Growth of Wines From Their Origin
May 25, 2010
Wine is one of the few things for which the people in every part of the world are crazy and it has remained as one of the most popular beverage throughout the history. The facts reveal that people have been enjoying this extremely tempting beverage from the last four thousand five hundred years.
The first sip: Since 6000B.C people have been drinking this incredible drink. The wine residues were found during the Neolithic era in the present day sites of Iran and Georgia. The first drops of wines as per the research have shown that the wines existed in Iran from 5400 B.C to 5000 B.C. no one yet is much sure about the history of the wines, we all know that the wines were drunk by many people in the middle east in 2500B.C. Egyptians have specified in the Old Testament about the usage of grapes in the wines.
Wines in Egypt
Wines were popular in the ancient Egypt and they were used in many of the rituals and ceremonies. They usually drank red wine however a recent discovery has shown that they even drank white wines. But red wines were more popular than thewhite wines. In the Ancient walls of the Egyptian tomb, there are scenes depicted about the process of wine making plus there are the lists of the different types of the wines available during their regime.
Wines in Greece and Rome
The Greeks have initiated many wine traditions that are been followed in the modern era of wine culture. This drink was so important to them that there existed a deity of wine and revelry called as Dionysus. They also had a festival in the honor of the deity which was called as the Anthesteria where in the Greece had several wine related contests. There are many references about wine in the Greece culture they are mostly reflected in the writings of Homer and Aesop.
Wine has been a very popular drink even in the ancient Roman Empire; it was an integral part in the Roman diet. This was the time when the process of wine making was transferred as a big time business and the methods also improved during this tenure. This was the first time when there was usage of bottles for the storage purpose and barrels huge barrels were used to shift them or in other words ship them.
Dark ages: During the dark ages the environment in the world was not much stable, there was chaos all round the world. Because of the existence of different cultures the uniform methods of wine making were no more. Different people produced wines with different methods. However this tenure did not see much growth in the wine industry.
Wine in modern days: During this time wine has become more popular than ever. There has been an increase in the retail sales of the wines from 30% to 50%. Thus wines have become the talk of the day and people are consuming them more and more. They are pairing wines with food and enjoying this crazy drink to the core.
Shijina
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/growth-of-wines-from-their-origin-695850.html
Loire Valley Wines – 5 Wine Appellations Sprinkled Among the Historic Chateaux
May 25, 2010
The Loire River in France flows through the Touraine region for almost 100 kilometres dotted with many amazing French chateau open to the public and a wonderful location for a holiday. There are 5 AOC wines (Appelations d’origine Controlees – wines of controlled origin and quality) awarded throughout this region: Touraine, Touraine Amboise, Touraine Azay-le-Rideau, Touraine Mesland and the latest being Touraine Noble-Joue awarded its AOC status in 2001. The combination of vineyards and chateau make the Touraine region of the Loire Valley an incredible destination for any wine lover and his or her family.
The Touraine Amboise vineyards totalling 236 hectares are located between Tours and Blois extending along both banks of the Loire. The reds are a wild cherry colour produced from a blend of Gamay Noir and Cabernet and have scents of red fruits. Their palate is sold and full. The whites produced from Chenin Blanc give dry, medium and sweet white wines. Their straw yellow colour turns gold after 3 to 4 years of cellaring. Their aroma is all quince and honey and they have a supple palate because of the more continental climate that favours late-ripening grape varieties. The roses are light in colour with a bouquet of roses and lilac and are refreshing to taste and suitable for early drinking.
It is delightful to combine a day of tasting Touraine Amboise AOC wines with a visit to Chateau Close Luc, Leonardo da Vinci’s chateau now a museum with working models of many of his inventions and an amazing interactive park adored by children and Chateau Amboise which is da Vinci’s final resting place.
The Touraine appellation covering 5,282 hectares differs depending on the terroir on the slopes of the River valleys. Half the production is red. The Gamay and Cabernet reds are cherry coloured. The Gamay has a strawberry or cherry flavour. They have a dominant fruitiness with discreet tannins and should be drunk within 2 years. The Cabernet red has a raspberry, green pepper and liquorice fragrance and can be laid down for 2 to 4 years because of its good tannic support. White wines made from Sauvignon produced mainly in the Cher valley are straw yellow in colour and have a floral fragrance with a touch of gooseberry or blackcurrant mingled with traces of spices. On the palate the sauvignon whites are delicately lively. The methode traditionnelle sparkling wines have mouth-filling flavours of brioche and apple.
The must see Chateau to visit in the region of this appellation is Chateau Chenonceau which spans the River Cher.
The Touraine Azay-le-Rideau is a small region totalling 45 hectares south-west of Tours stretching along the Indre valley between Montbazon and the Loire river producing whites and roses. The roses are dainty with an aroma of marshmallows, lilac, almond and roses. They are lively and delightful to drink in summer. The white are fresh and have floral and fruit aromas of peach apricot and green apple with a soft mineral edge.
You must visit the spectacular Chateau du Azay-le-Rideau when in this appellation region. The chateau is turreted and surrounded by water which gives amazing reflections for the son et lumiere (light show) held in summer.
Touraine Mesland is situated west of Blois, planted on the slopes of the Loire facing Chateau de Chaumont, which holds a spectacular garden festival each summer based on a different theme each year and definitely worth a visit especially if you have children tagging along.
The reds have a substantial taste and are the colour of a well-ripened cherry and have complex aromas of very ripe fruits and prunes. The roses sparkle with salmon highlights. And have a fresh delicate aroma of spices and red fruits. They have a solid palate making them suitable to accompany an entire meal. The whites carry an aroma of pear and spices and are lively and round on the palate.
The appellation of Touraine Noble-Joue is only 25 hectares producing a characteristic rose with flower aromas of peony and hyacinth followed by notes of redcurrant, cherry and ripe pear. The rose palate is round with flavours of morello cherry and a dash of cloves.
The chenin blank whites of the five Touraine appellations are all stray-yellow in colour can be cellared for 5 to 15 years.
As well as these five AOC wines there is also Vouvray in the Touraine and Cheverney, Cour-Cheverney just South of Blois.
What better way to enjoy these clovely wines than driving through the Loire Valley visiting historic chateaux, maybe a hot-air balloon ride in the morning, gourmet lunch in village bistros, meeting wine and cheese producers sampling their products and returning at night to a friendly inviting boutique chateau hotel. Don’t just visit a french chateau – stay in one and truly experience the grandeur of living in a castle in France. You will be amazed. Make your next holiday a gourmet wine lovers chateau holiday in the beautiful Loire Valley. If you love good wine you will not regret it.
Corina Clemence
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/loire-valley-wines–5-wine-appellations-sprinkled-among-the-historic-chateaux-93668.html
Wine in the Country of Hungary
May 20, 2010
Despite what many may think, the area known as Hungary holds more wine tradition than any other country in Europe. Most of this very tradition is just now surfacing in the light, with people finally starting to catch wind about everything Hungarian wine has to offer. Even though many wine drinkers aren’t familiar with Hungary – there are many who are.
Hungary is home to over 20 wine regions, fully of forests, vineyards, and orchards. With several different varieties of grapes to offer, the vineyards found in Hungary have flourished since the great Roman Times. The weather in Hungary is seasonal to say the least, with cold winters and extremely hot summers. This weather allows the soil in the country to be diverse, which allows wine makers to create a variety of quality wines.
Despite the communist control in the past, there are several different wines found in Hungary. Although the vineyards here produce a lot of excellent wines, Tokay Aszu is by far the favorite here and the wine that locals always love raising their glass to. Tokay Aszu is a popular wine with meals or dessert, in Hungary and also happens to be one of the most popular dessert wines in the entire world.
Tokay Aszu was discovered in the mid 17th century in Hungary, quickly becoming a favorite for many European aristocrats. Even though it was great to the taste, many believed that certain types of the wine had mystical healing powers. Although this was strictly a rumor, it actually helped the wine become more popular than ever. Over the years, Tokay Aszu was one indeed the most popular wine in Hungary, spreading to other areas of the world as well.
Egri Bikaver, also referred to as Bulls Blood is another popular wine found in Hungary. This is another popular wine for locals, and can be found throughout the world as well. Getting it’s name from it’s color, Bulls Blood is truly a feast for anyone who likes wine. The wine is dark red in color, yet sweet to the taste. The wine was first developed back in the 16th century, and remains popular even to this day.
If you ever visit Hungary, there are many places you can visit to get some great wine. You should also make a point to visit Tokay, located in the northeast. You can take a train from Budapest and arrive here in a few hours. There are several different wine flavors and varieties here, sure to please just about anyone. The wineries found throughout the Tokay area are normally open for tours and tasters from May to the end of October. If you visit during these months, you can tour the underground cellars, sample the superb wine, and learn more than you ever thought possible about the manufacturing of Hungarian wines.
All in the all, the wine found in Hungary is great to have in your collection or just have around the house for special occasions. You can get it by the bottle, the glass, or by the case. All types of Hungarian wine has been perfected over the years, making it something that you really can’t go wrong with. If you like to drink wine, as most of us do, you really can’t go wrong with any type of Hungarian wine. Hungarian wine gives wine lovers plenty to study, plenty to order, and plenty to drink. The wine is very tasty and refreshing – and it helps to keep the nation of Hungary thirsty for more.
Jerry Shannon
http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/wine-in-the-country-of-hungary-711642.html
Pinot Noir, The Holy Grail Of Wine.
April 27, 2010
Pinot Noir – The Holy Grail of Wine – is a story of a struggle of the most elusive, captivating and most coveted varietal – Pinot Noir. The documentary reveals the history of Pinot Noir wine from the Roman Empire to its journey to California in the 19th century.
Pinot Noir is not only the toughest and most capricious grape to grow, but Pinot Noir wine is the hardest one to produce. Nevertheless, the mysterious allure of this noble varietal, and its age-old reputation for challenging winemakers, captivates those seeking out the Holy Grail of wine-the greatest expressions of complexity and splendor offered by Pinot Noir.
The documentary features Master Sommeliers and is based around the story of Clouds Rest Pinot Noir vineyard from Sonoma Coast.
Duration : 0:5:45
Taste the Fruit of the Vines at Northern Virginia Wineries
April 24, 2010
Virginia is known as much for its many products and resources as it is for it rich Colonial heritage and history. As early as the 1600s the commonwealth has been a center of production for many goods and luxuries. Historians tell of our forefathers growing tobacco along the cobbled streets of Jamestown, and for nearly a century Suffolk has been regarded one of the peanut capitals of the world. Cotton, ham, and seafood are also popular exports, as is wine. Few people outside the bacchanalian world realize that Virginia is popular wine country, ranking tenth among US states in grape production!
There are over one hundred active wineries in the commonwealth of Virginia, covering nearly 2500 acres of land, and producing as many as three hundred thousands cases a year. On average, over four thousand tons of grapes are produced annually to make Virginia wine. You’ll find nearly every variety of red and white grown in Virginia, from the sweetest Rieslings and tart Chardonnays, to the sharpest Merlots and Cabernets this side of the Mississippi River.
Wine festivals are hosted all over the state, as many as three hundred annually, with many state vineyards taking home national and international awards for their produce. Wine making has been a devoted practice in Virginia since the dawn of the early colonies; it is a tradition well-preserved in the thousands of bottles sold each year to wine enthusiasts. Not only is Virginia the first state to produce US presidents, it is the first to produce wine, and over the centuries the practice has aged as well as the vintages!
In Northern Virginia in particular, one doesn’t need to travel “sideways” to enjoy a pleasant winery tour. From Stafford County to the lip of the DC beltway one can over 30 wineries, many of which offer tours and tasting specials. As the majority of Virginia wineries are small, family-owned enterprises, it is strongly recommended to contact ahead of time for operating and tour hours. On occasion, some wineries may schedule events in conjunction with other local businesses – a quick internet search on Virginia wines and the Virginia Wine Association will lead you to a wealth of information to help you plan a fun wine tour. Once you’re on the road, look for the road signs bearing a purple cluster of grapes that indicate the directions to your destinations. You are more likely to find them off the beaten path, on state and local roads, rather than the interstates.
When you plan your next Virginia wine tour, be sure to take a few detours to the Northern Neck region near Stafford and King George Counties and Washington, DC. Here are a few popular picks which are certain to please the palate:
Hartwood Winery: Fredericksburg
This historic farm has been producing fine wine since ’89! Hartwood Winery hosts many tastings and events throughout the year, allowing visitors to sample their crisp Chardonnays and Clarets.
Lost Creek Winery: Leesburg
Lost Creek offers unusual but delicious blends to savor, from apple and grape wines to late harvest wines made from high-sugar grapes.
Three Fox Vineyards: Delaplane
Three Fox specializes in Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and Viognier vintages on their fifty-acre farm. Wine aficionados are also invited to subscribe to a special vintner’s circle, where one can “sponsor” vines and be trained in the winemaking process.
Linden Vineyards: Linden
For over twenty-five years, Linden has produced some of the finest Bordeaux wines in the Commonwealth. Tours and seminars on wine making and growing are hosted in the winter and summer, making Linden the perfect spot for an education as well as recreational stop on any Virginia wine tour.
If you enjoy what you taste at these and other Northern Virginia wineries, be sure to take a few bottles home with you, especially if you are out of state. Presently, Virginia wines are mainly available within Virginia, though the state has reciprocity agreements with thirteen states to allow the wine to be sold elsewhere in the country. Salud!
Kathryn Lively
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/taste-the-fruit-of-the-vines-at-northern-virginia-wineries-76520.html
