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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Established in 1844, Penfolds has played a pivotal role in the evolution of winemaking in Australia – and across the world.
The Penfolds Collection displays the distinctive and recognisable Penfolds ‘House Style’ – the ultimate expression of Penfolds time-honoured tradition of sourcing the best fruit from the best regions. The wines ably demonstrate Penfolds expertise with single and multi-regional blending, making wines to style and pursuing the highest of quality benchmarks.
Penfolds has been recognised as the ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brand’ by Drinks International in their annual poll, following a successful year of honours. Almost 200 international industry experts including buyers, sommeliers, wine writers, Masters of Wine, industry experts and wine critics took part in the poll which pits wine brands from all global regions, styles and qualities against each other.
In the spirit of Penfolds reputation for innovation and experimentation, a collection of Limited Edition wines have been unveiled in recent years. A delicate process in which winemaking heritage is carefully balanced with contemporary rule-breaking, these rare offerings continue to lead the way in the world of fine wine.
A first for Penfolds, this twin magnum release is a superb offering for the serious collector and those who wish to mark a significant occasion with these generous and enduring wines.
The ‘100-point Grange Collector’s Edition’ houses magnums of both the 2008 and 2010 Penfolds Grange vintages in a specially crafted presentation case. Celebrated as two of the finest vintages in an unbroken lineage, both of these exceptional wines have been awarded 100-point scores by acclaimed critics.
From the beginning, almost 170 years ago, fortified wines were created by our forebears at Penfolds … and we have never stopped.” While the 50 Year Old Rare Tawny is the ultimate expression of the Penfolds fortified House Style, it is easily linked to the entire Tawny collection which comprises of Great Grandfather Rare Tawny NV, Grandfather Rare Tawny NV, Father Grand Tawny NV, Club Reserve Tawny NV and Club Tawny NV. Integrating the 1915 vintage component from Penfolds precious glass stock reserves means the 50 Year Old Rare Tawny carries a genetic connection to the earliest recorded vintage of Penfolds Grandfather Tawny.
The passion and technical skill of blowing glass by hand; the precision of the hand-turned wooden stoppers crafted from history-soaked timbers of old Penfolds fortified barrels; the painstaking hours of positioning and attaching each pewter crest and hand-twisting every muselet wire: these time-honoured artisanal skills have created a beautifully tailored receptacle for this long-awaited Tawny.
Penfolds collection & limited edition series are now available at The Oaks Cellars