Great Wine Source Wine Blog

Basic information about wine, wine education and wine business discussions

Posts Tagged wine

Wine of the Day – Syrah

Jan 8

Posted by greatWineSource in France, Reds, Wine of the Day | Comments off

Wine of the Day for January 8, 2010

Syrah

I met some new friends last night at Carmella’s in Appleton: Mary Clare, Laura, Susan and many others. Such a a good time with this networking group. What a great group of women!

Carmella’s (had an awesome antipasto appetizer) is an Italian Bistro, and so obviously, there was much wine to be had (my kind of place)! Some of my new friends enjoy Syrah (although they all had different wines last night) and so I thought I would write about Syrah today in honor of my new friends.

SyrahSyrah’s origin is likely the Rhône Valley in France, and is today widely grown in many premium wine regions including one of my favorites, California. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, Syrah more commonly referred to in America and Europe, and Shiraz in Australia and South Africa.

Syrah is a beautiful, big, bold, hardy wine, made from grapes that enjoy sun and is full of sugars and tannins, meaning this wine tends to age well.

With common notes blackberry, plum, spice, leather, this wine reminds me a bit of Zinfandel with its spicy finish. I think that’s why I enjoy it so much. Syrah pairs very nicely with grilled foods, Edam or Gouda cheese and I have included a recipe for your enjoyment as well.

I look forward to enjoying a glass or two of Syrah with my new friends. Please visit their websites:
Mary Clare at marketamerica.com/customconcepts
Susan Volkman at rrdonnelley.com
Laura Manley-Mispagel at northwesternmutual.com

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Viognier

Jan 7

Posted by greatWineSource in France, Whites, Wine of the Day | 1 Comment

Wine of the Day for January 7, 2010

Viognier

I was talking last night with my friend, Sharon Brauer, who is also my massage therapist in Green Bay (a fantastic one by the way – look her up: Peaceful Essence Massage, 920-412-1678), about my blog. I asked her what wine I should post for today. We reviewed the wines that I’ve already posted and I realized I’m a little heavy on the reds. That’s ok, because I do enjoy my reds, but I do want to provide a blog that satisfies everyone, so today we’ll review the Viognier (pronounce vee-yohn-yay) grape.

I had my first Viognier when I started wine consulting. It was one of the wines at my first tasting. It was quite popular with my guests because this white wine grape can have a sweetness to it.
Viognier
Viognier is a more difficult grape to grow because it can succumb to a fungal disease. It is best when harvested fully ripe to allow for proper development of its aromas and tastes. Viognier produces very aromatic wines and wines higher in alcohol.

Common aromas and flavors of this beautiful golden grape include green melon, fruit and violates.

I have had friends tell me they have tried a very sweet Viognier with ice cream (yum!) and you can also pair it with rich, buttery seafood or if you’re looking for something simple smoked Gouda.

Don’t forget to give Sharon a call if you need a massage therapist in Green Bay. Tell her I sent you!

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Tempranillo

Jan 6

Posted by greatWineSource in Reds, Spain, Wine of the Day | 2 Comments

Wine of the Day for January 6, 2010

Tempranillo

I try to get my Wine of the Day blogs updated first thing in the morning, but I was so-o-o-o tired this morning, I enjoyed a few more minutes of sleep. So, better late than never, today’s wine of the day: Tempranillo (pronounce the “nillo” as “nee-o”)

Tempranillo grapesA black grape varietal, Tempranillo is native to Spain and is the main grape used in producing Rioja (wines originating from La Rioja, Spain). This varietal makes full bodied, flavorful, age-worthy red wines and is highly regarded as a “noble grape”. Tempranillo is often blended with Grenache and some modern Riojas are being blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.

While originating in Spain, Tempranillo has expanded and is now grown in other wine producing regions, including California, Australia, South America, among others.

Common aromas and flavors you will find in wines made with this luscious grape are cherry, plum, vanilla, oak, spice, and you can pair this beautiful red wine with paella, strong cheeses such as fontinella, morbier or if you want to go really simple, sharp cheddar.

As I’ve said from time to time, I’m learning about wines as I go. So many wines, so little time! I only first tried Tempranillo a few months ago, and I was so pleasantly surprised. It’s amazing how many wines are now being added to my favorites list! How many are on yours?

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Potato Wontons

Jan 5

Posted by greatWineSource in Recipes | 1 Comment

This delicious Asian dish will pair well with your lightly sweet, crisp Rieslings. Mmmmmm!

Enjoy!

Courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission

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Wine of the Day – Riesling

Jan 5

Posted by greatWineSource in Germany, Whites, Wine of the Day | 2 Comments

Wine of the Day for January 5, 2010

Riesling

Up until about 3 years ago when I became a wine consultant, Riesling was my favorite wine. (Now I enjoy ALL wines!!) They are light, range from dry to sweet, and I preferred the sweet when this varietal was a staple of my wine purchases.

Riesling grapesThere are a number of “classic” grape varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and others, all of which will be posted on my Wine of the Day, along with many others. Riesling is one of these “classic” grape varietals, and is believed to have originated in Germany, but now, this unpredictable grape is grown worldwide, and typically when grown in cooler climates results in fresh, crisp wines. Rieslings that have been subjected to noble rot result in very sweet, dessert style wines.

Common aromas and flavors with Riesling include honeysuckle, apple, pear and peach. Riesling is lovely with or without food and pairs well with Asian foods.

There are Rieslings on the market that one would consider flabby. They are sweet, but there is a lack of the fresh crispness that makes wine interesting and is a result of the wine’s acidity. In my opinion, a Riesling should be crisp; providing a much more lively dance on your tongue. So, regardless of whether you prefer a sweet or dry Riesling, if you want a party in your mouth (oh that sounds a bit racy!), be sure to select one that has balanced acidity for a mouth-watering crispness.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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