a glass with anything else), a stemware drying mat, decanter drainer and the list goes on.

Wine Preservation - for leftover wine

Whenever we talk to people about preserving an opened bottle of wine, they invariably respond with ‘but we always finish the bottle’. What they don’t get is the flexibility it gives you. It means you can open that special bottle without having to worry that it will go to waste if you don’t drink it all. You can also open a bottle of white before dinner and have red with your meal. Most products will preserve your wine for a day or two but there is a new product on the market that will keep your wine as fresh as the day it was opened for up to 10 days. Again, we’ve listed a few options below:

1. Vacuvin - easy to use manual vacuum pump system that preserves wine for a day or two.

2. Wine Preserva - a thin disc is inserted into the bottle and provides a barrier, keeping wine fresh for up to 5 days.

3. Sowine - unique and high-quality preservation system that keeps your favourite wines at the perfect tasting temperature and preserves your wine for up to 10 days.

Wine Gadgets - toys for the wine enthusiast

This is where we get to the fun stuff, the bits and pieces that you probably didn’t know you needed but wouldn’t be without once you have them. Examples are label savers, foil cutters, a wine quiz, wine journal, and Le Nez du Vin (a set on scents that allow you to learn about the different smells in wine).

Drink wine at its Peak / Cellar Management tools

Many wine guides will give you an indication of the maturing age of most wines. The idea here, especially if you have bought at least a half dozen, is to try a bottle a couple of years beforehand to see how it’s travelling. You can keep manual notes in a wine journal or, if you have the time and discipline, purchase wine software. Don’t let the wines go beyond their recommended cellaring dates in hope that they will get better because they won’t.

Consider selling wines as your tastes change

You may find that your taste in wine changes over time. If they do, consider selling some of your collection. There are a number of wine auction organisations that are always on the lookout for interesting wines. They generally charge a percentage to do the job and you can put a reserve on the wine.

So, there you have it. We hope we’ve shed some light on how you, as a wine enthusiast can get the best from your drinking experience.

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