The Difference Between Chianti, Chianti Classico and Chianti Riserva
May 25, 2011
First-off, I don’t know where the above photo was taken, but once I find out I’m booking a plane ticket!!!
So last night, I found myself hosting an informal wine class for a discerning group of tasters here in Jacksonville. The theme of the night was Tuscany, and so I decided to put a heavy emphasis on Chianti, as it goes without saying that it’s Italy’s most famous wine (possibly their most famous export). As the tasting / wine class began, the questions started rolling in, and I noticed that they all seemed to follow the same theme:
“What’s the difference between the various styles of Chianti?”
”Should one be more expensive than the other?”
”What is a DOCG?”
The Silly Wine Tasting Notes Generator
May 24, 2011
Here’s something to help kill 5 minutes at work today!
The Silly Tasting Notes Generator has been around on the Internet for a quite a while, and is perfect if you’ve ever fancied yourself as an aspiring wine connoisseur. Well maybe that’s a stretch for the use of this particular gadget, but it will certainly make for entertaining conversation at the dinner table!
You can choose between Normal or Extra-Silly, and in a mere matter of seconds, the Silly Tasting Notes Generator creates some of the funniest tastings notes I’ve ever seen, for example:
Overdone but equally overcooked Merlot. Shows whole-wheat bread, intense buttermilk pancakes and atomic traces of pesto. Drink now through last Friday.
Intelligent but equally second-rate Gewurztraminer. Kicks you with taco sauce, zealous ganja and lingering hot dog water. Drink now through eternity.
Tightly wound but acidic monster Barbera. Whispers of Mars bar, underdone oysters and atomic traces of lime zest. Drink now through never.
Heavy-weight but equally zealous Rhone. Opens with hair gel, understated teriyaki and strong-willed opium. Drink now through 2010.
Medium-weight and overdone Pinot Gris. Resembles clam chowder, whimsical dishwater and forward toothpaste. Drink now through Friday.
Click here for the Silly Tasting Notes Generator
Posted in Funny | 2 Comments //Three Vines Old Vines Field Blend, Contra Costa – California
May 21, 2011
Wine: Three Wine Company, Old Vines Field Blend
Place: Contra Costa, California
Grapes: Zinfandel, Carignane, Mataro, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, and Black Malvoisie
Retail: Around $18
Samuel’s Gorge Tempranillo from McLaren Vale, Australia.
May 20, 2011
Grape
100% Tempranillo
Most often found in Spain, particularly in the Rioja wine region, the name Tempranillo is thought to be linked to the Spanish word “temprano” meaning “early”. The grape supposedly ripens weeks earlier than other varietals.
Facts
So this would be my first Aussie Tempranillo, at least from what I can remember, but then again my memory is pretty horrible. Tempranillo has always been a grape that has fascinated me. It is so multi-dimensional, and can be produced in a variety of styles depending on the region and the preference of the winemaker. It’s also seems to be a grape that can stand-up to a some time spent in the bottle.
Samuel’s Gorge focus on Shiraz, Grenache and Tempranillo; grape varietals which they believe work especially well in the McLaren Vale region of Southern Australia.
Posted in Reviews | Tagged Australia, Barossa, Jacksonville, McLaren Vale, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo, Thailand | Leave a comment //What is Bottle Shock?
May 20, 2011
Nope, bottle shock isn’t when you jump out wearing a scary mask to surprise your favorite wine! Sorry to disappoint, although that would have been a fun topic!
“Bottle shock” is actually very hard to describe scientifically, but it’s certainly very real.
When a wine is reported to be suffering from bottle shock, it is said to be closed or muted on the palate. All the individual parts of the wine become disjointed, leaving you with a wine that is one-dimensional, dull and lifeless. In that respect, you could actually say the wine has “Paris Hilton Syndrome”, but I digress…
Opici Wine Dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – May 31st
May 19, 2011Join Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (Ponte Vedra Beach) on May 31st as they welcome Opici Wine Company and their impressive portfolio of wines. They’ve put together a delectable five course menu with pairings such as Blackened Ahi Tuna with the Angeline Pinot Noir, and the always popular Ribeye paired with Peju Cabernet Sauvignon.
The cost per guest is $75.00, not including tax and gratuity.
For more information or to make your reservation, call the restaurant at (904) 285-0014.
Opici Wine Dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
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