Posted on August 1, 2012
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.
King Jeroboam was known as the evil king of Israel. King Jeroboam was said to have divided Israel and Judah. His rival Rehoboam accused him of leading his people away from god and to the worship of the golden calf.
But how does Jeroboam pertain to wine? (more…)
Posted on July 25, 2012
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.
“BRRR!!” Says, Gunther, the vineyard manager’s assistant of a small German winery back in 1830. Gunther mumbled under his breath, “Verdamnt, warum muss ich das Hundefutter bekommen?” (Damn,why do I have to get the dog food?)
Gunther was referring to the task at hand, bringing in the frozen grapes that were left in the vineyard for animal feed. But what Gunther did not realize, was that those grapes were gonna make some magic, ice wine (eiswein). (more…)
Posted on July 18, 2012
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.
This is the story of Hermitage. It begins with a loner knight, Gaspard de Stérimberg, who settled in the mountains of the northern Rhone. Returning home, tired from fighting Arabs, he decided to get drunk on Syrah. Legend says that these hills of the northern Rhone were named after the old hermit. Today the vineyards bare the name HERMITAGE. (more…)
Posted on July 11, 2012
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.
The history of Gamay is like the fairy tale, Cinderella.
Long ago, in a land far, far away (Burgundy); Gamay was deemed to be the red-headed step-child. Her brother, Pinot Noir received all the praise; he was the golden boy. Gamay was chastised & and uprooted by Philip the Bold, the duke of Burgundy and sent far away to the lands of the south, Beaujolais.
Elders say that the Duke was so obsessed with Pinot Noir that his hatred for Gamay led him to do evil deeds. Philip the Bold pardoned his vineyard manager when he beat to death a lowly farmer boy for mixing Gamay with Pinot Noir. (more…)
Posted on June 27, 2012
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…)
