Wine Lines

Undoubtably, you have heard a Winemaker, a Sommelier, or a wine snob utter the phrase, “This wine has great structure.” What the heck does that even mean? Structure is really about the balance among various characteristics. They all should be in harmony, with one not overpowering the others. Good structure in wine creates a multi-faceted tasting…

“It must be the sulfites”

Let’s start with why sulfites are in the wine:  The Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is intended to serve as an anti-oxidant and protect the wine from microbial growth.

The best wines are in balance among the main four character traits: TanninAlcoholSweetnessAcidity There are several kinds of acids in wines. The most common ones are tartaric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid. Tartaric acid is the most important. It affects the taste, color and aroma of the final product. Ever heard someone ask if…

Yes, this one by Mick and the boys is the subject of this season’s Wine Lines. While Mick may be referencing Keith Richards’ appearance, in the wine world this word is used to describe an unfavorable occurrence that can impact production during the growth cycle of grapevines: shatter. As we have discussed in a previous…

What is the midpalate for a wine and why is so important ? If you attend enough wine seminars or wine tastings led by well schooled wine people, you’re going to hear about the midpalate. Here’s a little context so the next time you hear the word midpalate, you may have a better understanding of…

OxidationThis one is easy. Too much air mixing with the wine at the wrong times. You’ll get a musty smell  like wet cardboard. To familiarize  yourself with this, let your next Amazon order that arrives in a cardboard box linger outside until it gets rained on. Then, bring it inside and take a big waft. …

Tannins in wine come from the skins, stems and the seeds of the grapes; and also the wood barrels used during aging. Ok, they can also come from wood chips and tannin powder…this reminds me of lyrics from Elton John’s “Country Comfort”: Down at the well they’ve got a new machineThe foreman says it cuts…

Do you see folks effortlessly swirling their wine and seemingly paying no attention to the glass? Do you think they are just showing off? Maybe you try imitating them, but aren’t really sure why they and you are swirling your glasses.

Did you know the Irish invented the first guided missile, called the Brennan torpedo after its inventor, Louis Brennan? Btw, Oscar Wilde certainly fired a few guided missiles with the tip of his pen. Yet when it comes to wine, I don’t think Ireland readily comes to mind. But maybe it should…

Another myth busted: Drinking water doesn’t prevent a hangover. According to molecular biologist Patrick Schmitt the anti-hangover recipe of drinking a bathtub full of water before bed won’t save your bacon in the morning.

Wine labeled “Champagne” must be produced in the eastern part of France known as Champagne. Sparkling winemakers from this region have spent vineyards of money trying to protect and defend this designation. And, to a great deal, they have succeeded.

Summer is nearly upon us and that means warmer temperatures are on the horizon. To combat the heat it’s hard to improve upon a chilled-to-perfection glass of Sixmilebridge Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé.

Of course, that begs the question:

What is the perfect temperature and how do I reach it?