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Chardonnay is a white wine made from a green skinned variety of grapes. The flavors associated with a Chardonnay are terroir and oak. It is considered to be a neutral wine, light in flavor. Many of the places around the world known for producing Chardonnay include France, Burgundy, Champagne, North America, California, Australia, Italy, and the New World Wine Regions.

There are many types of Chardonnay from dry still wines and sweet late harvest wines. If a Chardonnay has not gone through a malolactic fermentation the wine will have an apple flavor. The harder the malic acid is when it is converted through fermentation it will have a more buttery flavor.

The oak is also charred to a certain degree which introduces a toastiness flavor. Many wine tasters mistake this flavor to the grapes but it is from the charring of the oak. Some of the flavors that Chardonnay can taste like due to the charring of the oak include coconut, cinnamon, cloves, spice, smoke, cream, caramel, and vanilla.

When Chardonnay is fermented it also affects the flavor of the wine. For instance, the colder the fermentation process is the more fruity the wine tastes. These flavors include mango and pineapple. Some wineries also use yeast that is specially cultivated which gives the wines an aromatic quality.

Chardonnay is the most difficult wine to recognize in a blind tasting because there is not a distinct universal trait or style that is directly applied to the wine. There are many different flavors, blends, and more. Not all Chardonnays have a smoky note to them either.

Merlot

Merlot is made primarily from the Vitis vinifera species. The many wines associated with a merlot include the Bouchet, Bouche, Petit-Bouchet, Petit-Cabernet, Petit-Vidure, Vidure and Sauvignon Rouge. The origin of the wine is from the Bordeaux grape. It is also thought to be produced from a mutated grape from Biturica. Merlot is a red wine. The word is French and means many kinds of thrushes.

Merlot is produced in France, Italy, California, Romania, Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, South Africa, Croatia, Hungary, and more. The role of Merlot is to add body and softness. Some blends have a sweet taste and it is most commonly noted for the balanced acid levels.

Scott Wells writes for http://MakeChristmasCrafts.com where you can learn to Make Christmas Crafts just in time for the holiday season.

http://www.Gingivitiskiller.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/chardonnay-and-merlot-wines-1368685.html

There are many different uses of wine. It is not only for consumption as it is a beverage with significant value and considered sophisticated. Wine is significant to many different cuisines, religions, and it has many different health related benefits.

There are many different wines used for cooking purposes. Many deserts have wine in them, such as the Black Forest Cherry. Many people like to marinade meats in wine before grilling or baking in the oven.

Wine has many religious uses. Because wine induces a mind altering state, the Dionysus used it as a sacramental entheogen. It is an integral part of the Jewish laws, such as Kiddush. This is a blessing which sanctifies the Jewish holiday with wine.

The Christianity religion uses wine also during the Eucharist. The last supper shows Jesus Christ sitting with his disciples drinking a glass of wine and sharing bread. There are many denominations that believe in the Eucharist, including the Roman Catholics and the Protestants.

Islamic law forbids wine. Although Iran used to have a thriving wine industry it was abolished in 1979, due to the Islamic Revolution. Any type of alcohol is strictly forbidden.

There are also many health benefits of wine. Red wine contains a chemical called resveratrol. This chemical has cardio protective and chemo protective effects in studies of animals. Procyanidins are known to have heart benefits and they are most commonly found in red wines. Procyanidins suppress the process in the body that constricts the blood vessels.

Sulphites are contained in all wines due to the fermentation process. Some wines have more than others. Sulphites have been known to cause problems with people who have asthma.

Wine is known to be healthy to drink occasionally. If you drink one glass of wine a day it is considered to be healthy for your heart. Pregnant women are also okay to drink a small glass of wine each day. It is known to be a heart healer and healthy for the body because it provides a relaxing affect on the muscles and the brain.

Excessively drinking wine can lead to problems and cause health issues if it is on a constant basis. It is not advised to drink excessive amounts of wine due to the high alcohol content in most wines.

Scott Wells writes for http://MakeChristmasCrafts.com where you can learn to Make Christmas Crafts just in time for the holiday season.

http://www.Gingivitiskiller.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/guess-what-wine-is-used-for-1368691.html

Holiday Wines for Fall & Winter of 2009

As you host, or join celebrations of this season, consider some of the following suggestions. The trick to choosing great wines for your holiday party is to find something you had and liked in the past. Have more than one bottle on the table to choose from — at least two reds and two whites — with a taste variety and grape variety. Find a few wines that are crowd pleasers and are easy sipping wines. Today everyone is aware of the health benefits of red wine, and people keep asking for the red wines, more than white. Don’t shy away from offering sweet reds, sparkling reds, light reds, and really great reds.

Main course reds and whites:  Gewürztraminer and Riesling are fragrant and fruity white wines which will work well with a Thanksgiving meal. Pinot Noirs and Zinfandel are red wines with a lot of fruit and balanced tannins that will complement the varied flavors of turkey and its many side dishes.

In December, holiday tables often feature red meats, such as filet mignon or roast beef. If that’s true for you, reach for full flavored red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon is great with meat and cheese because of its complex flavor. Try a Cabernet from Chile or a Bordeaux style blend from California. Lamb lovers might try a glass of smooth, earthy Cabernet Shiraz blend.

And with your desserts and pies, Sparkling Moscato D’ Asti is a good choice. I would also recommend a nice port wine with dessert. Wine can make a dessert extra special. Lightly sweet, white dessert wines pair well with pumpkin pie. This is because pumpkin pie tends to have a savory edge, and is not overly sweet. Make sure the wine you serve is sweeter than the dessert you are pairing with.

Try to complement a slice of warm apple pie with an extra dry sparkling wine or demi sec. Extra dry actually means that the wine is a little sweet while the demi sec indicates that it is even sweeter.

Add wine to your celebrations this year. Remember that wine consumed with your food actually helps improve overall health. The key however, is to enjoy wine in moderation. One to two glasses of wine a day is a healthy habit with your meals.

There are side effects to wine too. It is not for everyone. You can get migraines, and, put on weight as wine is calorie packed. This holiday season enjoy it responsibly. Here are some tricks to cutting the calories. (1) Think before you drink. (2) Start with a nonalcoholic beverage to quench your thirst. (3) Reduce calorie and alcohol content by making a wine spritzer. (4) Plan ahead: Save some calories during the day.

 “This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!”  – D.M. Dellinger

Have a fantastic Holiday season. May all your hopes and dreams come true this holiday season. Cheers!

Antoney Manipadam is a Certified Sommelier, pursuing the Master Sommelier Certification. He Owns and operates Lake Mary Cork&Olive;, the best wine store in Lake Mary, Florida. Website: http://www.corkandolivelakemary.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/holiday-wines-for-fall-winter-of-2009-1336252.html

How To Grow Grapes the way to amazing Wine
by Pierre Duponte

The history of growing grapes and making wine is pretty much as old as humans themselves. It’s a process that was seen all over the world in all the major civilizations. In today’s society, growing grapes and making wine is just as rewarding and is definitely worth the effort.

The Growing Process

previous to tasting your first glass of home made wine, growing grapes properly is the prime step. With two different grape varieties to choose from, before you even think about your grapevine.

Choose Your Cultivars According to Climate

the 1st step to growing your grapes is picking the type to plant. While you’ll pick from the general red or white grapes, you will also have to select from European grape varieties and Hybrid grape Varieties. European grape varieties are utilized in warm climates, with long growing seasons and in grapevines where traditional wining methods are employed, such as in California. Hybrid grape varieties, on the other hand, have developed to become highly impervious to cool weather and common plant illnesses, making them the hottest variety amongst harvesters in places of cold weather and short-lived growing seasons.

what type of grapes to grow

the most vital thing to bear in mind about growing grapes is that they are perennial plants, and therefore , it is going to be about 3 years before you are able to harvest your first crop. some good news is that the quality does not think on the winemaker but on the grapevines.

Establish perfect Growing Conditions

Giving your grapevine plenty of sunlight and a nutrient deficient soil is vital for the cropping of a healthy grapevine with fruit suitable for wine making. While sunlight will help in the grapes sweetness, a nutrient-poor soil will stress out the vine. This will force the grapes to grow smaller and maximize the quantity of skin ; the key to the color and flavor of the wine. Large grapes, on the contrary, are far more suitable to eat since they offer more juice and less skin’ a friendlier scheme for our palate.

Establish the Prime Cropping Time

When it is time to crop your grapes, you will need to kick off with completely ripe and illness free grapes. Most hybrid grapes are high in astringency. Due to this, you’ll need to purchase chemicals from a local wine making store to bring the astringency down to the correct levels before you add the yeast.

Fermentation, Clarification & Bottling

While there are many different yeast types that can be used to ferment your wine, each type will offer different subtleties in flavor and bouquet. Finding the one that’s the best for your taste might take a bit of analysis or testing, but it may just be the taste change that you are looking for. As soon as you control de acidity levels, you can move on to adding the yeast for fermentation to occur. Fermentation takes roughly a week, after which the wine is ready to age. Ageing varies in length, from many months to countless years, to finish.

This age old custom is really worth the effort and time. When the time is right to open that first bottle made particularly by you, acquaintances and family will line to be amazed and admire your newly purchased talent.

Pierre Duponte is a wine making enthusiast. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on How To Grow Grapes or you can get his free 10 part mini course on grape growing and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.

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Pierre Duponte is a wine making enthusiast. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on How To Grow Grapes or you can get his free 10 part mini course on grape growing and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/learn-how-to-grow-grapes-1324402.html

How To Grow Grapes the secret to Amazing Wine
by Pierre Duponte

The history of growing grapes and making wine is pretty much as old as humans themselves. It is a process that was seen all around the planet in all of the major civilizations. In today’s society, growing grapes and making wine is just as rewarding and is well worth the effort.

The Growing Process

previous to tasting your first glass of home made wine, growing grapes properly is the prime step. With 2 different grape varieties to choose from, before you even think about your grapevine.

Choose Your Cultivars According to Climate

the 1st step to growing your grapes is picking the type to plant. While you will pick from the general red or white grapes, you will also have to choose from European grape varieties and Hybrid grape Varieties. European grape varieties are employed in warm climates, with long growing seasons and in grapevines where traditional wining methods are employed, such as in California. Hybrid grape varieties, on the other hand, have evolved to become highly impervious to cool weather and common plant diseases, making them the hottest variety amongst harvesters in areas of cold weather and short-lived growing seasons.

what type of grapes to grow

the most important thing to keep in mind about growing grapes is that they are perennial plants, and therefore , it will be about 3 years before you are able to crop your first crop. However some good news is that the quality does not think about the winemaker but on the grapevines.

Establish ideal Growing Conditions

Giving your grapevine heaps of daylight and a nutrient deficient soil is essential for the cropping of a healthy grapevine with fruit suitable for wine making. While sunlight will help in the grapes sweetness, a nutrient-poor soil will stress out the vine. This will force the grapes to grow smaller and maximize the quantity of skin ; the key to the color and flavour of the wine. Large grapes, on the contrary, are far more appropriate to eat since they offer more juice and less skin’ a friendlier scheme for our palate.

Establish the Prime Cropping Time

When it is time to harvest your grapes, you will need to begin with totally ripe and disease free grapes. Most hybrid grapes are high in acidity. Because of this, you’ll need to get chemicals from a local wine making store to bring the acidity down to the correct levels before you add the yeast.

Fermentation, Clarification & Bottling

While there are many different yeast types that may be used to ferment your wine, each type will offer different subtleties in flavour and bouquet. Finding the one that is the best for your taste might take a bit of analysis or testing, but it could be the taste change that you’re looking for. As fast as you control de acidity levels, you can move on to adding the yeast for fermentation to occur. Fermentation takes roughly a week, after which the wine is ready to age. Ageing varies in length, from several months to countless years, to finish.

This age old convention is definitely worth the time and effort. When the time is right to open that first bottle made particularly by you, pals and family will line to be amazed and admire your newly bought ability.
.

Pierre Duponte is a wine making enthusiast. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on How To Grow Grapes or you can get his free 10 part mini course on grape growing and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/how-to-grow-grapes-1317032.html

Holiday entertaining is in full swing and party-goers have a festive opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. As giving a bottle of wine is a popular hostess gift, this is a timely subject. Taking it a step further, it is appropriate to recommend wines from merchants who have a giving nature and actively support not-for-profit organizations in our community.

Wines as hostess gifts

Wine continues to grow in popularity in this country and is now produced in all 50 states, giving this beverage universal appeal. Wine can be one of the simple pleasures in life that you share with family and friends. Its popularity makes it an ideal hostess gift and it can be an expression of your friendship. Here are several tips for selecting wine as a hostess gift:

• Bring a wine that complements the menu.
• If a wine lover is hosting, bring their favorite varietal.
• If the host is a new acquaintance, bring a bottle you enjoy and use this as an ice breaker.
• Champagne/sparklers are always festive.
• Canadian ice wines are trendy and attractively packaged.

Wine merchants

When we opened up My Chef Catering in Naperville 21 years ago, we knew we were joining a progressive, vibrant community. While our assumptions were accurate, we also learned that Naperville and the surrounding communities have the most incredible spirit of volunteerism of any place we have ever lived (we know this view is shared by many people).

We have also found that the business community recognizes its responsibility to give back to the community. While this is a vast topic with countless acts of humanitarianism, I will focus on several (wine) merchants who actively give back to local not-for-profit organizations. Here are some examples of companies with a mission to make a difference:

Binny’s conducts wine tastings and designates tasting fees as a fundraiser for not-for-profits. In early December, they hold their annual Champagne Gala to benefit Little Friends. They also hold tastings to benefit The Naperville Area Humane Society. Their holiday hostess gift suggestions with suggested retail prices include:

• Gloria Ferrer California Brut Sparkler (90 pts. Wine Spectator) $16
• Graham’s Six Grapes (Ruby) Port Wine $19
• Jackson-Triggs Canadian Ice Wine (89 pts. Wine Spectator) $20

Costco donates product to not-for-profits to help with fundraisers and feeding people in need. Some of the organizations that support include the United Way, NCO, the Children’s Miracle Network and Loaves & Fishes. Their holiday hostess gift suggestions with suggested retail prices include:

• Dr. Loosen Beerenauslese (BA) Riesling Gift Box $16
• Warres 10 year Tawny Port (90 pts. Wine Spectator) $20
• Kirkland Signature Brut (French) Champagne (90 pts. Wine Spectator) $22

Trader Joe’s donates food to not-for-profit organizations including Loaves & Fishes, DuPage PADS and the Power Connection in Bolingbrook. Their recommendations with suggested retail prices are:

• Martellozo Prosecco Italian Sparkler $7
• Trader Joe’s Reserve California Cabernet Sauvignon $10

Whole Foods donates food to not-for-profits including Naperville CARES, District 203 and Loaves & Fishes. As an example, to help promote the sale of Loaves & Fishes’ new community cookbook titled “Culinary Comforts,” Whole Foods recently donated food to four area restaurant chefs who prepared their recipes featured in the cookbook. The restaurants then sampled their dishes at the Whole Foods store in Naperville. Holiday hostess gift suggestions with suggested retail prices include:

• Presto Prosecco Italian Sparkler $11
• Glunz’s Vin-Glogg (Scandinavian mulled spice wine — serve warm) $12

So if you’re looking for wine as a hostess gift this holiday season, give one of these wines a try and at the same time, support a merchant that supports our community. It’s a win-win to give back to those that give. Happy holidays everyone!

Bill Garlough is a Level 1 Master Sommelier and an owner of My Chef Catering in Naperville, IL, the winner of the U.S. Chamber’s 2007 Small Business of the Year award. Bill can be reached at My Chef or bgarlough@mychef.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/this-holiday-season-get-from-givers-1628712.html