Wine Myths

In his book, ‘Making Sense of Wine,” writer Matt Kramer demolished many of the myths which surround wine, ideas that have a long tradition and which most of us still observe. If you can find a copy of this valuable …

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The Super Tuscan phenomenon

It may seem paradoxical that Tuscany, a region once stifled by viticultural traditions dating back three millennia to the Etruscans, is today acclaimed by wine aficionados around the world for the revolutionary reds known as “Super Tuscans.” That term came …

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Wine types and varietals

Aperitifs – Aperitifs, or appetizer wines, are generally served before meals. Champagne and sherries are traditional aperitifs, and light white wine is also appropriate. Barbera – Barbera is a red wine grape found primarily in Italy’s Piedmont region. It produces …

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Acacia’s Path to Compelling Pinot Noir

The reputation Pinot Noir suffers for its fickle behavior has supported the prevailing wisdom among winemakers that deprivation in the vineyard followed by gentleness in the cellar results in a delicate, well-balanced wine. Acacia respects these Burgundian traditions but diverges …

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Spirit vs Politics of the AVA

In the March/April 2001 issue of the Chalone Wine Journal, Winemaker Dan Karlsen presented a comprehensive explanation of the abstract concept of terroir, using Chalone Vineyard as an intimate and concrete example to elucidate the complexity of the concept. If …

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Sexy Wine Labels

Once, not too long ago, young Americans enjoyed gazing on the ample and very visible bosom of the White Rock lady, a curvaceous nymph on a soda bottle. Alas, they’ve painted her over. But for sheer sexiness today, it would …

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ZD Cabernet Savignon Reserve 1997

With its black-garnet color and tightly wound nose of black licorice and dark cherry this wine instantly shows huge potential. With some coaxing you get hints chocolate and plum in the mix. Liquid chocolate cake comes to mind after a …

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