The Never Ending Search for Great Wine

Photo by Doriana Popa on Unsplash

A few years ago, as I began to develop an interest in wines, I embarked on a quest to find a truly exceptional wine that I could consistently return to and savor. Although the search for a remarkable wine was an enjoyable journey, it never seemed to lead me to a wine that I could always revisit and relish as much as the initial experience. As it turns out, that was merely the beginning of an unending pursuit of the perfect wine.

Part of the reason it’s challenging, if not impossible, to consistently find a great wine year after year is the very nature of winemaking. Each year’s harvest is unique, heavily influenced by weather conditions. Spring weather determines the number of grapevine buds that develop into grape bunches, while fall sun or rain affects the grapes’ ripening process. Beyond the grape harvest variability, numerous factors contribute to the fermentation and aging of wines, resulting in ever-changing nuances.

Then, you realize there’s another factor at play. As you embark on your wine journey, you encounter an increasing variety of wines. This exposure gradually alters your palate. What once seemed like a delightful wine may now appear ordinary. Consequently, you continue your search, driven by the desire to find that exceptional wine.

And to this day, I continue my quest for exceptional wines, determined to find them. However, I’ve come to realize that this search is an endless journey. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for the experience and the joy it brings. Here’s to great wine and the endless pursuit of it. Cheers!

Sparkling Wines to Consider for the Holidays

Photo by Alexander Naglestad on Unsplash

Sparkling wines really do shine during the holidays—both literally and figuratively. Here’s a few tips on the various types of sparkling wines to enjoying them to the fullest.

Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine that is produced in the relatively small region of Champagne in France. An entry level bottle of Champagne is going to start in the $50 range.

Some Champagne facts:

• Champagne is typically produced from three grapes — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier

• To be called Champagne, it must be produced in the Champagne region of France. Otherwise, it must be called Sparkling Wine

• Champagne is produced using a process called the méthode champenoise where the bubbles are formed in the bottle during a second fermentation.

U.S. Sparkling Wine

In the U.S., there are a tremendous number of makers of sparkling wine. Most will produce a wine that can taste very much like the French Champagne. And, you can also find rosé sparkling wines.  An entry level bottle of sparkling wine in the U.S. can be as little as $10. Read more

Prosecco and Asti

In Italy, Prosecco is their signature sparkling wine. Produced in the Veneto region just north of Venice, this sparkling wine usually produces bigger bubbles. Bottles of Prosecco can be purchased in the $10- $15 range. Read more

Cava

The sparkling wine of Spain is Cava that is produced in the Catalonia region of Spain where Barcelona is located.  Nice bottles of Cava can be purchased for around $15. Read more

Styles of Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Brut Nature - This style is bone dry meaning it has little or no sugar content (0–3 g/L sugar).

Extra Brut - This style is also very dry but, it can have up to twice the sugar level of Brut Nature (0–6 g/L sugar). This little bit of sweetness creates a wonderful balance with Champagne’s naturally high acidity.

Brut - This is the most common style. While considered “Dry” this style can have twice the sugar of Extra Brut (0–12 g/L sugar).

Extra Dry - This is the one that always confuses people. This style is sweeter which actually makes it also taste a bit fruity (12–17 g/L sugar).

Dry - The confusing continues. This style is getting up there in sweetness (17–32 g/L sugar).

Demi-Sec - Now you’re talking Sweet (32–50 g/L sugar). This style works well with desserts or cheeses.

Doux - This one, while very rare to find, is really sweet (50+ g/L sugar).

A few serving tips

• Chill properly: About 40–45°F (4–7°C) is ideal

• Use proper glassware: Tulip or white wine glasses preserve aroma better than narrow flutes

• Open gently: Twist the bottle, not the cork, for a quiet, elegant release

No matter which type or style you choose, give sparkling wines a try this holiday season. Cheers!

When Buying an Italian Wine Check to See if it is DOC or DOCG - They Are Different!

In Italian wines, DOC and DOCG are classifications that signify different attributes:

DOC – Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Controlled Designation of Origin):

• This classification was established in 1963

• It ensures that wines are made in a specific region using specific grape varieties and production methods.

• Regulations cover the permitted grape types, yield limits, aging requirements, and production methods.

• Bottles will have the DOC classification on a band around neck of the bottle

• There are hundreds of DOC zones in Italy.

Think of DOC as a guarantee of geographic origin and quality control but with some flexibility.

DOCG – Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin):

• This is a higher level classification than DOC that was established in 1980.

• It has all the DOC requirements plus stricter rules on production, yield, and quality.

• Wines must pass analytical tests and taste tests before being approved for sale.

• Each bottle must have a numbered government seal around the neck to prevent counterfeiting.

• There are only around 70 appellations that are officially recognized as DOCG in Italy.

The DOCG classification is reserved for wines of higher quality and geographic significance. But, that does not necessarily mean that they are prohibitively expensive.

So, next time you are looking to pick up some Italian wine, be sure to also check the band around the neck of the bottle to see if it is DOC or DOCG. Cheers!