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Posts Tagged ‘wine’

When in doubt on what to buy a person as a gift, there always remains the option of giving wine gift baskets. They can be a welcome change of pace for the recipient. Instead spring a bit of a surprise on them and use your imagination t come up with something that is truly lovely as well as thoughtful. Here we will talk about some things that can be done with wine gift baskets.

There are a variety of containers that a person can choose to use for the wine gift baskets that they make for others. An ice bucket is a common choice, not to mention very practical as well. Many people place a bottle of wine into the ice bucket along with other accessories that would be suitable with the wine that you are giving.

Other accessories can be added to the ice bucket to give it a more personalized aura. A corkscrew is a commonly misplaced item in many homes and would probably receive a warm reception when the recipient saw this item.

Also a good option as a companion to the wine that you are giving is cheese. There are many different kinds to choose from and you can select one that will amplify the taste of the wine selection that you have made for the recipient.

As you are wandering through the specialty shop you may also see crackers that are intriguing in nature. It cannot hurt to pick up some of them for the wine gift basket as well. They are a natural item used with cheese. The two of them together will make great snacking for the person receiving the gift you are making.

You are almost done! But there is one thing remaining that is not in the gift basket you have made. You need to put some wine glasses in it! What good is wine without something to drink it out of? There are a lot of wine glasses that you can choose from. Think of the person that the gift is for when making a decision. Some people like more elegant styles than others. So use your mind to get what you think is suited to the person that the wine gift basket is for.

You can do anything you want when it comes to wine gift baskets, all that it really takes is a bit of an imagination. Just let yourself go and brainstorm a bit. You will be surprised at the things that will come to mind. Keep in mind the occasion of the gift basket and the person or people that it is for and it will surely turn out to be a very well received gift.

What did the grape say when it was rolled over by a beer keg?

Not a word – all it did was “wine”!

What we drink says a lot about who we are – if you believe the marketing companies who target the mass markets with multi-million dollar commercials and campaigns. But how much can this information be trusted?

Enjoying both beers and wines is not a mutually exclusive pastime – I personally drink both and conform with neither stereotypical image of either drinker – I’m not a young stud hanging out with great looking babes in a bar while ice-cold longnecks are guzzled by the truck load nor a wrinkly, liberal-looking, spectacle-wearing foodie with leather patches on my elbows.

The global cultural significance of wine and beer is due mostly to their extremely long histories. The actual inventor of the wine and beer is not known, but what is known is thta they originated from the Middle East and most likely have been around since Neolithic times (around 5000 B.C.) – certainly the ancient Egyptians and various empires based to the East of the Mediterranean Sea have documented wines and beers as well as irrefutable archaeological evidence.

Certainly in those ancient times, there was no such thing as an NFL or Nascar event while cheese & wine parties were not exactly on the social menu. The division of potential consumers using marketing, and by extension, social stereotypes for beer and wine markets has created a false picture of who actually drinks them. Since wine producers in California started making headway in international markets bck in the 80’sWine was the alcoholic drink of the masses in Europe and not the upper crust – beer was drunk as water, simply because it was safe to drink due to the alcohol content and in fact, beer was not brewed for the purpose of getting drunk, at least, not in the beginning but to purify water.

Mass production of beer really started in the 20^th Century – in previous centuries other forms of alcohol dominated demand for getting smashed – and wine was one of the dominant beverages. With mass production came mass marketing and for beer sales, blue collar workers were targeted with drinks which were ice-cold and quenched thirst after a hard day’s work. Girls, cars, smiling friends and being Mr. Popular in the bar were all part of the marketing mix thrown at potential beer drinkers being sold on fizzy, yellow brews. The small breweries with a good brew have been left at the margins of the beer industry and appreciated by beer aficionados.

Marketing perception is rarely an accurate reflection of reality, if you consider that wine was discovered probably at an earlier date than beer from the archaeological evidence, wine would appear to have been the caveman’s first choice of fermented brew. If a caveman preferred wine to beer, this hardly matches the marketing perception that beer drinkers do not have taste nor being a hard-working macho-man precludes you from enjoying wine. Wine is also a more potent drink than beer for those who are looking to race to a hangover fast.

On the other hand, wine experts and followers will probably point to the labor and skill which goes into creating a fine wine – the reality is that brewing beer also requires just as much artistry and imagination as producing a good bottle of plonk. The plethora of small breweries and family-owned brewers that have maintained their tradition for generations gives testimony to the great diversity of skill, taste, and ingenuity when it comes to making the best alcohol possible.

The bottom line – downing a beer or slurping a wine is not predetermined by social status or marketing categorization – it all comes down to one thing no matter who you are or what you do – your own taste.

By Mark Trumper, the guiding force of MaverickLabel.com, the Internet’s leading provider of labels, custom stickers and custom wine labels. From asset labels to shipping labels to custom wine labels, MaverickLabel.com can provide all of your label needs. Call 1-800-537-8816.

Reading wine labels is the topic for this installment of our wine 101 guide…

Reading a wine label is a useful skill to have as it lets you go into a wine store and make informed choices on new purchases. Finding out what (and what not) to look for will help you buy wines that meet your perfectly your preferences. So, lets look at each aspect of a wine label individually.

Firstly, the vintage; most bottles of wines stocked in stores are meant to be drunk immediately so look for ones that were produced in recent years. This particularly applies if youre looking for a fresh, lively, fruity wine at a reasonable price. You’ve probably heard about good vintages for certain wines, but these special bottles can be very expensive; if you want to try a premier vintage, you should research online or in magazines first.

Secondly, the geography; there are lots of famous regions and vineyards around the world (too many to list here) so this can be a bit of a lottery and unless you do prior research. However, a good rule of thumb is to choose a wine which label state a specific vineyard or town rather than a region. This is because many bad wineries will try to benefit from the name of the large region where they are located, even if their vineyards are in undesirable parts of the area.

Thirdly, the alcohol content; it’s recommended that you look for one at around 14% or less. It might seem like a high alcohol content would be a good thing, but if you want to enjoy your wine and not just drink it to get drunk, it’s better to stay in the lower range of alcohol content as ones in the higher range tend to be unbalanced.

Lastly, the fine details; including information such as the dates the grapes were harvested and the wine was bottled, whether the grapes were grown and fermented at the same place (called estate-bottling), and the phone number of the winery are all positive signs. Details such as these add to a wines authenticity and indicate that the wine producer cares about and has faith in their product.

Pairing wine and food is the focus of this part of our wine 101 guide…

The taste of a wine can improve or worsen depending on the food that you drink it with. Although there are only afew combinations which really don’t work, learning the basics about pairing them will bring out the best in both.

There are two basic and simple approaches involved; one is contrast, where the wine is different in character to the food, yet still complimentary, and the other is complimentary, where the wine and food work together through a similar trait (such as sweetness or acidic). Either style of pairing will work well; choosing one way over the other is just depends on the type of food being served and your personal preference. Another good way to pair wines with food is to use regional combinations; usually, foods and wines that are produced in the same area will complement one another because they have been made together locally for years.Problem foods include eggs and egg dominated dishes, acidic foods, such as tomatoes or vinaigrette dressings, and spicy foods. {There are no specific rules or recommendations for these, and it’s really a case of hit and miss.} Personal experimentation is necessary if you insist on pairing wine with such foods.

Here are some examples of wine and food pairings: beef is best paired with Cabernet Sauvignon, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Zinfandel or Pinot Noir; lamb pairs well with Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, or Medoc; poultry served with a light sauce pairs well with Chardonnay, Chablis or White Burgundy; poultry served with a heavy or spicy sauce goes well Zinfandel, Pinot Noir or Beaujolais; fish is best served with Sauvignon Blanc or White Burgundy.{However, though these are said to be classic pairings, that doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily like all of them.} Remember that everyones tastes are different, and what other people like may not be appealing to you.It’s worth remembering also that many people have their preferred style of wine and stick to that style regardless of the occasion or the food on offer. So, if you’re entertaining a guest who only drinks white wine, it’s not advisable to insist on them drinking a particular red wine just because you think it matches the food well. Make a suggestion to them, but still give them a choice.

Wine enthusiasts around the world consider French wine to be superior and prefer French wine above any other. There are many varieties of wines, the most commonly known ones are red, white, rose and champagne.

There are thirteen different regions in France with literally thousands of vineyards that produce wine. France is also known for having the ideal location for growing grapes. The soil conditions are perfect and the vineyards are very close to the water. The climate in France is also idealic for grape growing and therefore makes it one of the best locations in the world for wine.

Wines are usually classified according to the grape varieties they are made from. One variety that is often used for red wine is the Barbera. Grown mainly in Piedmont, Italy, this variety is quite adaptable to other regions, and is also grown on a limited scale in the United States. Barbera grapes produce wines with a full-bodied fruity taste as they have a high natural acidity.

Wine enthusiasts know about one variety of grapes that are widely grown in many parts of the world – Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown primarily in Medoc, France, this grape variety has found its way to California, Australia and other wine-making countries. Wine enthusiasts would consider Cabernet Sauvignon wines to be among the best red wines in the world. Among the white varieties, the Chardonnay is easily the most popular, producing some of the world’s finest white wines. These French wine varieties are very popular when dining.

French wine varies from the rare varieties, which can be very difficult to find, to the most common types that you can find in wine stores everywhere. If you are looking for one of the more rare types of French wine, your best bet would be to use the Internet. Rare vintage French wine can be extremely hard to find, but by looking at wine forums and the many different wine websites, you may be successful.

Without a doubt, French wine is a cut above the average wine. Other wines may use the same methods in production and even the same ingredients, but they don’t taste the same as those made in France. Why not impress your friends with a little wine knowledge and some fool proof wine values. French wine has a taste and aroma like no other, and when you taste a wine that was made in France, you will be able to distinguish it.

Many people love to sample different types of wine, but sometimes, you just can not find one you really enjoy. Homemade fruit wine making is the one way to experiment with different fruits and juices to make a wine you like. Using a guide like the ultimate fruit winemaker’s guide will help you with your winemaking efforts

Harvesting or picking is always the first step in the wine making process, as you need to have gathered the materials for your wine before you can begin making it. A combination of science and old-fashioned tasting go into the harvesting process, and harvesting can either be done mechanically or hand, whichever you prefer.

You might want a citrus wine favor. If so, you can use oranges, apples, grapefruit or gooseberry. If you want something a little less citrus flavored, you might try bananas, cherry, pear, peach, strawberry or grapes. There are people who use dandelions and rhubarb as well as watermelon and ginger root to make wine.

The next step in the wine making process involves fermentation. This is really where the magic is in the process and if left to its own devices, the must or juice will begin to ferment naturally within about eight hours, with the aid of wild yeasts in the air.  In clean wineries and vineyards however the fermentation process is quite different. Once fermentation begins, regardless of the chosen path, it will normally continue on until all of the sugar has been converted to alcohol and a dry wine is produced.

You make have heard of people who like a specific fruit mixed with another fruit, well this might just make a great wine as well. If you like a can of fruit cocktail, you might try making a fruit cocktail wine. There are some people that mix fruits and the wine is to die for. It has a taste you cannot find with any other wine around. Home wine making opens up new avenues for wine enthusiasts. If you like wine, you will love experimenting with new tastes.

Enjoy your wine as a professional wine taster. When the wine is ready to be opened, try a little taste before taking a few drinks. You want to savor the taste before making a judgment as to how it tastes. Your home wine making skills might have created a extraordinary bottle of wine. You might want to share some with friends to hear their opinions about the taste. A good wine maker always shares to find reviews. Once the reviews are in, you will know whether you have a great wine or maybe a best seller as well.

There are some oddities that go on in the wine market. It is essentially a luxury product and yet millions of bottles are produced each year.One wine may be 10 times as expensive as its cousin and wine popularity can be up and down like a roller-coaster. One thing is certain though, there is a lot of money to be made from wine and now is a better time than ever to invest.

The costs of high class wines have been rising steadily for a good few years now. As more refined production techniques and better storage capabilities allow for high class wines, so the prices for those wines continues to increase.Sotherby’s Jame Richie who works as the top wine professional there actually said “Prices had risen to nearly unsustainable levels last spring”.Having said this, now that we find ourselves in a very weak economy, these fine wine prices are starting to come down to realistic levels. 2009′s March figures showed a decrease in prices of close to 1.2 percent according to Liv-Ex 100, the index that tracks the top 100 collectable wines.  This is trend that experts expect to continue for while and can in fact be seen throught the wine sector, from wine production to the sales of everyday wine glasses.

Recently, at a Chicago auction a bottle of Montrachet Domaine Romanee-Cont (1978) went for $3,783. The price of $23,929 was only a few years back at Sotherby’s for the same bottle of wine. This sudden drop basically means that if you’ve ever had an urge to start collection yourself, either as an investment or just a hobby, the best deals are just around the corner.Experts agree that the wine sector will continue to drop until the end of this year when it will start to regain some power again.

Joss Fowler from Berry Bros and Rudd is a wine investment guru and he has some pearls of wisdom to share. He says that the best bet is still Red Bordeaux as this always ages well. Also, always go for the best vintage and don’t scrimp on cost, get the best you can possibly. Stay true to this rule and you’ll be filling up your little champagne flutes sooner than you think.

Are you looking for something different to do now that the weather is getting better? Do you care to know more about the wine made in your area? Are you interested in spending your hard earned money at a local business rather than sending it out of state or out of the Country? If you answered yes to any of these questions, let me suggest you go to a winery near your home very soon. I recently read that there are now wineries in all 50 states so odds are there are some in your hometown.

There are several reasons to pack your wine totes and visit a local winery and today I’m going to share three of them with you. First, most local wineries offer free or low cost tastings and tours. You’ll have the chance to try a few different wines and then take home only your favorites. You’ll also be able to check out the vineyard and winery and learn how they make the wine. There will be someone there to answer your questions and you might even be fortunate enough to chat with the owner.

When you go, make sure you bring your picnic basket because most wineries have decks or picnic areas where you can sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine. Since wineries are usually out in the country, they offer spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Can you think of a better way to relax than with a romantic picnic in the country?

Another feature that many wineries offer are weekend outdoor concerts. You can relax and sip your favorite wine as local musicians share their talent with you. If sitting back isn’t your speed, many wineries offer dancing as well. Most allow you to bring your own food so call your friends, pack your picnic backpack and make an evening of it.

Make plans to visit a local winery very soon. You’ll find the surroundings relaxing and entertaining. Whether you go for a tour and wine tasting, a romantic picnic for two or an evening concert, you’ll have a great time and you may even find a new pastime.

Drinking wine in the past was associated with sophistication, and many people are often afraid to venture into the world of fine vintages. Choosing a wine that suits your taste should be your aim. Don’t worry too much about what you should like or what is supposed to be a fantastic vintage.

It all comes down to personal taste. If you would like to have wine with your meal or enjoy a glass now and then you don’t have to worry about not having a wine cellar at home. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things.

Starting Small

Many people stick to white wine as reds can be a little hard for the novice to swallow. To ease you transition into red territory try a Merlot. A bottle of Merlot is usually a little on the sweet side, and has a smooth taste that. Look at the label on the bottle for a wine that is described as medium bodied, this is a great place to start your exploration of wine.

While the rules on pairing food and your favorite bottle of wine have changed dramatically in the last few years, a Merlot is always good with beef. Hearty dishes like casseroles and stews go well with Merlots. If you are taking a walk on the wild side with game such as venison then a Merlot is also a good choice.

The Shiraz is another winethat is pleasant on the palate. A Shiraz has fruiter flavors but there are certain vintages that can be a little on the spicy side. If you are comfortable drinking Merlots then this is the next step in your journey to be a connoisseur. A spicy chili can be paired with a Shiraz, this is also a good wine to bring to a barbecue.

If you would like something a little softer, with less spicy notes then there is nothing like a Pinot Noir. These delicate wines are very pleasant and go well with poultry dishes. Whether you are serving chicken, duck, turkey, or even rabbit the Pinot Noir makes an excellent accompaniment.

Once you feel like you have a handle on the Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir it’s time to join the big boys and try a Cabernet Sauvignon. This can taste bitter to the uninitiated as the tannins are stronger in this type of wine. Grilled meats and cheeses are the best foods to pair with a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storing your wine properly is very important. There are many options available to you for how you finally store your wine. Purchasing a wine rack isn’t the cheapest option. This is especially the case if you are trying to build a cheap wine cellar and are trying to save money. However, make sure you follow a good set of wine rack plans if you are going to proceed. Don’t just do a “good enough” job, do a “great job” that you can be proud of for years.

The worst thing that could happen is not having enough space for your wine rack. Be sure the wine is stored in the correct kind of environment to ensure flavor. Don’t forget the big three when storing your wine: temp, light, humidity. Avoid sunlight and high heat for your wine collection. Heat will cause the wine to age too fast and become ruined. Keep the wine temperature from rising and falling more than necessary. Wine is stored on its side to keep its cork from cracking. If you already have your custom wine cellar built, your job is 90% done.

A Monthly Wine club lets you grow your wine collection bit by bit. Storing your wine will become an issue as you collect a wide variety of vintages. You don’t need a lot of space as wine racks are made to adapt. They let you store many bottles of wine on each shelf. It makes for simple retrieval as well since they are all out in the open. Wine racks can be as fancy as you want them to be, of course you do pay for it. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount if you are purchasing in bulk. Finding a free wine rack design and constructing it yourself will help lower the cost.

A DIY wine rack is probably the cheapest option out there. If you want to save money then build your own wine glass rack, it also impresses the wife. A jigsaw, sander, and drill are pretty much all you need to make most wine racks. You can seriously go cheap and with a little wood and PVC make a wine rack for under $10.

By far the cheapest option, if you are not concerned about decoration at all, is a brick and wooden plank wine racking system. Simply stack one or two bricks on each side of a plank, and add another plank on top and you’ve got a shelf, repeat and you’ve got two. These options give you the power to decide how much the project will cost. Cost effective wine racks are not hard to come by. Come and look over our website to see what other wine storage advice we have to offer.