Want to learn more about wine? Have you ever tasted a wine and liked it but didn’t know what else to say to describe the character beyond saying ‘it tastes yummy’? Or not sure what questions to ask to help you understand more about the wine?
Below are some simple wine terms twisted in an amusingly romantic manner and intended to increase your wine knowledge and make you sound like a pro the next time you discuss and taste vino.
Start with these basic wine terms and you will be a pro in no time! Cheers…
Acidity - When in perfect balance, acidity is what gives wine its fresh, crisp character; but like all sensuous equilibriums, this is a delicate one to achieve. Acid levels that are too high will render wine sharp and bitter while too small an amount can leave a wine seeming “flat.”
Appellation - Sometimes, it is about where you are; this is the term used to describe the region where a particular grape was grown and ripened to perfection. Napa Valley itself has almost 15 sub-appellations.
Aroma - As in love, so in wine: when we talk about new love, we speak differently than we do about mature, time-tested love. In the same way, the terms used to describe a wine’s scent depend upon its ripeness. “Aroma” refers to younger wines, while the more sophisticated “bouquet” is reserved for mature wines.
Body - Beauty comes in every shape and size imaginable. Since we are highly sensitive and sensuous beings, the tiniest difference in weight imparted by a wine to our mouths will be noticeable, and called light, medium, or full-bodied.
Decanting - This is the important process in which a decanter is used to separate undesired sediment from the wine, ensuring its prized “brightness.”
Finish - Our senses linger in pleasurable states long after the event itself has passed; thus after wine is swallowed, its “finish” on your tongue will tell you a great deal about its quality.
Fruit - These ones are not forbidden, thankfully. In fact, they are the main component of wine, and not restricted to grapes; a myriad of other fruits are employed to help describe the wine’s character, such as pear, plum, cherry, blackberry, and many more.
Legs - There’s nothing like a great pair. After wine has been swirled in its glass, tell-tale tracks of liquid cling to the sides, betraying levels of alcohol and glycerol. Even though they’re also called “tears,” there’s no need to mourn – unless of course your glass is empty.
New World Wine - A whole new world of wine has come into being, hailing from places off the beaten path in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and United States. It pays to be adventurous…
Nose - Whoever said wine doesn’t have personality? Indeed, its aromatic “nose” will either beckon you to a taste, or repel you forever with its sharp odor.
Old World Wine - There is always great richness to be enjoyed from the fruits of tradition: the products of historical wine growing regions in Europe and North Africa have a reputation for a reason.
Varietal – This tells you the main grape used to make the particular blend of wine. It has to be a certain percentage, such as 75% Cabernet Sauvignon for it to be called a Cabernet. Just like most men, winemakers like variety too and often blend two to three varietals to make one delicious tasting wine.
Check out these two awesome websites that I contribute to weekly!
http://www.destinationidomagblog.com/20 ... ology.html
http://www.antibride.com/
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Click here to view my recent segment on View from the Bay!
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Feb 13th 1-3PM
NapaStyle will be hosting a day filled with romantic wines, books and lovely gift ideas. Drop by as I sign books and taste some amazing wines.
Feb 13th 4-8PM
Wineries of Napa Valley will be having a fabulous event that I will be attending and signing books at. Roses, wine and music in downtown Napa. Click here for details.
Below are some of my favorite romantic events -
Beau Wine Tours & Limousine Service - Valentine's Day Special, Sunday February 14, 2010. Three Hours - Enjoy a Private Sedan for a wine tour or dinner run in the beautiful Napa Valley on Sunday, Valentine’s Day for a flat fee of $135 flat fee plus fees. (Add-on hours at the regular rate) OR Four Hour Wine tour in a Limo for $199 flat plus fees in a 6 passenger only (Add on at the regular rate) OR 6 passenger stretch limo for $165 flat fee plus fees (Add-on hours at the regular rate) All come with complimentary champagne and a long stem rose! Boon Fly Cafe - 3 course Prix Fixe meal for $28, in addition to our regular dinner menu.
Calistoga Ranch - Four Course Prix Fixe Gourmet Dinner. $130.00/person for the dinner and $80.00/person for the wine pairing.
Calistoga Spa Hot Springs - Feb 14. In celebration of partners. Partner Meditation, experience the unity that arises from stillness. See the devine in the face of your partner 9a-10a. $25 per couple. Partner Yoga, feel your partner's breathing. Learn to support each other and harmonize your movements. Experience gentle stretches to nurture, relax and rejuvenate yourself and your relationship. No previous yoga experience needed. 10:30 - 12:00 $35 per couple. Partner Massage, Learn how to give - and receive - a relaxing, sensual massage with your partner. Enhance your communication and create more connection through the magic of loving touch. 2p-4p $50 per couple. Individual classes, or do all three. Package prices available.
Etoilé - Perfect Pairs for Valentine’s Day. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at étoile Restaurant this weekend and enjoy a five-course meal featuring fresh dungeness crab and succulent beef tenderloin paired to perfection with Chandon sparkling and still wines. We will be featuring this special menu Thursday through Monday evenings February 11-15.
Paraduxx - Valentine's Day Dinner & 2007 Paraduxx Release Celebration. Join winemaker David Marchesi for a delicious wine-paired dinner at Paraduxx. This intimate and exclusive evening affair will feature mouthwatering culinary creations paired alongside an array of sought-after wines from the Paraduxx portfolio, including our highly anticipated 2007 Paraduxx and Postmark releases. $95 for Portfolio Collection, Paraduxx Limited & Debut Club Members (2 person limit) $135 for non-club guests. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Napa Valley Balloon Company - Our Winter Internet Price of $199.00 per person. Regularly $240.00 per person. That is for flights scheduled only, no gift certificates!
AVIA Napa is offering a special Valentine's Day Menu created by Executive Chef, Chris Aken.
3 Course Dinner includes a Lobster Risotto (First Course), a choice of Slow Roasted Duck Breast, Petite Lamb Rack or Roasted Filet of Beef (Entrée), and a Milk Chocolate Torte (Dessert) for $50 per person. Wine pairing with each
Great Olive Tours - In addition to romantic estates where Carol Ainsworth's guests taste extraordinary artisan olive oils and vinegar, on Valentine's day guests who book over the Valentine's week will receive a box of cabernet filled truffles.
Hurley's Restaurant & Bar - Bob Hurley is doing a Wonderful Romantic Three Course Prix Fixe Dinner for $65pp. Included is a gift of one book per couple of Autumn Millhouses "Romantic Napa Valley An Insiders Guide" as a gift from Autumn and Bob. Tax and Gratuity are included.
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Check out the newest edition of Napa Valley Life Magazine . Pick up an issue locally or view online . Don't miss my story on Romantic Winter Hideaways!
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