Definitive wine tasting guide
October 30, 2007
1. Look Pour a glass of wine into a suitable wine glass. Then take a good look at the wine. What color is it? Look beyond red, white or blush. If it’s a red wine is the color maroon, purple, ruby, garnet, red or even brownish. If it’s a white wine is it clear, straw-like, golden, light green, pale yellow or brown in appearance?
2. Still Looking. Move on to the wine’s opacity. Is the wine clear, cloudy, transparent or opaque? Tilt your glass a bit, give it a little swirl - look again, you are looking at color, clarity, brilliance (sounds like you’re finding the perfect diamond!) - is there sediment, bits of cork or any other floating bits? An older red wine will be more translucent than younger red wines.
3. Smell Our sense of smell is critical in properly analyzing a glass of wine. To get a good impression of your wine’s aroma, gently swirl your glass (this will enhance the wine’s natural aromas) and then take a quick whiff to gain a first impression.
4. Still Smelling. Now stick your nose down into the glass and take a deep inhale through your nose. What are your second impressions? Do you smell oak, berry, flowers, vanilla or citrus? A wine’s aroma is an excellent indicator of its quality and unique characteristics. Gently swirl the wine and let the aromas mix and mingle, and sniff again.
5. Taste Finally, take a taste. Start with a small sip and let it roll around your tongue. There are three stages of taste:
6. Taste - After gathering your initial impression of the wine, allow a small breath of air in through your lips and allow the wine to mingle with the air (called swirling). This will allow you to taste flavors more fully (even if you look or sound a bit funny). What do you taste? Reds will often have berry, woody and bell pepper tastes. White wines will often have apple, floral or citrus flavors associtated with them.
7. Initial Taste - This is your first impression of the wine’s components and flavors.
8. Finish - The wine’s finish is how long the flavor lasts after it is swallowed. Did it last several seconds? Was it light-bodied (like water) or full-bodied (like the consistency of milk)?
9. After you have taken the time to taste your wine, you might record some of your impressions. Did you like the wine overall? Does it taste better with cheese, bread or a heavy meal? Will you buy it again? If so, jot the wine’s name, producer and year down for future reference.
Southern Arizona Wine Country - Touring and Tasting in the Sonoita Elgin Area
October 30, 2007
When we stayed at the Spirit Tree Inn in Patagonia, Arizona we were in a perfect place to begin a journey into the Southern Arizona Wine Country. We planned for a day of photography and tasting.
Getting There
The Wine Country is about 55 miles from Tucson, Arizona. The areas you will want to visit are Sonoita and Elgin and the beautiful rolling countryside in between. The loop takes you from Highway 82 (running between Sierra Vista and Patagonia) along Upper Elgin Road, Elgin Road and Lower Elgin Road. To get your bearings, I recommend picking up a “Wineries of Sonoita” flyer in Patagonia or reviewing the Arizona Wine Country Website. Print out this great winery map.
What to Take
Depending on the time of year, you may need a jacket to protect you from the wind on the open plains. A picnic lunch would be a nice addition to your gear and a cooler for your wine purchases is recommended during warm weather. Take your map with you so you won’t miss any of the tasting rooms.
About Wine Country
The first experimental vineyard was established in 1973. Arizona wines have gained an international reputation. There are 14 vineyards and wineries. According to the Arizona Wine Grower’s Association, climate and soil studies have revealed that this region is similar to Ribera Del Duero, Spain, Southeastern Australia, Southern France and is almost identical to that of Paso Robles, California.
One of the first things you will notice about Arizona Wine Country is that it isn’t like the Napa or Sonoma Valleys of California. There are no crowds, no in-your-face commercialization and you will drive along windswept plains from winery to winery. Some of them are so simple that they don’t have signs on the tasting room! But as you travel you will find that you have discovered a diamond in the rough. The wine growers in the area know their business and are slowly earning a world-wide reputation.
About Wine Tasting
The flyer, “Wineries of Sonoita” lists the tasting rooms that offer a “glass discount.” When you arrive at the first tasting room, you will be offered a tasting for about $3.00. This includes a glass. If you accept the plain tasting glass, you can take it to other wineries and be charged a dollar less for the tasting. Wineries participating in the glass discount are:
* Dos Cabezas Wine Works
* Rancho Rossa Vineyards
* Sonoita Vinyards
* Callaghan Vineyeards
Our Tasting Experience
We drove “the back way” from Patagonia enjoying the views and vastness of the windswept plains. It was April and the grasses were a lovely light flaxen color. As we drove, my friend pointed out the mountains of Mexico. We were indeed in the borderlands. Having said that, we saw only one border patrol vehicle the whole day and quite a few vans of tourist tasters who were being driven from winery to winery.
Sonoita Vineyards
Our first stop was at Sonoita Vineyards, the original 1973 experimental vineyard founded by A. Blake Brophy and Dr. Gordon Dutt. The tasting room was simple and was situated on a hill overlooking the rolling plains. It is a two story building and we heard that there is room upstairs for wedding receptions and large meetings. There were places to sit outside and enjoy the view on a less windy day. The $3.00 tasting charge was explained and a group of us made our way from the whites to the reds enjoying the stories of the host.
Of course, they have some award-winning wines, but what I remember most are the stories about the wines with the unusual names… Arizona Sunset, a lovely rose, and Angel Wings, chosen as a communion wine. My favorite was the Sonora Rossa, a Chianti-style wine which would be good served with a nice pasta with marinara sauce. It was lighter than most Chiantis. Winery Website
Callaghan Vineyards
As we approached the small tasting room at Callaghan, we suspected this was a special place. Although there was no name on the tasting room, wine lovers apparently were able to find it without a problem. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot. People were leaving the tasting room with heavy cases of wines.
We went inside and saw that the Callaghan family, Kent, Lisa and their daughter were swamped. Kent and Lisa poured and their young daughter swiped credit cards. The atmosphere was one of a friendly party in a small home.
The wines of The Callaghan Vineyards, founded in 1988, have received praise from wine critics. One of their wines was served at Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s retirement dinner. No wonder people had come from near and far to visit the winery.
We made our way through a few recommended wines and I stopped…. The “Z5” had to be one of the best red wines I had tasted… anywhere! This blend of 56% Zinfandel, 22% Mourvedre and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, was as smooth as they come. I am no wine expert and I tend to stick to only the more affordable wines, but I snapped up two bottles to take home to serve with beefy Mexican dishes.
We noticed that the wine had a screw cap. Callaghan has taken the screw cap plunge. He is convinced that wine ages better. According to Kent, “In fact, in my view, the research suggests that if you want wine to age well, screwcaps are the best closure to use.” And, they ship their wine. You can order online. Vineyards Website.
The Rock and Roll Winery
My friend said she was taking me to a “rock and roll winery” so my interest was piqued. As we headed into Rancho Rossa Vineyards, we passed beautiful young grape vines all carefully pruned. Again, we entered a simple tasting room with no signage. The friendly owner was there pouring. She was very busy so we perused the walls with Rock and Roll photos and posters. Amazingly, rock and roll music was not blaring in the tasting room and the wines didn’t have cutesy rock and roll names.
Quality wines come from this 17 acre vineyard. Their 2004 Syrah won the 2005 Governor’s Choice Award for Best Red Wine in the state. Rancho Rossa also ships wines and has a Wine Buyers Club. Vineyards Website.
Mornington Peninsula Wine Region Wine Tasting Tours
October 30, 2007
Drive, or Join a Tour
It’s only been in relatively recent years that Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, just south of Melbourne, has become a wine region of note.
While there was a bit of viticulture in the late 1800s and then in the 1950s, it was only in the early 1970s that Mornington Peninsula became a name to be reckoned with in the wine industry when a relatively large number of vineyards and wineries began to be established.
Wine varieties
The region is known for its chardonnay and pinot noir, as well as shiraz and the lesser known varieties of viognier and pinot gris.
Other wine varieties grown in the region include cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot and riesling.
South of Frankston
The wine region starts at Mt Eliza, south of Frankston where you start seeing road signs pointing you to various wineries and cellar doors.
Just before the town of Mornington, there’s a turnoff to the right to Morning Star Estate, which could be your first cellardoor stop in the peninsula, and a sample of what to expect in the region.
Morning Star Estate includes a restaurant, hotel and rose gardens, as well as providing cellardoor wine tasting. The estate is open daily.
Wine-tasting tour
Mornington Peninsula has some 170 wineries and 50 cellar doors. If you’re on a wine-tasting tour of the region, particularly on a weekday, note that not all Mornington Peninsula wineries and cellar doors are open daily.
Some are open only on weekends, some on the first weekend of the month, while still others are open only by appointment.
Grab hold of a wine touring map indicating winery locations and when (and if) they’re open.
Inland vineyards
After Morning Star Estate, it’s best to swing inland at Mornington to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway where you’ll find Barmah Park Wines and Dromana Estate, both of which are open daily. There’s a restaurant at Dromana.
Further south after leaving the freeway, there’s a concentration of vineyards and wineries east of Arthurs Seat.
Open daily in this area are Bayview Estate Winery, Vidoni Estate Vineyard, Main Ridge Estate, the intriguingly-named Ten Minutes by Tractor Wine Company, T’Gallant Winemakers, and Mantons Creek.
On Red Hill Rd is Eldridge Estate of Red Hill, while further south along Shoreham Rd are Red Hill Estate, Tuck’s Ridge, Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove, and Pier 10.
Paringa Estate and Stonier Wines are also in the area and closer to Merricks. Box Stallion, Willow Creek Vineyard and Marinda Park Vineyard are in the Balnarring area. The Cups Estate is way to the east on Browns Rd in Rye.
There are many more vineyards in the hinterland but most of these open only on weekends, one weekend a month or only by appointment.
The Advantages Of Organic Wine
October 25, 2007
Wine is an alcoholic beverage that is made up from water and
grape juice. It goes through a fermenting process that increases
it flavor. Because of the high demand of wines, many vintners
have developed ways to protect their vineyards from pests and
other insects that love to eat the grapes and the plants. They
have also developed way to make their yield more by adding
chemical fertilizers to the soil and the plants. Read more
Guide To Storing & Enjoying Wine
October 22, 2007
No matter what you tipple is; white, red, pink or sparkling,
storing your wine correctly is essential. Simply putting your
favourite bottle above the fridge and forgetting about it for a
year could drastically alter the taste, then, when you come to
enjoy it at that special occasion, it might not be as favourable
as you hoped.
Despite wines being a perishable commodity, properly caring for
and storing your wine can actually improve its’ aroma, flavour,
texture and complexity over time.
Step 1: How long are you storing your wine for?
The first decision to make is how long you are planning to
store your wine for. Generally short term storage means 3 to 6
months and should be your cheaper, less cherished wines, where
as long term can mean decades and should be reserved for your
quality, precious wines.
Step 2: Correct storage conditions
Whether it’s short or long term storage the same rules apply,
firstly and most crucially the bottles should be laid
horizontally instead of upright, this ensures the cork remains
moist, to stop it drying out.
It is essential to keep the wines in a vibration free
environment so they can not move about, therefore on top of
electrical appliances or a place subject to external forces
(i.e. from a subway) should be avoided.
Wine can be greatly affected by its surrounding temperature;
the ideal temperature is roughly 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12°C).
Bottles should be kept out of drafts and any temperature change
should be very gradual.
Additionally light can negatively impact on a wine, which is
why some wine bottles are made of coloured glass. Wine must be
kept out of direct sun light, since too much light can react
with proteins in wine, forming a haze and bad aromas to pollute
its’ flavour.
For long term storage, the correct atmospheric conditions are
required. Humidity has to be very high, approximately 70% or
more, in order to stop the cork drying out and to reduce the
chance of wine evaporating. Also when storing long term,
consider the wines surroundings, ensure there are no other foods
or liquids that could be absorbed into the wine itself.
Substances with strong aromas for example fuel or vinegar must
be kept elsewhere!
Step 3: Enjoy…
When the time comes to pop the cork and savour all your hard
work, drink responsibly but do try to finish bottles within a
few days of opening, since as soon as the wine is exposed to air
it starts mixing with oxygen. This is known as oxidation, which
also alters the essence of the wine.
Correct wine storage is fundamental for any serious wine lover,
enthusiast or even hobbyist. The most effective storage is in a
wine cellar, since numerous bottles can be kept conveniently out
of sight yet in the perfect conditions.
Cheers!
Make The Most Out Of Wine Country Tours
October 22, 2007
Make the most of your next wine country trip. Wine has been a
big part of a lot of different cultures for many many years. You
might not think it so – to you wine is probably just be
something you drink with dinner, and your knowledge of what
constitutes a good wine might simply be limited to what tastes
good with whatever food you have prepared. However, there are
many people who have made wine into their entire lives, and wine
is very important to many countries – in culture, in life in
general, and in people’s minds as a staple of their lives. This
is part of what makes wine tasting trip so fun, and so
interesting. However, there is much more to going on wine
country tours than simply sipping on wine in different
vineyards. Wine country tours can be the most interesting,
enlightening, and fun times you can ever have.
What Are They About?
You might be thinking what wine country tours are all about.
First of all, yes, the wine tasting part is included in wine
country tours. You’ll visit the different wineries that are
located in the area you are touring, and get to sample the
different great wines that they sell at these wineries. However,
wine country tours are about much more than simply drinking fine
wines.
Firstly, most wine country tours include tours of the grounds
where the grapes are grown that make the wine. Most people who
enjoy wine don’t really understand where it comes from or what
makes it so special, so on wine country tours you’ll have a
chance to really dig down deep into the details and begin to
learn more about what makes the wine so great, because you’ll be
learning about the grapes that are grown.
Next, you’ll be able to tour the places where the wine is
actually make. This is often the best part of wine country tours
because there aren’t too many people in the world who know how
wine is made and who can tell you the exact process behind it.
On wine country tours you’ll be able to see this first hand, and
the next time you take a drink of wine you’ll be able to think
about exactly how the wine came into being.
Often, however, the best part of wine country tours remains
still the tasting of the wine. This, of course, is something
that you can experience for yourself, and that you can remember
always. You can also, if you’re lucky, take some wine home to
share with your loved ones!
Excellent New Wine Regions
October 20, 2007
While California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys have attained status rivaling that of France’s Bordeaux and Italy’s Tuscany regions, other vineyard-rich areas have quietly gone about the business of building their reputations and are emerging as serious contenders in the competition for awards and tourists. Globally, they include Switzerland and Tasmania. In the United States, they include the home of 10-gallon hats, Texas, as well as the likes of New York and… Maryland? You read correctly.
Christine Ansbacher, a certified wine educator and author of “Secrets from The Wine Diva,” likes East Coast wines so well that she talked Martha Stewart’s personal chefs into featuring Italian varietals from Virginia, Maryland and Rhode Island at a wine dinner for 100 next month at Al Forno in Providence, R.I. “Emerging wine regions are more like Old World wines in that they have moderate alcohol and better acidity, so they’ll taste more lively and refreshing [than California wines]” Ansbacher says. California wines, she believes, can be “food bullies” because they tend to be heavier and more full bodied.
The Chesapeake State has teamed up with Pennsylvania to create the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail. And in Loudon County, Va., they can’t print wine guide brochures fast enough. What’s going on here…and in Oregon, New York State, and Texas?
We took a close look, region by region: Texas | Virginia | Oregon | Australia | Switzerland | Maryland | New York
Tasmania, Australia Wine Tasting & Australia Vineyards
October 19, 2007
Farther afield, where the Pacific Ocean rips a notch into the northern coast of Tasmania, blue and yellow signs guide travelers along the 105-mile circular Tamar Valley Wine Route.
“There were two vineyards planted in the 1960s, which are still in full swing today,” says Mary Wilson, owner with husband Micheal of Velo Wines. “The first was named La Provence, now Providence Vineyard at Lillydale (this is Tasmania’s oldest vineyard), and Chateaux Legana, now Velo Wines.” (Velo gets its name from Micheal Wilson, Tasmania’s only Tour de France cyclist.) The region’s wineries—now up to 21—are noted for Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, though they also produce Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Oregon Wine Tasting & Oregon Vineyards
October 19, 2007
It would seem logical that the warmer, southern region of Oregon should trump the northern part of the state when it comes to wine, yet Willamette Valley (particularly known for its Pinot Noirs) has received all the glory. The tables could turn, since grape growing in southern Oregon is “going like gangbusters,” according to Kim Kinderman, owner of Agate Ridge Vineyard in the Rogue Valley. “We have tripled the number of acres we have planted in the last five to six years,” she says.
Not only are the number of wineries proliferating, but also the range of varietals is expanding, particularly with later-ripening grapes. Kinderman, who counts 36 wineries in the four-valley area (all within an hour of each other), says Rhone varietals do particularly well there. And the word is getting out. A wine writer from D.C. Examiner published two articles on the region after a visit this summer.
The oldest winery, Hillcrest Vineyard, dates back to 1961. Agate planted its first vineyards in 2001 and opened its tasting room this year. Most of the wineries are young and still small, so if you want to buy a bottle of southern Oregon wine (particularly if you don’t live in Oregon), you’ll probably have to visit the wineries.
Maryland Wine Tasting & Maryland Vineyards
October 19, 2007
“Tobacco farming is effectively dead, and there is a lot of land looking for something to do,” says Rob Deford, owner of Boordy Winery in Hyde, Md., about 15 miles north of Baltimore. After a state buyout program in 1998, many tobacco farmers turned to viticulture. But a deficit of local grapes exists (with 1.5 tons imported for every ton grown in Maryland) “because the [wine] industry is growing so fast,” says Deford, who was a produce farmer before being recruited to grow grapes for Boordy and who purchased the winery in 1980 after studying viticulture at University of California-Davis.
“We were the first winery in the state and one of the first in the East, post-Prohibition,” Deford says. Now Boordy is one of eight wineries on the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail—a two-state collaboration that Deford says makes a point of maintaining an equal number of wineries in Maryland and Pennsylvania, all within a 20-minute drive of each other. It is one of nine wine trails identified by the Maryland Wineries Association.
Although he now sees about 50,000 tasting-room guests in a year, Deford caters to a single-state market. “That’s where the pride factor is working in your favor; and Maryland, fortunately, is a thirsty state,” he says. He’s most proud of his winery’s Cabernet Franc and a blend called Rockfish (named after the state fish) made with Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Chardonnay. Grapes that do best in Maryland are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vidal Blanc.
Boordy has more than tripled production in the last six years, and Deford is excited to see other wine-producing regions besides the usual suspects in the press.
“I’m pleased to see that slowly but surely the outback is gaining attention.”
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