by Rhino Wino on January 27, 2010
To the serious wine consumer boxed wines are associated with the absolute lowest quality wines that are not suited for anything at all. These wines traditionally were cheap and were lacking in taste, body, and flavor. But as more wineries try and find ways to make less of an impact on the environment many are turning to boxes to use less packaging.
Wineries are learning that boxes allow them to package more wine in less materials than bottles do and are doing so on even some of their higher end wine varieties. Smart consumers are finding out that these wines are not the bland boring wines that are associated with boxed packaging.
Of course for those who buy and consume these wines in boxes there is still the stigma of just what a box wine tasted like in the past. These consumers are turning to wine decanters to disguise the boxed wine when they have friends over for dinner. Many actually enjoy serving their wine in this way and receiving the compliments only to surprise their guests with these fine wines that are trying to use less packaging. Of course not all box wines are of high quality but careful shopping will lead the consumer to the brands, which still place high standards on their wines.
by Rhino Wino on January 26, 2010
The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious bicycle races in the world and attracts the top riders in the world to compete each and every year. This race features some of the most beautiful countryside in France from the mountains to the wineries. For spectators it is a chance to discover French food and wine in a excellent environment.
Now Australia has its own grueling bicycle race that draws competitors like Lance Armstrong and rolls through the beautiful country including little known Australian wineries. Last week 200 million people experienced the Tour Down Under with half of them lining the race route to see the best bicyclists in the business go by.
Also during the race new light was shined on not only the cuisine of Australia but also its wine country, which produces some truly unique and amazing wines. For wine lovers looking for something new to try that is out of the classic lines of French, Italian or even US based a wine from one of the wineries in Australia will be a sure hit. The best part is a bicycle is not one of the wine accessories needed to enjoy a bottle from Down Under.
by Rhino Wino on January 25, 2010
Many wine enthusiasts tend to purchase wines from one particular region or area more than any other. While it is common for many to get stuck in this wine rut and really it is not bad to always have a go to wine you can count on breaking away once in awhile will liven up your taste buds. For the majority of wine drinkers in the United States this is more often than not a wine from California or somewhere else within the country or a classic French wine.
More wine enthusiasts should consider trying Italian wine for a new taste experience. The whole Italian culture is known for their attention to detail and beauty and this holds true with their wines as well. Most Italian wines are full of flavor that will please many palates. Combined with a amazing aroma and tastes that combine well with Italian food these wines are worth a look by everyone who enjoys a good glass of wine. Plus if you are looking for personalized wine gifts for wine lovers, Italian wines make excellent gifts for many occasions.
by Rhino Wino on January 22, 2010
Recently Randall Grahm, the founder of Bonny Doon winery, answered wine questions with Bill Daley of the Chicago Tribune. One of these questions was what common mistakes are the average wine consumer making with their wine selections.
While there are so many wines on the market from those that are everyday table wines to ones marketed as reserve or friendly it is hard for a consumer to sift through the labels to find true wine art in a bottle. Grahm feels that many wines that are sold are too high in alcohol, soft on tannins, and full of the flavor of oak. This can be a good wine but there is so much more out there for the taste buds to experience.
Grahmn also warns that special labeling can sometimes be a trap that does not need to be fallen for. Many wineries are using labels that tout their eco-friendliness or what they do to save far off animals but this does not mean they are a good tasting wine. Consumers should take the time to learn wine and which wineries produce what flavors. Wine tastings are a excellent way to try new things without being committed to an entire bottle.
by Rhino Wino on January 21, 2010
While the health benefits of a glass of wine each day are well known it is also common knowledge that more than a glass a day is actually bad for you even with anti-oxidant rich wine. New studies are showing that for those who are selecting their wine to enjoy as well as to get the maximum health benefits need to shop for those with less alcohol content.
Research shows that wine, which is 10% alcohol, is 7% less likely to cause cancer in those who consume it. This is especially true for cancers that occur in the breasts and the bowels. Most wines have an alcohol content of 12-14% and the research shows this slightly higher level of alcohol will counter some of the disease fighting properties that come from antioxidant rich wine.
Those who are wanting to have a glass of wine each day for their health should fill their wine carriers with lower alcohol content wines. But no matter what the levels within the wine the World Cancer Research Fund wants all consumers to remember that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing and wine should be limited to a single glass a day.
by Rhino Wino on January 20, 2010
Wine enthusiast know that when consuming any wine having a glass big enough to swirl the liquid around inside is important for getting the full flavor and experience of each bottle opened. But for red wine in particular having large glasses means having plenty of space for the wine to come into contact with the air.
While every red wine should be properly aerated preferably in a crystal wine decanter using large wine glasses can do the trick as well in a pinch. With plenty of surface area not only will the glass be ideal for swirling the wine inside but will give plenty of area for the wine to come into contact with the air.
Of course there is more to picking a good wine glass for each serving than just finding the biggest bowl. There has been a whole study on wine glasses and their shapes and how each type of wine will respond to bowl sizes both in width and height. So for the wine enthusiast who is wanting to ensure they are getting the best possible experience each and every time research should be done on not only the wine but wine glasses to serve them in as well. Having all the wine accessories you need is important for getting the most from your wine.
by Rhino Wino on January 19, 2010
As wineries take steps to make the growing of grapes and production of wine greener and easier on the environment there are other companies coming along trying to do their part as well. From recycling wine barrels to wine bottles many of the materials in winemaking can be reused.
In Europe a process of sterilizing and reusing wine bottles has been in place quite some time but for some reason the United States has been reluctant to follow. But a company in California is working on reusing wine bottles in order to reduce the carbon footprint that comes with the production of each bottle a winery puts out.
For the green conscious wine enthusiast who always brings their purchases home in wine bags instead of plastic disposables reusing wine bottles is a natural progression. The numbers are actually startling on how much waste is involved with wine bottles. With seventy percent of bottles ending up in the landfill yet sixty percent of the carbon footprint involved in a bottle of wine is the making of the bottle this is a quick way to make wine so much more environmentally friendly. With proper cleaning and sterilization wine bottles can be reused with no problems that will affect the outcome of the wine placed inside later and its taste.
by Rhino Wino on January 18, 2010
While it may be beer that is consumed in the stands of every Major League Baseball game by the fans the Steinbrenner family envisioned other things for the new stadium, which the Yankees used this past season. While the new stadium is one of the most state of the art venues for baseball and has already seen the team win a World Series on its field the design of the stadium was made to include other sporting events, concerts, and other special events.
For the wine community the first event inside Yankee stadium will be a wine tasting hosted by Sonoma-Cutrer Wines. This event will be held in just over a week will include not only plenty of wine but a five-course meal as well for the attendees.
The event will be hosted in the 1.3 million square feet of event space within the stadium and will include some of the best wines available, a cocktail hour featuring excellent snacks on fine cheese boards and a sumptuous meal that is sure to top off a perfect evening. The tasting will be hosted by winemaker Terry Adams as his final event before retiring from the business.
