Whenever I hear the word “clone,” I remember silly references to “human-animal hybrids” and fears that Dolly the Sheep would lead to Gavin the Goat boy — or some such nonsense as that. But the cloning of grape varietals doesn’t occur in some dark laboratory with a mad scientist
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Wine Accessories: The Fine Art of the Corkscrew
While looking for images of sommelier tools, I came upon some interesting specimens; some that look particularly sinister (above) which reminded me of the first horror movie I ever saw, Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum, starring Vincent Price. So I started thinking; who invented the corkscrew or waiter’s tool, and when?
Continue readingAnother Wine Byte 13: To Sur with Lie
Coincidentally, to pair with our cod and julienne vegetables, Joe chose a Muscadet from Chateau La Tarciere, that has on the label, and in raised letters on the bottle “Sur Lie.” If you haven’t studied wine making you probably have no idea what the aroma of “lees” or sur lie means. I know before Joe began his studies with ISG, neither of us knew either.
Continue readingAnother Wine Byte 12: Wrap It Up, I’ll Take It
When it comes to wine, it’s not just the “thought” that counts. In fact, if you don’t know that much about wine, perhaps a wine-related gift, rather than a bottle of wine, would be a much better choice. But there are other considerations when giving wine. Should you take a bottle of wine when invited to dinner? Should a host or hostess be expected to open the wine? And what about “re-gifting” wine?
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Another Wine Byte 11: Wines with a Tan
I would also assume that back in my grandmother’s day, the winery owner’s wife had pale skin and the people that harvested the grapes were tan. And the depth of one’s tan indicated one’s station in life. The same might be said of wine. While tannins pucker your mouth, and make it feel like all the moisture is being sucked out, they are considered beneficial in wine. Natural tannins like those found in Cabernet Sauvignon indicate potential longevity and ageability.
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