Coulure
March 24, 2008
Hey could you tell me what grape shatter is please? - Jeanie in Beaumont, TX
Grape shatter which is known as Coulure in French happens when a grape cluster does not fully mature. This is due from either the grapevine’s flowers not getting pollinated or that the berries fell off soon after they formed.
Coulure is triggered by periods of cold, cloudy, rainy weather or very high out-of-season temperatures and the condition is manifested in Spring. Varietals with high proclivity to couloure are Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, and Muscat Ottonel. Other causes of coulure may be vineyard conditions and practices, pruning too early or too severely, excessively fertile soils or overuse of fertilizers, and improper selection of root stocks or clones.
Coulure can also cause irregular bunches of grapes which are less compact than normal. These bunches are more sensitive for diseases. The yield of a vine with coulure will decrease substantially and is what is meant by the term “poor fruit set.”
See, this is why you should always be grateful for that perfect bottle of wine. Think of all the poor, poor souls in the past who literally had their hopes and dreams for lush moments shattered. Drink solemnly in remembrance of their loss. Amen.
Wine Varietal Chart
March 20, 2008
Hello Wine Virgin, would there be anyway possible that you could provide me with a quick wine varietal chart with different wine types listed? I would really appreciate it. Thank you Wine Virgin!! - Charla in Big Lake, AK
I have to say that I am impressed that you truly want to get to know your wines, so just for you Charla, I went and found this wine varietal chart so you can learn exactly what you need to pinpoint those hidden flavors. Cheers!!
|
White Wines |
Aromas and Flavors |
Body |
|
Sparkling Wine |
Apple, pear, yeast |
Medium |
|
Sauvignon |
Herbaceous, |
Light |
|
Chardonnay |
Pear, |
Medium |
|
Viognier |
Floral, |
Medium |
|
Pinot |
Crisp, |
Light |
|
Pinot |
Pear, |
Medium |
|
Chenin |
Peaches, |
Light |
|
Gewurztraminer |
Lychee |
Medium |
|
Riesling |
Apple, |
Light |
|
Red
|
Aromas and Flavors |
Body |
|
Pinot |
Strawberry, |
Light |
|
Merlot |
Blackberry, |
Medium |
|
Zinfandel |
Berries, |
Medium |
|
Cabernet |
Blueberries, |
Heavy |
|
Syrah |
peppery, |
Medium |
|
Blackberry, |
Heavy |
|
|
Sangiovese |
Cherry, |
Light |
|
Raspberry, casis, herbacious |
Medium |
|
|
Barbera |
Berries |
Medium |
Wine Longevity
March 7, 2008
Hi, what different types of wine have good wine longevity? - Miriam in Farmington, NM
With all the talk about different types of wine that are specifically made for aging, most of the world’s wines are meant for immediate use. The rare ones that are crafted for this type of wine longevity require specialized storage at a constant 55F. This is way too cold for constant air conditioning and yet too warm for a refrigerator.
Can you imagine the electric bill after 25 + years? We have to recognize that wines of more than 100 years old, or even 50 in the vast majority of cases, are still going to be anything other than a fascinating piece of curiosity and that these are bought by people to be part of their collection.
However, an affordable wine which does have great wine longevity is Madeira. This strong wine was purposely made to survive while even improving during long ocean voyages to markets around the world. Madeira ranges from dry to very sweet and it will last for quite a long time, even under poor storage conditions.
Believe it or not, Madeira remains very affordable for an age worthy wine. They usually start from $20 to $50 for a recently produced bottle sold here in the states.
Here are a few types that offer the best wine longevity: Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhones from France, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Italian reds, dessert wines like Port, Sauternes and Rieslings.
So go buy a few bottles and put them away for that occasion when something from your past can greet you in the pleasure of good company.
A Dry Wine or a Sweet Wine?
March 6, 2008
How do you tell if you have a sweet wine or a dry wine by looking at the label? - June in Grand Junction, CO
Actually, except for dessert wines, almost all table wines are “dry” which simply means un-sweet. Some dry wines can have a more fruity taste than others and this may be considered as a slight sweetness. The list of either a dry wine or a sweet wine can be found below.
Note that there are many exceptions to what is listed so be advised that this isn’t an exact rule of thumb. However, this offers a broad summary of popular wine grapes and types and will give you a general idea of what’s in the bottle.
Sweet - Dessert wines, Port, Sauternes, Cream Sherry. Lightly Sweet - German whites, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, White Zinfandel. Dry Whites - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and many Italian whites. Dry Reds - Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Beaujolais.
As a former virgin myself, my best advice to you June is to get out there and try as many different things as possible because you never know what you might end up liking. Cheers!!
Cheese for Wine that Will not Make You Gag
February 26, 2008
I’m having a dinner party later this week and I have some wine questions about what would be the best cheese for wine. I’ll be serving Merlot, thanks your help!! - Jackie in Raleigh, NC
So you want something that’s not going to leave a bad taste in your guest’s mouth huh? You know, being the Wine Virgin I understand the dilemma that you’re in. I used to hate it when I would try something new and it wouldn’t go well with the taste that was already in my mouth. This would usually make me gag.
So I know you want to do all which is in your power to make sure that everything that touches the palate of your guest’s mouth sends nothing but pure excitement trickling down their throats, leaving them in wanton anticipation of what will happen next. As well you should, because I heard recently that a highly acclaimed Democrat was actually leaving the party due to the fact that the leader at the time had left a bad taste in her mouth.
Anyway you try to shoot it, if the flavors aren’t compatible you are going to find yourself with that weird feeling of “Oh no, what have I done?” as you look around and see the uncomfortable expressions on everyone’s face.
So here are the best Merlot cheese choices. Try Merlot with younger wash rind cow’s milk cheeses and many of the Alpine-style cow’s milk cheeses. As well as with sheep’s milk cheese. But remember, the full flavor of Merlot grapes does not pair well with goat’s milk cheeses. If you like to take risks in the mouths of others then try Merlot wine with blue cheese… at your own peril of course.