Wine Tasting - The Sense of Smell
There are a few very important things to note when we "nose" a wine. It is suggested to first smell the wine before swirling, noticing the delicate aromas. Next, swirl the wine and smell again after it is at rest. Depending on the bouquet, you may then notice a profound difference in the odors emerging. Aroma is a smell that originates from the actual grape, with very clear cut characteristics. Aroma is most prevalent in young wines. The bouquet of a wine refers to smells generated as a result of aging; smells found particularly in mature wines that were aged in a bottle. The bouquet generally has much softer and complex characteristics than aromas. Identifying what you smell is usually the most challenging part in wine tasting. Although there are many smell categories used to describe characteristics of wine, none have been exclusively agreed upon.
Welcome Wine Lovers!
Drinkwine.com provides the wine enthusiast with an educational and enjoyable resource. Be on the lookout for new and exciting developments at DrinkWine.com! Cheers!
recommendations • winemakers • events • wineries
What the Experts Drink
Joel Helman, Personal Wine Consultant, North Coast Wine Group
The Wall Street Journal's wine page reports that of all things that wine retailers offer, knowing what the staff drinks and why is most important to consumers. It's not price, selection, or even service! So here are a few of the fine wines I love to drink - I hope you'll enjoy them too!
WillaKenzie 2001 Pinot Blanc - beautifully focused fruit that needs no oak is so refreshing. Just what I need with a plate of fried calamari.
Barnett 2001 Chardonnay - another winner from one of the finest California vineyards (Sangiacomo). Full bodied, lavish, with oak tones but not overdone.
Agrapart non-vintage Blanc de Blanc Champagne - sometimes I think I don't like Blanc de Blanc (all chardonnay) but I haven't met a person yet who didn't enjoy this. I could drink it for breakfast, lunch or before dinner - the delicacy and flavor get me every time.
Cline 2000 Live Oak Zinfandel - this is Big Boy Zin, so cook up some pasta with a seriously garlic sauce, grate in some Asiago cheese, and enjoy. 100 year old vines - the real McCoy in Zinfandel.
Del Dotto 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon - okay, it's a splurge, but in winter this full-bodied, intensely flavored and drinkable now Cab will rock your socks!
Loxton 2000 Syrah - Chris Loxton is a near perfectionist in seeking out the finest fruit. It's not masked with a lot of new oak - I get complexity, some raspberry, and a hint of white pepper. With only 475 cases produced, it won't be around for long.
Submitted by Joel Helman, Personal Wine Consultant, North Coast Wine Group
joel@winebyphone.com phone 877-946-3590
