Drink and Dine – Wine Blog

Bargain hunting for a canny wine buyer is an overflowing cup. At every price point there are astonishing deals being offered in grocery, traditional liquor and the online channel.

The good news is that almost all of the wine sold in New Zealand is of a high international standard. Even the cheapest wine available at the end of your grocery aisle is almost certainly going to be clean, well made and perfectly enjoyable. And that’s its role. A simple drink to take the edge off the day or enjoy with a meal.

Of course there will be some exceptions but, at the $9.99 level, few wines will offer any varietal magic – the X factor that sets better wines apart. And an increasing number of the wines from leading New Zealand producers will be international blends using cheap European, Australian or South American juice to keep their brands viable in this very competitive bracket.

Things start to heat up when you hit $12.99. Oak and palate weight will become more evident in the New Zealand chardonnays. Sauvignon blancs and rieslings of real quality become more common. A rare Kiwi pinot gris or two will emerge. Imported reds will start to shine across the board with flavours in the more savoury spectrum. Estate level Hawkes Bay reds become more frequently available. Drinkable pinot noir is yet to make an appearance.

But the real action starts at $14.99. For most New Zealanders $14.99 is a ceiling price. Approximately 80% of us will seldom spend more than that magical figure on a bottle of wine so the wine industry will tie itself in knots to get their wines below that price point to achieve volume sales.

$14.99 is the true bargain hunters nirvana. At that price you will be able to buy 5 star quality anything – with the notable exception, again, of pinot noir. Often wines that traditionally sell in significantly higher price brackets – sometimes $30 plus – will be discounted by distributors or producers so retailers can hit the $14.99 price point. You will find reserve quality chardonnay. Lush and layered sauvignon blanc. Expressive pinot gris. Quality riesling. Savoury Hawkes Bay reds. An avalanche of imported red varietals. It’s truly a buyers sandpit and a great place to play.

Like any retail industry there are more frogs than princes so the trick is to navigate the deals available to ensure you get the best bang for your buck at the price point you choose. Cheap and good is one thing. Cheap and nasty is another.

Happy hunting!

Mac

By: Mac Macpherson

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

John ‘Mac’ Macpherson is the owner of Advintage Wine Warehouse, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay and regularly writes about wine for local publications. There are tons of great wine deals available at all price points right now at www.advintage.co.nz.

Less strenuous than golf or gardening, better tasting than the backs of old postage stamps, and somewhat more fragrant than some other chief diversion—fishing—is the hobby of wine.

Few other avocations offer as many widely different kinds of pleasure. This one ranges from cultivating your own vineyard to making your own wine; you can tour the world’s wine lands; build a wine cellar; collect old labels, fancy stemware; test your palate by tasting—you can even find sets of ceramic coasters or stone coasters that will match your drink glasses and harmonize with your choice of wine.

Wine also blends with gastronomy. All the noted amateur chefs are equally wine hobbyists, because high cuisine demands wine both as a seasoning and as an accompaniment at the table. As for literature, few kinds of reading offer more pleasure to the senses than recollections of memorable meals artfully blended with great vintages. Wine libraries contain the whole history of civilization.

The wine hobbyist experiences the subtler joys. He sees in his glowing wine the sky over vineyard hillsides; he inhales from it the essence of the countryside; he savors its bouquet, admires it as a work of art, and lets it infuse sunshine into his veins. He pays attention to the smaller details, such as using the correct bar accessories, beverage coasters, and drink glasses for the occasion.

Nothing in this article is intended to deprecate the higher arts of wine appreciation. The hope is that it will attract more genuine hobbyists to the subject, because unlike the overcrowding of favorite fishing holes, the more devotees of wine, the merrier. Let us first, therefore, expand the references made in earlier chapters to the aging of wines; for here is the principal delight in this entire sphere.

Although most of the world’s wines reach their peak in quality early, and thereafter decline, certain red table wines, a very few whites, and a substantial proportion of the Sherries and dessert wines develop superlative quality with long years in their bottles.

The extent of their improvement in glass—after their preliminary maturing in casks—can be likened to the difference between sandstone drink coasters merely planed and the same stone sandpapered, or to the difference between a rosebud and the full-blown flower.

But the selection of such wines requires study. Many of the leading Bordeaux producers, once noted for the longevity of their wines—vintages famed for living a half-century or longer—have changed their output in recent years to lighter, earlier-maturing wines.

Even the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, of which there are magnificent examples nearly fifty years old, are being made lighter and earlier maturing now than formerly, by drawing the wine off the grape skins before fermentation is complete.

One reason for this is the modern consumer’s apparent liking for fresher-tasting, lighter-bodied wines than formerly. Another is that vintners have come to realize that merchants cannot afford to keep stocks many years before sale.

The California premium producers usually store their wines in bins at the wineries for a few months to a year after bottling—just to take off the rough edges, they say. But binning is expensive in terms of space, handling, and waiting for the proceeds of sale. Only the householder can reasonably be expected to buy wines for the special purpose of aging in the bottle.

By: Allison Ryan

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in the history of viticulture and viniculture. For beautiful sandstone drink coasters and charming sets of beverage coasters, stop by www.thirstycoasters.com/.

Bottle Sizes

Wine for commercial use can be packaged in various size containers; bag in a box, tetra packs and recently there have been discussions for plastics bottles (ouch). The most traditional way to package wine is in glass bottles, from clear to assorted shades of green, yellow and brown glass. Sizes range from 250ml to 6000ml, with all other sizes in between. Glass bottles allow wines to be properly stored and aged. When you buy quality wines you should always buy glass bottles, preferably with a natural cork.

Below are some terms used for different bottle sizes; keep in mind that some of these terms are taken from French terminology. However, today they have become custom names in the industry.

*Standard; Refers to a standard 750ml (25.4 fl oz) bottle. This bottle size was adopted from the wine industry in the last couples of centuries and has become the norm for most wines. The 750ml (25.4 fl oz) bottle was designed for convenience as it serves an average of two people; 375ml (12.7 fl oz) per individual equal to two 6.5 fl oz glasses of wine per person. It can also serve four people one glass each 187.5ml (6.3 fl oz). Ideal to split with a friend or for small gathering, also great for tasting wines with a small group when you want to taste several wines during the same event. (serve 4-6 peoples, 6.5 fl oz. or up to 8 people with an average of 3 fl oz each).

Piccolo: Is the Italian name for a 187.5ml (6.3 fl oz) size bottle, the equivalent of a quarter of a 750ml standard bottle. Not very common in the markets, however some dessert and fortified wine can be found in this size. Serve one standard glass (6.3 fl oz) per person or 2 people (dessert and fortified wines should be served an average of 3 fl oz per glass).

Demy: Is the French name for a 375ml (12.7 fl oz) or a half of a 750ml standard bottle. This size is very popular with sweet and fortified wines. Some quality wines and sparkling can be found in this size bottle as well. It makes the perfect amount for an individual (solo dining) or to share with someone if you only want a glass each. For dessert and fortified wines this size can be ideal for 4 people (dessert and fortified wines should be serve an average of 3 fl oz per glass).

*Standard; Refers to a typical 750ml bottle. This has become the standard size for most wines. (See above)

Magnum: Refers to a 1500ml (1.5 litres, 50.7 fl oz) bottle or the equivalent of 2 Standard bottles (please note that you can find inexpensive wines in this size as well), however you can discover some exceptional wines and special vintages. Large wines bottles are well known for their aging ability. Great for a larger gathering 6-8 people (one glass each average).

Double Magnum: Refers to a 3000ml (3 litres, 101.4 fl oz)) bottle, the equivalent of 4 Standard bottles. This size is very popular with wine collectors and allows wines to age for longer periods of time (sometimes up to 25 years). Because few wines are packaged this way, it creates an attractive collectible item and a great gift idea. Brilliant for celebrations if you want to offer something really special to your guests; serves 8-12 people. (One glass each).

Jeroboam: Refers to a 4500ml (4.5 litres, 152.2 fl oz) or a 5000ml (5 litres, 169 fl oz) bottle. These sizes are not always available and are also very popular with wine collectors as it allows wines to age for longer, offering the opportunity to discover some older and special vintages. This size is used to age wines up to 30 years and more.

Very few wines are packaged this way; it makes an interesting collectible item or a great gift idea for the discriminating wine connoisseur.

Impressive for celebrations if you really want to surprise your party; serves 10-14 people. (One glass each)

Remember that under the Italian Denomination of Origin laws and regulations, DOC and DOCG wines can only be bottled in sizes no more that 5 litres.

In addition, French wines and champagnes use other sizes of interest, these sizes can also be found in new world wines. You may be able to find them in Italian wines such as IGT and Table wines but production is very limited.

These other sizes are:

Rehoboam: 4500ml (4.5 litres or 152.2 fl oz) Typical for Burgundy and Champagne.

Imperial: 6000 ml (6 litres or 202.9 fl oz) Traditionally for Bordeaux wines.

Methuselah: 6000 ml (6litres or 202.9 fl oz) Usually for Champagnes and burgundy wines.

Hope this will help you the next time you look at some different size bottles. Giorgio

Giorgio Castiglioni is the founder of the Italian Vino Network.

He was born in Somma Lombardo, a small city northwest of Italy and at 13 years of age Giorgio started in the hospitality industry working as a Squinizzo (gofer) in a local restaurant. During this time he learned many aspects of the restaurant business.

His passion and love for food and beverages encouraged him to study in the renowned Hotel School “E Maggia” of Stresa on the shores of the stunning Lago Maggiore where he obtained a diploma in Hotel Management, specializing in Food and Beverage.

His passion and the need to create a place for Italian wines lovers everywhere was the inspiration for developing Italian Vino Network ……an Italian wine club for all wine lovers.

Visit The Italian Wine Network

http://italianvino.ca

info@italianvino.ca

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giorgio_Castiglioni

What is Wine?

The first known wines date back to 6,000BC and are thought to have originated in what is now Israel, Georgia and Iran. Making its first European debut approx 4,500BC in what is now Greece wine quickly became a common drink in ancient Greece and Rome with the modern word wine deriving from “winam”, an early borrowing from the Latin “vinum” meaning wine or grape.

Wine is made from fermented grape juice. The chemical balance of grapes allows for fermentation without any nutrients or sugars, acids or enzymes being added.

Various types of yeast consume the sugars found in the grapes and convert them into alcohol. Different grape varieties are combined with different yeast strains to produce different kinds of wine. It’s not just grapes that are used either. Fruits like apples and berries can also be fermented, and the “wines” that result are normally named after the fruit they come from and are generically known as “fruit wines”.

Red, white and sparkling wines are known as light wines. They are the most popular partially because they are only 10-14% alcohol-content by volume. Aperitif and dessert wines contain 14-20% alcohol. They are sometimes fortified to make them richer and sweeter.

Varietals – A wine made principally from one variety of grape and carrying the name of that grape.

Wine is usually made from one or more Varietal of Vitis Vinifera, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Merlot. When the predominant grape is one of these varieties in a mixture defined by law as a minimum of 75% or 85%, the result is a Varietal. This is different from a blended wine. Blended wines are not considered inferior; in fact, some of the world’s most valued and expensive wines that come from regions like Bordeaux and Tuscany are blended from different grape varieties of the same Vintage.

Vintages

Vintage wines are made from grapes that are exclusively grown in a specific year, and they are labeled this way. A vintage wine’s character can vary yearly with subtle differences in colour, palate, nose, body and development. A high-quality red table wine’s flavour improves with age if properly stored. Consequently, it’s common for wine enthusiasts and traders to save bottles of an especially good vintage wine.

Vintage wines are generally bottled in single batches so that each bottle will have a similar taste. Climate can also impact the character of a wine. Different vintages from the same vineyard can vary dramatically in flavour and quality. Thus, vintage wines are individually characteristic of the vintage and serve as the producer’s flagship wine. Superior vintages, from reputable producers and regions, will often fetch much higher prices than their average counterparts. Some vintage wines, like Brunello, are only made in better-than-average years.

For consistency, non-vintage wines can be blended from more than one vintage. This process allows wine makers to maintain a reliable market image and sales even in bad years.

Terrois or Terreni (territory) refer to specific areas. It’s a concept that includes several items like the grape varieties, elevation and shape of the vineyard, the nature of the soil, climate and seasonal conditions as well as the local yeast cultures.

Regulations

The classification and sale of wine is governed all over the world. European wines tend to be classified by region (e.g. Bordeaux and Chianti), while others are often classified by grape (e.g. Merlot, Chardonnay). However, regional recognition is leading to increased prominence for some wine labels. Some blended wine names also double as marketing terms, and these names are governed by trademark or copyright laws rather than by specific wine laws.

Giorgio Castiglioni is the founder of the Italian Vino Network.

He was born in Somma Lombardo, a small city northwest of Italy and at 13 years of age Giorgio started in the hospitality industry working as a Squinizzo (gofer) in a local restaurant. During this time he learned many aspects of the restaurant business.

His passion and love for food and beverages encouraged him to study in the renowned Hotel School “E Maggia” of Stresa on the shores of the stunning Lago Maggiore where he obtained a diploma in Hotel Management, specializing in Food and Beverage.
His passion and the need to create a place for Italian wines lovers everywhere was the inspiration for developing Italian Vino Network ……an Italian wine club for all wine lovers.
Visit The Italian Wine Network

http://italianvino.ca

info@italianvino.ca

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giorgio_Castiglioni

We want to introduce to you a great find. A chardonnay made in Santiago, Chile.

The Maule Valley west of Chile’s capital, Santiago, creates a natural funnel for the maritime breezes of the Pacific, drawing in cool air and fog, which has made the valley the best place in Chile to grow refreshing white wines.

Here’s what a consumer had to say of this great find of a wine:

“Wow! Super! We’ve liked the RustRidge as a chardonnay that lives up to what much of high-end white Burgundy aspires to but doesn’t achieve. We are pleased to have found another one in the Chilcas Chardonnay. I have now come back to edit my initial comment after ordering more, having been reminded that this wine is only $10.99 (I actually thought it was at least 50% more)! A wine arbitrage winner!”

We recommend purchasing this great wine at My Wines Direct if you cannot find it at your local wine store.