Food Wine & Spirits

Although wine is a common drink among people of all ages and from all around the world, many people are unaware that tasting and drinking a wine is actually considered to be a talent or even an art form. Wine experts are those who have a lot of experience distinguishing tastes, ingredients and other components of wine. In order to catch up on some knowledge, here are a few things to keep in mind:

A Clean Palette

When preparing to taste wine, the mouth should be free and clear, clean from any residual flavors from food or other drinks, especially those with strong tastes that could influence the flavor of the wine. Once the wine is tasted, swirl around in the mouth to get the full effect of all the flavors from salty to sweet to bitter to sour.

The Nose Knows

The ability to smell foods and other scents have more to do with taste than actual tasting. When participating in a wine tasting, allow yourself to get a sense of what the wine smells like. To release the aromas of the wine, swirl it around in the glass before smelling it. Only go to a wine tasting on a day when you are not suffering from any nasal issues such as allergies or infections that could impede your ability to smell clearly.

Take a Good Look

It is ok to really examine the wine you are about to drink. In fact, understanding color variations in a wine will give you a better idea about what it may taste like. In order to get a clear idea of a wine’s true color, pour some of it onto a white cloth. By looking at a wine’s color, you can also determine its age. For example, the colors in red wines will fade with age, while white wines will deepen in color.

The Appraisal

After you have examined the wine with your other senses, ask yourself about what you have just experienced. Was the wine dry or smooth? Did it have a rich, hearty flavor or a light, sweet one? What kind of taste does it leave in the mouth? True wine experts ask these questions before placing a wine under the name of one brand or another. Just like the experts do, you will need to experience more than one wine to gain insight. Don’t rush through the process, but allow your skill to grow gradually.

Fermented grapes are the main ingredient in wine, which is an alcoholic beverage. Grapes grow on vines in vineyards and depend on certain conditions to optimize their effectiveness as a component of the drink. Growing temperatures should not rise above 95oF/35oC.

Vine Variety

The taste of any given wine will be influenced by the types of grapes used to make it. The presence of grape skins in the process of fermentation will help determine what color the wine will ultimately be. Black or red grapes are typically used to produce red wines. During product, the skins are included. The skins are peeled off during the production of white wines, although these can be made from any types of grape no matter what the color is. A Chardonnay is an example of a white wine. A Pinot Noir is an example of a red one.

First Impressions

Depending on the personal preferences and tastes of the drinker, wine may be placed in different categories or classifications. Most wines in any particular category will have similar characteristics, such as the way it smells. Based on this, wines can be placed in more than on category. Some of these include hearty, full-bodies, sweet, fruity or dry.

Ageism

The year in which the grapes used in a particular wine were harvested off of the wine is referred to as the wine’s ‘vintage’. All of the wines harvest in the days of a one year span will have the same vintage. If the grapes are harvest in a different year within the one year span, the wines produced from them will be labeled with that particular year. Wine typically grows better in flavor the older that it is and can be in a drinkable state for decades. These types are wine usually cost a lot, sometimes as much as a thousand dollars per bottle.

Why Wine

Wine has been shown to have some medical benefits, although some people may disagree at to the extent of those benefits. A moderate consumption of wine can increase the chances of avoiding heart disease and other illnesses such as stokes. It may also help lower cholesterol. This may be because of the antioxidants that are found in the grape skin, meaning that red wine would be the type associated with these benefits. After a meal, during digestion, drinking a glass of wine can actually work against the absorption of fat into the body’s system.

Wine and cheese are well-known for being complementary flavors. Often paired together at parties, wine and cheese can also be used as a great picnic food or for a small, romantic dinner. Because of the wide selection of both wines and cheeses, it is easy to get confused and feel bewildered about which to pick for any given occasion. However, wine and cheese are almost perfectly matched regardless of which you choose, so don’t be afraid to pair up flavors you think you and your guests would enjoy the most.

A wine and cheese party is a great way to have a simple meal with class and style. Theses parties are quickly coming back into fashion for the young and old crowds alike. Although you don’t have to buy a very expensive bottle of wine for your party, stay away from very cheap wines, especially the ones that come in boxes. Although they provide somewhat easier access to the wine inside, the flavor is usually terrible. Pick a wine that is at a moderate price and choose cheeses that you are familiar with.

One important point to remember is that you should have a balance of flavors between the wines and cheeses. Certain cheeses have very strong aromas and flavors and can easily overpower mild wines. If possible, sample each items before serving to make sure they are a good match. Cheeses and wines should be alternately tasted to allow for the flavors to mix into each other. As a rule, mix strong cheeses with strong wines and mild cheeses with mild wines.

Cheeses, especially fancier or more aged ones can be expensive, but wine does not have to be. Just as you would balance your flavors, balance your prices. Very pungent cheeses should be paired with strong, acidic wines. Brie, a soft, mild cheese is paired well with a white wine like Chardonnay or a sparking white wine or sweeter wines such as Chenin Blanc. Harder cheeses like Parmesan or Romano cheese would do well with a full-bodied flavor such as a strong, red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Zinfandel or Merlot is three red wines that should be considered. A more aged cheddar, such as a sharper cheddar, can be paired with a tangy Shiraz while a milder cheddar would go well with a sweeter wine such as Port.

Experiment with different flavors to see which ones you personally think are the best ones.

Wine glasses can make or break the ability to enjoy drinking wine. Wine is meant to be savored and should be an experience that involves almost all of the senses. Having the right type of wine glass will enhance the flavors and smells of the wine, which contribute to the overall experience. It may be worth the expense to purchase good quality crystal wine glasses, but expect to pay as much as $100 per glass. There are several things to keep in mind when searching for the right type of glass. Here they are:

The Color Choice

There is no set rule as to which types of wine must be poured into which types of glass, however, traditionally, while white is poured into smaller glasses that complement their more mild flavors while red wines are usually poured into larger glasses that will embody their fuller, richer flavors.

Glass Class

Certain types of glass can influence the taste and smell of wine, either making the experience richer or poorer as a result. More expensive, well made glasses are made from crystal and are usually worth the extra expense; however the most important point to remember is to purchase glasses with a clear color to avoid influencing the color of the wine.

The Stand Up Cup

A long, graceful stem traditional signifies a wine glass from other similar ones, such as those used for pouring brandy. Newer wine glasses may not come with stems, and can be as well made as traditional ones; however the stemless glass may be rejected by old school wine lovers.

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Wine

Wine glasses break. It’s almost a guarantee that, at some point, no matter how well you have cared for your wine glasses, someone will break one. It is a good idea to keep a few extra, in the event that someone accidentally cracks or chips or breaks a wine glass. If possible, don’t use them all at once, in case you can’t afford extras. Keep parties where wine is served on short guest list or consider keeping a cheaper set on hand for larger gatherings.

Cleaning Care

Wine glasses, especially crystal ones, are susceptible to being scratched by hard pounding and the scratchy soaps of a dishwasher. Wine glasses should always be washed by hand to avoid this and dried immediately afterwards to prevent streaking.

If you are thinking about brewing your own wine you will need to ensure that you learn all of the requirements that go into it.  You must be exact in your measurements and follow the correct process thoroughly in order to do it right.  You must also make sure you have the proper equipment.

What to do if fermentation doesn’t proceed

If you find that the fermentation process isn’t starting off the right way, check the hydrometer and make sure you get a consistent reading.  In order to ensure it is workings properly try this for a few days.  If you see that the reading is changing, than the fermentation is happening.  The next thing you would want to look for is any leaks

Sometimes the fermentation gets stuck.  If this happens the wine will become too sweet.  There are several reasons for this happening

1. You used old wine yeast
   Yeast has an expiration date, and if you find that the yeast you are using has expired it is unlikely that fermentation will begin
2. Yeast may have been added to water that is too hot
   Heat destroys healthy yeast cells.  The temperature should be around 30 to 35 degrees centigrade; if it’s any higher you may experience this problem
3. The sachet the yeast is in is damaged
   If the sachet is damaged air will get in and kill the healthy yeast
4. Yeast was added too soon
   if yeast gets added before the concentrate dilutes the osmotic pressure will negatively affect the yeast
5. Erratic or cold temperature
   The room that you set your wine kit up in must not be below 18 degrees centigrade.  You will end up with sub par quality wine

Hopefully you will not have to experience any of these things, but if you do you will now know what the problem is and how to fix it. These tips will help you formulate your own wine.  But, remember the old saying, “practice makes perfect.”  You can’t always get in right the first time.  But, with practice and patients you will be able to learn wine formulation and be expert enough to teach your friends.

When you are thinking about hosting a wine tasting party, there are a lot of things to consider.  Not the least of which is what kind of wine you should serve.  Don’t be too concerned about getting everybody their own special wine, not everyone likes the same ones but with a couple choices you are bound to have a wine that will suit everybody’s taste buds.

Things to Consider When You Decide to Host a Wine Tasting Party

• The different types of wine you will serve.
  You can go two routes with this.  Either you can choose to serve several different types of wine or you can stick to just one.  If you want to be extravagant and choose different types of wine, go with the sparkling kind first.  In general, you want to start with the lighter wines and then move on to the fuller-bodied ones.
• Should I Pick a Theme For My Party
  This is entirely up to the party host.  However, if you are going to be serving all French wines, it could be a fun idea to have French themed decorations.
• How Do I Serve the Wine
  With this one, temperature is the key.  You want to make sure to chill the white wines for a couple of hours before serving, but room temperature is fine for the red ones.  Make sure you are serving your guests the proper amount, which is 1 ½ oz..  Glass size is something to think about as well. For red wine, a big bowel shaped glass adds to the full-bodied ambiance of the drink.  For white wine, you want curved glasses because they help to maintain a chill
• What Food Should I Serve
  When your party is specifically a wine tasting, your best bet is to go with something light like crackers and cheese
• Enjoying the Party
  Adhering to the standard wine tasting practices will lead to a more authentic and fulfilling experience for everybody.  So, have everybody swirl their glasses to release the aroma and flavor of the wine, smell the wine before taking a sip in order to let it begin to amaze your senses and lift your glass to the light to ensure clarity and brilliance.

Now all that is left to do is allow the wine to do its job, which is to excite and enjoy all of your senses.

Is there anything more romantic than a candle lit dinner for two with a bottle of good old wine to compliment the fine cooking?  Most will agree that hardly anything can be called more romantic.  But unfortunately wine and wine drinking today is not what it used to be in the past centuries.  Many people today are reluctant to order wine, and not because it does not taste good, but rather for the simple reason of not knowing too much about it. 

There are many different types of wines available and bellow are some basic facts about them.

Red wines seem to be a more popular choice among the wine drinkers.  Aside from the health benefits of red wines these beverages come in most exotic tastes and flavors.  The specifics of red wine are due to the fact that the grapes are fermented with the skins, hence the color of the wine.  The longer the skins remain on the grapes, the redder will be the shade of the wine.  Some common red wines include Gamay, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfadel. 

Second on the list are white wines.  White wines are considered to be lighter and more delicate than the red wines.  They can be made from both red and white grapes but are prepared without the grape skins.  Some of the white favorites are Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay.

There are also pink and rose wines.  These wines are somewhat of a combination of qualities of red and white wines.  These wines are made primarily from red grapes and allow for minimal contact with the grape skin. 

Dessert wines are a special kind of wine that complements well with desserts.  These wines are usually combined with spirits and should generally be sweeter than the dessert itself.  Some of dessert wines most popular are Sherry, Vermouth, Madeira and Port. 

Last, but definitely never least, are the sparkling wines which manage to make absolutely any occasion special.  These wines can definitely be called the royalty of the wine house.  They are delicate and extravagant, enough to bring a feeling of grandeur to any event.  The best and most known sparkling wine, valued extremely high, is Champagne, produced through a very complex and tedious process in France. 

Wine is a great drink that will complement many different types of situations involving food, from fancy dinners to ******tail parties to a simply meal at home. There are number of different brands and types of wine, so be sure to find one that best fits your needs. Before choosing a wine for yourself or to serve to guests, there are a few things you should know:

Have Some Class

While most wines that are available on the market are generally acceptable to drink, there are some that will stand out above the rest because of the particular location they have come from. Certain locations are famous for the wines they produce. Sparkling, white wines are often mislabeled as “Champagne” although true champagne only comes from the Champagne region in France. It’s important to know the details behind the wines before you purchase them.

In the Mouth

In you are just beginning with wines you will probably want to start with a sweeter wine or one with a mild taste. Sweet wines have a little bit of sugar added. Know that red wines will have a much stronger taste than white wines, which are usually much milder. A rose colored wine will resemble more of a white wine. Certain types of wines will enhance the flavors in different foods.

Terra Firma

It is widely believed that wines will vary in taste and quality depending on the locations the grapes they are made with came from. The soil and the surrounding environment can influence the flavors of the grapes and it is believed that certain locations in the world are better for producing finer wines. If you want to have a wine that declares your classy knowledge, choose one that hails from a well-respect location.

Familiarize Yourself

A great way to learn more about wine is to go to a wine tasting at a local seller’s shop. There you can sample many different types of wines and learn about which you like best. Keep a list of the different types of wines that appeal to you and which flavors, ingredients or other component they have that you like. This way, you will be able to choose a wine that is the best fit for your personal tastes.

The best way to gain a working knowledge of the best wines is to get some experience in the world of wines. Talk to experts and learn more about what makes a wine great.

People are very picky when it comes to wine.  Everyone’s unique tastes are different as far as wine is concerned and there is no specific way to please everyone.  There are, however, some general tips available to help you plan out your selection for a very special occasion. 

You may want to start out your evening with a selection of white wines.  They are generally drier than red wines and being also lighter will make a good combination with your appetizers.   In brand selection Chardonnay happens to be very popular with the white wine lovers.  It does well to compliment any dish with a rich, creamy sauce.  You may also opt for Sauvignon Blanc.  This particular brand of wine is not as dry as Chardonnay and goes exceptionally well with shrimp ******tails, fish appetizers or any salad served.  White wine will definitely set the tone for the evening and start your guests off on light toasting and easy conversations.

Once the main course is ready its time to bring out red wine.  A bit heavier than the white wine, red whine will go down quite nicely with the main course dishes.  Here again you are best to go with the more popular brand, guaranteed to be to everyone’s liking – Merlot.  It has a rich taste but at the same time is light enough to go together with read meat poultry dishes. 

Another brand of red whine you may consider, especially while serving spicy foods, is Shiraz.   This exotic blend of black cherry and white pepper, topped with just a hint of chocolaty taste, will be a great combination with your selection of rich spicy foods.  Also, you can never go wrong with Italy’s finest and most famous Chianti.  This amazing wine will add expensive taste to your table, even if you spent only ten dollars for it.  It will go wonderfully with your poultry dishes. 

For a surprise selection you may chose Pinot Noir.  This less known red grape wine will nonetheless be a good compliment to your dinner table and will intrigue your guests with its unique taste of vanilla and blackberry. 

If you are planning a wedding, the most joyous of any special occasions, don’t forget the classical champagne, without which a wedding simply cannot be a wedding. 

It would generally be a good idea to have a little wine sampling ceremony in the very beginning of the evening, to allow your guests to choose their own favorite.  This will serve as a great start for the evening and will give everyone a chance to make a selection of their choice.