Wine and Food Pairings -- Which Wine to Serve with Dinner

Most people love to throw dinner parties for their friends and family.  But, they may avoid serving wine because they do not know exactly what to serve.  Do you serve red or white with fish?  Will Merlot be okay if you are serving a Mexican dish?  Do not stress over it -- there are some basic wine rules you can follow.

The number one rule of thumb when choosing wine is "red wine with red meat, white wine with white meat."  This is not always true, but it generally works quite well when you are unsure.  One exception is chicken.  The meat is white, but a nice fruity red wine goes well with it.  The same can be said for tuna or salmon, so you do not have to always follow the rule of not serving red wine with fish.  The second rule is the rule of complements.  It is okay to match sweet seafood such as lobster with a sweet white wine.  The next rule is the opposites attract.  While you usually want to match like flavors, sometimes a contrast, such as a White Bordeaux with bluefish can be wonderful.

Outside of the basic rules, there are certain things you can look for and certain things you can avoid depending on what you are serving.  Here are some hints as to what to serve with particular types of food.

Salads and Appetizers

You should avoid serving wine during your salad, as vinegar and wine do not mix well.  But, if you are having an appetizer, you need to consider the ingredients in the appetizer to help you choose your wine.  If you are having a cheese tray, the type of cheese will help you determine the wine.  For example, cheddar is best with dry reds, Merlots, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Pinot Noir goes best with Swiss.  Camembert and brie are great with a Chardonnay.  The cheese we tend to think of as Italian such as parmigiano, romano, and reggiano go well with Italian dry red wines like Chianti and Barlol.  If you are serving something a fried appetizer, consider serving a crisp, fruity white or red wine to help cut the oily flavor.

Beef, Steak and Lamb

Do you remember the "red wine with red meat" rule?  That one is great to use when serving beef, steak, and lamb.  Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a burgundy like Pinot Noir.  You can also consider serving an Italian red such as Barolo or Chianti.

Fish and Seafood

To be safe, stick with a dry, crisp white wine.  Sauvignon Blanc goes well with white fish while Sancerre and Muscadet go well with oysters.  If you want to be different, try a fruity red wine (without tannins).  But, use caution when serving red, especially if you are serving white, delicate fish.  Cabernets with tannins combined with fish can leave a metallic taste in your mouth.

Poultry, Pork and Veal

For the most part, you want to follow the "white meat, white wine" rule with these.  White chardonnays and Pinot Blancs are great.  If you want to serve red with chicken, remember to choose a wine that is fruity like a Merlot or Zinfandel.

Turkey

Think back to Thanksgiving.  Do you remember how well your cranberry sauce went with the turkey?  The same rule applies here.  For turkey, since it has both white and dark meat, you want something fruity and tart such as a Beaujolais for red or a Riesling for white.

Spicy Foods

If you are planning on service something spicy like Thai or Indian food, a sparkling wine works best.  Avoid wines with tannins and look for something fruity.  And, make sure the wine is well chilled.  Cold wine goes well with spicy foods.

Dessert

The best thing to serve with a delicious dessert is a dessert wine.  In fact, you can skip the dessert part and just serve a dessert wine to your guests.  These are sweet wines often sold in smaller bottles as you don't drink as much dessert wine as you do regular wine.  Wines such as Sauternes, Beerenauslese, Bermet and Cammandaria will make a great end to any evening.

The most important rule about what wine to serve is to avoid being snobby about wine.  There are no right answers, only basic rules to go by and even those, as you have seen, can be changed.  Do not be afraid to experiment with different tastes.  Chances are if you do not act like there is anything wrong with the wine you are serving, your guests will not either.

Wine Accessories At Kitchen Junkie

Wine is more than an alcoholic beverage.  It's almost a way of life!  There are more wine accessories available than you could even imagine.  From the necessities like corkscrews and glasses, to the not so necessary yet entertaining accessories like decanters, ice buckets, and pourers- there is more to wine than just drinking it.

Corkscrews & Openers

While there are hundreds of varieties of corkscrews, they all work in basically the same fashion.  You screw one end directly into the center of the wine's cork, and use a handle to life the cork out of the bottle in order to enjoy your bottle of wine.

If you want something other than a corkscrew, you can find another style of opener that uses cartridges to ''pop'' the cork out of the bottle.  The pop style openers tend to be a little more expensive than the traditional corkscrew, but image is everything when it comes to wine, and a specialty opener may be just the extra accessory you need for your dinner parties or restaurant atmosphere.

Decanters

Decanters are glass bottles with special shapes designed to encourage the heightening of wine flavors when you store your open wine in them.  They also make for a nice presentation when you place the decanter on the table.

There are literally countless different shapes and styles that decanters come in.  Many resemble a glass flower vase.  Certain wines should be placed in specific shapes of wine decanters in order to enhance the flavor of the wine to the fullest extent.  Others can be stored in any of the fancy decanters.

For an incredible display, you could find a decanter with it's own base unit.  These are highly stylish, and often hold the decanter at an angle, and suspended over the table.

Some decanters come with glass ball stoppers to be placed on the opening of the bottle in order to keep the freshness in when the wine is stored.  Air can have damaging effects to the properties of wine, and so it's usually best to keep open wine in an airtight container.

Additionally, some decanters are able to remove sediments from older wine and aerate younger wines to further enhance their flavors.

Decanters are certainly not necessary to drinking wine (you can place the cork back in the bottle of a wine to keep the air out when you're not pouring the wine) but they certainly make for a nicer presentation and can actually help the overall flavor of the wine.

Wine Racks

Where do you store your wine bottles?  If you're like most people, you keep them in one of your kitchen cabinets until you're ready to use them, or maybe in the basement.  If you drink wine often, however, you would probably enjoy having an elegant and functional wine rack in the kitchen or dining room that is designed to display and hold your wine bottles, glasses, and accessories.

Some wine racks are mounted to overhead cabinet space, so that the bottles are placed lying down inside them, while the glasses hang from their stems.  These are perfect for kitchens with decent space under their overhead cabinets.  If you don't have the room for this style of wine rack, there are wine racks that sit directly on the counter, and hold the bottles at arms reach.

If your kitchen simply doesn't have the space on the counter top or under the overhead cabinets for these styles, you can enjoy a wine rack that stands alone.  These often have small base units, sometimes refrigerated, as well as space for glasses and accessories.  They take up more floor space, but can really dress up a dining area.

Why All Wine Connoisseurs Must Purchase A Wine Storage Cooler

As the years pass, the quality and taste of wine changes.  The manner in which wine is stored can either slow or hasten this natural process.  Whether you are storing white or red wine, sparkling whine or champagne, it may be necessary to invest in a wine storage cooler in order to protect your assortment of fine beverages.

Wine storage coolers are available in a vast array of stores.  Even the lower end consumer retailers have gotten into the party.  It is not uncommon to find great deals on these products from stores like Walmart and Target.  Of course, for the more luxurious wine aficionados out there, high end retailers have more aesthetically pleasing and electronically sound wine storage cooler for sale.

What does a wine storage cooler do?  It sounds simple and many of you are probably wondering why not just use the household refrigerator.  The reason for this is that the storage temperature required for food to be kept fresh and the temperature required to keep wine properly cooled is different.

Food generally requires a much lower temperature.  Another reason is that the continuous opening of the refrigeration causes temperature readings to change.  Wine needs to be kept at a constant temperature in order to preserve its color, taste and quality.

Another problem to consider is that different types of wine require different temperature settings.  You are not going to have this flexibility with a standard refrigerator.  Many wine storage cooler are manufactured with the ability to delegate different temperature and humidity zones.  For instance, if you have a fine bottle of white and a deep red wine, you can set two different settings in your wine storage cooler to ensure the preservation of the liquid.

Besides the obvious usefulness of the wine storage cooler, there is an aesthetic component to having one in your home.  When a visitor sees a wine storage cooler, the immediate connection is made with luxury and class.

There are a ton of products on the market for you to choose from.  The best way to begin your search is by viewing consumer reports, fine wine magazines and doing some Internet research.

If you go to wine tasting events, you might want to ask some of the other attendees and even the wine manufacturers which devices are the best to keep your wine as fresh as possible.

Under Counter Coolers: The Modern Wine Cellar

Not too many years back if you heard the term wine cooler, your thoughts automatically went to Bartles & James and if someone told you about their wine collection you pictured a dusty underground vault, where bottles lined the walls in orderly rows, slowly aging to perfection.  Your average person that lived in your average suburban home could enjoy a good glass of wine when out on the town, but seldom had the capacity to store wine in optimal conditions at home.  With the advent of under counter coolers, a wine cellar is no longer a necessity in order to be a collector of fine wines.  In fact, anyone can turn their kitchen into modern day wine cellar.

Fine wines are expensive and they are only worth the money if you have a place to store them.  Wine is alive, constantly changing according to its environment.  Lots of things affect what changes a wine, including temperature, humidity, darkness, calm, ventilation and the angle at which it is stored.  A good wine cooler will take these things into account.  You always want your wine to be stored so that it is horizontal, at the lowest, stable temperature possible, in a place that is free of vibration, and away from places where you store items that have a strong odor.

The ideal conditions for storing wine are at 50-55 degrees and 70% humidity.  A wine refrigerator or wine cooler is ideal for this task.  Unlike regular refrigerators, wine coolers run a little warmer maintaining the optimum temperature for wine.  Because they are electronic, their temperature never fluctuates, helping the wine to maintain its constant flavor.  They also offer storage options so you can lay the bottles down, allowing the wine to always stay in contact with the cork.  An under the counter wine cooler, built into your kitchen also offers extra protection from the natural light in your house.

When you go out shopping for a wine cooler, there are some things to look for.  You want to make sure that the door of the cooler is dark.  Try to avoid clear glass coolers.  They may look fabulous when they are filled with rows of wines glittering under the fluorescent lights of your kitchen, but all of the light that will seep in the bottles will ruin your wine.  When wine is exposed to too much light it creates a condition called being ''light struck''.  The result of this condition is that the wine ends up tasting like dry cardboard.

Another consideration when you purchase an under counter wine cooler is the location where you plan to install it.  Stand in the middle of your kitchen and take a minute to observe each spot under your counters that the cooler could potentially be placed.  Make sure you don’t install it near a stove or oven, which could affect its temperature.  Stay away from the refrigerator and the dishwasher because vibrations from both of these appliances will over time, ruin your wine.  Placing an under counter wine cooler near the sink also puts if too close to vibrations as water runs through the pipes.  If you have an island that has no appliances situated on it you have found the perfect location for your under counter wine cooler.

With the installation of an under counter wine cooler, you can serve wine to guests that came from your own ''cellar''.  Since a cooler will maintain the perfect conditions for storing your wine, your guests will never know you didn’t trek down a flight of stars into a darkened basement, sift through row after row of fine pinots to choose the perfect vintage, and chill the bottle to perfection just for

Tips On Choosing Your Next Bottle Of Wine

Tonight’s the night.  You’ve got that special dinner party with friends and you want it to be perfect.  You’ve got the menu completed but the question is which wine will compliment the meal best?  Here are some tips for choosing fine wine.

Lighter foods need lighter wines while heartier foods need full bodied wines.  For example, fish is light and thus a wine like Pinot Noir goes very nicely because it is also light.

The way the food is prepared will also influence the type of wine you choose.  Whether your meal is grilled or roasted as well as the spices you use will affect your wine choice.

Bitter foods need a fruity wine that will compliment it, such as a Chardonnay or Merlot.  Shiraz or some of the other heavy tannic red wines go great with a grilled steak because the fat in the meat tones down the bitterness in the wine.

Foods that are salty or oily go much better with a wine that’s higher in acid like Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc.  Sweet foods do much better with a slightly sweet dry wine such as Riesling or Chenin Blanc.

Dry wines, both red and white, work well with a wider selection of foods so if in doubt go this route.  A general rule of thumb is that you want your wine to offer a nice contrast from your food but you don’t want it to clash.

The most important tip to remember is that wine is about taste and it’s a personal choice so trust your taste buds.  It’s always a good idea to test a wine before purchasing it, and don’t base your wine buying decisions on what your friends or family say.  Use your own palate to make your choices.

You should also be patient with yourself because learning to buy good wine has quite a learning curve.  The best way to learn is try many different wines and expand your wine cellar.  People tend to find a wine they like and then stick with it spending little time experimenting with other wines.  Why not explore other wines and find some other great choices?

The price of wine doesn’t dictate the quality.  Of course many would like you to believe it does but the British Columbia wine industry is proving that’s just not so, producing some top quality wines at a fraction of the cost of imported wines.  Of course, as with many things, best costs more but there are plenty of excellent choices and it really does pay to shop around.

Always put together your wine cabinet with thought.  Think about your budget, the types of food you most often serve, and how much entertaining you do.  Set aside the most expensive wines for those special occasions and serve the less expensive, but still delicious, wines for your daily use.

These tips for choosing fine wine will have your wine cabinet looking very healthy in no time and your wines will compliment your meals nicely!

Texas Wine -- Visit Wineries and Vineyards to Buy Various Texas Wine Gifts

Last few years have witnessed a growing popularity of Texas wine in the national as well as international market.  One of the biggest testaments to their growing popularity was Grapefest 2009, where over 240,000 people attended this fest and over 20,000 plus votes received for the 2009 Peoples Choice.  Grapefest is the largest wine festival in the state.  According to one estimate, Texas now has 87 wineries and is the 5th largest wine producing state in the nation.  Texans consume nearly 37 million gallons of wine a year and upon given a chance most Texans would prefer to buy a wine produced in Texas.  That clearly leaves a plenty of room for Texas wineries to produce an increasing share.  In addition to that there is a huge demand of Texas wine in the open market.

No doubt, wine has a great impact on Texans life because it generates revenue and employment.  During the year 2009, the wine industry generated $200 million along with 1,898 jobs for Texans.  And, now due to new legislation, you as a wine lover can enjoy wine direct from the winery of Texas.  Most of these wineries and vineyards encourage visitors to visit their vineyards and taste different wines before purchase in tasting rooms.  Not only this, but you can also buy different Texas wine gifts for your family or friends while visiting or tasting wines at their wineries and vineyards.

The Overall Scenario Is Fast Changing and Promising

Although, earlier there were many restrictions in the past, but during the last two decades Texas wine industry has seen a time of incredible growth.  In the last few years the number of wineries has increased from 50 to 87 or even more.  According to one estimate, currently there are around 20 more wineries that are pending for state approval bringing the number of wineries to 104.  Nowadays customers can directly place their orders with the winery and can also visit them to taste different wines in their tasting rooms.

And, there won’t be any exaggeration if we say that the day is not too far when these wineries will sell more wine over the Internet than in the tasting room in winter.  Moreover, people would visit these wineries and vineyards not just to see, taste and purchase wine but to buy different wines and other related gifts for special occasions such as Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving.  Texans who visit a winery and make purchases in person can also have them shipped directly at their home.  Purchases of these wines and other wine gifts can also be made by phone, fax or online for shipment to a Texas package store for pick-up or further delivery.  So everything seems to be fast changing and promising especially when it comes to customer satisfaction.

Fine Wine Italian Style: The Beauty Of Italian Wine

Fine wine often brings to mind images of French rolling hills and elegant dinners;  however, Italy's twenty regions bring to the pallet an array of fine wines for your dining pleasure.

Italian wine making enjoys tradition rich in both modern and rustic methods, although much of the country's wineries now employ scientific and technological tools to create quality wines.  The country's wines are made primarily from two types of grapes, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.  The Nebbiolo grapes are used in the northwester part of the country, creating the red wines Barolo and Barbaresco.  The Sangiovese grapes create one of the better-known Italian wines, Chianti, and are native to the central Tuscany and Umbria regions.

Italy's wines are divided into four categories based on origin, quality, and purity.  When shopping for a fine Italian wine, look for those with the designation of "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita D.O.C.G.," which is awarded to wines with a solid reputation.  This designation considers region, production yields, and a DOC of at least five years.  DOC indicates the origins of a wine, the type of grapes used in making the wine, and the methods of production.  DOCG is a designation following stricter guidelines than the DOC, which includes a guarantee of origin.

The five regions of the Northwest produce over a quarter of the country's DOC wines, but only about twenty percent of the country's total wine production.  This, then, is a good place to begin when shopping for Italian wine, as many wine sellers group Italian wine by the region, whether in general terms, such as Northwest, or by specific region, such as Piedmont.  The Piedmont region creates a number of DOC and DOCG wines.

The Northeast region is home to two of Italy's wine schools, and generates about a third of the country's DOC wines.  The three regions create about a fifth of Italy's total wine production.  Veneto, one of the regions, now produces the most wine of any region in the country.

Central Italy, comprised of six regions, accounts for about twenty percent of both wine production and DOC wines.  The tradition of wine making in this region has often been traditional, the region is moving toward more contemporary wine making methods, and the overall quality has improved.  Some wine experts believe that this region will continue to make great strides in wine making, so for those who love red wine, this is an area worth watching.  Tuscany creates the well-known Chianti wine, as well as a variety of other Tuscan reds.

The Southern region, which includes the islands, is comprised of six regions.  These regions produce about forty percent of the total production, but only about fourteen percent of DOC and DOCG wines.  The region is focusing on overall quality, and this, too, is a region worth watching.  For those interested in consistent quality wines, many of the region's production offer just that.

For those new to Italian wine or wanting additional information, there is an abundance of sources.  An importer specializing in Italian wine is one of the best sources for information on fine Italian wines, and can provide suggestions based on your individual preferences.  You can also do your own research and wine tasting based on your style and preference.  As with many things Italian, the wines are among the finer indulgences.

Make Mine Italian: Wines From Tuscany And Piedmont

A modern renaissance of winemaking in Italy is making wine lovers and critics stand up and take notice.  In the 20th century, wine in Italy frequently meant low-cost, low quality and high volume-think straw covered bottles -- with little to get excited about.  However, things have changed in past 25 years and thanks to new laws further regulating Italian vintners, the standard of winemakers in that country is reaching new levels of excellence.

Today, Italy is seen as one of the most prolific and versatile wine regions in the world-with over 100 official vitis vinifera vines -- and thousands of grape varieties.  Italian wines are food friendly and affordable, with many of the wines available in specialty retail stores.  Italian red varietals offer a nice alternative to California cabernets and merlots.  Sangiovese is the grape of Chianti Classico that hails from the hills of Tuscany in Northern Italy, and in the hands of a talented wine maker, this red wine can be absolutely elegant.  Look no farther than the cuisine of Italy to find the perfect match for Chianti.  Try pasta pomodoro (or any red sauce), pizza and roast lamb with this lovely red.

The great Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape grown in Piedmont, is the King of red wines in Italy.  And though Barolos are rare and pricey, these big-gun reds are prize cellar candidates, with at least 5 (if not 15) years of patience required before the wines mature to a divine richness.  As a boutique wine retailer, we have only a limited supply of the 1999 Cordero di Montemezolo Barolo, priced under ($40).  This is a great value from one of the best vintages of the last decade.  If pasta and pizza are on your menu this week, try the 2000 Il Mandorlo Chianti Classico ($25) from another great vintage.  It is blended with a little cabernet and merlot, to create a lush, mouth-filling wine with just the right acidity to balance tomato sauces -- and not break the bank while still impressing your guests.

How To Choose The Right Wine Rack

Have you just bought a dozen expensive European reds, but have no suitable wine rack to store them?  Are you a budding wine enthusiast and wondering how to choose the right wine rack for your growing wine collection?

Well-designed wine racks that keep wines from being moved too much could be the answer to your wine storage problems.  By keeping bottles in a horizontal position, good wine racks allow the wine to keep the cork moist so that it doesn’t dry out and allow air into the bottle.

It was the Romans who developed better wine storage methods, keeping wine in barrels and bottles.  But how do you solve the modern-day problem of finding space and the right wine rack for your wine collection?

Tips on how to choose the right wine rack for your wine collection

1. It is important to ask how many bottles you're going to store and when you're going to drink them.
   • If you have a dozen bottles, ready for drinking within a month or two, then all you may need is a wine rack that sits on the floor in a closet somewhere on the north side of the house.
   • If you are a serious collector and want to store your wines for more than a year to maybe ten years, then you may need modular wine racks that hold hundreds of  bottles of wine.  A cellar or converted cellar measuring less than 3 meters square will easily hold 100 dozen bottle bottles or wine.
2. The second most important question is where are you going to put your wine racks?  The best place for wine storage is a cellar or cellar-like place that is dim, cool, and stable in temperature and movement, slightly humid and with few odors.  The worst place would be the top of the fridge where you get vibration, constantly changing temperature, heat from the kitchen and constant exposure to light.
   • In most modern homes the cellar-like place can be a large closet, a walk-in wine pantry, space under a stairway, a specially constructed and insulated room with wine racks and wine cellar cooling systems, or even a converted corner of the garage.
3. What material do you want for your wine rack?
   • If you want a modern look, you may opt for a stainless steel wine rack.
   • If you want the traditional look of wood, then you can choose from inexpensive pine to more expensive oak, walnut, cherry, western red cedar or mahogany.
   • If you want novel styles and shapes then you may opt for wrought iron which can be moulded into various shapes and powder-coated in various colors to match your home décor.
4. What style do you want?
   • Do you have enough space for a freestanding wine rack?
   • Do you want your wine racks incorporated into fitted cupboards?
   • Do you want them hanging or mounted to the wall if space is limited?
   • Or do you want stackable wine racks that allow you to increase your storage space when you need it?
5. Is your wine rack sturdy, stable and strong enough to bear the weight of your wine bottles?  Is the wine rack made of durable and attractive material such as Philippine mahogany?  Does the wine rack have full 13.5 inch-deep shelves for full bottle depth and added stability?  Does the manufacturer provide at least one year warranty?
6. Other important questions to ask would be:
   • Do you have enough space not only to store your wine bottles on their side but to be able to rotate them occasionally to preserve their flavour?
   • Does your wine rack have slightly wider openings allowing storage for most Champagne and Burgundy style bottles, as well as standard size 750 ml bottles?
   • Does it have angled front slats to avoid damage to labels and your hands?
   • If you are buying a wine rack kit, are they pre-drilled and screw together using simple tools for easy assembly?
7. And last but not least what is your budget?  Most wine rack stores -- whether online or brick and mortar -- stock a range of wine racks to suit all budget and tastes and some even include free shipping.

For less than $30, you can get a stackable metal wine rack with simple lines that hold up to 4 bottles.  Or for less than $200, you could get a wooden wine rack in handsome mahogany, 6 columns wide and 9 rows high that will hold 60 bottles of your favorite wines.  Take your pick.

Enjoy A Day Of Wine Tasting

My wife and I and our close friends recently discovered wine tasting.  We had never thought to spend a day touring the many vineyards that surround our home town.  Recently, however, when some friends came in from out of town and suggested that they might like to go wine tasting we made the arrangements and set off for a day of unknown adventure.

I enjoy an occasional glass of wine, but I had no idea how fun it would be to tour vineyards and get to taste a variety of wines.  I quickly realized during our day of wine tasting that my preferences in wine had been set only out of my ignorance.  I found that the more varieties of wine I sampled, the more refined my taste became and the more particular I became about what I wanted in future wines.  I had no idea one could become picky because of wine tasting, but I definitely did.  In fact, each of the six of us that went wine tasting that day came out with new favorites and new least favorites.

One of the things I liked most about going wine tasting was what a unique and enjoyable way it was to spend an afternoon.  Typically we spend time with our friends boating or shopping in quaint shops.  Taking them wine tasting felt like a refreshing change of pace.  I'd encourage anyone that lives near a vineyard or two to plan a visit with some of their friends or family.  Wine tasting truly was an experience that I will never forget and that I doubt will be matched as my wife and I try to host guests in the future.

Another great thing about wine tasting is that it is completely relaxing.  One of the things I hate most about being entertained or about entertaining others is the level of stress that seems to inevitably follow.  There is nothing worse than running around trying to prepare your house, prepare great food, and come up with great activities as well.  Going wine tasting allowed my wife and I to be completely stress free and just enjoy time and good conversation with our friends.

Each of the vineyards we visited on our wine tasting tour was absolutely beautiful.  We walked away from each vineyard with new knowledge about wine, about vineyards, and about the lovely area we call home.  It was so fun to be able to learn new things as we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon.

If you're looking for a great and relaxing way to spend an afternoon with friends or family, look no further than to a wine tasting tour at vineyards near you.

How To Choose An Italian Wine

Wine connoisseurs regularly boast about their fine Italian wine collections and rightly so.  Even if you're not a connoisseur, by the end of this article you'll be able to put your best Italian wine forward.

Italy is best known for its Moscato, Barolo, Chianti, and Soave;  but there are numerous varieties just waiting to be enjoyed.  Italy produces more wine than any other country and it produces the largest selection of wines.  When you choose an Italian wine, even if you have no wine buying skills, the odds of finding a poor one are very slim so relax!

Wine from the Piedmont region provides red wines that are light bodied and refreshing.  This is where the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines come from.

The Barbera grape appears in full body reds.  The Dolcetto grape is light bodied and distinctly dry.  The Nebbiolo grape is responsible for the dry, full body wines of the area.  The Moscato Bianco is the grape responsible for the sparkling white wines from the area.

And then there is the indulgence of Chianti from the Tuscany region.  Chances are you've indulged in this lovely wine if you've ever dined in an Italian restaurant.  The popular region wines include Chianti, Brunello, Vino Nobile di Monepulciano, and Vernaccia de San Giminagno.

The Sangiovese grape with its robust flavor is used in medium and full bodied red wines.  Vernaccia is the grape of choice for a variety of sweet and dry white wines.

You can order wines from Italy in any color, style, or flavor;  but if you want to be sure you are choosing a good Italian wine look for the DOCG classification.  This doesn't guarantee a better tasting wine, it just indicates level of quality that's been maintained for at least 5 years which puts the odds in your favor.

Remember this easy rule of thumb.  Reds go with red meats and whites go with white meats.  It's a simple rule that goes a long way in helping choose a wine for your meal.

Italians strictly regulate their wines within four classification from tightly regulated superior wines to lenient regulations and creative innovation.  The are as follows:

1. DOCG is the strictest of the regulation levels.  Output yield is regulated;  the wine's composition is analyzed;  there is a minimum alcohol content;  and there are minimum aging periods.
2. DOC is the qualification of all quality wines.  Output yield is regulated;  origin is regulated;  there is a minimum alcohol content;  there are minimum aging periods;  and grape variety is regulated.
3. IGT is classified as excellent value for the cost.  There are less quality restrictions, as well as wider territories;  and grape ratios are not regulated.
4. Table Wine is the wine that is consumed on a daily basis in Italy.  It includes some of the most expensive wines and some of the least expensive wines.  The level of alcohol is regulated and so are the wine making techniques.

That's it.  Now wasn't that simple?  You are on your way to being a connoisseur of Italian wine!

Corks or screw caps -- The closing argument

It is now very rare to find the total use of natural cork to stop wine bottles with the Rioja region of Spain being the most obvious exception.  Increasingly, for a wide variety of reasons, the use of plastic stoppers and screw caps is becoming widespread.  Why is this so, and what are the pros and cons of each method, and what should we be looking for when considering the alternatives?  This really is a topic of hot debate in the world of wine at the moment.  By tasting wines using the different methods of stopping, you can join this debate fully with your own opinions, thereby reinforcing the subjectivity of wine appreciation.

Most consumers still prefer natural cork and think of it as the most classy and professional way to package and stop wine.  They would argue that the popping of a cork is part of the romance of wine appreciation, but it is true that the incidence of cork taint is on the increase.  This occurs when a bad cork infects the wine with a mouldy, musty smell and flavour.  Indeed it is believed that somewhere approaching one in twenty bottle are so affected, and whilst the worse ones are relatively easy to spot, those affected slightly do not become apparent until opened and nearly drunk.  Never suffer a corked wine, always send it back or return it to the vendor.  Cork producers are working hard to improve the consistency in quality with constantly improving results.  It is important to remember that wines bottled using natural cork do generally age well, because the cork allows for a tiny exchange of air within the bottle, resulting in a gradual, small amount of oxidation.

Plastic stoppers prevent this cork taint and indeed some are made to look like natural cork, but they can be difficult to get off the corkscrew and even harder to get back into the unfinished bottle.  Probably the most important issue with plastic stoppers is that we do not know how the wine reacts to the plastic.  It is this doubt that has prompted producers to move over to screw caps, which were traditionally used to stop cheaper wines.  Now more and more premium wine is stopped this way with the Australians and New World producers leading the way, although some progressive Europeans are joining the trend.

Screw caps eliminate cork taint, allow effective resealing and were first used to seal those wines considered to be susceptible to cork taint, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.  Whilst red wines can benefit from cork sealing in terms of taste, screw caps are much easier to use.  As for the future screw caps seem to be in the ascendancy at the moment, but as cork producers begin to tackle the problem of taint effectively there might be a revival in its uptake.

Chardonnay -- an eminent white wine

The Chardonnay grape is an eminent white wine growing all around the world.  This is the most popular white wine.  The taste and flavours of Chardonnay are depending upon the origin location and processing methods.  It yields a variety of flavours and styles.  It is the major grape type in Champagne along with Pinot Noir.  Due to its versatile flavours and styles, it expanded like a bush fire in Europe and in other parts of the world such as California, Australia and New Zealand.

As the wine makers paid attention in Chardonnay, it grew well in Chile and South Africa.  As it is non-aromatic type, it is compatible with oak.  French and American Chardonnay are the richest and complex whites.  Although it has fatigue, but its wonderful flavours, richness will keep it popular for a long time.

The original recognition of Chardonnay comes from its boom in the Burgundy and Champagne area of France.  Although it is labelled that White Burgundy is made from a less known grape Aligote, but the fact is White Burgundy can't be prepared without Chardonnay grape.

Chardonnay grapes are green-skinned and very thin skinned.  According to the genetic science, it is the resultant of cross between Pinot and the Croatian Gouais Blanc grape.  Although these two species are extinct, but Chardonnay is still popular.

Chardonnay grapes are generally fermented and aged in oak barrels, which yields the vanilla flavours in the wines.  Chardonnay can also be fermented and aged in bottles, but it will not age as long as red wines.

As the Chardonnay wines are generally considered chilled, it clicks very well with chicken preparations and dishes with a lots of butter or cheeses.  Chardonnay wines usually have less acid so it can match with seafood.

In America it is made by the malolactic fermentation with some oak.  If it is fermented without oak, a soft wine will be produced with some mineral flavours.  If it is aged with oak then the resultant wines will have caramel, vanilla and butter flavours with a blend of Smokey aroma.

Chardonnay is also used to make Champagne;  the example of 100% Chardonnay Champagne is Blanc de Blanc.  Furthermore, Chardonnay can be used to make some sparkling wines.

Chardonnay is now eighth-ranked in world chart of grape cultivation with estimated planting areas of 140,000 hectares.  It is planted mostly in Australia, Italy, France and America.  Its popularity has caused a repercussion from some wine lovers, who do not like any wine but Chardonnay.  This causes the monopoly of Chardonnay in the wine market.

Buy California Wine

Most of the American Wines are mass-produced general wine;  often having the brand name of the region where these are produced.

About 90 percent of American Wines are produced in California region.  The cold areas like Napa Valley, Sonoma Country etc are the other Wine producing regions.  The most prestigious wine brand -- Zinfandel produced exclusively in California.  This Wine is almost equal to any classic European wine.  The California Wines have much alcoholic contents, aroma and flavour compare to any European Wine.

Another ancient California Wine is Angelica;  it is originated by a European Variety brought to California in 18th century by the Spanish visitors.

The California Wine is being the ultimate choice among the Wine-lovers.  The appreciators of California Wine are scattered around each corners of the World.  It is not always possible for the Wine-lovers or for the Wine-collectors to visit California and buy its Wine.  They can buy it online via the websites dealing with online wine transactions.

The actual wine lovers or even the amateur wine lovers are very often eager to buy rare species of wine from different countries;  to fulfil their demands an easy way is to buy it online through different websites deal with online wine transaction.

Procedure to buy Californian Wine online has become very easier today and as time passes it will be easier.  The buyers should decide first that which wine should be bought.  The buyers can take the help of any Search Engine to search the online wine websites.  After getting all the relevant links they can browse it and then choose the right one.  After selecting the right wine buyers can purchase it online;  it does not matter whether he is a wine collector or a wine lover.  As there are lots of sites dealing with the online wine transaction the buyers can compare the prices, manufactured years and other features of the wine.

The complexity of buying wine online is very less;  it is as easy to surfing the net.  There are thousands of Wine consigners dealing with this business and they used to keep all the secrecy a consumer wants.  The online Wine websites used to have the help desk for their customers to sort out their problems.  By the virtue of online Wine transaction an amateur wine lover can taste Wine from abroad without having any passport or visa!!!

Reasons behind the price-hike of Wine:

• The consumers should know the factors that motivate the wine prices.  As the California's Wine Industry has emerge in last few decades, this momentarily expansion is a double-edged sword for a customer.  Competition in the Californian Wine Market is getting more intensive and impactive that many rare wines are priced very aptly;  while some average wines are sold in very high price.
• The prices of Wine are influenced by the marketing approach of the product.  Packaging, labelling and promotion not always affect the standard of the Wine but the price is affected by these.  The technologies and concepts that are used in the Wineries are sometimes responsible for the price-hike.  Some famous Wineries have their reputed brand of wines which are very high in price.
• It is very unfortunate that the buyers always have the concept that the low price wines are not so superior in quality.  This makes the Winery owners to change their product pricing standard.  The Winery owners used to rely on the choices of the consumers.

The Consumer should keep the following things in their mind before buying Wine online:

• AS Wine is a living thing it needs an extra care in order to keep its quality standard.  Tussle during the shipment sometimes abolish the virtue of the wines which is incurred by a long term process.  According to the Wine experts wine should be bought one or more week before to open it.  The Wine should be stored in dark with a corked cap to make it fresh and preserved.  A decent corkscrew is needed to unscrew to impress the guests.
• Last but not the least, for the online ordering of Wine an adult must be in the house to receive the shipment when it arrives.  The unaccepted Wines are generally return back to the warehouse and it is very difficult to get it back from the warehouse.  Moreover the wines deposited in the warehouses are sometimes loose its quality and taste.

24th Annual Rocky Mountain Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Enjoy some of the most spectacular views that Colorado has to offer while you sample gourmet food, sip on fine wines and chug microbrew.  Everyone receives a commemorative wine glass or beer pilsner and unlimited samples of food and drink.  Even though this should be enough to satisfy most anyone, there is a whole lot more going on at the Rocky Mountain Wine, Beer & Food Festival.

This famous event is held at the base of Winter Park Resort where you can find a 600 mile hiking and mountain biking trail system that spreads throughout the beautiful Fraser Valley.  Winter Park is also home of the longest Alpine Slide in Colorado!  A 3000 foot long slide, with a 600 foot drop winding through the wilderness.  Take a chair lift to the top of Winter Park Mountain and you can find an 18 hole disc golf course, as well as 360 degree views of the Rocky Mountains.  Back at the base there is also a miniature golf course that takes you through Fraser Valley history, a climbing wall, Rock N' Roll Gyro, Human Maze, Leaps & Bounds Bungee and a whole lot more.

Proceeds of this event will benefit the National Sports Center for the Disabled, which is one of the most important organizations found at Winter Park Resort.

When:  August 5, 2010. 12 Noon - 3pm.

Where:  West Portal Station at Winter Park Resort

Admission:  $40 in advance / $42 at the door

Stay just a five minute walk from the event:  Slope View Bed and Breakfast offers views of the Continental Divide, unique amenities and a knowledgeable staff.  970-531-2386

Cabernet Sauvignon -- pride of California wine fraternity

Cabernet Sauvignon is a very popular type of red grape.  It is widely used for wine production around the world.  It shares the top position with Chardonnay which is a green skinned grape species.  Cabernet Sauvignon is widely cultivated in almost every wine-producing regions of the world.  This grape variety needs a lengthy growing season to be ripened properly but the major shortcoming of this particular grape is -- it yields very low.

The Cabernet Sauvignon berries have very tough skin which guards it from different diseases and wastage and provides it power to put up with the autumn rains.  Due to these particular properties and excellent aroma, Cabernet Sauvignon has become world wide popular.

The best growing places for Cabernet Sauvignon are in semi-arid regions, accommodating a lengthy-growing season with well-drained and not-high-fertile soils and with moderately warm climate.  The best examples of Cabernet Sauvignon producing areas are Sonoma Country's Alexander Valley, wide areas of Napa Valley and Paso Robles area of Central Coast.

Like any other imperial wine grape categories, Cabernet Sauvignon is also of the Vitis vinifera species.  According to the genetic science, it is the resultant effect of a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

This particular grape is used in almost every Bordeaux wines.  Numerous red wines are compiled with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, such as Red Bordeaux which is considered as world greatest red wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon acquired the top place in America's popular red wines chart in early-60s.  It snatched the first place from ''burgundy'' and till now it is the ''numero uno'' of American wine lover's list.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape has thick skin which results high tannin in wine.  This gives the wines structure and ageability.  This property with frequent aroma and a lucrative finish also tends to lack mid-palate richness and it is often mingled with less tannin, but ''pulpy'' taste grapes;  such as Merlot and Shiraz or Syrah which are found especially in Australia.

Cabernet Sauvignon deals with a wide range of aromas and flavours.  This aims to the floral aspect when it not totally rips with capsicum, but when it rips -- it biases to the flavour of blackcurrant.  In California and Chilean cabernet, the flavours of mint or eucalyptus are found.  It has a nice aroma.  In the old wines it was characterised with black current, violets and spice smells.  In the new world wines the flavours of chocolate, ripe jammy berries, oak are also found in addition to that old days flavours.  Cabernet Sauvignon tastes lively in the mouth and is full of richness, but it is little bit acidic.

Add Elegance And Luxury To Your Wine Drinking With Wine Storage Furniture

Nothing speaks of elegance quite like a fine piece of wine storage furniture.  The truth of the matter is that there is an abundance of products on the market -- for seasoned connoisseurs of wine to the occasional drinker -- that can add a fancy look to your home.

Wine storage furniture can range from storing only a few bottles to massive and intricate storage systems capable of filling up an entire wine cellar.  The decision you have to make is which piece of wine storage furniture best suits you.

The storage of wine is highly important to the preservation, aroma, taste and color of the wine.  If wine is not stored properly it will begin to lose all of these essential attributes.  Fine wine collectors especially have to consider this possibility as certain bottles of wine can cost thousands of dollars.

There are a few ways you can go in selecting the proper wine storage furniture for you.  One method is to buy one of the manufactured products that have saturated the market.  If you look around, the bulk of consumer product retailers have gotten into the wine storage furniture market.  These products can also be found on the Internet with relative ease.  Just type in your search query and you will instantly be greeted with thousands of products to sift through.

Another, more costly way is to look into a custom unit.  This is recommended for serious wine connoisseurs.  Custom wine storage furniture can be tailored to fit your home, especially if you are lucky enough to have a wine cellar.  Contractors and experts creating this form of storage are available.  If you have invested heavily in wine this may be the best option for you.

Don’t forget that the temperature you store your wine in is very important.  Make sure you factor this important information into your decision.  The majority of wine storage furniture on the market is not equipped with coolers.  Instead, simple wooden racks and cabinets rely on your setting of room temperature to properly store the wine.

The next time you are at a wine tasting event remember to ask people for their opinion on how to store wine and their recommendations as to the best furniture on the market for doing so.  As one of the finer things in life, wine should be treated like royalty.

Wine Storage is the Key to Preserving and Aging your Wine

Wine storage is key to the success of any collection.  If you enjoy collecting find wines then you will want to look into the best of all wine storage options.  There are many different ways to store your wine but no matter which wine storage solution you choose you will need to keep the conditions constant.

The temperature of any wine storage space needs to be at a constant 50-60 degrees.  There should also be plenty of ventilation of the area and this wine storage should be far away from the main area of the house.  You do not want to have your wine collection suffering due to too much vibration and you need to keep any source of light to a minimum.  No sunlight should be permitted into the wine storage area.

You can use a wine cellar for your wine storage or you can have a special cooler.  Wine racks are a necessary part of your wine storage.  The wine racks can be made of metal or wood and the wine storage that you choose will be a matter of personal taste.  Both of these sorts of racks are wonderful to look at but the metal racks tend to be more flamboyant and stylish while the wood racks are classic and traditional in style.

You may want to choose your racks in order to have them match the rest of your wine storage solution.  The final choices that you make will be affected somewhat by whether or not you are planning to show off your wine cellar to your friends.  If you are then your wine storage solutions will need to be a little more coordinated.

So look into the wine racks and other wine storage options that will all look well together.  Your wine storage area can look like those of a professional wine collector.  It is not hard to do but it can cost you a little money.

Your temporary wine storage options are a little simpler.  Just before you serve your wine you will probably want to chill it, this of course depends on the wine.  In order to store your wine for chilling you can look into cool wine storage solutions.  Wine coolers are easy to find, you can find them in many department stores or wine stores.  Even the Internet is a great source for finding these types of wine storage options.

You Can Look Up Everything That You Need To Know About Wine Online

If you are a genuine wine lover or even if you are just slightly interested in the subject you can find everything that you need to know about wine online.  Looking up wine online is simple and easy and it takes almost no time at all.  No matter what you want to know about this fascinating subject you can find about wine online.

Looking up wine online has never been easier than it is today and as time passes it will only get even easier.  This is because there are so many people just like you out there who love to learn as much as they can about wine.  Since there is this need for information more and more people are putting the knowledge that they have about wine online.  All of these wine online websites will give you all kinds of info.

Start your search of wine online by deciding what it is you are looking for exactly.  The more you can narrow your search the better your search for wine online will be.  So if for example you are doing a search in google about ''wine cabinets'' you will type this into the search box.  You should then get a list of all the wine online sites that have this kind of info.  Then all you have to do is click on the links and go to town.  You can read about your subject matter as much or as little as you need to when you are doing a wine online search.

You can also purchase wine online.  This is a great way to buy your wine whether you are a collector or even if you are just looking for that special wine to celebrate a special occasion.  When you search for wine online you can compare the prices and the years and any other characteristic of your wine that you want.

Buying wine online is just as easy as looking for information about wine online is.  There are thousands of wine merchants who will be willing to ship you as much wine as you want.  You can find wine online from another country even.  It is nice to be able to get Italian wine online without ever having to go there!

So the next time you need some info about wine or you are looking to purchase some wine online just check the internet.

Wine Racks -- A Guide To Home Wine Storage

Home wine racks are specially designed for storing bottles of wines in a horizontal position, to help preserve the quality of the wine.  Storing your bottles in a wine rack is a great way to prevent the corks from drying out.  If this happens, the cork can shrink and let air in, resulting in oxidization, which will spoil the taste.  Wine storage racks usually have separate compartments for holding individual bottles, allowing gaps between each one to allow air to circulate.  Ideally, wines should be kept at a consistent temperature of around 55 degrees farenheit, with a relative humidity of 70%, away from light.

If your wine collection is growing rapidly and you don't have a wine cellar, then there is a huge choice of wine racking that's designed for home use.  If you'd like to keep a few everyday bottles within easy reach, then wall mounted wine racks offer a solution.  This type of rack is hung on the wall, which saves space, and allows you to always have a couple of bottles on display.  Often, these racks come with built-in stemware holders, so you can conveniently keep your glasses in the same place.  Wall wine racks are generally pretty cheap to buy, at around $40-$50.

Other types of rack include compact designs to fit on a counter top, or stackable towers to place on the floor, whose capacity can grow to meet your storage needs.  Wooden wine racks are very popular, made from all sorts of wood, including pine, oak or mahogany.  For a more contemporary look, a metal wine rack can be an attractive feature in itself, made from ornately crafted iron, stainless steel, chrome or aluminum.  Whatever the style of your décor, there's sure to be a wine rack design that fits in perfectly and provides you with a functional way to organize your wine collection.

Whether you're after a DIY self-assembly kit, or a custom wine rack, online stores are full of all kinds of wine racks to suit your budget and your wine storage requirements.

What You Should Know Before Buying A Wine Rack

For some people, the storage and acquisition of wine is more than just a hobby, it is an art.

Wine connoisseurs all know that the proper storage of wine is important to its final flavor.  Once it is already bottled, wine will still mature and gain body and flavor.  Proper care should be taken when handling wine, or else its potential for greatness will go to waste.  To keep their wine well preserved, the discriminating connoisseur will choose a proper wine rack.

How to Buy a Wine Rack

The Build

Wine racks can be made of so many different materials and styles.  You should consider which material and style fits your needs and preference.  You could have wood, glass, alloy, or metal racks.  Some people try to choose materials that match their living rooms.  There are a variety of styles of wine racks, find one that is convenient for you.  The popular styles include counter top racks, diamond bins, cabinets and others.

The Essential Elements

A good wine rack will ensure that the following elements are strictly controlled.  Light, humidity, temperature, stability.  If you want to keep your wine well preserved and ready for ambush party, you need to make sure they are not exposed to light, moisture, extreme temperatures and shaking or vibration.

Cabinet wine racks are good at keeping wine bottles safe.  They can emulate the conditions at a wine cellar best.  These condition include moderate humidity, cool temperatures, and little light.

We try to control the humidity so we can avoid getting the wine cork from accumulating moisture.  This will lessen the chances that the wine will get contaminated or oxidized.

Keeping the correct humidity or appropriately moist environment will keep the wine cork damp, reducing the chances of contamination and/or oxidization.  Warm conditions will accelerate wine aging.  You have to keep this in mind when you consider which wine rack to choose.

Things to Remember

Don't place wine cellars above or near refrigerators.  Refrigerators generate heat and this heat could ruin your wine collection.  Buying and installing a good wine rack would be useless if that happens.

Your rack has to be smooth enough that when the wine bottles are put and taken, they will not get scratched and damaged.  Bottles and labels are also important parts of the overall value of wine.

A wine cellar is great but not necessary to store your wine in the correct environment.  But since not everyone can afford a wine cellar or has space enough for one, you could opt for a wine rack instead.  Wine racks function a lot like wine cellars, but they are smaller and are more accessible.  They are also a lot cheaper and easier to install.

Believe it or not, ultraviolet light can affect and ruin wine.  That's the reason wine cellars are so dark and that's why you have to keep your wine in a dark safe place.  When you store your wine bottles, make sure they are stored sideways;  this ensures that the wine is always in contact with the cork to keep it moist.

Once again we cannot express how important it is to maintain the right conditions for your wine to mature nicely.  Your wine rack system has to maintain the right amount of humidity and temperature to keep your collection going.  Bear in mind that wine is something you keep for a long time.  Keep your wine racks pumping a temperature range of 55-60° F.  Also make sure the humidity is in the 50% to 75% range.  Adjust these settings according to the needs of your wine.

Start Planning for Your Wine Rack Now!

Well, now you have pretty much gotten everything in order.  When a party comes crashing through, you can whip out the grade A wine and celebrate to your hearts content.  Pour out the good times to the tune of the compliments and admiration your friends will throw your way all because of your fine wine rack.

Toast Of The Town: Wine As A Preventative Medicine

While not many of us look forward to taking our daily medication, some remedies are more palatably pleasing than others.  Among these, some preventative medicines for heart disease and some cancers, including red wine.

And while many are cheering the benefits of the robust beverage others are wondering if it's really the toast of the town.  And, according to experts, the answer is an unresounding yes and no.

They note that although wine offers many preventative powers against heart disease, some cancers, and inflammation cause by arthritis, these qualities are not intrinsic to the fruit of the vine.

Experts assert that while red wine (in moderation) ''does'' have health benefits, they are not any greater than those they can obtain via a hearty diet of antioxidants including fresh fruits such as red grapes, fresh squeezed grape juice, grape seed oil, deep green veggies, melons, pumpkin, squash, blueberries, peppers and other brightly-colored fruits and foods.

However, they ''do'', note that the antioxidants in red wine may be more concentrated than in other foods due to the fermentation process.  Yet, the concentrated levels may not be significant enough to make daily consumption recommended.

Also, health and nutrition experts note that there is also evidence that moderate amounts of other alcohol may be just as effective in boosting HDL (good) cholesterol.  Still, they (the experts) assert that they remain reluctant to encourage people to start drinking in an effort to stay healthy (against heart disease and some cancers) because alcohol consumption may raise other risks and concerns.  Among these, weight gain and addiction problems.  Excessive drinking can also increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and also estrogen levels in women, which has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer.

For women who fancy white wine, beer and other types of alcohol, the ''bad'' news is that none possess the same preventative and protective powers as red wine, since all the antioxidants are found in the skin and seeds of the grapes.  White wine is fermented without the skins of the grapes.

Women wine drinkers say experts can enjoy two to three ounces a day for the added antioxidant and benefits, but remember not to use it as an excuse to drink or in place of a healthy and balanced diet rich in preventative properties.

The Ideal Wine Cellar: Everything You Need to Get Started

So you've decided to take a large step, and move from wine lover to wine connoisseur.  You are going to buy a wine cellar.  This guide will give you all the information you need to make this purchase.

Wine Bottle Storage

The ideal location for storing wine is a dark, draftless area that stays at a constant 50-60 degrees, with 60-70 percent humidity.  The bottles should be kept on their sides to keep the corks moist, and should be exposed to limited vibrations.  This will ensure that you will be able to keep bottles at their best for years to come.

One thing to consider if you decide to purchase a large wine cellar:  make sure the unit will fit!  This sounds obvious, but many times stand-alone wine cellars are much wider than a standard door.  Another thing to think about is weight.  Consider not only the weight of the storage unit, but be sure to calculate 3 pounds each for a standard bottle of wine.  You might not want to store your wine upstairs.  This is another reason that wine is typically stored in a cellar.

Types of Wine Cellars

If you are lucky enough to live in a house, maybe you can use the existing cellar or a spare room, or have one built.  Just be sure not to skimp on building materials -- it would be silly to have 400 bottles of wine crashing to the floor because you wanted to save a few bucks on thinner wood.  Also, be sure the condensation will be able to evaporate;  otherwise, the humidity will increase beyond ideal levels.  Consider the cellar as an investment.

If you don't have a large amount of space, you can buy a freestanding wine cellar.  While not actually a cellar in the traditional sense, these are large units that can be stored in a house or apartment.  They are available commercially for a wide variety of prices.  Always consider where you are going to be storing the wine.  If it will be kept in your home, you will not need to have as much insulation or as strong of a cooling unit, but a unit kept in the garage will have to be much higher quality.

Building Your Own Wine Cellar

The best location for the cellar is below the level of the house.  If your basement has outside walls, keep in mind that north-facing walls will get the least amount of light.  Some smaller crawl spaces may not work very well if they experience extreme changes in temperature.  The same goes for a garage.  The first floor of the house can also be used, and as long as the house stays at a fairly constant room temperature, the cooling unit will not have to work too hard.

Framing

The first step in building a wine cellar is the framing.  The outer walls of the basement or room should be framed with 2" by 6" wood studs.  If the floors are cold, use 2" by 4" studs.

Insulation

The next step in the creation of a wine cellar is insulation.  The room needs to be kept at the most constant temperature possible.  The best type to use is sprayed 2 pound polyurethane, although less expensive methods can used, especially if the cellar is on the first floor of the house.  Once again, consider the cellar to be an investment.

Doors

Don't forget about the door!  It needs to have weather stripping and also be insulated.  Otherwise all the work done to insulate the walls will be wasted.

Drywall

To finish the walls, use a drywall that is resistant to moisture.  Other wall material can be used, but make sure that it will not soak up moisture and that it will not impart an odor on the wine.

Racks

Don't leave the design of the racks until the end.  Start first with this design to make sure that you have enough space for the number of bottles you'd like to store.  A good place to start would be to look at the smaller racks available at your local wine store.  These will give you ideas on the design you would like.  Once again, make sure the construction is sturdy enough for the weight of the wine.

Temperature and Humidity and Wine

As mentioned before, the ideal temperature for wine is between 50 and 60 degrees.  If the temperature is too high, it will spoil quickly.  If it is too low, it will not age properly.  If the temperature changes often, the cork will expand and contract.  This may lead to air getting into the wine.  Keeping this in mind, never buy wine chilled at a store, as you have no idea how long it has been that way.  Also, don't keep wine in your own refrigerator for more than 1 or 2 days.

Humidity can also damage wine.  If the humidity is too low, the cork can dry out.  While a tipped bottle will keep one side moist, the rest of the cork can become cracked and brittle.

Also, ensure the wine will be kept in a dark place, away from vibrations.  Colored bottles help keep the light out to some extent, but don't rely on the bottle to keep the light out.  Movement may cause the bottles to shift.  Wine needs to stay in contact with the cork so it will not dry out and crack, so limit the movement the bottles are exposed to.

Wine Cellar Cooling Units

After you cellar is complete, you can purchase a commercial wine cooling unit.  Many of these work similarly to a window AC unit.  They vent through a wall rather than being installed in the ceiling.  However, if you are below ground or for some other reason cannot use a window unit, there are commercial units that can be installed.  These are slightly more costly, but work well in those situations.

Every wine has an ideal aging time.  If your wine cellar is built properly, it will keep your wine for years to come.

Sherry -- Spanish Sunshine in a Bottle!

Sherry is a fortified wine, made in Spain from three types of grapes:  Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Muscat (Moscatel).  Sherry-style wines made in other countries often use other grape varieties.

Sherry differs from other wines because of how it is treated after fermentation.  It is first fortified with brandy and then if destined to be fino style a yeast called flor is allowed to grow on top.  Oloroso style is fortified to a strength where the flor cannot grow.  (In contrast, port wine is fortified to a higher percentage of alcohol than sherry, effectively preventing the growth of any yeast.)

REGIONS

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA or JEREZ for short, the Scheris of the Moors, one of their fortresses in Spain, was long a walled city of great strategic importance.  Today it is a busy town, and the hub of the Sherry Trade.  It stands upon the main road from Seville to Cadiz, some 9 miles north of Port St. Mary at the top corner of the Bay of Cadiz and at the mouth of the Guadalete;  and 12 miles east of Sanlucar, upon the left bank of the Guadalquivir, immediately before it flows into the Atlantic.

JEREZ has given its name to Sherry, the wine of Jerez (both names Jerez and Sherry being corruptions of the old .Moorish name of the town, Scheris), which Shakespeare and all Elizabethans loved and praised above all others.  To the Victorians, Sherry and hospitality were synonymous:  few, indeed, were then the homes without a welcoming decanter of Sherry upon the mahogany, awaiting the pleasure of your company.  Today, in spite of the notorious fickleness of fashion;  in spite of high taxes and of bureaucratic controls, Sherry, the wine made from the white grapes of the Jerez vineyards, still is still first favorite among all the wines imported into Great Britain.

ANDALUCIA

Andalucia no longer comprises three kingdoms as it once did, nor is it any longer the great Moorish Province that it was once, but still is the richest and sunniest part of Spain, stretching from Castile, in the North, to the Straits, in the South;  and from the Mediterranean, in the East, to Portugal and the Atlantic in the West.

SEVILLE the capital of Andalucia, is one of the fairest cities in the world, but sea-going ships have long ceased to come up the Guadalquivir to its once busy quays with the gold and goods of the Indies.  The inexhaustible wealth of Andalucia is in its fertile soil and genial climate, its wheat, oil and wine;  its oranges, figs and other fruits;  its light-hearted, hard-working people.

Vines flourish and wine is made in many parts of Andalucia, but the vineyards which produce the finest and most distinctive white Spanish wine, Sherry, that which brings solace and joy to all men and women of taste and discerning thirst, are the vineyards scattered twixt Guadalquivir and Guadalete, during the last lap of their seawards run, the first reaching the Atlantic at Sanlucar de Barrameda, and the other the Bay of Cadiz, at Port St. Mary.

Secrets to Becoming a Wine Connoisseur

Wine is a broad term that refers to the fermentation of plant matter for the purpose of producing an alcoholic beverage.  Of course, most people think of grapes as the basis for wine, but other sources include rice (sake), various fruits (elderberry, grapefruit, cherry, etc.), barley, and even honey (mead).

For the purposes of this short explanation, we'll stick with wines made from grapes.  These are categorized several ways, including by vinification methods, taste, and vintage.  Many casual drinkers pay little attention to the differences in these categories.  After all, for most folks the sole consideration is good taste.  However, for many aficionados wine is serious business.  The variety, taste, and vintage must all meet high expectations before serious collectors will consider owning a bottle.

Vinification

Vinification simply means the method by which grape juice is fermented into wine.  The practices followed during fermentation are what determine the type of wine you end up being able to purchase.  A common misunderstanding by the average drinker is that grape juice colors vary, which is what produces red, white, or rose wines.  Actually, all grapes produce clear (or very close to clear) juices.  What creates the color of the wine you buy is whether the grape skins have been left in contact with the juice during the fermentation process.  Red wines have been fermented thusly;  whites have not fermented in contact with grape skins;  rose is a combination of the two.

Sparkling wines, such as champagne, have bubbly characteristics that are caused by the addition of carbon dioxide.  This effect is achieved by fermenting the grape juice two times.  The first time, the juice is fermented in open containers, which allow the carbon dioxide to escape.  During the second fermentation, the juice is kept in closed containers, trapping and infusing the gases.

Taste

Most wines are described as dry, off-dry, fruity, or sweet.  Technically, this refers to the amount of sugars left over after fermentation is completed.  Dry has a tiny amount of residual sugar content, while sweet has high sugar content.

Beyond this basic taste classification, wine-tasting experts have developed a system of classifying wines by the more in-depth tastes and aromas they exude.  Many outsiders find this a somewhat bewildering system, but tasting pros consider the ability to discern subtle elements of a wines taste to be a badge of honor.  As one example, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular variety that wine tasters claim contains a combination of black currants, chocolate, mint, and tobacco flavors.

Vintage

Vintage is a straightforward classification.  It refers to the year of the grapes harvest from which a bottle of wine was made.  This is important because many grape growers have exceptionally good harvests only during certain years.  Also, the best grapes are usually singled out for use in a producers vintage bottles.  You get the highest quality wine from that year’s harvest.

Screwcaps For Wine -- Is It Bye-Bye To The Romance?

Maybe you’ve noticed screwcaps on more of the higher priced wines lately.  The trend is continuing to grow and so is the debate of whether a screwcap or cork is better for wine.  The industry has basically "agreed to disagree" as to whether wine bottled with a screwcap or a cork tastes better, ages better and has less of a tendency to spoil.

As more wineries consider using screwcaps instead of the traditional cork, one has to wonder how the public at large will accept the change in tradition.  When the occasional wine drinker sees a $20 bottle of wine with a screwcap, will he move to the next bottle on the shelf because he conjuring thoughts in his mind of his college years and Boones Farm Apple Wine?

Corks hold tradition and romance for a bottle of wine.  It's hard to imagine dining at a fine eating establishment and ordering a bottle of wine without expecting the waiter pull out his corkscrew.  Watching him carefully cut the foil, masterfully twist the screw into the cork, and giving it a pull with a final, ever so slight, pop, is part of what we pay for when we order a bottle of wine.  It's shear romance;  it's a moment we hold in our memory of a nice dining experience.

Why would a winery want to change an age-old tradition that holds so much charm?  Well, apparently the occurrence of wines being spoiled because of the cork is a fairly large problem.  One report from the International Wine Challenge, the world's largest wine competition, states that nearly one in 20 bottles, or 4.9% of the 11,033 bottles opened at that competition had spoiled or the flavor had been flattened because of the cork.

How is the cork responsible for the ruin of so much wine?  Cork is a tree bark and when wine corks are manufactured, chlorine bleach is used for cleaning and brightening the color.  When the bleach comes in contact with the natural molds that are present in the cork, a reaction occurs and a chemical called trichloroanisole (TCA) is produced.  If this chemical comes in contact with the wine, it will cause it to taste like damp cardboard.  When this happens the wine is then referred to as being "corked", and it is undrinkable.

Screwcaps have proven themselves to be a better alternative to cork.  First developed in Australia, the brand name for screwcaps used for wine is Stelvin, so you will often hear them referred to as such.  These caps are not the same as those used for food and drink;  these caps are specially designed to protect fine wines from tainting for a period of time and to allow for aging.  Basically the part of the cap that actually contacts the wine is made from a thin coating of Teflon film over pure tin, this gives the cap the capability to stay stable and flavor-neutral for a very long time.

There are some screwcap critics that say the Stelvin caps don't allow for proper "breathing" so the wine can age, however, this is a myth.  If a cork is perfect and works the way it is supposed to work, it will not allow air into the bottle.  Actually, oxygen is potentially harmful to the wine and very unnecessary for the aging process.  To quote a leading Bordeaux authority Professor Pascal Ribéreau-Gayon in the “Handbook of Enology”,

“reactions that take place in bottled wine do not require oxygen”.

And one more authority, Professor Emile Peynaud of Bordeaux says,

“it is the opposite of oxidation, a process of reduction, or asphyxia by which wine develops in the bottle”

So, as we watch a trend develop of vintners moving toward using screwcaps we, the wine-drinking public, are just going to have to come to terms with the fact that screwcaps have proven themselves.  Because of the Stelvin, we consumers will be able to enjoy better preserved and better tasting wine in the years to come.  Actually, instead of thinking about moving to the next bottle on the shelf because of the screwcap, we should be seeking out the wine that delights your palate regardless of whether it uses a screwcap or not.

How to Store Wine

Having invested possibly hundreds of dollars in your latest bottle of vintage wine (ah well, we can but dream), the next important decision is where to store this prized possession?

The main issue when it comes to storing wine is that it needs to be maintained at a cool temperature of between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius.  Shoved under the bed won't do.

Many modern wines do not need to be aged over a great period of time; therefore extensive cellars are often unnecessary.  Having said this, if you have the time, space and resource to excavate a cellar, your wine will surely benefit.  A purpose built cellar is not normally an option for most households and so suitable alternatives must be explored.

Ideal areas for storage include a corner of a garage, garden shed, an unused fireplace or a cupboard that is against an outside wall.

Wherever you choose to store your wine, a few basic criteria are worth keeping in mind.

Choose an area that is less likely to be subjected to fluctuating temperatures caused by household heating systems.

Wines benefit from being kept in dark conditions.  Although this is not always practical, wine should certainly be stored in an area that is not exposed it to direct sunlight.

As a final point, always store your wine bottles on their side.  Corks are designed to be kept moist, so that they remain airtight and do not crumble when a corkscrew is inserted.

Bear in mind that some wines do not benefit from being stored at all.  If you have poor or no storage facilities available, consider purchasing wine that matures quickly such as most white wines or new technology reds or, possibly, a new Beaujolais.

Move wine as little as possible once it has been placed in storage, unless of course it is being moved into a glass!

If you have a particularly special wine collection, it may be worth engaging a specialist company to store your wine for you (Oops, I'm dreaming again).  Good storage has been recognized as vital for many wines and as such, many companies now provide storage facilities.  Of course, this does not come cheap and is best reserved for those very special bottles or for those experts who are considering selling their wine on, at a future date.

How to Choose a Wine Rack to Fit Your Style and Budget

Cultivating an appreciation of wine is a growing trend in the US.  Shops specializing in wine are appearing throughout the country, not just in the traditional vineyard regions of California, Oregon, and Virginia.  People who may not have grown up around wine are now drawn not only to sampling but also to collecting it.  Tasting parties and special wine pairing events are a common theme in restaurants and in the home.  With this comes an increase in interest in home storage.  While proper storage can help wines become even more exquisite, improper storage can lead to ruined wine.

A freestanding, temperature controlled wine rack is ideal, but much more expensive than a simple wooden or metal wine rack.  However, it is not necessary to spend several thousand dollars to enjoy wine in your home.  If you can find a dark, cool, slightly humid location in your house, you will be able to then select a simple rack that will keep your wine for years to come.  The ideal location will be 50-60 degrees, with constant 60-70 percent humidity.

Wine Rack Kits

One way to cut down on cost is to build your own wine rack.  For first-time enthusiasts, it is probably best to stick to a wine rack kit.  There are many considerations when designing a wine rack, and starting from a kit will keep the wine in the rack where it should be - the last thing you want is the whole thing to come crashing to the floor due to a miscalculation.

There are many commercially available wooden racks that offer snap-together assembly, requiring nothing more than a hammer.  These inexpensive kits are usually made of redwood or pine, and can be bought for under $35.

The most important thing to keep in mind when building your own wine rack is to consider the strength of the rack.  A bottle of wine weighs approximately 3 pounds, so the weight adds up quickly.  Make sure not only the rack but the floor itself can handle the weight, keeping in mind the weight of the rack.

If the kit is wooden, make sure the wood has been dried properly (no more than 14% moisture), and that the cross sections are no less than 3/8" (½" is better).

Also, make sure the wine is stored horizontally so that the wine stays in contact with the cork.  A dry cork signifies that the wine has been damaged.

Wine Rack Capacity

How much wine do you need?

While having 1500 bottles of wine on hand sounds exciting, most people have neither the space nor the wallet to support such a venture.  If you would like to have something for everyday, a 15-30 capacity rack should meet your needs.  That way, you can have 2 bottles of sparkling wine, 3 bottles of red (merlot or cabernet), 3 bottles of white (chardonnay, pinot grigio, or white zinfandel), one bottle each of red and white cooking wine, and still have room for a few special bottles that you plan to let age for years.  Also keep a nice red ready for company, and a reisling or shiraz for a spicy meal.  Have one bottle of white wine on hand in the refrigerator (it will only last in there for a week), and you'll be ready for any gathering.  A 30-bottle capacity rack is enough for a wine-tasting, an extended gathering, or for someone who likes to try a different wine every day.

Also, keep in mind that most wine rack manufacturers list the total bottle capacity.  This may be different from racked wine capacity, as total capacity may have bottles stacked directly on top of each other.  While this will not damage the wine, it is not as aesthetically pleasing and may be inconvenient when getting the wine out of the rack.

Styles of Wine Racks: Location is Key

Wine racks come in many styles.  Racks can be freestanding cabinets, counter top, or wall mounted.

When choosing a style, keep the following in mind:

• How much space do you actually have?
• Do you want the wine rack to be visible, or would you rather have a large, hidden wine rack that does not necessarily match your home's decor?
• Where can you put the wine rack?

The most important part of your choice is the location.  If you choose a rack that is not freestanding, make sure it is protected from vibrations.  It is not a good idea to put the wine rack next to the sink where the disposal will rattle it.  Never place the rack on the top of the refrigerator, as it gets very warm.  Also, keep the rack away from a window, as the temperature may vary too much, and UV light will damage the wine.

If you can not find a wine rack to fit in that perfect location and you are not confident of making your own, consider having a custom wine rack created just for you.  While this option is more expensive than an off-the-rack version, it is still much less than the freestanding units, and can keep your wine for years to come.

Wine Rack Material

Wine racks come in a variety of materials, from wood to metal to glass.  Whether you choose one made of mahogany or steel depends on a variety of factors, include cost, weight, and appearance.

Wooden Wine Racks

The most common type of wine rack is the wooden wine rack.  It is generally easier to assemble and relatively light.  Common woods are pine, cedar, spruce, oak, and redwood.  Another less common wood is mahogany.  Mahogany is a high quality wood and is used in both moderate and expensive racks.

Metal Wine Racks

Metal wine racks are becoming increasingly popular, especially those made of steel.  They are very strong and last longer than wooden racks with less care.  They can be painted to match any home.  They can also be formed into a wider variety of shapes while maintaining their strength.

Choosing a wine rack should be an enjoyable process.  Consider it an investment for all the wines you will try today as well as those you will keep for a special occasion down the road.

Do You Know These Little Known Facts About Tuscany Wines?

Entertain with the Region’s Finest Wines

Wine can add a sophisticated touch to any party or dinner that you host.  When entertaining, treat your guests to the smooth flavor of Italian wine, specifically Tuscany wine.

Italy produces more wine than any other country in the world, and some of the finest varieties hail from the Tuscany region.  Wine has been produced in Tuscany for hundreds and hundreds of years.  In recent decades Tuscan winemakers have put great effort into the quality of their products, resulting in the excellent Tuscany wine on the market today.  Tuscany wine is enjoyed widely and is easy to find in restaurants and diners as well as stores.

Super Tuscan Wine

In the past few decades an unofficial category of Tuscany wine has arisen, given the name Super Tuscan.  Wines created by making unconventional blends of different grape varieties fall under the Super Tuscan category.

Tuscany Wine Zones

Tuscany is divided into several wine zones.  Three of the most important of these are Bolgheri, Chianti Classico and Montalcino.

What is Bolgheri Tuscany Wine?

The Bolgheri zone, located in the west of Tuscany, is the birthplace of Sassacaia and Tignanello, which began the Super-Tuscan trend.  In recent decades Bolgheri wine has received much attention for the quality of its wines.  Winemakers in the Bolgheri zone specialize in red Tuscany wine created by blending the grapes of Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.  Several different wines are produced using different combinations of these grapes.

What is Chianti Classico Tuscany Wine?

What more classic image of Tuscany wine is there than the straw basket covered bottle of Chianti resting on a checkered tablecloth in a cozy Italian restaurant?  The Chianti Classico zone lies in central Tuscany.  Red Sangiovese grapes are the primary ingredient of Chianti Classico, but they are generally blended with other grapes, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo.  Chianti Classico is a full-bodied, bold wine that makes a good complement to well-seasoned food.  Chianti Classico wine has come a long way from its inexpensive, straw bottled past and today there are some excellent wines produced in the region.  You can still get the straw basket variety if you choose, however.

What is Montalcino Tuscany Wine?

The Montalcino zone is located in the Siena area of Tuscany.  Montalcino is known for producing the Brunello di Montalcino variety of Tuscany wine.  Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine made from the Sangiovese grape and normally aged for at least four years, two in oak barrels.  Brunello di Montalcino goes well with steak, roasts and flavorful cheeses.

More Tuscany Wine

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a robust red wine that is also based on the Sangiovese grape and is similar to Brunello di Montalcino.  Trebbiano is a traditional white Tuscany wine.  Bianco di Pitigliano is produced in the southern Tuscan region of Pitigliano, and is a popular white Tuscany wine.  Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made near Siena, is one of the best known Tuscany white wines.

Choosing Wine on a First Date

First dates are nerve wracking enough without having to worry about what wine to choose to impress your new friend!

One of the great things about wine on a date is that one bottle is a defined amount, normally about five glasses.  If shared equally it is unlikely that you will fall off your chair drunk after half a bottle of wine!

However, there are some other social sins that can be committed whilst choosing wine on a date.

Getting Started

First, you need to decide whether you want white, red, rosé or sparkling wine.  This is perhaps the most important decision.  As a general rule, red wine is more of an acquired taste and it can be harder to select a good red.  Therefore, when you do not know your companion's tastes it may be wise to steer clear of the red wine section.

Sparkling wine can make you appear a little pretentious or if you go for a cheaper version, a tightwad;  so this is usually best avoided.  If you are not sure whether your companion likes wine at all, rosé wine is often a safe option as it often lacks the sharpness that people commonly dislike in wines.

How Much to Spend?

Remember more money doesn't always mean more quality.  If you are very new to wine, go for a house white.  A house white is unlikely to be extremely imaginative or unusual, but is almost always perfectly drinkable.  For this reason it is a safe, middle of the road option.

If you want to impress, look for something other than the house white.  Keep away from extremes until you know your companion a little better, so don't go for bone dry whites.  Instead, opt for a fruity dry wine that appeals to those who like both dry and medium whites.

Whilst neutral wines may seem like a bit of a cop-out, bear in mind that you simply want a drinkable wine that does not offend.

If you are really not sure what to choose, why not offer your companion a choice of glasses as an aperitif while you have a beer or spirit.  This way you can judge your companion's taste.  Even if they select a spirit, you can still get a measure of whether they prefer sweet or dry wines.

Of course, you could always give your companion the choice ...

A Little Red Wine Could Take You A Long Way!

Longevity interests a lot of people who aren't ready to give up their lives, just yet, and who look to healthy alternatives to culturally defined eating patterns and "health care".

The benefits of drinking wine have been touted for a while and are thought, by some, to be the reason why the French can get away with eating a high fat diet while enjoying a low rate of coronary disease.

A few years ago, a study by French research team also found that men who regularly drank at least two glasses of wine daily were 50 percent less likely than non-drinkers to suffer a second heart attack.

Previous studies with yeast, a small species of worm, and fruit flies have shown that resveratrol -- a polyphenol antioxidant found in grapes, especially red grapes, and particularly pinot noir grapes which are grown in northern latitudes and used in wines coming from New York, Washington, and Oregon -- is a life-extending compound.

In a new study from Italy, resveratrol has been used to increase the life span of a short-lived breed of tropical fish by more than 50%.  Not only did fish given resveratrol in their food live longer than the control group, they stayed livelier as they aged and displayed better memory in stimulus/response tests.  And the neurons in their brains didn't decay as quickly when they died and were dissected.

Resveratrol, an organic compound contained in the skins of grapes that protects them from disease, is extracted from grapes by the wine making process.  The wine becomes a preservative for the resveratrol and prevents its oxidation.

That's why drinking grape juice or eating raisins doesn't have the same effect; the resveratrol has neither been extracted nor preserved.  It's also been shown that resveratrol in food supplements oxidizes upon exposure to air and loses its effectiveness.

Red wine may truly be a "wondrous drug!"

Other studies have shown that wine, especially red wine, can help prevent colds, increase the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, lower the risk of Alzheimer's, reduce the size and number of fat cells in the body, reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and has anti-inflammatory properties to boot.

Drug companies are trying to copy Red wine may truly be a "wondrous drug!", but might not be able to preserve it's health-preserving benefits.  Besides, resveratrol is freely available in red wine and not patentable as such.