Wine Bottle Labels

Aren’t there also specific wines which fit certain uses better than all other types do? Indeed there are! For example, the one wine to sip while puffing a fragrant Havana cigar is red Port. If it had not been for the time-honored British custom of after-dinner Port for the gentlemen, while the ladies retired from the table, the Portuguese Port industry would not be what it is today.

While history fails to record the specific wine type with which ladies of Elizabethan times bathed their faces to improve their complexions, we do know that Anna Held’s legendary wine bath could only have been had in Champagne. Perhaps they washed with a fine Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Pinot%20Blanc/)?

And Lucien B. Johnson, the champion wine salesman of the years immediately preceding prohibition, always insisted that the wine with which to woo a lady is not Champagne. “Champagne only makes folks talkative,” Lucien used to say, “but Burgundy, warmed to the temperature of the room, makes people affectionate. Yes, Burgundy is the only love wine!”

You cannot marry off your daughter respectably these days without serving Champagne at the reception. It is usually suggested to the bride’s parents that they buy the least expensive kind, because the caterers always hide the labels with napkins, anyway. This also applies to ship launchings, where the Champagne is wasted.

At the Jewish holiday feasts the wine that flows must be Kosher I’Pesach, but fortunately the rabbis’ hechsher seals are placed on a complete variety of wine types, so that the celebrants do have a choice.

For the sick, the oftenest-prescribed wine seems to be Port, which is also the base for some of the proprietary medicines sold in drugstores, including some of the old-time favorite tonics. This type again gets the call in the pleasant custom of laying down a bottle of wine when a child is born, to age until his twenty-first birthday.

And completing the round of the clock, Port is also the favorite nightcap wine, because of its ability to induce a pleasant night’s sleep. But wait! How about morning wines? It would be a grave omission indeed to skip Champagne breakfasts and Sunday brunches. For the former, serve a choice of white and pink Champagnes. For the latter, although Rhine wines and Champagne are both popular, the dash of color that Rose adds is delightful.

And speaking of wine in the morning, there was once a famous connoisseur who always began the day by brushing his teeth with Viognier (http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape/Viognier/). Although it may seem to defeat the purpose of brushing your teeth by brushing them with white wine, to a wine lover, it is the perfect toothpaste and mouthwash.

Banish any fear that you might serve a wrong kind of wine-unless you happen to be completely taste blind. Do you need a chart to tell you not to serve candy with steak? Of course not! Likewise you need no detailed instructions to suggest one of the sweet wines with a sweet dessert. You certainly would not serve dry, tart Claret with your crepes suzette-not if you have ever tasted Claret, that is.

Sarah Martin
http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/washing-with-wine-671189.html

Did you know that that there are as many varieties of wine as there are grapes? When you see a wine brand, take time to study the wine’s name if only to have more information on the specific area where the grapes from which the wine was made, were cultivated.

The wine industry has become of global proportion that only a wine connoisseur would be able to have knowledge of the exact location where some wine brands are made. 

While the type of grapes from which the wine was made is responsible for the difference in the taste of wines, the length of time that the skin of the grapes were left in the juice after pressing or mashing determines the color of the wine. Red wines have such color because the grapes’ skin was left for a long time after pressing. On the other hand, white wine has a lighter color because the skin was left on for only a short time. 

Many people think that good wine comes with a hefty price tag. On the contrary, not all expensive wines are considered good wines and not all affordable wines are second-class wines.

As a general rule, white wine is ideal when eating chicken or fish and red wine is ideal when eating red meat like beef and lamb. However, you can drink red or white wine with anything or on any occasion.

California produces some of the best wines. Among these are white wines like Sauvignon Blanc which is a very popular picnic wine and chardonnay, also known as the king of white wines. Among the best red wines from California are pinot noir, ideal when eating pasta which has a red sauce and cabernet sauvignon, also known as the king of red wine due to its rich taste.

The French take their wines seriously, requiring labels that will inform the buyer about the wine’s quality and vineyard. Take note that French wine manufacturers are mandated to state the company or bottler name, the volume of the bottle and the alcohol content. France is also a good source of wine. For romantic occasions, try Rose’ des Ricevs, a dry intense wine from Champagne. Eating with friends? Try Coteaux de Pierrevert, a dry white and rose wine from Provence. For all occasions, serve Cotes de Blaye et Premieres Cotes de Blaye, a white wine from Bordeaux. Wine is a global industry and is sourced from all over the world. To make an extensive list of the existing wines would be an exercise in futility. People can benefit from a list of some of the best wines in the world, some of them coming from the United States particularly in California, and from France.

Jerry Shannon
http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/a-wine-for-all-occasions-711621.html

If you like red wine but don’t know much about it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we look at some handy tips for buying and serving red wine.

Work up through the sizes

If you are going to be serving more than one glass (or bottle) of red wine, the key thing to remember is to work through the sizes. In other words, start with a light red wine such as a Merlot, Barbara or Gamay, then move onto a medium bodied wine like a Tempranillo, Pinot Noir or Malbec, and/or finish with a full bodied red wine such as Shiraz, Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. If you start with the heavier red wine first, you’ll find that this will overpower the lighter red wine.

Full-bodied red wines are best saved for food

Big, powerful red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz work best with tasty red meat. Why? Because these red wines are full of tannins, body and alcohol, which taste good with meat proteins but are often too harsh drunk on their own.

Light red wines work best over lunch

Soft and gentle red wines, such as Merlot and Gamay, are a great choice if you are drinking over lunch. This is because they are low in tannin, alcohol and acidity, which makes them easy to drink and not too powerful for the afternoon ahead. Similarly, they are a great choice as an aperitif, or for drinking on their own on a summer’s afternoon.

Buy for the person and occasion

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to red wine, so make sure that you buy your red wine to suit the person who will be drinking it. For example, if you are buying for yourself, go for something that you will like, not what the shop assistant or your friend likes. Also, it’s worth considering the occasion. If you hosting a dinner party, then a big full bodied red wine is bound to come up trumps but if you are having a lunchtime drinks party then a softer and fruitier red wine will be far more appropriate.

Focus on the style

When it comes to choosing a bottle of red wine, if you don’t know where to start or could do with a helping hand, it’s worth looking to retailers who focus on wine styles. Wine styles can give you a lot more choice compared to if you focus on grapes, countries or regions. For example, if you know that you like an Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon, the chances are you’ll stick to that in future, but if you discover that you like “Huge Reds” (full bodied, fruity reds) then you’ll have a host of different grapes to choose from including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Zinfandel from Old and New World Countries.

Look to where the value is

Don’t be tempted to splash out on big brands or famous names, as you’ll end up paying for the labels. Instead, it is far better is to look to the lesser known regions, where you’ll get all the same quality for a fraction of the price. For example, try a Chilean Cabernet Merlot as a value alternative to a Classic Bordeaux.

Serving is the easy bit

The key to serving red wine is to place it in the kitchen before drinking to ensure that it is the right temperature. Also, especially if you have an old vintage or full-bodied red wine, you might want to open in advance to let it breath. Easy as that!

So now you’ve got the tips, you’ll be ready to put them in to action.

Louise Truswell
http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/how-to-get-the-most-from-your-red-wine-567906.html

Many wine buyers and collectors prefer to go to wineries to ensure that they make the right purchase of fine wines. You may find experts and wine critics where you travel. They know everything about the most popular wine brands, quality fine wines, and the vintage wines.

However, there are professional wine critics that have their own personal judgment on the taste and quality of a wine. You may rate it differently according to your preferred flavor and taste. It is important to read wine reviews to serve as your guide in buying quality fine wines.

You may also get advice from your friends and local wine traders. Don’t be intimidated to ask for advice and suggestions on what brands and types of wines that will match your taste in collecting and drinking wine. Here are some helpful tips on how to purchase the right wine for you.

1.    You may attend tradeshows that offer free taste tests and try out new releases. You can then make a list of the wines that you think taste the best and have good quality.

2.    Compare prices from different stores and look for stores that offer discounts when you buy wine by the case. Don’t assume that all vintage wines are expensive. There are aged wines that are also sold as bargains as long you buy them in cases. 

3.    Accept special offers from wine shops. The wine industry has always been highly competitive for sellers and businesses because of the increasing number of wine shops.

4.    It isn’t advisable to buy wine without their bottles having signs and wrong labeling. They could only be products of wine smuggling and fraud.

5.    Check the ullage on vintage wines. You can find seepage if there is a gap between the cork and the wine. You may even find trails of crystals on the seal of the bottle. 

6.    Do not buy those bottles that have shown signs of seeped wine through the corks. You could find traces of spills and trails on the glass of the bottle.

7.    Always be updated on the new releases and sudden favorites like those wines that are high in demand in nightclubs and bars. Look for those lists of wines that have been recognized and have won at tradeshows and competitions.

Always make sure that the wine you purchase has an undamaged label. You shouldn’t buy those wines that have faded labels. It might mean that the bottle may have been exposed to sunlight and wasn’t properly stored in coolers.

Jerry Shannon
http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/some-wine-buying-tips-711603.html

One of the great joys of wine is being able to select a bottle of wine from your own cellar, perhaps one that you’ve been storing for some years, draw the cork and enjoy it with friends. You can marvel at the changes brought on by maturity and, as a bonus, you can brag about the price you paid and congratulate yourself on picking up such a bargain!

However, wine is an ever-changing thing and how it is stored will directly affect how quickly and how well it ages!

Storing wine is very simple …

It requires a constant temperature, humidity, darkness, stillness and a well-ventilated and clean environment.

INSULATION

The first essential is to create a storage environment that provides the basics of stable temperature, no light and no vibration.

In general terms 4″ (100mm) of polystyrene is the equivalent to 3 ft (1 meter) of ground. So if you’re trying to decide between an above ground construction and an underground cavern, you must be prepared to dig deep for the latter.

Your cupboard, indoor space or your outdoor construction must be well shaded, well insulated and with the minimum of air movement in and out.

TEMPERATURE

The objective is to provide stored wines with a constant temperature of between 50°F and 59°F (10°C 15°C.

Seasonal changes in temperature will not harm your wine, although fluctuations greater than one degree a week should be avoided.

Wines subjected to temperatures over 77°F (25°C) are in grave danger of rapid deterioration.

Wines stored in less than ideal conditions will age at speeds quite different to those envisaged by winemakers when they offer suggested storage times. A hygro thermometer will provide you with accurate information as to both the temperature and humidity ranges within your cellar.

A well-constructed above ground wine cellar or a well dug underground cellar will require the minimum of additional temperature control although your climate or the position of your wine cellar may necessitate the use of a cooling device that will provide complete temperature stability.

Another alternative is a temperature controlled wine cabinet. Some of these can hold up to 800 bottles but note that some manufacturers’ suggested bottle capacity can be misleading and the racks may be smaller than you require. Champagne bottles are larger than Riesling bottles!

Regard assembled wine as your best cooling block. A high density of wine bottles will reduce wine temperature fluctuations.

Consider keeping your long-term wines in a professional storage facility if your cellar cannot conform to the optimum temperature ranges.

HUMIDITY

A dry atmosphere is an enemy of the natural cork seal. A natural cork is compressed and forced into the bottle as a 100% natural seal.

Low humidity combined with a defective cork results in the wine moving out of the bottle (increasing ullage) and air naturally moving into the bottle.

Moderate humidity is important to keep the cork in good resilient condition and prevent it shrinking. Screw capped bottles do not require humidity.

Excessive humidity will not harm the wine but can cause the labels to go moldy. The ideal humidity for your cellar is 70%, however anywhere between 5080% is acceptable.

DARKNESS

Light will prematurely age a bottle of wine. Clear bottles are most susceptible to this problem, but ultraviolet light will penetrate even dark colored glass.

Ultraviolet light will damage wine by causing the degradation of the otherwise stable organic compounds, especially the tannins found in wine. These organic compounds contribute to the aroma, flavor and structure of the wine. Without them your wine would appear flat and thin.

So exposure to ultraviolet light results in unfavorable and irreversible changes in your wine.

Sparkling wines require extra care as they are more sensitive to light than other wines.

LAY IT DOWN!

Store your wine bottles horizontally so the wine is in contact with the cork. This will keep the cork wet. If the cork dries out and shrinks it will let air get to your wine. Store it with the label facing up. This will help in three ways:

You can easily see what the wine is. You don’t need to disturb the bottle to see what you’ve got in your cellar.

The sediment will form on the opposite side to the label and make it easier to see.

The label is less likely to suffer damage. If you’re storing wine as an investment, a damaged label will reduce the value.

Follow the tips above and you’ll be on your way to creating a cellar where your wine will age to perfection and a cellar that will be the envy of your friends!

Chris Miley
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/5-tips-for-starting-your-own-wine-cellar-71256.html

Over the years, wine consumption has become more and more popular. With more and more money going into wine both as an investment and for later consumption, the history of the wine will always be in question. With this in mind, many people often wonder how they can properly store their wine and take care of it at the same time.

How you store your wine is extremely important. If you store it right it can lead to euphoria, while if you store it wrong it can lead to depression. When you tear into a bottle of wine that has properly been stored, it can be glorious indeed, while tearing into bottle of poorly stored wine can be quite the letdown. Often times, drinking a bottle of wine that was poorly stored is much like drinking vinegar.

To properly store wine, you’ll need to meet several factors, such as humidity, temperature, lighting, the cleanliness of your storage area, the angle of the bottle while it is stored, and the vibration of the bottle on the rack. The temperature is the most important, as you should keep it around 50 degrees at all times. This way, the lower temperature can help to age the wine. If there are any fluctuations in the temperature, you should make sure that it happens slowly. As long as the temperature doesn’t go to high and it fluctuates slowly, your wine should be ok.

The proper level of humidity for storing wine should be around 70%, although it is perfectly accepted to keep it 10% above or below the 70% level. If you have too high of a humidity temperature, the labels can easily rot or mold, which can affect the wine’s value. On the other hand, if the humidity gets too low, around 50%, the cork could shrink and bring air into the wine, which would ruin it in little to no time at all.

The angle that wine is stored is important as well. If the wine stays in contact with the cork during storage, the cork won’t dry out. If the wine doesn’t stay in contact with the cork, the cork could dry out and allow air into the wine. You should also strive to keep the wine out of the light, as light can ruin any type of wine. Light causes the wine to age prematurely, making it in your best interest to store wine in a dark location.

To prevent damage to the wine from sediment, you should also store wine in a location that is free of vibration. If you store wine in places that are free from vibration, it will give the sediment in the bottle ample time to settle. Vibrations are never a good thing for wine, as the sediment becomes unsettled and can ruin the wine or shake it to the point where it tastes horrible.

To protect the quality and investment of your wine, storage and care is very important. Storing it in a proper location will also bring the best taste. In the world of wine, nothing is more disappointing than waiting several years to open a bottle of fine wine, only to find that it is nothing but vinegar. You can prevent this from happening though, by taking care of your wine. Wine isn’t hard to care for or store, it just takes the right conditions and location. Everyone loves some fine wine every now and then – which is why storage and care is so very important these days.

Jerry Shannon
http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/how-to-care-for-your-wine-711654.html