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2008 - Wine List

The Best Articles on Wine List

Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Wine



Christmas, New Year or Valentine's Day - times for sharing and exchanging gifts. If you are at your wits ends thinking of the perfect gift then there is no better option than a basket of wine and wine accessories.


Considering the options of wine gifts available in the market you will be spoilt for choices. A variety of wines are available in the market based on different kinds of grapes and the region of production. Red, white, dry or sparkling - you can gift any depending on your choice and preference. Wine gifts that top the list are the popular wine baskets. Wine baskets normally include a bottle of wine of your choice, smooth cheese, gourmet crackers, cashew nuts and a bar of chocolate. Prices vary on the choice of wine, the number of bottles in the basket and the combination of cheese, fresh fruits and chocolates. Prices start from as low as $40 and may shoot up to $400.


If you want to send a wine gift but are not sure as to the choice of wine then help is at hand with a variety of wine accessories to choose from. Nothing better than a set of crystal wine glasses or 'stemware'. It is important to know that different types of wines demand different types of glasses. Sparkling wines are served in flutes, red wines in glasses with a larger bowl and white ones in glasses with smaller bowls. Price of crystal glassware varies between $9 for a single glass and $100 for a set of 6. Decantling cradles or crystal decanters are also a good idea as wine gifts. There are different types of decanters for different types of wine and you can choose from the purely functional to the more extravagantly decorated ones. Prices range from as low as $10 for mini decanters to $45 for a capacity of 1.5 liters. Corkscrews and cork lifters made of chrome or silver are also a good idea for a wine gift.


If you prefer wood then you can go for a bottle balancer; it is a work of art and surely a wine lover's collection piece. Wine racks that come in different shapes and sizes can be an excellent wine gift idea. Books on wines or a gift membership to a wine club are also good wine gift ideas. And for both you have a variety of options to choose from.

About the Author


Rory H. Hawkins writes about wine gifts and other interesting topics. For more information on wine gift baskets visit us today.

Wine List and More

Wine Tasting in Northamptonshire - Revitalizing the Taste Buds for Corporate Event


Wine looks the same when poured in a glass, but it tastes different to your taste buds. It all depends on your taste. Do you often find it difficult t...


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Wine List Products we recommend

The FTD Loving Sympathy Arrangement - Standard


Pink lilies, larkspur, snapdragons, and heather are arranged in a splendid display. The arrangement is accented with other pink and white blooms and delivered in a basket. Appropriate to send to a home or to a funeral. S19-3563S


Price: 119.99 USD



News about Wine List

Weekend bits

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:20:52 PDT
Lemme think. Friday night I came home and drank two glasses of wine. Then I futzed my hair a different style and went to pick up Thai rice & chicken with hot sauce. I had a beer while waiting for the carry-out and flirted with the young, tall blonde hottie who kept a steady bead on me while I ignored him by texting a co-worker. I was sure that we’d had a ‘missed connection’ but alas no such “…hot daddy in hoodie, ordered rice & chicken…” was found on Craigslist. Le sigh. I went to BORD

"Aroma Thyme Radio" featuring Alice Walker

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:36:27 PDT
"Aroma Thyme Radio" featuring Alice Walker Joe Bevilacqua, 29:59 Informative Healthy Eating Show Joe Bevilacqua joins co-host Marcus Giuliano--Master Chef, Restaurateur, Health Advocate, Public Speaker & Consultant--in a lively and informative half-hour on health living, especially healthy eating. In this show, Marcus talks about his personal health journey and the benefits an antioxidants in super fruits. There is an Open Door segment, sponsored by Sounds True, with Pulitzer Prize winning aut

What Does A Formula One Driver Eat?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:41:30 PDT
The hot topic at the moment appears to be the diet Robert Kubica is currently on. According to his BMW team, Kubica has shed six kilograms over the winter period, a time at which many non-sports-people put on a few extra pounds. This weight-saving has apparently enabled the Pole to go a little quicker, the lighter his body meaning the team can add more ballast to bring the car up to the minimum weight of 605kg. Ballast is preferable over driver weight because it can be positioned in the car mor

Wheeling Summer Events Announced (WTOV 9 Steubenville)

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:51:15 PDT
Wheeling promises to be a busy place this summer as officials announced a long list of activities Monday.

VILLA MOSCONI RESTAURANT - ITALIAN WINE LIST NEW YORK CITY*

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:04:08 PDT
italian wine list

Recently on Boing Boing Gadgets

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:08:15 PDT
Recently on Boing Boing Gadgets we looked at my final list of stuff I'll be taking with me into the woods tomorrow as I attempt to blog powered by the sun alone; a GPS tracking device jammer; an outdoor table with solar device recharger; an almost great plan to offer a free, nationwide internet service from the guv, sans the porn; an air jack for your car that is filled by the exhaust; the Robotron, a vintage Soviet desktop computer; Swashbot, an adorable homemade robot; a concept laptop that l

why?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:55:39 PDT
In light of all of the things that we have learned about Barack Obama, I was trying to understand why superdelegates and Democratic leaders have been endorsing Obama. I mean, with the Wright controversy, and Obama's relationship to him. Obama's associations with Ayers, and Rezko, Nadhmi Auchi, Farrakhan. His terrible debate performances. His race baiting. His attacks on Hillary. Bitter-gate. Flag-gate (including the pin, the missing hand over the heart). Finger-gate? His wife stating her first


Wine Fermentation
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2:21 PM

April 21, 2008 - Wines

Wines For Your Reading Pleasure

Wine manufacturing process.



Wine is a product made from fruits like grapes, berries etc by drying them and later fermenting them. When the grapes ferment the sugar in the grapes convert to alcohol. They are available in various colors and textures depending upon the elements present in them. For example, the wine exhibits a reddish color when the seeds and the skin of the grapes are present during the fermentation process. When it is fermented without any quantity of non-juicy parts they turn pinkish.


The three main categories in wine are fortified wine, sparkling wine or table wine. It is known as a fortified wine when a little brandy is added to enrich the alcoholic content. It is termed as still or sparkling depending upon the CO2 quantity. Table wine is available in a very natural form and is not like the other wine.


Grapes are usually the best ingredients used in the preparation of wine. There is an equal proportion of sugar and acid in them, which cannot be found in any other fruit. High temperature heat is required to dry away the grapes. You must have a thorough knowledge regarding the exact harvesting season. If the harvesting is delayed you may not be able to produce a good quality wine because the level of sugar increases and the acidic extent gets too low.


At the initial stage of processing, the grapes are crushed using a large cylindrical container that inflates the juicy part of the grapes in the large bags that are attached. They are then fermented by heating the juicy part. In the process of heating the yeast that is present helps converting the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Sometimes this solution requires fermentation for the second time due to malic acid present. When the malic acid breaks downs into lactic acid and carbon dioxide, it adds a new buttery flavor to the wine.


The next step carried out is to settle all the particles like yeast cells, or any other material flowing on the top layer. It is then filtered and all the sediments are gathered on the filter. Winery aging is the process where the wine is tightly packed in containers not allowing the air to enter in them for nearly several months and sometimes years. The wine is then transferred in small bottles and sold.


Bottling is done in such a way that it becomes easy to identify the various types of wine. Also colored bottles reduce the chances of damage, oxidation and many other risks.


After buying a wine product it is important to store it in a right place. Usually damp and cool places like underground cellars are more appropriate. There are some underlying principles regarding the storage of wine. It should be stored in a cellar at a temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature fluctuates it will harm the quality of wine. Humidity about 60 % is necessary to keep the cork moist. Low temperatures will slow the process. Wine should be kept away from external sources like light, vibration and strong odors, which are obviously the barriers to the formation of a good quality wine.

About the Author


Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1538.html



You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL which is mentioned above.

Short Review on Wines

Why Australia for Fine Wines?


Australia, the land DownUnder, has become a major and exciting force in international wines. Australian wine is taking the world by storm, due to the ...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Wines Items For Viewing

The FTD Half Dozen Roses


Half dozen long stemmed Roses arranged in a glass vase with assorted greenery. Available in red, yellow, pink, peach or white. 8906


Price: 55.99 USD



Current Wines News

DrinkCraftBeer.com: Featured beers for June with Boston beer tasting.

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:52:10 PDT
DrinkCraftBeer.com has selected four beers for the month of June. In an effort to try and break some stereotypes of what a good summer beer can be the choices include: The Peoples Pint Oatmeal Stout and Stone's Old Guardian Barley Wine. Read the full article for reviews of each beer and info on a Boston beer tasting featuring the four beers.

Whole Foods Market Summer Wines and Cheese

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:07:03 PDT
Podcast episode from Whole Foods Market that features summer wines, along with cheese pairings and appetizers. Yum!

VW OFF-ROAD VACATION IN MOAB, UTAH

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:18:11 PDT
VW is organizing a series of off-road adventures this summer in Moab, Utah with professional guides to take the public into the back roads and bring them back to their luxury hotel for some daily R&R complete with gourmet meals and fine wine. Not a bad way to rough it.

Chilling with Red and Rosé Wines...On Hot Summer Days

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:05:56 PDT
Wondered what wine to treat your friends to this week-end or for the 4th of July cookout, hopefully this will give you a few fresh ideas.

Summer Koi Keeping

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 10:18:33 PDT
Summer is the time that we should be enjoying our Koi, there is nothing to beat sitting by the pond on a warm summer eveningenjoying a cold beer or glass of wine, watching the Koi looking for any morsel that might come their way.


Wine Tour
Blueberry Wine

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6:27 AM

April 21, 2008 - Michigan Wine

Today's Michigan Wine Article

Sonoma Valley Wineries And Wines


Although many AVAs in Sonoma County are well-known for one or two specific varietals, the Sonoma Valley enjoys diverse terroir, and successfully grows many different grape types. The Sonoma Valley AVA was established in 1982, and is approximately 160 square miles. About 28,000 acres are planted with vineyards.

History

The history of viticulture in the Sonoma Valley began when a Franciscan Padre named Jose Altimira established the Sonoma Mission in 1823. This was the last, and northernmost Spanish Mission built in California. Altimira established the first of the Sonoma Valley Wineries, and simple wines were produced for ecclesiastical purposes.

After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1835, General Vallejo was sent by the new government to secularize the Sonoma Mission and its surrounding properties. The Bear Flag Revolt occured 11 years later, and authority shifted to the United States Government shortly thereafter.

Agaston Harazsthy founded the first commercial Sonoma Valley Winery in 1857. Harazsthy experimented with different vitis vinifera varietals and greatly increased the perception of the Sonoma Valley as a quality wine region. Although Harazsthy's winery ultimately went bankrupt, it laid the foundation for future wine producers. Because of his contributions to Sonoma viticulture, Harazsthy is known as the "Father of the California Wine Industry".

The combined devastation of Phylloxera and Prohibition eliminated all but the most hearty and innovative Sonoma Valley Wineries. Sebastiani was able to persevere due to a contract with the Church to make wine. However, most vineyards were converted to other crops or used to raise livestock.

Despite the fact that the Sonoma Valley AVA has a long history of winemaking, it was not until the 1970s that quality wine production became widespread. The legacy of Phylloxera and Prohibition caused the region to stagnate for over a generation. Between the repeal of Prohibition and the renaissance of the 1970s, Sonoma Valley Wineries primarily produced jug wine.

During the 1970s, renowned wineries such as Gundlach-Bundschu, and Chateau St. Jean experimented successfully with several different varietals. As a result, one varietal does not dominate production as Cabernet Sauvignon does in the Rutherford and Oakville AVAs.

Terroir

The terroir of the Sonoma Valley AVA is dominated by unpredictable fog patterns. A substantial amount of fog from the Southern San Pablo Bay regularly covers the region. Additionally, a lesser amount of fog creeps through a gap in the mountains near Santa Rosa in the north.

The Southern Sonoma Valley is very cool and includes the eastern part of the Carneros AVA. Temperature steadily rise as one travels north. The town of Sonoma is located about one-third of the way north within the AVA and has a moderate, pleasant climate. The northern towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are substantially warmer.

Wines, Wineries, and Varietals

As alluded to earlier, unpredictable fog patterns make it difficult to typecast specific areas in the Sonoma Valley AVA as being suited to particular varietals. Although exceptions abound, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay generally thrive in the southern part of the Appellation. At the same time, there are areas around Kenwood in the northern part of the AVA that produce great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley varies dramatically from the south to the north. Northern Pinots have almost Rhone-like characteristics, while southern Pinots are lighter and more reminiscent of production from the Russian River Valley.

The eastern hills of the valley below Sonoma Mountain are increasingly best known for Zinfandel. McCrea Vineyards is an exceptional example of this production. While great Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found on the Eastern Sonoma Mountain, Louis M Martini's Monte Rosso in the Western Mayacamas Mountains has arguably been the most consistently excellent Cab grown by any Sonoma Valley Winery. Exceptional Gewurztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs are also produced in the Sonoma Valley AVA.

History

The history of viticulture in the Sonoma Valley began when a Franciscan Padre named Jose Altimira established the Sonoma Mission in 1823. This was the last, and northernmost Spanish Mission built in California. Altimira established the first of the Sonoma Valley Wineries, and simple wines were produced for ecclesiastical purposes.

After Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1835, General Vallejo was sent by the new government to secularize the Sonoma Mission and its surrounding properties. The Bear Flag Revolt occured 11 years later, and authority shifted to the United States Government shortly thereafter.

Agaston Harazsthy founded the first commercial Sonoma Valley Winery in 1857. Harazsthy experimented with different vitis vinifera varietals and greatly increased the perception of the Sonoma Valley as a quality wine region. Although Harazsthy's winery ultimately went bankrupt, it laid the foundation for future wine producers. Because of his contributions to Sonoma viticulture, Harazsthy is known as the "Father of the California Wine Industry".

The combined devastation of Phylloxera and Prohibition eliminated all but the most hearty and innovative Sonoma Valley Wineries. Sebastiani was able to persevere due to a contract with the Church to make wine. However, most vineyards were converted to other crops or used to raise livestock.

Despite the fact that the Sonoma Valley AVA has a long history of winemaking, it was not until the 1970s that quality wine production became widespread. The legacy of Phylloxera and Prohibition caused the region to stagnate for over a generation. Between the repeal of Prohibition and the renaissance of the 1970s, Sonoma Valley Wineries primarily produced jug wine.

During the 1970s, renowned wineries such as Gundlach-Bundschu, and Chateau St. Jean experimented successfully with several different varietals. As a result, one varietal does not dominate production as Cabernet Sauvignon does in the Rutherford and Oakville AVAs.

Terroir

The terroir of the Sonoma Valley AVA is dominated by unpredictable fog patterns. A substantial amount of fog from the Southern San Pablo Bay regularly covers the region. Additionally, a lesser amount of fog creeps through a gap in the mountains near Santa Rosa in the north.

The Southern Sonoma Valley is very cool and includes the eastern part of the Carneros AVA. Temperature steadily rise as one travels north. The town of Sonoma is located about one-third of the way north within the AVA and has a moderate, pleasant climate. The northern towns of Glen Ellen and Kenwood are substantially warmer.

Wines, Wineries, and Varietals

As alluded to earlier, unpredictable fog patterns make it difficult to typecast specific areas in the Sonoma Valley AVA as being suited to particular varietals. Although exceptions abound, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay generally thrive in the southern part of the Appellation. At the same time, there are areas around Kenwood in the northern part of the AVA that produce great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir from Sonoma Valley varies dramatically from the south to the north. Northern Pinots have almost Rhone-like characteristics, while southern Pinots are lighter and more reminiscent of production from the Russian River Valley.

The eastern hills of the valley below Sonoma Mountain are increasingly best known for Zinfandel. McCrea Vineyards is an exceptional example of this production. While great Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found on the Eastern Sonoma Mountain, Louis M Martini's Monte Rosso in the Western Mayacamas Mountains has arguably been the most consistently excellent Cab grown by any Sonoma Valley Winery. Exceptional Gewurztraminers and Sauvignon Blancs are also produced in the Sonoma Valley AVA.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Ben Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and is the webmaster of http://www.california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com



Another short Michigan Wine review

Choosing a Wine Gift Basket


Choosing a Wine Gift Basket by: PeterDuring the holiday season, most of us are in a frantic search for presents for loved ones and friends. Next ...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Michigan Wine Items

The FTD French Garden - Standard


A mix of green and blooming plants in a basket makes a nice presentation and a long lasting gift. Approx. 20H x 8W C35-2943S


Price: 57.99 USD



Current Michigan Wine News

Road trip! 9 great B&B detours off I-95 (Miami Herald)

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:23:55 PDT
Heading north and dreading the tiresome drive on Interstate 95? Can't blame you, really. Packing the car and paying at the pump are painful enough, not to mention long hours behind the wheel and putting up with road construction projects that try your patience and slow your progress.

Home winemakers show their stuff (Baltimore Sun)

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:29:41 PDT
Highlandtown event honors the grape, all things Italian Virgilio Guglielmi, a white-haired 77-year-old whose cheeks were a little red after a few glasses of his homemade red wine, claims that he was born in the vineyards and started drinking wine in Italy as soon as his mother stopped breast-feeding him. Don't laugh. "That's not a joke," he said.

5 Star Living - Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:49:39 PDT
Jump to the full entry & travel map Hong Kong, Hong Kong Day 1 I arrived in Hong Kong around 11 AM. I took the train into the city. That in itself was such an experience. The trains were amazingly clean and efficient. They even had flat screen televisions in every car. It made the trains in Chicago look really nasty. They even had a screen that showed your progression and announced the stops in quite a few languages. I don't think that they could have made it any easier for the foreign pa


Chianti Wine
Wine Barrel
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Posted by Larry Johnson | 0 comments