Wine Types & Varietals - Rose Wine !
A Rose by Any Other NameTechnically, a rose is an "unfinished red wine," but the term seems so- secondary. Rose is a different sort of wine, with all the refreshing qualities of a white wine mixed with some characteristics of a red. It can be made from many different grape varietals and in many different regions, the most popular and successful being Southern France, Spain, California & Italy.
Notable Facts about Rose Wine !Rose is a wine that goes through the red winemaking process, but is stopped before extracting too many red wine characteristics. Almost always made from red varietals, the grapes are pressed and the juice sits with the skins for fermentation - but just for a little while - enough time to get a bit of color and a bit of the skin characteristics. Then fermentation continues as a white wine, most often in stainless steel. Roses are typically ready to drink early - not so much to age. Some popular regions of Rose are Tavel (an AOC for ONLY rose wines in the Rhone area of France), other areas of Southern France, Spain, Italy and California. Almost all regions make rose, and many from different grape varieties (Grenache-based in Spain, France, Australia and South Africa; Sangiovese or Nebbiolo in Italy). Just like red and white wines, roses can be of different styles - sweet or dry, dark or light - the winemaker and grape variety (or varieties as roses are often blended) are key. Pink wines have delicious character and are perfect for food. For dryer styles of Rose, try those from Southern France and Spain, for the sweeter styles, look for White Zinfandel and some other California rose makers.
Click Here To Shop Online For Great Wines !
Wine Basics - Bordeaux Wine !
If you must know something about wine, Bordeaux is the one you just can't skip ! Bordeaux. The name itself conjures up images of old, dusty bottles and decanters. And, while it is the region known for the most ageable, not to mention pricy, red wines of the world, Bordeaux has fallen from the "king of red wine" throne after a few poor vintages, rising prices and more value-driven competitors. However, once a good Bordeaux is tasted, particularly if it’s an old one, you know what the hubbub is all about.
Bordeaux is most often separated into two parts –the right bank and the left bank. On the left bank,
Cabernet Sauvignon rules, and the
Médoc region hugs the west side of the Gironde river. Within the Médoc are the four top communes of (from north to south) St.-Estèphe, Paulliac, St.-Julien and Margaux. These communes make some pretty sought-after red wines. Below the Médoc, following the river as it turns, lies the Graves region. Named as such for its gravelly soils, Graves is home to some top white wine regions like Pessac-Léognan (for dry whites) and the sweet wine regions of Sauternes and Barsac.
The right bank of Bordeaux is where
Merlot and
Cabernet Franc shine best. Merlot is typically used more in the blends, particularly in the surrounding satellite regions of Bordeaux. The heart of the right bank is the city of St.-Émilion and the wine region that surrounds it. Next door is Pomerol, a small but intense red wine producer. Other areas include Côtes du Bourg & Côtes du Blaye, Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac, and Côtes de Castillon . Bordeaux has other regions that are making wine – some of it great value!
Give the gift of wine or treat yourself with The Wine Messenger
Wine Basics - Napa Valley Wine !
It’s hard not to think of Napa Valley when thinking of California wines. The region is, after all, the one that brought world recognition to California wine making. The area was settled by a few choice wine families in the 1960’s who bet that the wines of the area would grow and flourish. They were right. The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980’s, when vineyard lands were scooped up and vines were planted throughout the area. A number of wineries emerged, from large conglomerates to small boutique to cult classics.
Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely the grape of choice here, with many winemakers also focusing on
Bordeaux blends. Whites are usually Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Notable Facts
Within the
Napa Valley lie small sub-appellations that lend even more character specifics to the wines. Furthest south is Carneros, followed by Yountville, then Oakville & Rutherford. Above those two is St.-Helena and finally, while not yet an AVA, Calistoga. These appellations are situated on the valley floor and are known for creating rich, smooth Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Chardonnays. There are a few mountain regions as well, nestled on the sides of the above valley AVAs. Those include Howell Mountain, Stags Leap and Mount Veeder. Wines from the mountain regions are often more structured and firm, yet also with a pronounced elegance.
Give the gift of wine or treat yourself with The Wine Messenger
Xbox 360 Gear and Game Reviews - All the best x360 Games !
There's a new Gaming site in Town and it's hitting down hard on
Xbox 360 gaming, game gear and all the hot new games out for the X360, Check out reviews, get game cheats, game hints and fun facts about your favorite
Xbox360 Games ! Just reviewed are hot games like the allready legendary
Call Of Duty 2 and new commer
Oblivion that continues the saga of The Elder Scrolls ! Up coming will be a closer look at the awesome new game from Danish IO Interactive
Hitman - Bloodmoney.. Get your ass over to Jeezz.com and get your game facts strait from the launch ! X360 games never been hótter than this !
Xbox 360 Gear and Game Reviews - All the best x360 Games !
