Monday, December 17, 2007

Writing all this on Wine Tasting can be considered an obligation to us. This is because we felt obligated on imparting all this knowledge we knew about Wine Tasting.

Want to know something about Wine Tasting

Wine Utensils

The ideal utensils to use for wine making and boiling ingredients & juices are those of good quality enamel. Those sold under a brand name are most reliable. The utensils must not be chipped.

It is almost impossible to pour clear wine from one bottle to another without stirring up the lees. Because of this, it is a good plan, to siphon off the clear wine when rebottling it.

Using about a yard and a half of surgical rubber tubing or plastic tubing, siphoning is a very simple operation. First, put the bottles or jars of wine on a table and the empty bottles on a stool or box on the floor. Next, put one end of the tubing in the first bottle of wine and suck the other end of the tube until the wine comes; pinch the tube at your lips and - holding on tight - put this end in the empty bottle and then let the wine flow. As the level of the wine falls, lower the tube into it, being careful not to let it touch the lees. When nearly all of the wine has been transferred, pinch the tube at the neck of both bottles, put one end into the next bottle and allow the wine to flow again.

In this way a constant flow is maintained and you have bottles of crystal-clear wine. The sediment from each bottle may be put together; this will clear in time to leave a little more wine.

Most of you will already have heard of one or other home-made wine and will have decided which to make. For those who have not yet decided, preference for a 'port* or 'whisky' may be the deciding factor and this must rest with yourselves.

I would advise you only in this: make, say, a gallon or a half-gallon of a variety of wines and then decide which you prefer over a period of time. I have whittled my own preference down to nine different wines which I brew regularly according to season, leaving the dried fruit for the time when fresh fruit is not available and when roots - potatoes, etc. - are too fresh for wine-making purposes.

NOTE:

Different recipes will call for slightly different approaches, but it must be remembered that whatever else has to be done, the brew must be kept in a warm place throughout the fermentation period, and that the process after fourteen days* fermentation in the tub is the same with all recipes.

Now select your recipe and go ahead with your wine-making, bearing in mind all that I have warned you about.

About the Author

James Wilson owns & operates www.e-homewinemaking.com, a site providing wine-making tips, tricks and techniques. If you're interested in making your own wine, visit www.e-homewinemaking.com today and sign up for the FREE wine-making mini-course!

A synopsis on Wine Tasting .

Braised Garlic Short Ribs with a Red Wine Tomato Sauce

Braised Garlic Short Ribs with a Red Wine Tomato Sauce
Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Cook Time: 2-2? hours.
Serve with: Mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodle...

The Wine Messenger

Recommended Wine Tasting Items

Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage Chiller, Brushed-Chrome

Product Description
Cooper Cooler rapid beverage chiller with 12 volt adapter adds a touch of class to any tailgate party. Nothing puts the skids on a tailgating session like warm suds. Stand back and let the Cooper Cooler Tailgater Rapid Beverage Chiller come to the rescue. So easy to use -- just add ice, water, and plug in. With Chill-On-Demand technology, the Cooper Cooler turns warm beer cold and delicious in the time it takes to count to 60. Cooper Cooler also works great as a pop, juice and wine chiller turning standard 750ml wine bottles cold in 6 minutes. The 12 volt car lighter attachment lets you take this rapid chiller camping, on picnics; anywhere you may need to chill a warm beverage quickly. At home or on the move, the compact, portable Cooper Cooler provides a convenient way to rapidly chill any beverage
List Price: $99.95
Click image to see best discounted price.

Bordeaux: A Consumer's Guide to the World's Finest Wines (Hardcover)

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2007 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course) (Hardcover)
by Robert M. Parker (Author).Here Editorial Reviews of the book
TFirst published in 1985, this landmark consumer guide launched one of the most illustrious careers in wine criticism. Robert Parker's mission, in his newsletter The Wine Advocate and his many bestselling books, has always been to give wine drinkers honest, informed advice about which wines are worth their money, and which wines aren't.
The fourth edition of Bordeaux presents a complete guide to vintages between 1961 and 2001. This latest volume brings readers up-to-date on the abundance of new producers in France's most important wine region and for the first time includes more than 700 wine labels. Parker has retasted and reevaluated many of Bordeaux's finest wines -- and adjusted their ratings accordingly -- so readers of his previous editions will discover herein a wealth of new material.
Parker begins with an overview of each year, which includes insight into growing conditions and yields, notes on anticipated maturity, general price ranges, and lists of best wines. The heart of the book is the chapter "Evaluating the Wines of Bordeaux," in which he meticulously reviews wine producers of every appellation. Organized geographically, the chateaux are listed in alphabetical order, and entries include contact information, vineyard size, details about the wine-making style, and a general evaluation of the chateau's wines. Best of all, each entry includes extensive tasting notes on important vintages, all of them featuring Parker's celebrated rating system -- in which every wine is assessed on a scale ranging from 50 to 100. In later chapters, he also offers essential information about the elements of a great Bordeaux wine, practical travel information about the region, a glossary of wine terms, and more.
An invaluable guide for consumers, Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s Bordeaux provides all the information amateurs and connoisseurs alike could possibly need in their search for that perfect bottle.

List Price: $60.00
Click on image to update on prices and availablility.

Another Great Wine Selection To Visit

Morrell Wine

Another Great Wine Selection To Visit

The Wine Messenger

Current Wine Tasting News

Scali Wines

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 12:06:29 EST

Scali Wines

Wines Tasted 15th December 2007: Willie De Waal talks about the soil a lot - about how the decomposed granite and Malmesbury Shale on their farm Schoone Oord makes all the difference to the wine. I'm sure he's right - the soil is very important. But, I think, equally as important is thei...

Read the full post from Taste Matters - Lisa's Little Wine Shop Blog

Tags: Wine Reviews

via Blogdigger blog search for Wine Tasting.

Investing in Wine

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:35:10 EST

Investing in Wine

... so Bonus season is upon us, and I'm sure you're wondering where to spend it. According to this article in the Times of London, it may be the wine market. Fine wine Fine wine prices have slipped 3% over the past three months, according to the Livex 100 index, as stock-market uncertainty has also ...

Read the full post from A Wine Story

Tags: New & Notable

via Blogdigger blog search for Wine Tasting.

Long Island Winery Buys Out Its Neighbor

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EDT
Macari purchases Galluccio tasting room and 22 acres of vines for nearly $2.4 million

Most of the matter here is relevant to Wine Chiller. This was the main intention of writing on Wine Chiller, to propagate its value and meaning.

A Featured Wine Chiller Article

Wine Storage Tips

Once the clear wine has been bottled and you intend to keep it for more than three months, it is important to realize that corks dry out. When this happens, the shrinkage could cause the sealing-wax to crack, causing tiny air holes to appear and wild yeast & bacteria could attack the wine.

All bottles fitted with ordinary corks or cork-lined screw caps should always be stored on their sides. This allows for the wine to keep the cork moist (which prevents shrinkage). Rubber-banded screw-stopper bottles may be stored upright.

Knowing that wine should be stored throughout the year at a certain, constant temperature, many people go to much trouble and dream up all sorts of ingenious devices to achieve that end. Authorities are divided in their opinions as to the ideal temperature in which wines should be stored. This is most likely due to the fact that wines (like human beings) like what suits them best. Perhaps there is an ideal temperature for certain types of wine, but what suits the Eskimo does not suit the Australian aborigine, and this will likely never change.

In any case, the aborigine and the Eskimo get changes in temperature and no harm comes to them. In fact, they seem to thrive on it. So why not let us think of our wines as being something like ourselves in that they are quite at home in the temperatures that we give them?

Rapid changes are best avoided. Of course, (as with human beings), if we can store our wines on a stone floor, all the better! If this is not possible, a cupboard on the north side of a building will do provided a chimney does not run through it.

A friend of mine stores three hundred bottles of some really magnificent wines in an attic which becomes very hot in the summer and nearly freezes in the winter. However, no harm ever comes to any of his wines. So, store your wines anywhere you can and don't worry.

When serving home-made wines, remember that they are best when served at room temperature. Champagnes should be served cellar-cool or iced.

About the Author

James Wilson owns & operates www.e-homewinemaking.com, a site providing wine-making tips, tricks and techniques. If you're interested in making your own wine, visit www.e-homewinemaking.com today and sign up for the FREE wine-making mini-course!

A synopsis on Wine Chiller .

10 Great Wine Tasting Tips

1. Try something new and you might be surprised. Let the staff make suggestions. Compare the wines aged in steel to those aged in oak. 1. Try somethin...

The Wine Messenger
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Wine Chiller Items For Viewing

Another Great Wine Selection To Visit

The Wine Messenger

Spiegelau Vino Grande Magnum Bordeaux Glasses, Set of 6

Product Description
Several years ago, an article in Wine Spectator magazine noted the importance of a high-quality glass for improving a wine's looks and enhancing its bouquet. However, the magazine lamented, many of the attributes that increase the beauty and value of the glass actually obscure the wine. Spiegelau's Vino Grande series is part of a connoisseur line designed specifically for wine lovers. The thin rim means less distraction from the taste and texture of the wine. Tap the glass gently with your fingernail and you'll hear the distinctive ping of fine crystal.
List Price: $75.00
Click image to see best discounted price.

Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator

Product Description
Clearly on the cutting edge of aeration design. Mixing just the right amount of air with your wine at the precise moments, this see-through aerator allows your reds or whites to breath instantly. The results are a better bouquet, enhanced flavor, and a smoother finish. Perfect aeration in the time it takes to pour a glass. Couldn't be easier. Comes with a no-drip stand and a travel pouch. Acrylic. Aerator and stand are dishwasher safe. Travel pouch is machine washable. Size 6"H x 2"Dia.

List Price: $$59.99
Click image to see best discounted price.

Oster 4207 Electric Wine Opener

Product Description
At the touch of a button, the Oster Wine Opener easily opens up to 30 bottles on a single charge. The stylish and ergonomically designed soft-grip handle will fit into the palm of your hand for a firm grip. Also includes a foil cutter to remove wine seals and a recharging base for convenience.

List Price: $29.99
Click image to see best discounted price.

Metrokane Rabbit 6-Piece Wine-Tool Kit, Black

Product Description
The ultimate all-in-one wine corkscrew set for all your wine service needs. You get everything you need for wine bottle opening and service in this convenient and affordable Rabbit Corkscrew set from Metrokane. The 6-piece corkscrew kit includes the world-famous Rabbit Corkscrew, foil cutter, drip-stop drip ring, worm, wine/champagne sealer, and wax remover. The Rabbit Corkscrew was redesigned with an all new precision metal gear mechanism for even smoother and more reliable wine bottle opening. This corkscrew is synthetic cork friendly.
List Price: $64.95
Click image to see best discounted price.

Current Wine Chiller News

Bordeaux 2005: Ch. Pavie

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:59:01 +0000
Short interview with Gerard Perse about his tyle of wine with Fabian Cobb.

Bordeaux 2005: 'Fly on the wall' at Ch. Palmer

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 20:59:01 +0000
A taste of the goings-on behind the scenes at the Bordeaux en primeurs. A conversation between Thomas Duroux (Ch. Palmer), Michel Bettane, Thierry Desseauve, and Fabian Cobb.

Bordeaux 2005: Paul Pontallier of Ch. Margaux

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 14:59:00 GMT
Paul Pontallier describes the conditions of the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux. Presented by Fabian Cobb.

Ever wonder how come you never got to know so much existed about Wine Atlas? Now you got to know, utilize this knowledge well.

A Featured Wine Atlas Article

If You Are A Wine Connoisseur You Have To Visit Napa Valley

California is a state that simply must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Whether you choose to travel alone or as a family, California is full of things to see and do. If you're a newly wed, planning a honeymoon, or just a romantic at heart, California is calling you. If you're looking for movie stars, go to Hollywood or Beverly Hills. If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, beautiful scenery and some sweet spirits, then wind your way around to Wine Country. Recreational places like the wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma are waiting for you.

Napa Valley and Sonoma County in Northern California is only an hour's drive from San Francisco. Otherwise known as Wine Country, Napa Valley and Sonoma County are popular among newlyweds, honeymooners, wine enthusiasts, gourmets and other hopeless romantics who wish to enjoy all the good things in life. There are so many exquisite places to stay and visit in California's Wine Country, the choices are overwhelming, but well worth your time.

Napa Valley, which actually consists of six towns, including: St. Helena, Oakville, Calistoga, Rutherford, Yountville and Napa. Each of these towns feature their own first class wineries, spas, resorts, hotels and restaurants, not to mention the breath taking scenery of the Wine Country itself. The experience of the California Wine Country will rejuvenate your being and will create wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Sonoma County is the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley is 17 miles long and sits between two glorious mountain ranges, where numerous wineries host tasting events and tours on a daily basis. The Plaza is encircled with boutiques, adobe structures and restaurants in Sonoma's town square. For over a century, the hot springs have drawn thousands of health conscious guests to the area and even today, is host to a number of world class spas and resorts.

Some of the smaller, family owned wineries will give tours by appointment only. It would be best to call and set up the appointment well in advance of your visit to Wine Country, so you are sure to get in. This can be a very rewarding experience, because this will give to time to have a one on one conversation with the wine makers themselves without being caught up in a group of tourists. Many of the large and small family owned wineries make themselves available for outdoor weddings and other special occasions for additional costs. Most only offer wine tasting, tours of their wineries, and host other special events.

If you are planning to visit California's Wine Country, try to make your visit in the middle of the week, because the weekends are often over crowded and that can make traveling and sightseeing fairly difficult and thus less enjoyable. During the week, there is less traffic to deal with and some of the hotels can have lower rates. It's always best to call ahead to the hotels to make sure there is room available for you when you arrive. If you decide to use Silverado Trail as your driving route, you will encounter less traffic and have a more scenic route to enjoy. The scenery is one of the best parts of visiting Wine Country, so stop and smell the roses as often as possible.

If you are looking for a picnic area with a great view, try visiting Rutherford Hill Winery's picnic area. If you choose to use a picnic area belonging to a specific winery, you may choose to buy a bottle of wine from them as a courtesy, for you to enjoy with your picnic meal. A delicious addition to your picnic basket would be a selection of fruits, cheeses and baked goods from the Sunshine Market in St. Helena. You can also pick up your plates, napkins and utensils for your picnic while you're there.

Gordon's on Yountville is famous for their tasty coffee, which is a delicious addition to breakfast. For a scrumptious lunch or dinner, try eating at the French Laundry. There is a wide variety of fine restaurants in Wine Country from which to pick and choose, even if you don't have a reservation, you have a good chance at getting in.

About the Author

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For fine wines and accessories go to http://www.oldworldvineyard.com

A Short Wine Atlas Summary

How to Grow Grapes for Excellent Wine

I think it quite safe to say that more has been written about the cultivation of grapes than has - or ever will be - written about any other fruit. Th...

The Wine Messenger

Wine Atlas Products we recommend

Another Great Wine Selection To Visit

The Wine Messenger

Another Great Wine Selection To Visit

The Wine Messenger

Spiegelau Vino Grande Magnum Bordeaux Glasses, Set of 6

Product Description
Several years ago, an article in Wine Spectator magazine noted the importance of a high-quality glass for improving a wine's looks and enhancing its bouquet. However, the magazine lamented, many of the attributes that increase the beauty and value of the glass actually obscure the wine. Spiegelau's Vino Grande series is part of a connoisseur line designed specifically for wine lovers. The thin rim means less distraction from the taste and texture of the wine. Tap the glass gently with your fingernail and you'll hear the distinctive ping of fine crystal.
List Price: $75.00
Click image to see best discounted price.

Wine Atlas in the news

"Fact" Puts On Its Dancing Shoes (But Still Picks LCD Soundsystem) Year-end Analysis]

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:10:27 EST

"Fact" Puts On Its Dancing Shoes (But Still Picks LCD Soundsystem) Year-end Analysis]

Like many other publications featured in our ongoing Year-End Analysis series, Brit music mag Fact placed LCD Soundsystem in its top single slot of the year, but they chose neither "North American Scum" or "All My Friends." And though left-field faves like Panda Bear and consensus picks like M.I.A. ...

Read the full post from Idolator

Tags: Top, Fact, LCD Soundsystem, year-end analysis, Panda Bear

via Blogdigger blog search for Wine Atlas.

Year-End 2007: My Favorite Albums

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:31:46 EST

Year-End 2007: My Favorite Albums

These were my favorite new records this year. I tried to pick records that sounded as much like the Eagles as possible (yes, I know the Eagles released a new record this year. - no, it’s not on here). I’m old. I didn’t make any new music this year. I want to change that in 2008. Lo...

Read the full post from Elastic Heart. The noises reasonable people make.

Tags: Music, Reviews, Culture, Mp3, Lists

via Blogdigger blog search for Wine Atlas.

Book Review: Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 23:01:09 EST

Book Review: Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy

Review by Bill Rohwer. With dozens of wine regions, hundreds of grape varieties, and several overlapping classification systems, Italian wine is not a subject for the faint of heart. The authors of Vino Italiano certainly have the credentials to write an authoritative account. Joseph Bastianich co-o...