Graeme
@shaggybreeks
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105 Followers
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Madeira Wines: A Taste of History
Reading "taste wines from the age of piracy" is mind-blowing. Piracy's 'Golden Age' was 1650-1730, but it persisted, overlapping with some of the oldest available wines on the market. Imagine, bottles like the 1795 Madeiras on @ruepinardliquors, surviving the French Revolution, pirate raids... If they could talk!
But would they be drinkable, enjoyable? Fortified wines, like Madeira, have a chance. Fortification - adding stronger alcohol - halts fermentation, preserving sweetness and extending lifespan dramatically. Not that it'll be 'fresh'. Oxygen, even in tiny amounts, alters wine over time. I'd guess this wine is nutty, dried fruit, maybe caramel, brown sugar. Freshness is likely replaced by tertiary notes.
But let's be real: is flavor even the point? This is living liquid, preserved, witnessing more than any human. It's shared Earth's rotations with ancient trees. More than wine, it's a story, a history you can hold, taste, connect with. 0 reply
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Puy de Dôme, a region marked by the dramatic silhouettes of extinct volcanoes, harbors a lesser-known but deeply rooted heritage of Pinot Noir cultivation. This tradition stretches back to the Middle Ages, when monastic orders carefully tended vines of the grape then known as "Noirien." These early wines, shaped by the region's cool climate and unique volcanic soils, were likely delicate and pale, mirroring the subtle hues of the surrounding landscape.
The phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century dealt a devastating blow to the region's viticulture, but the resilient spirit of Puy de Dôme saw a revival in the 20th century. Advances in viticulture and winemaking techniques allowed the true potential of Pinot Noir in this unique terroir to be unlocked. Today, Puy de Dôme Pinot Noirs express a captivating spectrum of flavors, from vibrant red fruits and floral notes to a distinctive minerality imparted by the volcanic soils. The wines range in style from light and approachable to complex and age-worthy, sho… 0 reply
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It's a delightful daydream: vineyards nestled amongst St. Lucia's lush mountains. But can this tropical paradise actually produce grape wine? 🇱🇨
Traditional grapevines crave a chilly winter, with temperatures consistently dipping below 15°C. St. Lucia's climate, unfortunately, rarely obliges, with even the coolest Highlands nights staying above 18°. Add in the annual onslaught of storms and persistently high humidity, and it's clear that classic grape varieties face a formidable challenge.
The Highlands do boast well-draining soil, ideal for vineyards. Yet, the steep terrain makes cultivation labor-intensive and expensive, further hindering the prospects of grape wine.
So, it seems the answer is a reluctant "no" for traditional wine.
But hold on! St. Lucia isn't devoid of vinous delights. The island embraces its tropical bounty, crafting unique and refreshing wines from mangoes, pineapples, guavas, and even soursops. These local creations showcase the island's vibrant flavors and offer a delightful… 0 reply
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Temecula: A Wine Region Reborn
I learned about Temecula, a Southern California wine region south of LA, from a colleague.
Its story is fascinating.
In the 60s, Temecula was pitched as Rancho California, a peaceful escape for LA residents to grow grapes and make wine. It thrived, with vineyards sprouting up and wine production booming.
But, the hot climate posed challenges. Thankfully, sea breezes helped cool the area, enabling vine growth.
However, the 90s brought disaster as Pierce's disease ravaged the vineyards, forcing most vines to be removed.
Thankfully, brave individuals replanted with new varieties better suited to the hot climate.
Today, Temecula produces wines from Grenache,
Petit Sirah,
Syrah,
Tempranillo, and more, with wineries like South Coast and Callaway leading the way.
I'm eager to learn more and taste these wines soon! 1 reply
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If you need to cool down from the excitement of the new cred pass, very few things hit that fresh spot quite as well as some bubbles.
But we often get into the habit of sticking to the same old tried and tested ones we have every year. Well, if you are craving something different, why not try Franciacorta.
This Franciacorta shown here by @corteaurafranciacorta is their brut sparkling wine made from 90% Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Produced in the same way as Champagne, normally called the traditional method, or metodo tradizionale in Italy. This is a wine with loads of freshness and character.
On the nose and palate it shows up with 🍋 lemon, 🍏 green apple, 🍦 creaminess, and even some subtle notes of fresh 🍞 bread.
When served cold, around 6 degrees, this wine absolutely sings like a cantante lirico!
What's more, it's nearly always much cheaper than champagne, and rivals the best French Cremants in taste and price too. A good lil money saver. 1 reply
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Unlocking the Secrets of Wine: A Quick Guide to Becoming a Wine Detective 🕵️♀️
Have you ever witnessed someone identify a wine's origins with just a sip? While it may appear magical, it's a skill honed through observation and understanding the subtle clues within each glass.
Let's explore this using Chardonnay. This adaptable grape beautifully reflects its terroir, offering a spectrum of flavors based on climate:
* Cool Climates (e.g., Chablis): Green fruits dominate: crisp pear, tart apple, with a refreshing minerality. The wines are leaner, often with a flinty character.
* Moderate Climates (e.g., New Zealand): Stone fruits emerge: juicy peach, fragrant apricot, even a hint of mango. These wines strike a balance between richness and acidity, often showing subtle oak influence.
* Warm Climates (e.g., Italy): Tropical & citrus notes abound: zesty lemon, ripe pineapple, a touch of spice. These wines are generous and full-flavored.
By tasting various Chardonnays, you can begin to recognize these … 1 reply
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"Pink Wine" by Georges Valmier beautifully showcases the shared expressiveness of art and wine. Cubism, like wine, captures the beauty hidden in everyday objects. The painting's overlapping glass, table, and wine bottle represent this idea, mirroring how wine reveals different facets of itself as it breathes and evolves.
Wine, at its core, is simply fermented grape juice, yet it offers a complex sensory experience, with flavors and aromas intertwining in unpredictable ways. Similarly, this artwork, through its defiance of perspective, invites the viewer to feel multiple emotions simultaneously, sometimes rapidly, sometimes gradually unfolding over time.
Both wine and this painting challenge our linear understanding, offering an opportunity to embrace the multifaceted nature of beauty and experience. Just as wine evolves in the glass, revealing new layers of complexity, so too does this artwork invite us to discover new depths with each viewing. It's a reminder that true appreciation often comes not from im… 1 reply
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