by Vera Czerny
The family has been receiving rewards for their wine already back in 1888 and 1892 at international exhibitions. Since 1930, when they moved to Uruguay, the Carrau family leads the way in producing the top quality wines. For Francisco, the most important commitment is to respect nature and honor more than 250 years of wisdom generated by his ancestors in the art of winemaking. When he says that, it doesn't sound like a cliché. His family now owns approximately 35 hectares of vineyards (the oldest of family’s vineyards is planted with 90 years old plants of Nebbiolo of Vilasar), another of their single vineyards (where their signature Tannat Grand Reserva called AMAT comes from), is considered the highest altitude vineyard in Uruguay. Why is Tannat so special? This red grape is ver...
by Ron Kapon
Oregon has produced wine since the Oregon Territory was established in the 1840s, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the industry came alive when California winemakers opened several vineyards in the state. There is a lot of space available for vineyards because of the state’s land use laws limiting land from being turned into homes and businesses. The Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976 had California wines beating out their French counterparts, thus validating the California wine industry. In 1979 Eyrie Vineyards entered its 1975 Pinot Noir in the Wine Olympics and took second place behind a 1959 Drouhin wine, gaining international recognition for Oregon wines. Robert Drouhin, who had been visiting Oregon since the 1960s, purchased an Oregon property in 1988 and named it Domaine Drouhi...
by Ron Barker, Cigarvolante Llc
Sans Soucy Vineyards and Winery is located on what used to be an old tobacco farm. Owners Paul and Jackie Anctil continue to use some of the old out buildings to age their wines and in a recent visit Paul spoke of maintaining tobacco plants on the farm until it was no longer economically feasible to do so. We soon found a common interest in the synergy between wine and cigars and, beyond that, between grapes and tobacco.Virginia is the home of both the American tobacco industry and American wine industry as Thomas Jefferson was its first vintner. Paul and Jackie keep the tobacco heritage alive at Sans Soucy in their maintenance of the historic buildings, and the tobacco heritage of their farm. It was from this passion that the idea of The Virginia Wine and Cigar Trail was formed with Sans ...
by David Gaier
1. Wine should always be served in a clean, dry, spotless glass with no lint. If you get a dirty glass, send it back. Dirty glasses aren’t fun to drink from, and soap film gives a nasty taste; it also kills Champagne bubbles.2. Speaking of glasses, the type and size of glass matters. If you’re in a family-style Italian restaurant or “old fashioned” Spanish or Portuguese place, you might find yourself drinking out of short, cylindrical tumblers. That’s culturally appropriate, but only for inexpensive table or house wine. For anything else, even at a casual dining place, the glass should be at least 12 or 13 ounce size, with a slight tulip-shape flare. Try to avoid drinking out of the typical, tiny (6 oz.) wine glass that’s far too prevalent in casual dining restaurants and pubs...
by Vera Czerny
Years back, I was once running a horse riding place. I loved horses but didn’t know much about them. I learned on the way and surrounded myself with experts, yet I still had to know what I was doing.Once we went for a buying trip. I had my head trainer with me (because who am I to pick a horse that would be good for competitions?). At the same time, I couldn’t let him see that I, his boss, didn’t really have a clue.So I was watching horses, as they were presented to us, and suffered. I pretended I was looking with expertise, but in reality, I was secretly watching my trainer’s face to get a hint. All those horses were nice, but how do I tell which one could be exceptional?I will never forget the AHA moment when suddenly, after many horses that didn’t catch my attention at all, t...
by Carol A. Wilcox
When looking for romantic date ideas, Arizona wines can play an important role, especially on Valentine’s Day. And while most people might reach for a California, Italian, or French wine to celebrate Valentine’s, Arizona has several exciting wines that are worth taking a look at for a day or evening of romance. Here are our top 8 picks for romantic wines from Arizona Wine Country:2007 Raspberry Sparkling Wine ($24.00) – Begin your romantic Arizona wine celebration with this sparkling wine from Jerome Winery (www.jeromewinery.com). This subtle sparkler has hints of raspberry. The label features a vintage photo of family members Franz and Dina Thumser at their 1902 wedding. This sparkling wine is a perfect beginning to toast a night of romance or a Valentine’s Day wedding (or en...
by Brenda Cranmer, Csw
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a Southern Rhone AOC, translates to “new castle of the Pope.” History tells us that the second Pope to call Avignon home after the Papal Palace was moved from Rome fell in love with the place and built a summer home there. It is just as easy to fall in love with their wines, and it was no different for me at the tasting of the Alain Junguenet Selection of the 2010 vintage held Monday, January 16, 2012 at Benny’s Chop House in Chicago.Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines are authorized to use up to 13 different varieties in production to apply the AOC. The three dominating names are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Grenache is used for its berry fruit flavor, Syrah for its color and tannin, and Mourvedre for added tannin (structure) and acidity. The wines are full bodied ...
by Ron Barker, Cigarvolante Llc
As I traveled Virginia talking to wineries about the other end of the connection, the aesthetic of wine drinking combined with cigar smoking, I soon realized that the the link went deeper than the enjoyment of the two in Virginia. The two are inexorably linked here, especially in Southern and Southwestern Virginia where many of the new vineyards are grown on converted tobacco farms. Wineries and the wine industry are becoming an important part of a state’s economy In 1979 there were only 6 wineries in Virginia and now there are over 200, making it one of the fastest growing agricultural commodities. But, as recently as 2007 the value of grape production was only 3% of that of tobacco production in a state where agriculture is the single largest industry with no others even close. This li...
by Tracy Thurling
After being invited to participate in the St Vincent celebrations in the prestigious wine village of St Aubin in the Côte de Beaune, it would have been discourteous to turn it down. All wine villages in Burgundy hold their own private St Vincent celebrations, the week before the St VincentTournante . Tickets to these celebrations are not available to the general public as it is a traditional occasion similar to the old guild events in days gone by, however we were honoured by the host of this years St Vincent, in St Aubin, André Moingeon et Fils, and were absolutely delighted to accept. St Vincent is the patron saint of winegrowers and the 22nd of January is his official day. Tradition has it that if it is a fine day, the winter is effectively over - or if it is cold, the winter will ...
by Chef David Darugh
People travel for many reasons: to sight-see, relax or learn about a new culture. Many travel to explore exotic marketplaces, try new wines, and discover hidden restaurants. Call them foodies, bon vivants, gourmands or wine enthusiasts; but as long as there are new regions to be explored and novel foods to be eaten, culinary travelers will be there, forks in hand. Culinary adventurers are not seeking food and wine alone; they also try to connect with the people, places and stories behind the food and wine. They want to understand the farmer’s wisdom, the chef’s inspiration and the winemaker’s Mojo. The northeast Georgia Mountains are a Mecca to these travelers. Many guests at Beechwood Inn are seeking local and fresh products and share wanderlust for food and wine, so we provide f...
