Archive: Jun 2012

  1. Now I know My Wine-Phabet: F is for Fermentation

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    In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.

    Fermentation is caused by minuscule organisms called yeast, which get the party started.  They are the bartenders, eating up the sugar and giving us alcohol.  I don’t know if it is appropriate, but one might say that the alcohol was created by a “yeast infection”.  The doctor says it is caused by dampness.  The first wine was the result of grape juice left in a clay pot, and at a warm temperature, the yeast had a feast.  They left behind humanity’s saving grace…alcohol. (more…)

  2. The Restaurant Owner is the Key to Success

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    I was sitting in a well known little restaurant in downtown San Diego, enjoying a rare luncheon with my wife.  We rarely get a chance away from the kids.  As we sipped on a glass of wine and nibbled on a charcuterie plate, I could not help noticing the staff and a middle aged lady hanging out at the bar.  As I continued to watch, I came to the conclusion that she was probably the restaurant owner.  She was answering the phone, saying good-bye to guests and talking with the servers.  What was unusual, was that she sat there with a pile of invoices and paper work spread across one of the high boy tables at the bar.  The restaurant was about 75% full and it was around 12:30-1pm, so right in the middle of the lunch hour. (more…)

  3. Now I Know My Wine-Phabet: Eau de Vie

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    In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.

    Ew, da Vee! Sounds gross!  “Ew, you got the V!”

    But in all actuality, Eau de Vie came to be because the water wasn’t parasite free. (more…)

  5. Now I know my Wine-Phabet: D is for Dosage

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    In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.  Have fun reading over the next 23 weeks!

    Dosage is the adding of sugar to Champagne to increase sweetness levels.

    Here is a closer look at Dosage, you need to sing it to the tune of Eric Claptons “Cocaine”. (more…)