The Decline of Rome.
February 2, 2011
Romans discovered that mixing lead with wine not only helped preserve wine, but also gave it a sweet taste and smooth texture. Chronic lead poisoning has often been cited as one of the causes of the decline of Rome.
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Friends of James Beard Foundation Benefit Dinner at One Ocean
February 1, 2011
The FLASQ – It’s What’s Inside That Counts
February 1, 2011
It’s funny, I had a dream a few nights ago that someone was trying to sell me a wine that was packaged in a polystyrene bottle. I woke up the next morning and read this story!
The FLASQ (produced by JT Wines) however is not packaged in polystyrene, but aluminum (which by the way I still pronounce al-u-min-e-um). The FLASQ is the first domestic wine to be sold in quick-chilling, 100 percent recyclable 375ml aluminum bottles, which yield about 2 glasses.
Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t see the humble glass bottle going anywhere anytime soon, but there are obviously numerous benefits for aluminum bottles. Aluminum chills five times faster than glass bottles and stays cold longer; offers shatter-proof packaging; and preserves taste from barrel through to consumption. The aluminum bottles and screw caps used for the FLASQ product line are also 100 percent recyclable.
In the U.S., aluminum cans are recycled at over twice the rate compared to plastic and glass packaging, JT Wines notes. “Additionally, compared to glass, the carbon footprint of aluminum bottles is reduced by 35 percent due to a lighter case weight in shipping,” the company says.
It goes without saying that JT wines are marketing the FLASQ at Millennial’s.
My Thoughts on the FLASQ
Let’s not kid ourselves, anyone who is trying the FLASQ for the first time is going to have very low expectations about the wine. For that reason, I really hope the wine is palatable. If you are going to be the first to do something, (in this case the first wine packaged in 100 percent aluminum), your product better be at least half-decent!
From what I have already seen, the reviews have looking good. I think it was a wise move to go with a Monterey Chardonnay and a San Luis Obispo Merlot, rather than generic California labels.
In all honesty I have high hopes for the FLASQ. I can see it being widely used at sports/music events or being taken to the pool / beach. Will the FLASQ make it on the list at Bern’s Steakhouse? No, probably not.
I do think JT Wines need to expand the FLASQ product line a little though. It’s still early days for the company, but if they are going to have a large scale success, they need to not only explore California, but also brand out into South American and European wines. They need a Malbec (from Argentina), a Californian Red Blend, German Riesling, New Zealand Sauv Blanc, and a couple of Sparkling wines (Prosecco would be a good fit). Maybe even a Spanish Albarino and Argentine Torrontes, perfect crisp and refreshing poolside/beach wines. If they have any sense, they will also offer a unoaked Chardonnay, and really play up the “metal” thing. They also all obviously need to be great value, whilst not compromising taste.
I would also recommend that if JT Wines are going to expand their product line on the FLASQ, they need to GET ON IT QUICK! There 101 other wine companies with more cash and wider distribution that are going to be biting at the heels of the FLASQ.
Posted in News | Leave a comment //Oenophobia–The Worst Phobia Known to Man!
January 31, 2011
Oenophobia is an intense fear or hatred of wine.
Supposedly, people who suffer from this phobia often do so because of the complexity that involves choosing and drinking wine. Oenophobia is also referred to as a type of social anxiety disorder in which a person will avoid wine altogether, fearing they are not well-knowledgeable about the selection. Individuals may experience anxiety, nervousness, embarrassment, or slight perspiration.
I’m NOT making this up I promise!
The Cure?
From checking a few different sources, it’s suggested that people can overcome the fear on their own; but often a mental health professional may be needed.
Now I’m not a Doctor (even through my handwriting looks like I am), but hiring a Psychiatrist to overcome your fear of wine sounds expensive to me! For a small percentage of what a mental health professional will charge, you can come to my house for dinner a couple of nights in a row. After finishing off a case of wine, I’ll no doubt be able to cure you!
Do me a favor though, if you’re coming over make sure you bring a bottle of…..oh wait…..
Walgreens Launches New Wine Brand for American Heart Month
January 31, 2011
Walgreens is set to launch a new private label wine in the next few weeks.
Colby Red is a California blend of Cabernet, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot and Petite Sirah and will retail for $12.99.
The wine is dedicated to raising awareness for heart disease in association with the American Heart Association. Winemaker Daryl Groom was inspired to create the wine in honor of his 12-year old son, Colby Rex Groom, who was born with a hole in his heart and has undergone multiple surgeries to treat the defect. Full rollout of the wine (to over 4,500 Walgreens locations) is anticipated during American Heart Month in February.
Treasury Wine Estates, parent company of Australian brand Penfolds, where Groom once served as senior red winemaker, will match the contributions of the Groom family. Together they plan to donate a combined $100,000 to the American Heart Association with the first vintage.
Riondo Prosecco NV
January 28, 2011
Grape
Prosecco di Valdobbiadene [Val-do-bi-ad-en-ay]
Facts
Prosecco is made using a much simpler method than true Champagne. Instead of fermenting in the bottle (as Champagne is), Prosecco grapes are fermented in large stainless steel vats. There are a couple of reasons behind this; firstly it’s cheaper, secondly if the wine was made in the same way as Champagne (and subsequently aged in the bottle), the wine would lose a lot of its freshness, aromatics and crisp fruit flavor.
Because Prosecco isn’t made using the same method as Champagne, it is also bottled under less pressure. The wines are therefore not as effervescent, but instead are lighter and softer on the palate, which helps explain its popularity as an easy drinking sparkler.
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