If you’re new to the world of Scotch, here’s what you need to know in order to start enjoying the most manly of spirits.
Apr062017
All posts by oaksadmin
Mar232017
The Ultimate French Chardonnay
Elusive, elegant and expensive, there is no better time to indulge in great white burgundy than during the summer.
Chardonnay is originally from France’s Burgundy region, where the best white Burgundies are powerful and rich, with complex fruit flavors and notes of earth and minerals. More affordable Chardonnays from Burgundy-for instance, those simply labeled Bourgogne Blanc-are crisp and lively, with apple and lemon flavors.
Mar072017
New World & Old World Wines
Understanding of the difference between the old world & new world wine varieties is essential in maximizing the wine-tasting experience.
The most basic difference between Old World and New World wines is geographic: “Old World” refers to the traditional wine growing regions of Europe, while “New World” refers to everything else.
Feb032017
One of the great, Left Bank Bordeaux wines
The Left Bank of Bordeaux. Defined as the land around the city of Bordeaux that is south or west of the river Gironne. Although the Left Bank is not necessarily a better place to find wine than the competing Right Bank, the classification system is more logical and organized. More, if not necessarily better, famed wine villages exist, and the region has a longer and more established history.
Jan212017
Amazing Italy’s Wine Regions
Some of Italy’s Top Wine Regions namely Piedmont, Super Tuscans, Alto Adige.
Piedmont: Known for the big, burly wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, Piedmont sits high and tight in Italy’s northwest corner. Home to some heavy duty red wines and the ever popular, light-hearted bubbles of Moscato, this particular Italian wine region is dominated by three key grapes: Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto. The highly concentrated, ultra dry red wines of Barolo and Barbaresco are both built on the late-ripening grape of Nebbiolo.
Dec282016
Bordeaux Outstanding Vintage 2010
There is no question that 2010 will take its rightful place as a great Bordeaux vintage. It comes at the end of a golden decade with 2000, 2005 and 2009 all outstanding. Before that, one returns to 1982, 1961 and 1945 for such unqualified praise.
Oct312016
Spanish Wine
Spain, a land of breathtaking landscapes, colorful history and a deep, complex culture in which wine has long played an important role.
Grape vines have been grown on the Iberian Peninsula since at least 3000 B.C., although it was not until 1000 B.C. that winemaking began here in earnest – a skill brought by Phoenician traders from the eastern Mediterranean. Well known for rich red wines, crisp white wines, sparkling wines and the unique fortified Sherry wines.
Oct182016
Rhone Valley
Rhone Valley is a key wine-producing region in the southeast of France.
The length of the valley means that Rhone wines are the product of a wide variety of soil types and mesoclimate. While the granite-blessed slopes of the north are paired with a continental climate, the rocky, sandy soils of the flatter south enjoy the warmer winters of a Medite Prestige is also a key differentiator between the northern and southern areas of the Rhone. The south is not entirely lacking in prestige, however, as it is here that the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation is located.
Sep172016
Wine Cork vs. Screw Caps
Screw caps were widely adopted in the 1980s by Swiss winemakers. Screw caps met with customer resistance in Australia and New Zealand, and were phased out in the early 1980s, only to be reintroduced gradually in the 1990s.
Cork has some theoretical benefits. There’s a certain level of ritual in popping one, and it is pleasurable. It’s traditional, and plenty of red wine producers feel that the jury is still out on the longevity of screw-caps. If your wine is a red built for long aging, cork can be a good thing because it’s a teensy bit permeable and lets in a bit of oxygen, which softens tannins
The main disadvantage of the screw-cap is perception besides its many advantages over cork-sealed wine – people aren’t used to associating it with good wine.
Aug252016
St Emillon Vineyards
Wine lovers, the first time visiting St.Emilion would be a daze of joyous wonder about this renown wine style.
Over time wealthier Pilgrims would arrange for wines from their favorites stops to be transported home and along with a few rumors of miraculous health giving benefits this cemented the reputation of St.Emilion. As the clergy and wine merchants in St.Emilion became wealthy on the profits of the wine they began to become protective of their reputation and in 1189 they obtained a royal charter from King John, England ruled the region until 1453.