2WineSnobs

Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) is a mutated relative of the red Pinot Noir grape.

Description

Pinot Gris wines are usually full-bodied and rich, and soft in acidity. The best Pinot Gris is dry, though some varieties are sweet. The flavors of Pinot Gris can be quite different depending on the vinification process chosen by the winemaker. It can be okay, with hints of vanilla and smoke, or it could have hints of citrus, pine, and floral.

Aging

The highest quality dry Pinot Gris can be aged for up to a decade. Other Pinot Gris should be drunk young.

Regon

Pinot Gris is grown in Germany, Northeastern Italy, Austria, Oregon, and California. The best Pinot Gris is produced in Alsace, France, though the other regions are improving.

Food Pairings

Pairs well with creamy, spicy, curried, and smoked dishes.

Description

The Chardonnay grape makes the most popular white wines and sparkling wines in the world. Chardonnay is grown all over the world, with major differences in taste and quality.

Chardonnay tends to be fruity, though depending where the grapes were grown the fruitiness can range from apples to more tropical fruits. Traditionally, Chardonnay has been dry, but recently winemakers have been making sweeter varieties. Most Chardonnays are oaky, the result of aging in oak barrels. The exception to the use of oak in aging Chardonnay is Chablis, which has no oaky flavor.

Aging

Chardonnay is usually aged in oak caskets, rather than in the bottle. The best Chardonnay will improve for up to ten years of aging in the bottle, but aging less expensive Chardonnay can actually make the wine worse.

Regon

Chardonnay is grown worldwide, including Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and South Africa. But the best Chardonnay is grown and produced in the French regions of Burgundy and Chablis.

Food Pairings

Pairs well with fish, poultry, or dishes with cream sauces.

I read the article “Secrets to Becoming a Wine Connoisseur” this morning and wanted to pass along this good information to my readers here.  While I try to present a fairly high level overview of winemaking and the different types of wine, this article delves a little deeper into some of the key characteristics of wine.

Description

The Zinfandel grape (which has recently been proven to be an obscure Italian grape called Primitivo) is used to make both red whines and rosé, which is called White Zinfandel. Zinfandel red wines are dark, nearly purple. They are well-structured with strong tannins, and can vary from quite dry to rather sweet, and from light-bodied to heavy. They tend to have hints of plumb, raisin, leather, and spice.

Aging

Zinfandel can be drunk when young, but it does improve with age.

Regon

Zinfandel is the oldest and most commonly grown grape in California, and the best Zinfandels are made in that region. It is also grown in areas of South Africa and Australia, as well as in a small region of Italy.

Food Pairings

Zinfandel is a versatile wine in pairing with food. It pairs well with everything from white meat to game meats to spicy foods.

Description

The Pinot Noir grape is generally considered the best wine grape in the world. Pinot Noir grapes can be used to make everything from reds to sparkling whites, though a varietal named Pinot Noir will always be red. The grapes are very finicky, and quality and characteristics differ drastically based on the environmental conditions of the vineyard where the grapes were grown. Pinot Noir can range between light and medium-bodied, with moderate to high acidity and moderate to low tannins, a velvety texture, and flavors that range from berry to buttery to earthy.

Aging

The best Pinot Noir from Burgundy will improve with age for up to twenty years. Varieties made in other areas can be drunk young, and will generally improve for up to five years of aging.

Regon

Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow, though winemakers in California, Oregon, Canada, Australia, and a few other regions do produce good wines. There is no doubt, though, that the best Pinot Noir comes from Burgundy, France.

Food Pairings

Pinot Noir pairs well with a multitude of foods, from grilled fish to hearty game in rich sauces. It’s also excellent with bean dishes and savory cheeses.