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Health & Education

Various tidbits about beer and wine that may surprise and educate you.

Top Ten Summer Sippers at Menotomy Beer & Wine

1. Ku De Ta Sauvignon Blanc
2. Domaine de Pellehaut Rose
3. Emeri Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
4. Gryphus Sauvignon Blanc
5. Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc
6. Alandra Tinto
7. Tilia Chardonnay
8. Salvalai Pinot Grigio
9. Apaltagua Chardonnay
10. Concannon Pinot Noir

White Port

Last fall we had a port tasting here at 80 Broadway. We showed you varieties of Tawny and Ruby ports. Alas, the hit of the night (by FAR) was the Ramos Pinto La Grima WHITE port. It's a rare style of port, but it's been very popular here. White port can range in style from dry to sweet. The dry versions (which is what this week's offering is) can be labelled as "Secco" while the sweeter styles may be labeled as "Lagrima", meaning tears, because of their viscosity ("legs"). Like red port, the grapes for white port are grown in Portugal's Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. Much of the white port is consumed within Portugal. (Come in Saturday to see what they're hiding from us!)

Exciting Beer News!! All 22 oz. People's Pint bottles now 2 for $9.99

The headline says it all: you can now get two bottles of a regular 22 oz. People's Pint beer for $9.99 (plus tax). They regularly go for $5.99 a bottle. This deal does not include specialty items they send our way, however, like the 12 oz. Imperial Stout. This means you can get two of their delicious IPA bottles for $9.99 or one pale ale and one brown ale, or maybe two wheat beers, or... you get the idea!

Wine Discount Policy

Most of you know that we offer a great discount policy on our wines every day of the year, but for those of you who don't, read on!

6-11 Bottles: 10% Discount

12 or more Bottles: 20% Discount

Discount applies to straight and mixed cases. Exclusions apply. Discounts do not apply to beer products.

Torrontés: You love it, but what is it??

With the addition of the Crios Torrontés, we now have six, SIX, Torrontés wines on our shelves. You love them, you do, but, what exactly is Torrontés? Besides being Argentina's most prolific white wine, recent DNA research has shown that Torrontés is related to the Malvasian group of grapes, which originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and found its way to such Atlantic islands as Madeira (fortified wine). Susana Balbo - the woman behind the Crios wines - says this about Torrontés: "Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, with hints of peach pit, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with enticing fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another sip and plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry, this wine has to be tasted to be believed." Yum! Pour me a glass!

Pinotage

Pinotage is a red wine grape that is South Africa's signature variety. It was bred there in 1925 as a cross between Pinot noir and Cinsaut (Cinsaut is known as Hermitage in South Africa, hence the combined name of Pinot-age). It typically produces deep red varietal wines with smoky, bramble and earthy flavors, sometimes with notes of bananas and tropical fruit. The first recognition came when a Bellevue wine made from Pinotage became the champion wine at the Cape Wine Show of 1959. This wine would become the first wine to mention Pinotage on its label.

Barolo

There are eleven villages, townships or "communes" that make up the Barolo DOCG. However, there are five key subzones that you should be acquainted with that make-up 87% of the wine. These are La Morra, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba, and Monforte d'Alba. The soil types divide these communes into two zones, the Central Valley to the east made up of Tortonian soil (creates more approachable wines with fragrance, softness and elegance), and the Serralunga Valley to the west consisting of Helvetian soil (generally creates long-lived, powerfully concentrated wines). The physical elements of each of these communes provide further characteristics that distinguish them from the wines of the other four communes. These qualities are even further segmented by the microclimates where specific vineyards rest. Until the early 1970s Barolo was for the most part a non-cru wine. Barolo was generally the ideal blend of grapes from: La Morra (for fragrance, softness), Barolo (for grace and earthiness), Castiglione Falletto (for boldness and richness), Serralunga (for depth and power) and Monforte (for concentration and structure).

Take it "with a grain of salt", interesting nonetheless!

As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
In beer there is freedom,
In water there is bacteria.

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of E. Coli- bacteria found in feces.

However we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling and fermenting.

Remember:
Water=Poop
Wine=Health

Bordeaux in a Nutshell

When Bordeaux wines are talked about you may hear the terms "left bank" and "right bank". They are referring to the banks of the Gironde River. Two rivers feed the Gironde; the Garonne and the Dordogne. They all converge and then flow into the Atlantic. The terms "Right Bank", and "Left Bank" refer to the banks of the Gironde only even though Bordeaux encompasses all three rivers. First let's look at what a Bordeaux wine is. A Bordeaux wine is a blend of grapes. The grapes used are:

As you can see from the list, the Left Bank is predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Right Bank is predominately Merlot. But keep in mind that Bordeaux is about the blending of the grapes. It is not like California wine where most of your wines are either Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc., expressing one varietal almost totally. A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or a bottle of Merlot is rare in Bordeaux, because Bordeaux is about the marriage of varietals to create a union that lasts.

The (very basic) Basics of Sustainable, Organic and Biodynamic Winemaking

Sustainable winemaking means growers abstain from using man-made chemicals and artificial fertilizers to improve life in their vineyards and in the wines they create. Some of the components of sustainable winemaking practices consist of using natural fertilizers, composting and the cultivation of plants that attract insects that are beneficial to the health of the vines. Organic wines are produced by using only organically grown grapes. No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic chemicals of any kind are allowed on the vines or in the soil of the vineyards claiming to be organic. Organic winemakers abstain from all chemical substances used to stabilize conventional wines such as sulfites. Organic and Biodynamic winemaking share many of the same attributes; biodynamic wines are produced by using only organically grown grapes. However, biodynamic winemakers see their vineyards in a much broader context that connects their vines and the year-long growing cycle with lunar and cosmic rhythms.

How Do They Make Rosé?

It is fairly common to make Rosé wines by simply taking a white wine and adding a bit of red wine to it. Some winemakers think this produces interesting wines that possess some of the hearty character of a red wine while retaining the crispness of many whites. Another more popular method to make Rosé is by crushing grapes before the color has time to leech into the wine, many Rosés are made from serious Red grapes such as Malbec, Grenache and even Tannat. When bleeding a red grape, winemakers often take away an ample quantity of liquid so that the resulting wine is stronger and more concentrated - this lighter, less tannic remainder is then packaged and sold as Rosé!

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is an aromatic wine grape variety that performs best in cooler climates. It is sometimes referred to colloquially as "Gewürz". Gewürztraminer is a variety with a pink to red skin color, which makes it a "white wine grape," as opposed to the blue- to black-skinned varieties commonly referred to as "red wine grapes". The variety is high in natural sugar; wines are white and usually off-dry, with a flamboyant bouquet of lychees. Dry Gewürztraminers may also have aromas of roses and other floral notes, as well as passion fruit.

Yalumba and Enviroment

At Yalumba, environmentally-friendly methods are recognized to be an intrinsic aspect of wine quality. The winery adopts a holistic approach, focusing on the sustainability of natural resources. They are proud to be the first wine company in the world to receive the Climate Protection Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency, in 2007.

Vin De Pays

Vin de Pays laws are much more flexible than AOC Appellation d'origine contr™lŽe) laws, which strictly govern the geographical territory in which certain agricultural products, like C™tes du Rh™ne wine and Roquefort cheese, can be produced. This flexibility has enabled many winemakers in Vin de Pays areas to experiment with grapes and aging techniques not allowed in the more controlled zones. Whereas the Vin de Pays tag was once held in disdain by some, it now means freedom to many winemakers.

Understanding Rioja

In Rioja, Spain, you can identify aged wines by the terms on their labels. Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva indicate how long a wine has aged in both oak barrel and the bottle before its release. Crianza means it has spent at least one year in oak; Reserva, one year in oak plus one year in the bottle; and Gran Reserva, at least 2 years in oak and 3 years in the bottle.

Argentina

Argentina is the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, and its Mendoza region is historically the area responsible for Arentina's finest wines.

Within Mendoza, one finds specific terroirs particularly suited for the Malbec varietal. Its semi-desert climate has the characteristic of large temperature differentials - a very hot daytime and very cool nights - and the abundance of water extracted from artesian wells makes the area particularly suited for the cultivation of high quality grapes.

A Little Game for You!

Many of the labels on 90+ wines have hints that make it easy to determine where exactly the wine came from. Can you peek around and find out what wine is inside the bottle? We were presented with this gorgeous Pinot Noir with the label still on it from the winemaker. It is official: this wine typically sells for TWICE the price. The winemaker sold the excess wine to Kevin in barrels at a significant discount, and he did his own bottling. What a steal! If you do a little homework, you'll be rewarded by learning exactly how much $$$ you are saving by purchasing a 90+ Label wine over the "real deal"!
Have fun with it!

Where is Alsace, Anyway?

Alsace is the fourth-smallest of France's 26 regions, yet it is the sixth-most densely populated. Located on the border of Germany, it has long been a point of contention between the two countries. Over a period of 75 years during the 19th and 20th centuries, Alsace changed hands four times between France and Germany. The region produces excellent dry and sweet white wines, and the people are known for their love of good food. Here are just two examples of Alsace's many famous dishes:
-The classic choucroute (sauerkraut): various parts of pork and cabbage;
- Tarte flambée (or Flammekueche): pastry with cream, bacon, and onions.

Yum, yum! Cook up some Flammekueche to go with your Alsacian Pinot Gris Saturday night!

Tocai, Tokaji and Toh Kai

The Friulano is an Italian grape variety, originally hailing from the Friuli area in the Veneto region of Italy and said to be linked with the Sauvignon grape. Until 2007, it was called Tocai Friulano, but due to an EU law protecting Tokaji wines from Hungary, mention of the word "Tocai" has had to be omitted since then. (Even though the wines of Tokai are made mostly from the furmint grape - not friulano - it was said to cause confusion.)

It is thought that the grape was exported from Italy to Hungary in 1632 as part of Contessa Aurora Formentini's dowry when she married Count Batthyany, and that when it was reintroduced to Italy, it retained the new name.

To add to the confusion, the Tocai we have this week isn't even from Italy or Hungary, but from Slovenia, a European country that borders the Friuli region on its west coast.

A lot to take in, I know - but this wine is worth it!

Who Was Pretty Sally?

Pretty Sally is remembered for operating an illegal shanty and eating house on the western side Australia's Big Hill. The person in question was not the handsome, slender young lady the name evokes, but a formidable woman of 250 pounds. Some accounts described her as "a very stout woman of two-and twenty stones" and "as ugly as you would meet on a day's march". Unfortunately, Pretty Sally came to a very untimely end, as the September 10th, 1847 Melbourne's Newspaper issue described: "An accident occurred near Beveridge's Swamp on Wednesday last which, I am informed, is likely to be attended with fatal results. Mrs. Smith, better known as Pretty Sally, was driving a spring cart, one of the wheels of the vehicle coming in contact with a stump caused a capsize when by some unaccountable means Mrs. Smith fell under the vehicle, which, being alone, seriously crushed her before she was released." Pretty Sally became a legend for her refusal to confirm to the confines of the law! Pretty Sally Winery is named in honor of this memorable woman.

Aligoté

Aligoté is often referred to as the "poor relation" of Chardonnay in Burgundy. Planted in lesser vineyard sites in the Côte d'Or, aligoté is generally relegated to regional Appellation Bourgogne status. This is unfair, as the status gives no indication of any special regional character the wine may pick up in a particular vineyard. There are some places in Burgundy where Aligoté is given more respect (the Côte Chalonnaise AOC, Bouzeron, would be the most famous example), but for the most part, this grape is largely overlooked.

2007 Côtes du Rhône

Robert Parker, on the '07 vintage of Côtes du Rhône: "Think of 2007 as a hypothetical blend of an opulent, powerful, sumptuous year such as 1990, and a cooler drought vintage such as 2001. The cool weather and the remarkable three weeks of Mistral in September that concentrated the grapes without any spikes of high heat appears to have given the 2007s an aromatic dimension and freshness that I have rarely witnessed. Combine that with wines that are substantial, powerful, and relatively high in alcohol, with super depth of fruit! These are very aromatic wines of great concentration, freshness, laser-like focus, and amazing purity as well as depth. It is the vintage of my lifetime for this region, and I don't say that lightly. These 2007s will also be very long-lived given their extraordinary balance."

Massachusetts Children's Alliance

The Massachusetts Children's Alliance provides training, support, technical assistance and leadership on a national level to local children's advocacy centers, and communities responding to reports of child abuse and neglect. A children's advocacy center is a child-focused, facility-based program in which representatives from many disciplines, including law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, and victim and child advocacy, work together to conduct interviews and make team decisions about investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse cases. They strongly believe that the combined professional wisdom and skill of the multidisciplinary team approach results in a more complete understanding of case issues and the most effective child- and family-focused response possible.

Lodi, CA

Lodi is best known as a center of wine production - the "Zinfandel Capital of the World" - although its vintages have traditionally been less prestigious than those of Sonoma and Napa counties. However, in recent years, the Lodi Appellation has become increasingly respected for its Zinfandel wine and other eclectic varietals. Nearby Woodbridge is the home of the well-known Mondavi Winery winery, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. Mondavi grew up in Lodi, and the Mondavi Winery is considered one of the most influential in the American wine industry.

Sustainable organics

Before the USDA organic label existed, the term "organic" implied farming practices that not only restricted chemicals, synthetics and genetic engineering, but also were sustainable in the long-term. Sustainability means choosing crops that are naturally well suited for the local environment, and then avoiding any negative impact on the land. By doing so, natural eco-systems and biodiversity can thrive, and our soil and water systems remain unaffected. Unfortunately, the USDA "organic" label only addresses the production side of farming (i.e., the use of fertilizers, pesticides and GMOs). They don't check farms' long-term effect on the environment and water systems. In April 2004, the USDA weakened its regulations further, allowing the use of non-organic materials on "organic" farms, and hormones and antibiotics in "organic" livestock. Luckily, after thousands petitioned and contacted their office, the USDA retracted the directives the following month. All in all, the USDA certification has helped bring organics to the mainstream, yet some believe it has been detrimental to the movement as a whole by weakening the true meaning of "organic."

Refosco Grape

Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is a red Italian wine grape grown predominantly in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy. The grape is a sub-variety of the Refosco grape and derives its name from its red stems. It has a long history and was praised by Pliny the Elder in the first century for the quality of wine it produces. Today it is found in the Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) of Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli Aquileia, Friuli Grave and Friuli Latisana. In Friuli, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso vines are planted in both hillside and level terrain. Ripening is a concern: the grape requires sufficient access to warmth and sunlight, which play a major role in deciding where to plant the grape. Despite being a slow ripener, the grape does have good resistance to rot that can develop during autumn rains. The deeply colored wine produced from the grape tends to be full-bodied with high acidity levels and flavors of plum & almond notes. Since the renewed interest in the grape of the 1980s, winemakers have experimented with producing more internationally recognizable styles of the grape with techniques like malolactic fermentation and new oak aging to mix results.

Italian White Varietals

Trebbiano- Behind cataratto (which is made for industrial jug wine), this is the most widely planted white varietal in Italy. It is grown throughout the country, with a special focus on the wines from Abruzzo. Mostly, they are pale, easy drinking wines, but trebbiano (known as "Ugni Blanc," in France) from producers such as Valentini have been known to age for 15+ years.

Greco- This is the name (hailing from Greece) for the white grape varietal(s) grown in the southern parts of Italy. The best examples come from around the town of Tufo, where Greco di Tufo is an internationally respected dry white with notes of clover, citrus and stone fruits. Further south, in the region of Calabria, the Greco is dried to make the sweet wine Greco di Bianco.

Malvasia Bianca- Another white varietal that peeks up in all corners of Italy. With its wide variety of clones and mutations, wines can range from easy quaffers to funky, musty whites.

More 90+ Point Info

Latitude is unique in its insistence on price point and quality. Many companies operating with a similar concept buy excess or distressed wine that the wineries are unable to sell on their own. Latitude exclusively buys the most highly rated wines from the best wineries, which have been unable to sell them out under their own label. No inferior leftovers here; these wineries may just have produced more than they need, or experienced a slow-down in sales. They're glad to clear out some of their best wares by selling to Latitude; they get some of their investment back, and in turn, are guaranteed complete anonymity, avoiding the negative connotation that can be associated with high-quality wines that have not sold out. Latitude takes this promise very seriously - Kevin wouldn't even tell us!

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape grown primarily in the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions of France. Although similar in structure and flavor to the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, Cabernet Franc is not quite as full-bodied, and has fewer tannins and less acid. It is, however, more aromatic and herbaceous. And, unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc grows in cooler climates and ripens early - so if weather conditions are less than perfect, the Cabernet Sauvignon crop may be, as well. Under such circumstances, the addition of Cabernet Franc might salvage the vintage. This grape distinguishes itself by its aromatic finesse and its unique green pepper aromas. Depending on the growing region and the style of wine, additional aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, cassis - even violets.

The Tannat Grape

The southwest region of France is known for its wonderful dark, dense, smoky wines, renowned for their age-worthiness. Tannat, a thick-skinned grape, is certainly no exception.

The correlation between red wine consumption and health - particularly heart health - has been recognized for some time, bursting into the American consciousness following the 1991 French Paradox broadcast on 60 Minutes. However, the mechanism by which red wine contributes to health is still not well understood. Why are red wines so beneficial, but not white wines or other forms of alcohol? One theory is that different red wines or different farming or fermentation techniques may provide different levels of protection.

In his book The Red Wine Diet, Dr. Roger Corder (a cardiovascular expert at the William Harvey Research Institute in London), makes the case for oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) as the source of red wines' health benefits. Dr. Corder also researches other possible sources; before identifying the likely advantages OPCs, he considered resveratrol to be the most likely source of the health advantages. Resveratrol does exist in grapes, and has been known to discourage cancer - yet its quantity in wines is insufficient for clinical use. All red grapes, particularly those with thick skins and high skin-to-pulp ratios, contain OPCs. But, after measuring the OPC concentration of several common red wine grapes, Dr. Corder identifies Tannat as the grape with the highest concentration.

Cakebread Winery

The Cakebread family, owners of Cakebread Cellars in Rutherford, is among the most creative and successful winery families in California's famed Napa Valley. Since its founding in 1973, the winery has developed a reputation for producing world-class wines. Its success is built on quality, consistency and continuity, characteristics that apply equally to the grapes, the wines, the people, and the operation of the winery.

Tortoise Creek Eco-Friendly Practices

All grapes are grown under sustainable viticultural practices. To protect the environment, no farming takes place within 100 feet of sensitive wildlife habitat areas (adhering to the Safe Harbor Agreement). No sulfur is used in the vineyard, and all chemicals are carefully evaluated for their potential impact on run-off and erosion. Vines were originally planted without the removal of any trees or native cover crops; in fact, cover crops are encouraged in the rows to reduce soil tillage. And, to help eliminate harmful pests, Tortoise Creek incorporates eco-friendly options including bird boxes, predatory perches, and the release of beneficial insects.

The Illusive Carménère Grape

The history of Carménère wines is quite similar to that of the Malbec grape. Once prominent in France, both were brought to South America in the mid 1800's by the French, and the unique wines made from them have since become an important part of South American wine making. Both have fallen out of favor in their native France and are produced in extremely small quantities around the world, in addition to the more robust production in South America. But while Malbec, a predominantly Argentinean grape, produces big tannic wines with a lot of red fruits and spice, Carménère is much more mellow, with soft tannins and strong herbal accents.

Viognier

Viognier's main attraction is probably its aroma. Powerful, rich, and complex, it can often seem like overripe apricots mixed with orange blossoms or acacia. Its aroma-flavor profile is as distinctive and sweet as Gewźrztraminer. The distinctive Viognier perfume holds up even when blended with a large portion of other grapes. The fruit usually has very deep color, but is somewhat low in acidity. Both Chardonnay and Viognier share tropical fruit flavors and a creamy mouthfeel. Even with little or no wood aging, Viognier can be as full-bodied as an oaky Chardonnay, but has a much more distinctive fruit character. It also has a typically deep golden color, as well as rich and intense flavor.

Wine Glasses

The quality of glassware can greatly enhance the wine experience - or vice versa. While it may seem a bit snobby to have a specific glass for a specific wine, it really does make a difference in how a wine tastes and is experienced. As they say, size really does matter when it comes to stemware, so choose ones that have a large, wide bowl. I recently found a fantastic, all-purpose wine glass that's the perfect size to toggle easily between reds and whites; it is now our official "house wine glass" in the Bergstrom household. Contact us if you are interested in obtaining a set.

Vinho Verde

One of summer's most refreshing wines is Vinho Verde, the cool, crisp, zesty white wine from the northwestern corner of Portugal. Usually light in body and low in alcohol, it has a knifelike acidity and a hint of fizz. The name literally means "Green Wine," referring to its youthfulness rather than its color. Vinhos Verdes are light, fresh, and intended for drinking within a year. At less than 1 bar of CO2 pressure, they do not quite qualify as semi-sparkling wines, but do have a definite petillance. Vinho Verde in particular is very fresh, due its natural acidity, with fruity and floral aromas (depending on the grape variety). Lemon or straw in color, with around 9-11% alcohol, Vinho Verdes are made from the local grape varieties Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso and Azal.

A Vegan Wine... Aren't ALL wines Vegan?

No - wineries may use animal-derived products as finings. To remove proteins, yeasts, and other organic particles that are in suspension during the making of the wine, a fining agent is added to the top of the vat. As it sinks down, these particles adhere to the agent, and are carried away, out of suspension.

Examples of animal products used as finings are gelatin, isinglass, chitosan, casein and egg albumen. (Bull's blood is also used in some Mediterranean countries but is not allowed in the U.S. or France.) An alternative to animal products, Bentonite, a clay mineral, can be used to clarify the wine. And there are even some very patient vintners who let the wine's sediments settle naturally!

A Taste Of Calabria

Calabrian wines are produced from the Calabria region in southern Italy. Over 90% of the region's wine production is red wine, with a large portion made from the Gaglioppo grape. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) is an Italian quality assurance label for food products - especially wines. Calabria has 12 Denominazione di origine controllata regions, but only 4% of the yearly production is classified as DOC wine.

Rosé: What's it all about?

Most high-quality rosés are made from dark-skinned grapes. After the grapes are crushed, the winemaker chooses how long the juice will remain in contact with the skins: In general, the longer the period of skin contact, the darker and more tannic the wine. To make rosé, the juice is separated from the skins relatively quickly, resulting in the pale color. In addition, we'd like to point out that classic Rosés are dry wines, not sweet like a white Zinfandel. White Zin was actually an accidental discovery by the Sutter Home winery in the 1970's when they experienced "stuck fermentation", a problem that occurs when the yeast dies out before consuming all of the sugar. The wine makers gave it a shot, liked their "sweet success", and it has become the best selling premium wine in the U.S.

Acidity and Wine and Food Pairing

Acidity plays a powerful role in the successful matching of food and wine.

High acid wines (those with a ph between 3.0 to 3.4), such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Italian reds (like Chianti) typically prove an excellent complement to a wide variety of foods.

Low acid wines (those with a ph between 3.5 and 4.0), such as Syrah, Cabernet, Merlot, Grenache, Mouvedre, and Tempranillo, tend to pair better with low acid foods.

Some Suggested Pairings...
High acid wines and high acid foods, like tomato-based dishes;
High acid wines and salty foods; this has a tempering effect on foods such as caviar;
High acid wines with smoked foods, such as smoked salmon - a terrific counterpoint!
Low acid wines grilled meats, vegetables, and cream sauces.

Aging and Wine

I'm sure we've all heard the "statistic" that 94% of all wine is consumed within 24 hours of its purchase. It's true that most Americans do not age their wines, and wineries have taken note. Improved techniques are allowing them to ship their product to market earlier and earlier; in fact, wines are actually being aimed at earlier consumption, and we've all enjoyed the freshness so appealing in many wines.

With that said, you may notice your '08 Cabernets tasting a little "green" (and I am not talking about an herbal quality!) or a little stemmy. It may simply be that the flavors have not yet integrated completely. This even happens to exceptional wines, and it simply means that the wine may need a little more time to develop. The label should be re-visited in 6 months to a year. And something to keep in mind - wines from the southern hemisphere (Australia, South Africa) are a full season ahead of us, so vintages will seem a bit "younger" than they truly are.

A few tips for those who are planning to age wine at home... #1: Nothing destroys wine faster than air! Be sure to store your bottle horizontally, and make absolutely certain that the cork is intact. #2: Proper temperature - between 40 and 60 degrees F - is extremely important. (Perhaps you've noticed that our store can be a little chilly!) #3: Keep your wine away from light - a cellar is the perfect place!

Q: What do the Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Willamette Valley (Oregon) regions have in common?

A: All three are located along the 44th parallel north (or 44 degrees latitude). And, they all produce legendary wines!

Drink To Your Health!

Here is a little heath tidbit for you from the RN in Beth: I am sure you know by now that red wine is a rich source of biologically active phytochemicals, chemicals found in plants. Particular compounds called polyphenols found in red wine, such as catechins and resveratrol, are thought to have anti-oxidant or anti-cancer properties. For some time, there was doubt about whether antioxidants could be absorbed when ingested as foods and whether they were biologically potent. The most current research has erased any doubt that the antioxidants remain vital when consumed this way. They appear to be even more active than the more renowned antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. These compounds ARE present in white wines as well but not to the same degreee. Found chiefly in skins, their concentrations tend to be higher in red wines (when skins are included in fermentation) than white (when skins are culled).

Red wine can alsobe very helpful in regulating blood sugar levels. It is partucularly helpful in managing Type II Diabetes. Red wine and tea contain natural antioxidants that may slow the passage of glucose through the small intestine and eventually into the bloodstream and prevent this spike, which is an important step in managing this disease. Both red and white wines were tested in the laboratory using in vitro enzyme studies to determine how well they could inhibit the activity of a target enzyme called alpha-glucosidase, responsible for triggering the absorption of glucose by the small intestine. Red wine was the winner, able to inhibit the enzyme by nearly 100%! Values for white wine hovered around 20%. Just another reason to drink up!


Beer's Healthy, Too

Here is an interesting beer tid-bit. A scientific study undertaken at the Technical University of Munich concluded that the collection of minerals and trace elements in beer have a favorable effect on nerves and muscle strength, electrolyte usage, enzyme activation and hormone levels. In addition, iron and copper help blood production, phosphorus supports metabolism and magnesium strengthens the heart muscle. Zinc is necessary for your pancreas' production of insulin and fluoride protects your teeth from cavities. Finally, Manganese also helps in the production of beer's Vitamin B, which is very valuable to the human body. Drink your beer and be sure to check out Lucas's beer blog!