Champagne Flute Designed To Retain Bubbles

When we think of Champagne we think of the bubbles that make this special wine unique and perfect for celebrating just about any special occasion. But without these signature bubbles this sparkling wine from France becomes flat and for some completely unpalatable. To keep those bubbles as long as possible it is important that Champagne be served in the right type of glass.

Just like many other wine glasses that are specifically designed to augment the attributes of that particular wine, Champagne flutes are made to make the most of this bubbly wine. The long stem on these glasses are there to ensure the drinker has something to hold onto other than the bowl so the temperature of the wine will not be affected by the hand.

But most of all, the tall flute shaped bowl is smooth so that fewer bubbles will be produced in the glass so that there will be more when the drinker takes of sip of their bubbly. While the bubbles may look nice in a glass it is how they affect the mouth, that make them such a valuable part of the whole Champagne experience.

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Mountain Grown Grapes Produce Better Wines

To the wine aficionado there is nothing quite like a fine wine grown from one of the mountainous regions from around the world. Wines such as a Cabernet grown on the steep slopes of mountains are renowned for their intense flavor that is sure to please those who use them in their Cabernet Wine Decanter.

What makes these wines so special is the less than ideal conditions that they grow in, but at the same time this is what makes them unique. On the steep slopes that have the right soil, sun and other factors the drainage of water encourages grapes to reproduce. This extra effort for reproduction will result in a higher quality grape.

Of course those who taste these wines often wonder why there are not more mountain  based vineyards producing these fine wines. But all of the conditions must be met and there is of course risk of adverse weather that can highly affect the crop each and every year. This high risk and high reward style of grape production is not one that many are willing to take on even if the space was available for them to do so.

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Choosing Between Decanting And Aerating

Few things in the wine world are as confusing as the process of adding oxygen to wine to enhance its flavor. While it is confusing enough trying to decide which wines to take these steps with then there is the subtle differences between user a decanter or an aerator.  

While both a decanter and an aerator both achieve the same goal and do so effectively the one huge difference is the speed in which they expose the wine to the oxygen. By pouring wine through a Ravenscroft Crystal Long Neck Aerating Funnel it will be broken down where more wine is exposed to oxygen and at a faster rate. With a decanter less wine surface is exposed and for the best results it should really be left overnight before enjoying.

For times when a wine is needed with dinner the aerator is the better option, but when you have time to prepare ahead a crystal decanter can get the job done. Of course not all wines need to have this process done on them as not all will benefit from being exposed to air in order to improve flavor. Young Bordeaux and even cabernet sauvignon can benefit but if in doubt speak with the wine expert at your local shop.

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What Alcohol Content Means To Your Wine

Many novice wine drinkers do not stop and take the time to read the label of any wine they are thinking about purchasing to enjoy. Other than seeing if it is a Pinot Noir or Bordeaux, and maybe the country of origin that is all they read before placing it in their Caddy wine tote to take home. Really this is a shame since there is so much more information on a bottle of wine that will give incite to how it will end up tasting.

Alcohol content is a key part to any wine and will indicate just what flavor it will have when consumed. Some simply want to know alcohol content just so they can avoid those with high levels or pace their drinking carefully. But to those who know this is a big indication of just how sweet a bottle of wine is.

The whole process of making wine is to ferment the sugar within the grapes to create a flavor drink. The longer any wine ferments the less sugar it will have while also having more alcohol. The sooner the fermentation process is stopped the more sugar will be retained in the wine but less alcohol will be created.

Understanding this process and alcohol content levels can help consumers find wines they will prefer for their own particular tastes. For those who prefer sweet wines or those who want flavor without the sugar alcohol content can help you decide which wine to buy.

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Pairing Wine With Venison

Fall is a time to get outdoors and enjoy the last of the warm temperatures and the fall foliage before winter finally sets in. For many this time in the woods this time of year is spent hunting venison in order to put some of this delicious, exotic meat in the freezer at home.

While cooking venison correctly takes some care to ensure it is not too gamey or becomes too tough, pairing it with a good wine is actually fairly easy. Venison pares well with strong wines that have a sweet, fruity texture. A couple of sure parings are Cabernet Sauvignon and German Riesling Auslese. Another popular choice for paring with venison is a red Zinfandel with a bold flavor that has been brought out by spending time in an Arctic Frost Decanter.

Of course you do not have to be a hunter to acquire some good cuts of venison to prepare a fine meal. Many specialty shops offer many types of exotic meats for those who do not want to go out and get their own. For a wonderful unique meal this fall try serving up some well cooked venison along with a great tasting red wine.

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Making Beef Stew With Wine

As fall is setting in on many parts of the country, temperatures outside are falling and more people are thinking about those comfort foods for this time of year.  One popular comfort food for many is the classic beef stew loaded up with plenty of tender beef with lots of vegetables.

For the most part many chefs use the same basic ingredients such as carrots and potatoes but the base will vary from person to person. It seems most recipes call for a stout beer or some just use a beef broth but there is another option out there that will add an amazing taste to the stew; a full-bodied red wine. Red wine pairs beautifully with beef and makes for an excellent base for beef stew that many cooks do not stop to think about since they are so focused instead on using beer.

By using some red wine from your crystal decanter in the stew you can add flavor that is just too good to be described. Plus this makes paring your wine to serve with your stew that much easier since the same kind that went into the stew will be the ideal compliment to serve with the meal whether it is just you by the fire or a group of friends enjoying this classic fall comfort food.

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Science Trying To Make Growing Grapes Easier

The problem many potential wine makers face is finding the ideal conditions that will grow the best grapes possible in order to create wines that have exceptional flavors. A look on the map makes it apparent that there just are not as many vineyards in the Midwest as there are along the coasts and this is because many grapes just do not grow as well in the middle part of the country.

But scientists at the University of Illinois are working to develop hybrid grapes that are a cross between naturally growing varieties paired with types used to make exceptional wine. The hopes are that the hybrid grapevines will better withstand the colder winters while still producing great tasting wines in the summer.

Research is also trying to extend to other areas of grape cultivation as well and pest control methods are being looked into to better harvests. While there are a few wineries in the Midwest that produce wonderful wines that visitors can use to fill up their Envoy Wine Tote, the hopes are high that the research being conducted will lead to more wineries in the area.  More wineries in the Midwest would improve tourism and help local economies grow and give wine lovers more alternatives to choose from.

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Wine And The NFL

While football may be better known for the beer that is served throughout the stadium during the course of the game it is wine that is getting more attention in the league.  The new Cowboys stadium which opened last season and that will be the host of the upcoming Super Bowl includes a wine bar that give fans a chance to taste new wines during the game.

Developed in a partnership with Dee Lincoln the main tasting room features 48 wines that can be purchased by the ounce or by the glass in a self serve type of atmosphere. For fans who truly appreciate wine being able to enjoy a glass during a game is a real treat and this wine bar is a enjoyable atmosphere.

With its sophisticated décor and range of wines the tasting room is not open to all fans only those who have suite tickets or are club members. But for the football fan who is looking to put down that beer and pick up Ravenscroft Crystal Grappa Glasses of filled with new wines there is no other experience like it. While this may be the first NFL team to have such an offering you can rest assured that others will probably be joining the club and adding wine bars to their stadiums as well in the next few years.

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Wine Consumption Continues To Rise In The US

For the past several years wine consumption has been on the rise all across the United States with not only the older generations buying more but also the younger ones as well. Traditionally wine has always done well with the older age groups and the Baby Boomers continue to be the largest portion of wine buyers and drinkers in the country. But a new trend has those in their twenties buying more and more wines to enjoy not only for taste but for the health benefits as well.

Many of those who consume wine in the US cite health benefits as one of the major reasons behind the rise in interest. From those who are older and wanting to continue to feel good and defy the aging process to those who are young and want to retain all that goes with their youth wine is becoming a daily staple.

Research has shown time and again that those who consume red and even white wines in moderation will improve on so many key elements of long term health. Add to this that wine drinkers tend to get sick with colds and flu less and there is more reason than ever to fill those Riesling Wine Glasses to your health each day.

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New Research Shows Wine Is Ok When Pregnant

For the expectant mother life is full of advice from those who have been there before as well as health studies and it seems that much of the information contradicts itself. The one thing that seemed consistent was warnings that all expectant mothers should abstain from alcohol while they are pregnant and breastfeeding.

But now a new study is showing that it is okay for pregnant women to Bordeaux wine glasses as long as it is carefully moderated. The study showed there was no ill effects to the child when one to two glasses of wine were drank in a week as long as it was wine only and no more than this.

The study included over 11,000 children born over a period of just over one year beginning in September 2000. But many expectant mothers will need to take this new research into consideration and weigh their own personal beliefs carefully since when it comes down to it the health of their child is at stake.

Whether trying to conceive or already pregnant it is important that each woman decide for herself if she wants to enjoy a glass of wine on occasion or choose to abstain just in case the research proofs to be wrong.

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Bring Your Love Of Wine Along On The Ipad

 Once again Apple hit the technology nail on the head and produced a product that many people are scrambling to own. The Ipad is an amazing way to bring the things you need to do as well as those you want to do along with you wherever you go. For the wine lover that means you can now bring along the new edition of Food & Wine magazine in this eco-friendly package.

On Thursday Food & Wine released its first Ipad specific edition that was designed to look best when viewed on the Apple device. To mark the occasion the first edition is available for free download, and for those who want to continue to receive this Ipad specific version of a top publication the fee is very affordable. Plus for the environmentally concise it will be one less paper version that will need printed and later disposed of since it can all be handled electronically.

For those who already own a Ipad  and those thinking of getting one, this may become one of the top wine accessories that you can get in order to learn more of what is going on in the food and wine industry.

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Pinot Noir: The Red Wine For White Wine Lovers

 Of all the grapes used in the winemaking business few are as finicky as the Pinot Noir. This red grape has some of the thinnest skin of any grape which make is very hard to grow with conditions having to be exact for it to thrive. But it is this same characteristic that makes the taste of this red wine so desirable for those who usually prefer to enjoy a glass of white wine.

The flavor of a Pinot Noir is reminiscent of bright red fruits such as cranberries and cherries. With its light tannins producing a silky smoothness paired with earthy undertones this is one vino that will add a flavorful touch to unique wine glassware such as Arctic wine glasses.

The natural lightness of Pinot Noir lends itself well to being paired with foods that you would not usually consider having a red wine with. Things such as vegetables and veal are perfect foods to serve along with this fine wine.

But it is important to remember the name of a Pinot Noir when you find you that suits you. Known for being really good or really bad this finicky grape is often referred to as the Holy Grail when you find a bottle that is perfect.

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Rabbits Wreak Havoc On Bordeaux Harvest

Everyone may have a little trouble refilling that Bordeaux wine decanter in their home bar this year since a whopping 15% of the harvest has been lost just in the first week alone. Rabbits are having a boom year in the Bordeaux region of France and they are enjoying the grapes that should become the wine that has made this area famous.

With some vineyards reporting catching 500 wild hares at a time it is hard to imagine the amount of rabbits that are devastating the wine crop this year. In some regions not only are the grapes being consumed but the vines themselves once the grapes are gone. There are so many hungry rabbits around many vineyards are trying to rush the harvest along to bring in as many grapes as possible.  

Recent conditions have kept disease from spreading and controlling the rabbit population while being too hot for the vegetation they usually eat to grow. This has led to too many animals and not enough food with the grapes and their vines being the only source of food for the bunnies. Here is to hoping that enough grapes get brought in for a decent harvest to supply the wine industry.

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Coping With Wine Stained Teeth

With fall comes wine tastings all across the country and many people spending the day trying out the latest offerings from vineyards from all around.  If enough red wine is drank from those Bacchus Red Wine Glasses the result can show up in an embarrassing way on your white teeth. While there are lots of good things about red wine from its health benefits to just the sheer pleasure of enjoying a glass, but it has a big drawback of staining teeth.

So what do you do if you find yourself enjoying some red wine at a tasting or gathering, and you find yourself with the embarrassing look of stained teeth from red wine?

While there are products such as Wine Wipes on the market the verdict is still out on just how effective these are. One good trick is to enjoy some cheese along with that red wine. Cheese along with a couple of sips of water will do a surprising job of getting some of the red out. Another trick is to enjoy white wine, which is known for its stain removing capabilities, after having that glass of red wine. Both of these are easy methods that will work to get much of that embarrassing stain off of your teeth.

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Micro-Ox Wines Not Your Traditional Reds

Every since wine has been made the aging process has been carefully done in order to bring out the best possible flavor of the wine. For red wines especially traditional aging in an oak barrel is a big key to slow oxygenation for increased flavor.

 A new company in California though has made the approach a modern scientific one that now uses a process called micro-oxygenation to get the same affect.  In the controlled environment of Safe Harbor Wine Storage wine is slowly infused with oxygen in a highly controlled manner. This is carried out in large stainless steel tanks that feature oak staves that are added in to bring the flavors out just as traditional barrels do.

This process provides a high level of control out of the aging process for red wines in order to help tame the tannins and enhance the flavor for the perfect bottle every time. While many traditionalists will be reluctant to put these scientifically aged wines in their Sade Red Wine Glasses, others will embrace how science is working to make a better vino that is full of flavor and a sure thing with every bottle you open.

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