New Zealand Viniculture: History, Regions, Grapes and Styles 
Among the countries of the New World, New Zealand was one of the last to start planting vineyards and making wine. Which is hardly surprising: the first New Zealand colonists were the British (I am speaking here about modern geopolitics and will skip the earlier Māori history). And at that time the British had considerably more experience drinking wine than making it. Besides, the first century and a half were not particularly favorable for New Zealand winemaking, and the industry only began to develop properly in the 1970s. Yet today New Zealand is one of the rising stars of the global wine world, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, combining the floral-fruity aromatics typical of the New World with the sharp flavors and chalky acidity associated with Old World wines, is considered by many to be the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the world.
Continue reading New Zealand Viniculture: History, Regions, Grapes and Styles
Chile: overview for wine lovers 
The modern global wine market is impossible to imagine without Chilean wines. Today, Chile ranks fifth in the world for wine exports. Chilean wines are valued for their high quality and reasonable prices. And yet, some thirty years ago, the chance of encountering a Chilean wine outside South America was close to zero. Even in Chile itself, a wine lover did not have much to celebrate.
Continue reading Chile: overview for wine lovers
Sauternes. Sweet Gold of Bordeaux 
The legendary Sauternes, the white pearl of Bordeaux, is often hailed as the greatest sweet wine in the world—and rightfully so. Even today, despite a decline in demand for sweet wines, Sauternes maintains its prestigious status. But what gives Sauternes its exceptional taste and high price? The secret lies in a unique combination of Noble Rot (Botrytis cinerea), the distinctive climate of the Sauternes region, and the meticulous work of winemakers.
Continue reading Sauternes. Sweet Gold of Bordeaux
Burgundy. Introduction 
Burgundy has often been named the stomach of France (as Paris is the head, and Champagne is the soul), but I don’t think that such a comparison is correct. If you associate France with the body, then Burgundy is its tongue with all its taste buds. Because Burgundy is not about gluttony, it is about enjoyment. Enjoyment of meal, enjoyment of wine. For this Burgundy has everything. As Burgundians say – it is an Epicurean place. Burgundian wines are famous around the world.
Continue reading Burgundy. Introduction
Wines of North Burgundy 
About Burgundy in general I am talking here, so let’s talk about North Burgundy in particular. In our wine case, we are talking about the Yonna region. The most well-known part of Yonna is Chablis. Famous, worldwide known wine. One of the most often illegitimate used names. Absolutely unique Chardonnay. Many simplified wine maps show this part of France just like Chablis, not caring about anything else. However, not only Chablis exists on the wine hills of the region. So, Yonna.
Continue reading Wines of North Burgundy
Overview of South American wines 
In the present day, it’s virtually impossible to envision the global wine market without the vibrant presence of South American wines. Walk into any wine store in North America, one not exclusively dedicated to a specific region, and you’ll undoubtedly find Chilean and Argentinean wines gracing its shelves. Yet, a mere two decades ago, the prospect of encountering South American wines outside of South America was an exceedingly rare occurrence.
Continue reading Overview of South American wines
“Wine improves with age” – myth or reality? 
Let’s talk about wine aging and how it relates to wine quality. Should we pay attention to the vintage year on the label? When is a wine worth storing, and when is it better to drink it as soon as practical? Here, we’re talking specifically about the aging of bottled wine, which is no longer undergoing any winemaking intervention.
Continue reading “Wine improves with age” – myth or reality?
Wines of France. Buzet AOC 
Let’s talk about the small wine region Buzet, which I searched out travelling on the barge and tasting local wines; about a trickery of Bordeaux wine negotiants; and about winemaking co-ops.
Continue reading Wines of France. Buzet AOC
|
