8:21 AM

January 25, 2009 - California Wine

California Wine For Your Reading Pleasure

Wine Accessories - The things you need.

What is soup without a spoon? What is pen without paper? What is wine without accessories? If you said "incomplete" then you are correct.

Let's start with the basics. In order to enjoy wine properly you need a wine glass (also known as stemware). And not just any wine glass, the shape of the wine glass and the material it is made of makes a big difference. According to the IneTours website, wine glasses with large, broad bowls are used for bold red wines with bigger bouquets and and narrower wine glasses are used for lighter white wines. If champagne is your beverage of choice then stick to a tall, slender glass. Why does all this matter? Well, the shape of the glass helps concentrate the aroma of the wine and the material of the wine glass helps aerate the wine. Whatever glass you choose make sure it has a stem so that you don't get fingerprints on the bowl of the glass.

Once you choose your wine glass make sure you don't fill it up to the top! Halfway full will be just fine. After you are done with your serving, wash your glass. Some experts say using hot water is enough, and some recommend using detergent. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you hold the glass up to the light to ensure that it is truly clean. That seems basic but wine often leaves a fine coat of scum in glasses.

The next thing is pretty basic. You want to enjoy your wine right? Well you have to be able to open it. Invest in a good wine opener. There are several styles to choose from. There is the lever-style, twist-style, waiter-style, pump-style, rogar uncorking machines and wing corkscrews. Each style of wine opener has its benefits. You can expect to spend from $18 for a basic style to $200 for a more advanced machine.

Next you might want to consider a wine decanter. Decanting wine is an excellent way to improve the taste. What's decanting? Well, when wine ages it accumulates sediment. The sediment is not only ugly, but it tastes bad too. This occurs most often with red wine. When you decant, you aerate the wine thus improving the taste. Also, decanters make great centerpieces for tables. Depending on your budget, a decanter will run you anywhere from $20 to in excess of $500.

If you are a heavy wine drinker you may want a wine cooler. No, I am not talking about the $5 flavored wine you buy at the gas station. Wine coolers are best for white or sparkling wines. Whether you are looking for a small wine cooler for the kitchen or a full sized wine cellar there is a cooler for you. You can expect to spend $200 for a table top wine cooler to $900 for a 100 bottle cooler.

Now you have your checklist. Choose a wine glass based on the type of drink you are having and make sure you thoroughly clean it. Next make sure you have the proper tool to open your wine bottle. If you are drinking older wine, consider investing in a decanter. And if wine is your regular drink of choice, think about a wine cooler. Once you get everything situated, enjoy!

About the Author

Jerry Powell is the Owner of a Popular site Know as
Gourmet911.com. As you can see from our name,
we are here in the business to help you learn more
about different kinds of Gourmet Food and Wines,
from all around the world. http://www.gourmet911.com

California Wine and More

Wine Accessories - The things you need.

What is soup without a spoon? What is pen without paper? What is wine without accessories? If you said "incomplete" then you are correct.

Let's star...

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Featured California Wine Items

Bric Mentina Barbaresco

Valfieri's cellars are located in an 18th century structure next to the Villa Montersino, in the town of Loreto, Costigliole d'Asti. A new cellar has been built, perfectly equipped with all the technology needed for pressing and fermentation. Today, just as two hundred years ago, ageing is the best way to craft the classic wines of Asti and Alba; allowing the best vintage wines to refine their subtle flavors and develop their character. You will be very happy with our Bric Mentina Barbaresco, so why not invite this Classic into your home. You can buy this dry red wine online. One of our "Series of Great Wines from Italy." IRBVS799 IRBVS799

Price: 89.95 USD

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Labels: Franklin Refrigerator | French Wine

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5:52 AM

Sunday January 25, 2009 - Gold Book

A Featured Gold Book Article

How to Grow Grapes for Excellent Wine

I think it quite safe to say that more has been written about the cultivation of grapes than has - or ever will be - written about any other fruit. This is not surpris?ing, considering that the grape is probably the oldest of known fruits.

Surprisingly, grapes do not need loads of manures and fertilizers; they grow well on quite poor soils and need little after-attention. The roots will search out and find what they want; all we have to concern ourselves with is where to put the top-growth - the vine itself.

If one wall of your house faces south, south-west or even west, that problem is solved very easily. If you cannot plant the vine under that particular wall, plant it round the corner and train the vine round to the sunny side of the house. Grapes may be grown in the open garden in similar fashion to loganberries, or they may be trained over sheds, garages, out-houses and such-like.

Vines are not expensive, and if two are planted, the yield may be regarded as fantastic when considering the value of the wine that may be made for many years.

Planting is best carried out in autumn and in any case before Christmas. If planting against a wall, take out a hole about two feet each way and plant so that the stem of the vine is about fifteen inches away from the wall itself. Dig deeply and work in any compost that may be available and some builders' rubble if you can get some. A dusting of lime forked in will be helpful. Spread out the roots well and plant as recommended for fruit trees.

Having planted the vine, spread a little manure above the roots: this will not be necessary in subsequent seasons, but the vine will benefit from a mulch each spring if you can give it one.

Vines must not be allowed to fruit the first season; therefore they must be cut back to about four buds.

Having planted the vine and cut it back, we must decide how to train it to cover the wall.

The best plan is to use special wall nails, run wires to and from these and train the vine to the wires.

The four long growths that come from the four buds you left when cutting back are stopped at the bud nearest the growing point. These four leaders are the basis from which the vine will be built up to cover the wall. If flower buds form during the first season, they should be nipped off so that the vine uses its energy producing wood for subsequent fruiting. First-season fruiting often permanently weakens a vine.

When pruning, remem?ber that next year's fruit will be borne on the wood made this year. But we do not want masses of long, straggling growths hanging about all over the place, so during the summer it is best to cut some of them out. Those left to bear next year's fruit should be cut back to five or six buds in autumn or early winter. Only new growth should be cut during the summer; never cut old wood during summer - indeed old wood must never be cut after Christmas, as this can cause profuse bleeding which may be quite impossible to stop. By all means cut away some of the old growth to make way for new wood, but if this has not been done before Christmas leave it until the next winter.

Many varieties ripen in September - or earlier if the summer has been good. This is especially advantageous because the weather is still warm enough for a satisfactory fer?ment when you come to make the wine. This is not so important to those who carry out their fermentation in the house, but where it has to be carried on in a shed or outhouse the warm weather is a great help.

About The Author

Brian Cook is a freelance writer whose articles on home wine making have appeared in print and on many websites. You can find more of these at: www.makinggreatwine.com

Thoughts about Gold Book

How to Grow Grapes for Excellent Wine

I think it quite safe to say that more has been written about the cultivation of grapes than has - or ever will be - written about any other fruit. Th...

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Recommended Gold Book Items

Bergadler Alt Cuvee Sekt

This is the classic "Cuvee", with all the natural fruitiness of fine German sparkling wine. Enjoy this delicious bubbly at any time. Its fruity finish balances nicely with the fine effervescence and clean flavor. Bergardler Alt Cuvee Sekt is an excellent gift for the Champagne lovers. ADC ADC

Price: 27.99 USD

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Labels: Chardonnay Wine