Tips on Storing Wine

Wine, like most things, changes over time. However, wine is unusual in that it can improve with age. Most wine enthusiasts have at least a few bottles that they are saving up for a special occasion, or until the wine reaches its peak. It is important to remember that wine is a natural and living thing and how it is stored will affect how well and how quickly it ages.

Correct storage of wine is essential to preserve it in its best condition and to allow the wine to develop to its full potential. Aged wine develops greater complexity, as the chemical reactions that occur during ageing add new aromas and flavours to the wine.  Here are some easy tips on the best way to store wine and should help you get the most from your collection. 

• Store your wine horizontally to keep the cork from cracking or shrinking and allowing air to enter.
• Store wine at around 70 percent humidity to help keep the cork properly moistened (very low humidity dries it out; very high humidity encourages growth of mold and mildew).
• Do not store wine in a room that is too cold as it causes the cork to shrink and therefore lets in air. Do not store wine in a room that is too hot, as the wine will age faster than it should.  Wine is best stored at any constant temperature within 5-18°C. Try to avoid exposing your wine to large temperature changes as it can damage the wine.
• Vibration interferes with aging and stirs up sediments so try to avoid storing your wine in an area that has Constant Vibration such as on top of a fridge. It is also good to avoid moving bottles until ready to be served.
• Try to Avoid storing your wine in Areas with Constant Light. Ultraviolet light can also give wine unpleasant odors and ruin the taste, so avoid storing wine near fluorescent or UV lighting.
• Try to stack wines on shelves made of plastic, wood, or cement as they resist temperature changes better than metal.
• Try to store wine with the labels upward. This makes it easier to see the sediment formed on the opposite side of the bottle when you open it.
• Note that when wine bottles are stored next to one another their temperatures remain stable. 
• Store sparkling wines and dry whites and rosés near the floor where the temperature is cooler as they are more affected by temperature problems than red wines.  You should also be aware that sparkling and white wines are the most sensitive to light.
• Do not store fruit, vegetables, cheeses or any other foods that are likely to ferment near the wine.
• It is a good idea to store wines in a location where you do not have to move them around to reach a specific bottle.  Once a wine is laid down it should stay there until it is opened.

Author: Ian Hamblin Vinrac Wine Rack Suppliers Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Hamblin

Tips on Storing Wine

The health benefits of red wine

by SiMpLe ImPliCaTiOn

For all those passionate wine drinkers, there is nothing like a glass of tasty quality wine with a good dinner. The health benefits of red wine are well known among people, resulting from the fact that red wine protects against heart disease and stroke. Is this true? Maybe.

Many studies that investigated the benefits of red wine showed that red wine if consumed in moderate amounts (one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men) lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by 30-50%. Other studies showed that similar benefits on the heart can be obtained by drinking beer and other alcoholic drinks, but unlike the wine they showed no results in reducing the risk of contracting several types of cancer.

Other studies showed that red wine prevents LDL cholesterol ( the bad cholesterol ) from forming, and raises the HDL cholesterol ( the good cholesterol ). It is also found that red wine may prevent blood cloths and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits.

So what is it in the red wine that is good for heart?

Red wine is very rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids, particularly in polyphenol antioxidant called reservatol to which a number of good benefits of wine have been attributed. It is found in skin and seeds of grapes and other plants like peanuts, blueberries and some pines, but only in traces. Scientists claim that it is this compound that is responsible for significant difference in lowering cancer, and that it is contained only in red wine in required amounts.

So what is moderate drinking? Well, it does mean a glass of wine a day, but not every day constantly. In fact, too much wine can be as bad as any other alcohol, and having alcohol in bigger amounts can actually offset the good we get from wine and lead to other alcohol related diseases.

I always choose red wine when offered with alcohol, simply because of being aware of the benefits it has for health. It always wins. Why drinking something that is just empty calories, when knowing all those good properties of wine nature gave us.

Learn more about this author, SiMpLe ImPliCaTiOn.

The health benefits of red wine

How to choose a great cheap red wine

With wine passing beer last year in US sales for the first time combined with the influx of new world wines challenging the old world standards for shelf space at your local beverage store or wine shop, choosing a wine can be more challenging than ever. A very good thing, however, is that wines are more affordable than ever as well!

If you are looking for an inexpensive, or "value," wine of any style, you can do what my wife and I have been doing successfully for more than 5 years now. We define a value wine as one that is less than $20, though you can change that to $8, 10 or whatever to suit your desires. When we are out shopping for groceries or driving by the local beverage store on the way home from work, we'll stop in and grab one, maybe two, bottles of a value wine we haven't tried before. Beyond price, the decision may not go much further than choosing based on a region we have had good selections from before, or maybe the same varietal, or grape, we like the most (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.). Of course, this may be too much of a risk for some, so how can you narrow down the choices beyond just the price?

Chances are you've probably had a glass or two of wine in your past and you can probably define some basic traits, in your own words, of what you liked or didn't like about that wine. Perhaps is tasted too sweet, or "burnt", or too spicy. In our opinion a "great" wine is only going to be a wine that you are going to enjoy and everybody has their own sense of taste. Now, go to the store with your personal tastes in mind and ask for help with finding a wine that matches or has similar characteristics that you like. With the increasing popularity of wine, more every-day grocery stores and beverage shops have someone on staff who has a decent understanding of wine that can help you with your decision. If you want a little more pedigree with your sommelier to increase your odds even more try going to the local wine shop or high-end grocery store.

Finally, take a few notes when you are drinking your fabulous value wine so that you can learn a little more and determine what great value wine you may want to try next. Cheers!

Learn more about this author, Ed Thralls.

How to choose a great cheap red wine

Learn How To Make Wine Today!

"Learn How To Make Wine Today!"

If I Can Do It Why Do Others Find Wine Making So Difficult?

I was thinking one day that there must be people out there who have seen their friends make wine and thought that “some day” they would like to start doing it themselves but have “never had the time to do it”. 

After all:

• Wouldn't it be great if there were a simpler, easier, no-risk way to make great tasting wine from your very first batch?
  
  
• Wouldn't it be wonderful if you knew the secrets to making great tasting wines quickly and affordably?
  
  
• Imagine the looks of shock and amazement on your friend's faces after they compliment you on your wine selection - and you tell them you made it yourself! 
  

Well, I've decided it's time to share with you the biggest and greatest tips and tricks I have discovered that have turned me from a “Home Made Wine Making Flunkie” into a hobby that my wife and I absolutely love – in only 5 short years.

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You will quickly find out that making wine is not as hard as you think ... so long as you know the steps you need to follow to be successful.

• Following the right process will actually save you money
  
  
• Your friends will turn to you as the group's wine expert once they taste the wine you have made
  
  
• There are simple things you can do to ensure that the temperature of your wine in is kept at a consistent level
  
  
• Fermenting wine certainly has an “aroma” to it but with a few “smarts” can be controlled so complaints are kept to a minimum

And ...

• You can be drinking a full bodied home made wine within 4 months if you know which kit to choose!

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1. "Delicious Wine Making Made Easy" manual
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2. Wine Making Recipe Card
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3. Wine Tasting Course
- You made your own wine so learn how to properly enjoy it! Includes "classroom" sessions, wine evaluation form & scoring sheet as well as a recipe to make your own component descriptor kit

4. Wine/Liquor Recipes & Tutorials
- Make wines from fresh fruit, extracts, flowers, herbs, grains and more!

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Learn How To Make Wine Today!

Take Control Of The Wine List

Do you ever just feel completely overwhelmed when you’re handed the wine list – especially for an important or special occasion? Most wine lists are written assuming the reader has a great knowledge of wine and geography and this can be very intimidating. But the good news is that understanding the three main ways wine lists are organized is the first step in helping you choose the perfect bottle of wine.

Imagine this—you are seated at an upscale restaurant with one of your best clients and then handed a wine list thicker than a college textbook.  You want to pick out the “perfect” wine to impress your client but everything looks like it is written in a foreign language.  After only a few minutes the server asks if you have made your selection, so you decide to order the most familiar thing on the menu.   You are not sure your selection will coordinate with your meals, and it costs more than your boss will tolerate for a client dinner.  By the time the bottle arrives, you have broken out in a cold sweat and are ready to take a big gulp!  The good news is that understanding the three main ways wine lists are organized is the first step to preventing this from ever happening to you.   

There are three primary types of wine lists - those organized by the grape varietal, by geography (or where it is made), and by flavor profile (progressive).  Keep in mind that some lists blend several of these methods.  Let’s explore each of these three types of wine lists:

By Grape Varietal.  Organized by the main grape variety used to produce the wine, this type of list definitely appeals to our varietally conscious culture.  It may be further organized by country or state.  Thinking of the grape varietal first and the origin second is an American trend.  Many European countries are now trying to focus more on the grape varieties despite regulations that ban the top rated wine from listing them on the label.  Sections for the popular varietals, e.g., Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, are usually listed, as well as an “other varietals” category for white and red.  These lesser known varietal sections can often be more interesting, and is where many bargains can be found!

By Geography. This wine list is organized by countries of origin and often has the more specific subcategories, like the regions or state, which is the traditional type of wine list.  If you love French wines, this type of list makes it easy.  Flip to the French section and then look at what regions or wines are offered.  The grape varietal used may (or may not) be listed next to the wines in this type of list.  This is not an issue for most wine from the US since the wine is usually labeled by grape varietal, e.g., Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.  The European wine industry, however, tends to focus on the region where it is produced and assumes we know what grapes are grown.  Even though the principal grapes of Burgundy are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, they won’t appear on the bottle of Burgundy’s finest wines.    Progressive.  This type of list is a relatively new approach that is organized by the flavor and body profile.  A typical category might be dry-light-bodied whites, and the wines in that category may be ordered from mildest to fullest.  This allows diners to look for the type of wine they enjoy and then order options in the same flavor and body category.  Your favorite grapes or countries may be located in many different categories.  Once you get the hang of these lists, they are tons of fun.  They don’t require any special knowledge of geography or grapes—just a knowledge of what you like.

Hopefully you a have a better understanding of the three most common ways restaurants will organize their lists.  The geographic and grape varietal lists will account for 80% of the lists encountered, but the progressive list may be a growing trend for the future.  Hopefully the next time you take an important client (or that special someone) to dinner they will be impressed with your ability to find the right wine in no time!

©2007 Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®

Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®, combines her extensive knowledge of wine with her experience as a life coach.  As The Wine Coach®, Laurie creates unique and fun corporate events, private events and tours that help people de-mystify wine one glass at a time.  To learn more about The Wine Coach® and to sign up for her FREE Weekly Wine Tips, visit http://www.winecoach.info/

Take Control Of The Wine List

How Wine Helps Your Health by Caroline Silverstone

You constantly hear a variety of differing information about wine being good for one thing or another, or how alcohol consumption is good in moderation. You may also hear that it is bad altogether. It's hard to keep the information straight and even know what to believe sometimes. Yet, despite all the different things you hear that conflict with one another, one thing to remember is that many doctors recommend that you drink a glass of wine a day, especially red wine.

Studies show that red wine is effective in helping lower your bad cholesterol and raising your good cholesterol. Most of these scientific studies reveal that while white wine may help a little with cholesterol problems, it is the red wines and the ingredients from the skin of the grapes that help the most. Cholesterol has a direct impact on your heart's functioning because as it builds up in the arteries of your heart, it makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood. Therefore, because red wine helps reduce cholesterol, it also helps your heart.

Wine has been known to also have a positive effect on certain cancers, especially red wine. Once again red wine wins out over white! Certain antioxidants in the skins and seeds of the grape, which are used in the making of red wine, as well as other chemicals in the wine, may give you some amount of protection against the development and progression of some cancers.

It has been shown that people who drink no alcohol have less brainpower than those who drink wine moderately. This was shown in a study done on women over 70. There is also one quarter less mental decline in those who enjoy wine than in those who avoid it. So to keep sharp as you age, many experts recommend a glass of wine a day.

If you are looking to reduce the amount of fat you use in cooking, wine may be a good substitute for cooking oil. Wine can be used as a cooking liquid in roasting, slow cooking and more. It also makes a flavorful addition to sauces and many other types of dishes. Adding wine intensifies the taste of food with adding extra fat, which is certainly bad for your health.

There are many other health issues that may be helped through the moderate drinking of wine. These include:

gall stones blood clotting kidney stones bone density high blood pressure

The key to using wine to help your health is to drink it in moderation. Every study that links wine and good health makes a strong point of mentioning that you should only drink between 1 and 3 glasses of wine a day. Some recommendations are on the higher end, while others are on the lower end.

Some top tips for health include:

maintain a reasonable weight get exercise keep stress under control eat a balanced diet drink wine in moderation

By following these tips you will likely live a long, happy and fun life. Cheers!

To Find more about wine gift and wine accessories. Website provides info about wrought iron wine racks and wine chillers.

How Wine Helps Your Health by Caroline Silverstone

"Ode to Joy" played on wine glasses

"Ode to Joy" played on wine glasses

Wine Glass Music

Wine Glass Music

Tips on how to become an effective wine taster

Millions of people all over the world are drinking wine but only few know how to recognize or distinguish its characteristics. Today, wine tasting parties are organized to bring together all wine lovers and test their expertise. It takes a lot of experience and exposure before a person can be called a wine expert. However, becoming one is surprisingly easy. Here are some tips on how to become an effective wine taster:

1.Preparing the tongue.

Obviously, the tongue plays a major role in wine tasting. It contains taste buds that are responsible in detecting if food or drinks being eaten are bitter, salty, sour, or sweet. To make them work as intended, swish wine around the mouth, this will signal the tongue to get ready in identifying the wine.

2.Preparing the sense of smell.

75% of taste is actually dictated by the sense of smell. Aside from the tongue, the nose will also play an important role in tasting a wine. Wine experts know that it isn’t a good idea when tasting a wine while having a running nose or colds because it will affect their sense of taste. In smelling the wine, it is necessary to swirl it first. This will release molecules that produce aroma.

3.Examining the wine’s appearance.

To determine color of the wine, pour it in a clear glass and use white paper or tablecloth for background. This procedure will give you an idea about the age of the wine. For example, when white wine appears whiter it means it contains more flavors and it may be vintage. On the other hand, red wines appear lighter as they age.

4.Evaluating the wine.

After following the first 3 steps, it is time to evaluate the wine. In order to do so, these questions must be answered: Is wine rich or light? Is it too harsh or too smooth? Does it have pleasant aftertaste? Is it too dry? The answers will lead the wine taster to decide if the taste is appropriate for a specific brand or type of wine.

To become an expert wine tester, you need to taste several wines. It would help to keep notes on the impression and labels of each wine. This would make the identification process easier and more accurate. Learning this skill requires a lot of time and experience. Do not be in a hurry to learn it, take time to enjoy while doing so.

About the Author
Vernon Hale is an author living in Bowling Green, Ky, USA. Find more about fine wines and wine specialties at http://www.best-wine-online.com wine taster

Tips on how to become an effective wine taster

How to Preserve a Wine Collection

Storing wine with cooling units is easy. This is also something you should do to preserve your wine collection. Many times people do not realize the importance of proper wine storage and how it is done. There is no substitute for wine storage with proper wine temperature and the only way this can be achieved is through a wine cellar or wine room with a cooling unit.
The easiest and quickest method for wine storage and wine cooling is to buy a wine cellar. Wine cellars can be found in stores or even online at affordable prices. A wine cellar offers not only a place to store as many bottles of wine as capacity will hold but also a place to keep your wine cool and away from the sun light. These units can be built in any room in the house it does not have to be under ground just as long as it stays out of the sun. Once you've picked where you want the wine cellar you simply just construct it or just set it up. Most wine cellar anymore look more like large wine cabinets which I tend to favor. These particular kind can hold anywhere between 300-5000 bottles whichever size you are looking for. Typically they just snap and seal together with ease or even pre-built wine cellars can be purchased but expect a higher shipping price the larger the unit.

Another way to store and preserve wine is by use of a cooling unit. Cooling units are easy to install into any room and with little effort and affordable. Think of them as an small air conditioner for wine as they do look similar in structure. You can install a wine cooling unit into a wine cellar or into a wine room and it can be self done without spending a fortune on hiring someone. I prefer smaller wine rooms over the massive sprawl style of wine basement rooms but whichever you prefer there is a cooling unit that fits your size needs. Cooling units can cool 75 cubic ft. to 3000 cubic ft. and higher so as you can see whatever size you need to cool can be done.

So either use a cooling unit or a wine cellar or the combination of the 2 to achieve the perfect temperature and storage for your wine collection. It adds life to your wine and helps you to store any amount for years to come. However if you collect wine do not over look this storage option your collection simply will not last long without it. Wine Accessories

About the AuthorMichael BrownBuy Wine Buy Coffee Buy Gift Baskets

How to Preserve a Wine Collection

Why You Should Have a Wine Cellar

If you don't own a wine cellar and you collect wine its time to reconsider. Wine collectors everywhere are learning that to preserve you must have control over the climate and the temperature of the wine. The only real way to do this is to have your very own wine cellar.

In the movies we are used to seeing a wine cellar in some dark damp under ground bunker. However to have and own a wine cellar doesn't have to be exactly that way anymore. Now we have options with our wine cellars and wine storage. Long ago the only way to keep wine at cool enough temperatures to preserve was to store it under ground away from the heat and sunlight. Today things have changed with wine storage greatly.

What purpose does a wine cellar serve you might ask. Well for one a wine cellar keeps the wine at whatever temperature you'd like to store it at. Keeping wine cool and at the right humidity can make your wine store and last years longer than not doing so. Another great thing about a wine cellar is that it can keep your collection organized and free of dust. Many wine cellars have a cabinet style build much like a stand alone closet. I would also suggest getting yourself a set of wine bottle hanging labels as well to help organize your collection. These simple hang around the head of the bottle and on it you list the type of wine and the vintage year.

You must figure how much room you want to dedicate to your wine collection. Do you want to dedicate a whole room or basement? If so you may consider custom built wine racks. Custom built wine racks are nice because you can decide how long or wide to have them built. The bad part about customized wine cellar racks is that they are very expensive. I prefer to go with wine cellar cabinets. They typically run in the low thousands but if you are a serious collector that can be pennies on the dollar saved. Some of your collection will one day be worth mid hundreds or more so sometimes spending a little to save a lot goes a long way. Cabinet style wine cellar stand tall and up right and can have solid doors of glass doors to see in. However make sure if you have glass doors it stays away from windows and out of the sunlight. Sunlight even the slightest amount can soil your collection; keep your collection as safe as possible.

If you do not have thousands to spend there are many options that you can find about anywhere that range in the low hundreds and can hold over 150 bottles. This is the best option for anyone who is just starting out a collection. Many times you can find a nice wine cellar with glass doors for well under $500 that holds many more bottles than your collection can amass for the first couple of years. The options are up to you just remember this hobby is what you put into it and without proper wine storage your collection won't last long.

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About the AuthorMichael BrownLover of Coffee and Wine 10 years exp.

Why You Should Have a Wine Cellar

Glasses and Globlets - Wine Glasses - 6 Pieces

Glasses and Globlets - Wine Glasses - 6 Pieces

Glasses and Globlets - Wine Glasses - 6 Pieces

ColdTech Wine Cooler One Tinted Glass Door

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ColdTech Wine Cooler One Tinted Glass Door

Cabernet Wine Glass Tall 85oz

Cabernet Wine Glass Tall 85oz

Cabernet Wine Glass Tall 85oz

How To Tell A Merlot From A Cabernet (And Other Wine Mysteries)

By Caroline Silverstone

Red wines are simply beautiful. Striking shades of ruby glimmering through the glass delight those who enjoy it. France has traditionally been the top producer of red wines in the world. Two of the absolutely most versatile of reds to have emerged from there are Merlot and Cabernet. Both these wines have enough body to be enjoyed with most hearty meals such as beef, stews, poultry, pork and rich seafood, such as lobster. Yet there are some big differences between them.

Merlots are well known for their fruitiness. Often when you hear Merlots described the first words are the type of fruit taste it has, followed by a variety of other flavors and aromas found in the wine such as oak, earthy, chocolate, smoky and a variety of other adjectives. Merlots offer a variety of types from a light fruity wine that is easy to drink to a much more complex, tannic wine that can easily be paired with beef.

Cabernet tends to be discussed in more complex terms than Merlots. In general Cabernet tends to be a little more tannic, with less sugar than Merlot. Merlot grapes actually ripen earlier than Cabernet, hence the mildness of Merlot wine compared with Cabernet. Also, Cabernet is usually aged longer than Merlot before serving hence the more sophisticated tastes. While there are numerous similarities between the two types of wine, from their aromas and flavors to their food pairings, Cabernet tends to be the more mature of the two, in age, history and taste.

Another wine mystery, which needs to be unveiled, is that of the Beaujolais Nouveau. What is it and why is it so popular in mid-November? Basically, Beaujolais Nouveau is a lightweight, young wine, which is usually fermented for just a few weeks. It hails from the Beaujolais region of France and goes on sale each year on the third Thursday of November. It has a limited shelf-life and is definitely not the wine you want to put away in the back of your wine cellar to let it age. In fact it is best drunk fresh. In the worst years of production, Beaujolais Nouveau is only good for its first couple of months. In good years, it may be drunk up to a year later.

In the early twentieth century, Beaujolais was not allowed to be sold before mid-December, but the rules were relaxed to mid-November in 1951. The immaturity of this wine often leads to unfavorable ratings, however it should be noted that Beaujolais Nouveau is very different from other French reds and should not be judged on the same standards. It has practically no tannins and should be served chilled. Beaujolais Nouveau has benefited from marketing in a way that no other wine has.

France offers a wide variety of red wines from the different regions of the country. Each wine has its own special aspects just waiting to be discovered. Before dismissing any of them, do a little research to find a highly recommended one, pair it with a suggested food and set aside all preconceptions. Who knows - you might just surprise yourself!


Find unique wine lover's gifts like crystal wine glasses from riedel and several other fine wine accessories
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Silverstone

How To Tell A Merlot From A Cabernet (And Other Wine Mysteries)

Merlot Wine

By Steve Austin

Merlot wine is a rich, soft wine with the flavor of blackberries, beloved because it is seldom harsh and not as acidic as a Cabernet Sauvignon with which it is often blended. Merlot wine has the added advantage of being rich and supple but only moderately tannic and, therefore, wonderfully drinkable from early on.

The Merlot grape is larger and thinner skinned than the Cabernet grape. It has an opulent texture that goes admirably with h'ordeuves or as a dinner drink. Similar to the soft Algerian wines of the Pied Noirs, Merlot wine is used to round out and add complexity to Cabernets.

in today's world, Merlot wine is a premium varietal in its own right. Merlot wine is a round sensual wine that does not need the same care in aging. So Merlot wine can be a splendidly pragmatic and commendable choice for many occasions.

Merlot wine is so popular due to the fact that it is softer, fruitier, and earlier-maturing than cabernet sauvignon, yet displays many of the same aromas and flavors – black cherry, currant, cedar, and green olive – along with mint, tobacco and tea-leaf tones.

The most critically acclaimed Merlot wines are dark, rich and strong. Aromas include scents of plums, black cherry, toffee, chocolate, violets, orange and tea.

Merlot Wine Tip:

Merlot wine is a good accompaniment to simply prepared beef and lamb dishes.


Wine Ratings - Wine ratings, wine and winery related information for the enjoyment of fine wines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Austin

Merlot Wine

Types of Wine Glasses

By David Beart

The type of wine glass that you serve your wine in can have a dramatic impact on the flavor and quality of the wine. There are many factors associated with wine glasses that may add or subtract from the wine's flavor, appearance and quality. There are also some glassware basics that should be considered when choosing glasses.

For a home wine-connoisseur, you may need to take your wine glass selection very seriously. For those individuals that enjoy a variety of different types of wine, you may opt for an all-purpose wine glass. These are tulip shaped and hold approximately 8 to 12 ounces and are appropriate for most types of wine. There are, however, specific types of glasses that you may be interested in purchasing if you enjoy a particular type of wine on a regular basis. You do not necessarily need a special glass for each type of wine, but if you routinely enjoy a particular wine and you have the storage and budget, then you may be interested.

So what are the differences in white and red wine glasses? There are several differences and each affect the bouquet of the wine as well as help to maintain the appropriate temperature of the wine. And of course, white wines are best served out of glasses designed for white wines and red wines are best served out of glasses designed for red wines.

The white wine glass has a narrow mouth, which allows the wine to maintain its chilled temperature. The reduced surface area of the glass does not allow air to permeate the wine as much as it does in a wide mouthed red wine glass. The reduced amount of air means that the air will not warm the wine. The smaller bowl of the glass also means that there is less contact by the heat of the hand, which can also warm the wine.

Chardonnay glasses feature a narrow rim of glass that helps to direct the wine to the middle of the palate. This applies the fruit flavors and acidity. The longer bowl of the glass keeps the wine chilled and captures the aromas of the wine. This type of glass works well for Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, White Bordeaux and Burgundies, White Pinots and Viognier.

Sangiovese and Riesling glass feature a smaller bowl and even narrower rim. The smaller bowl is due to the fact that these wines are usually consumed in smaller quantities as dessert wines. The smaller and elongated bowl also allows the wine to stay chilled while you are enjoying your dessert. These glasses are also great for wines that are sweet and may be drunk in smaller amounts. This type of glass is also appropriate for Bardolino, Chianti, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano and Zinfandel. If you frequently enjoy white wines, you may enjoy an all-purpose glass that is designed for different white wines.

Red wine glasses are usually noted as having a large bowl and wide mouth. These glasses are similar to the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine glass. The Bordeaux wine glass is designed specifically for these red wines. They have a large and round bowl, which allows the wine to breathe, which brings out the different aromas that the wine has to offer. Allowing the red wine to sit in the glass will have a similar effect that decanting has on a wine. These glasses are tall and shoot the wine straight to the back of your mouth where most red wines will react with the back of the palate.

The Burgundy glass is also a good wine glass that is appropriate for reds and full-bodied wines. They have an even larger bowl than the Bordeaux glass and focuses the wine to be absorbed at the tip of your tongue. This allows the drinker to enjoy the sweetness of this wine. This glass is also appropriate for your Pinot Noir wines and is best for gathering the delicate bouquet of your red wine.

Red wine glasses also allow you to drink your red wines at room temperature. The larger bowl is designed to allow the wine to cool after it is exposed to the heat of your hand. If you enjoy red wine on a regular basis, you may be interested in buying a set of these glasses.

When purchasing wine glasses, you will want to look for clean and clear glasses. This will allow you to examine the wine and check its clarity and color. A clean glass is absolutely necessary for enjoying wines and after washing you will want to remove any soap residue that is left on the glass. Thin glasses are also the best, as a rolled rim will cause the wine to dribble into your mouth while a thin glass presents less obstruction between you and the wine. Stems are also necessary, as you do not want to hold the bowl of the glass. The glass should also have a tapered rim, which will keep the wine from spilling when you swirl. It will also help to capture the aroma of the wine.

David Beart is the owner of http://www.professorshouse.com This site covers a wide selection of topics including relationships, family, wine and other household issues.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Beart

Types of Wine Glasses

The Wine Boom!

By Sarah Martin

Winemaking in California has never been an unsupervised industry. The first vines were brought to the Pacific shores by Cortez. When the ruthless conqueror of Mexico failed to find gold he decided to develop the country as an enormous vineyard. He commanded every landowner to plant, every year for five years, 1,000 vines for every 100 Indians living on his land. Years later Spain sent her high priests of civilization into the barren wilderness of Baja, California, with the understood provision that wines would be made for sacramental purposes at their mission outposts.

In 1769 Padre Junipero Serra, the beloved Franciscan, established his first mission in Alta California-Mission San Diego de Alcala. He brought vine cuttings with him, vines which originally came from Spain. They were set out around the new mission and as they flourished, more cuttings were planted in San Gabriel where sun and soil proved even more fruitful for the vines. The gnarled, twisted trunk of the first vine planted at San Gabriel still bears its annual harvest of Mission grapes. This single species planted along El Camino Real by the Franciscan priests, by its abundant yield, established California as a vine land.

The first commercial vineyard was established in Los Angeles in 1824 by one John Chapman who set out 4,000 vines. He was followed seven years later by an even more enterprising pioneer from France, Louis Vignes. His vineyard, on the site of the present Union Station in Los Angeles, was a profitable venture, providing wines and brandies not only for the young City of Angels but for the northern ports of Santa Barbara, Monterey, and San Francisco.

The big excitement, one hundred years ago when gold was discovered in California, created such a fantastic period of American history that the grape rush never received much publicity. It followed the gold rush, and quite logically. Every boom town was a market for wine and grapes. Prices were fabulous. If, many thought, good grapes could be grown in Southern California where the wines were coming from; they would probably do as well elsewhere in the State. New species, such as Chenin Blanc, were imported and they flourished equally well.

Like a thunderbolt sensational news arrived from Europe. The vineyards of France were dying of an unknown disease. California would become the vineyard of the world. Every ship sailing into the Golden Gate confirmed the tragic and wonderful news. By 1855 the boom was on. Landowners all over the State caught the wine fever. By planting a few thousand vines they could become rich, with a world market waiting. Vineyards sprang up all over California. In 1858, bearing vineyards in Los Angeles were selling for $1,000 per acre.

Boom-and then bust!

A poor crop in 1859 was followed by an equally poor harvest in 1860. The State Agricultural Society, formed in 1854, recognized that something must be done to save the young industry. Each year the Society had sent several of its members, by stagecoach and horseback, to widespread areas of vine plantings to report back on economic and agricultural conditions. The most successful vintner was a Sonoma vineyardist, Colonel Agoston Haraszthy. His success with foreign grape varieties, such as Carignane, had sent land values in the vicinity of his Buena Vista vineyard from $6 to $135 per acre.

Col. Haraszthy's achievement was by no means accidental; his entire lifetime had been spent in seeking the right place in America to make fine wines. In 1847 he planted his first vineyard in Wisconsin shortly after he arrived in this country from Hungary. Undaunted by failure there he moved to San Diego, primarily for his health. He imported more than a hundred and sixty-five different species of grapes from Europe, including Zinfandel which has now become the most widely planted grape in California.

Dissatisfied with the quality of the wine he could make there he moved north to the present site of Crystal Springs Reservoir, just south of San Francisco. Here he discovered he was too near the sea; his vines suffered from strong winds, fog, and lack of sunshine.

He made a fourth attempt, in Sonoma, after seeing the flourishing vineyards of General Vallejo in that county. With renewed inspiration he transplanted his imported cuttings and set out the Buena Vista Vineyards in Sonoma in 1856.


Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in the history of wine, winetasting, and fine wine varietals. For an amazing selection of wines, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Martin

The Wine Boom!

Wine For The Beginner - Red Wine Selection Tips For Beginners

Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot, oh my. Understanding the complexities and variety of red wine can be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the correct wine for a dinner. Here are some wine selection tips for five of the most popular red wines for the beginner.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Considered the "King of Red Wine Grapes", Cabernet Sauvignon originated in the Bordeaux region of France and established itself in the California wine markets to become one of the world's most popular red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is usually matured for 5-10 years to create a mellow-flavored wine. It is often blended with other grapes, most notably Merlot, to create a soft wine with lively fruit tones. Cabernets are medium to full-bodied wines high in tannins which carry rich berry, tobacco and sometimes even green pepper flavors. Cabernet pairs well with lamb, red meats, hearty red pasta dishes, strong cheese and dark chocolate.

Pinot Noir

The Pinot Noir grape is very difficult to grow demanding climates with consistently warm days and cool nights. Nonetheless, it is grown in regions including Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Italy. Due it's strict growing requirements, Pinot Noir is produced in lesser quantities than many other popular red wines and tends to be a little pricier. It is a lighter colored and flavored red wine with sweet undertones of berries, tomatoes, cherries, plums and earthy or woody flavors depending upon where it is grown. Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines and pairs nicely with poultry, fish, lamb, pork, ham, spicy seasonings and cream sauces.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel has been a mainstay of the Californian wine market since the mid-1800s. Originally from Italy, this robust grape has found a good home in the Americas. The Zinfandel grape produces two varietals: the red Zinfandel, and the White Zinfandel (also called White Zin) which has become a popular wine for the beginner. The basic Zinfandel is a rich, dark red wine with flavors of sweet berries, plums and black pepper and undertones of oak. White Zinfandel is made by removing the grape skins shortly after the grapes are crushed. The result is a rose to pink colored wine with a lighter flavor. Red Zinfandel pairs nicely with red or white meat, hearty fish, burgers and spicy dishes. White Zinfandel is suited to a large rage of foods including Cajun and Asian flavors, BBQ chicken and heavy seafood dishes.

Merlot

Merlot originates from the Bordeaux region of France and is a soft and lush, medium-bodied wine. Its juicy fruit flavors and low tannin content makes Merlot a popular wine for the beginner. Merlot has a wide range of tones including plums, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and black pepper. Merlot is often blended with other wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to soften their flavors and gain more structure and definition. Merlot is a versatile red which pairs well with pork, red meats, pastas and salads.

Shiraz

Known as Syrah in France, Shiraz is a bold, spicy wine which has become very popular in Australia where it gained its alternative name. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with firm tannins that give it a fuller body than most younger reds. Shiraz has an impressive range of flavors including black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, licorice and even dark chocolate and smoked meat. Shiraz stands up well to hearty foods including grilled meats and vegetables, wild game, seasoned red meats, beef stew and meaty pizzas.

You can learn about white wine for the beginner and get more wine selection tips for finding $50 quality wines for $10 or less at http://wineforthebeginner.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Fenwick

Wine For The Beginner - Red Wine Selection Tips For Beginners