Rioja’s Tempranillo is the prominent grape of Rioja and produces wine with moderate acidity, notes of spice, strawberry, tobacco and earthy-chalky aromas. Most are barrel aged using American oak which adds the spice and vanilla that Tempranillos are know for.
There is a mind behind the glass.
Time travel. If an ancient winemaker were to visit a present-day winery, they would understand what was taking place since winemaking’s basic steps have not changed through the centuries. Those steps follow, and an exciting video from the GuildSomm wine organization is included. The mind....
Viognier was almost gone forever!
The Viognier grape has existed since Christ’s time; however, its popularity dwindled over the years to almost extinction. In 1965, less than twenty acres of Viognier remained on the planet! At some point in the mid-1960s, its value as a blending grape emerged, using it...
What do you serve when your guests do not like wine?
Have you ever held a party where friends glued themselves to the couch, munching on your cheese assortment, salad, and stir fry while whispering local gossip and sipping Sprite? Feeling compelled to be a good host, you asked if they’d like a glass of wine,...
Do you know the Meditation Wine?
I tasted Amarone for the first time in the town of Hoornaar in the Dutch province of South Holland. Our host had recently returned from Italy, inspired by the experience, and made a sumptuous Italian-themed dinner complete with Italian vino. When the cork popped on...