Theloosetannin

October 11th-Savennières

Savennières is an appellation in the Loire Valley in northwestern France. It is slightly inland, up the Loire River from the Atlantic coast and the town of Pays Nantais. It is part of the Anjou-Saumur region. This region is sometimes at risk of spring frost, made more risky if grapes being grown are early buddingContinue reading “October 11th-Savennières”

Oct 4th-Lacrima di Morro d’Alba

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is a red grape indigenous to the Marche region of central Italy. There are many grapes that have Lacrima as part of their name, which usually refers to the teardrop shape of their grapes. Unlike those, it is thought that Lacrima di Morro d’Alba got that portion of its name fromContinue reading “Oct 4th-Lacrima di Morro d’Alba”

September 27th-Bellone

Bellone is a vigorously growing white grape likely indigenous to the Lazio region of central Italy, near Rome. It is thought that its first historical mention was from Pliny the Elder in the 1st century, where it went by the name Uva Pantastica. Vigorous grape varieties often lack concentrated flavors if specific steps are notContinue reading “September 27th-Bellone”

Sept 20th-Gigondas Rosé

Gigondas is an appellation in the southern Rhône valley in southeast France. The southern Rhône is known for the production of red blends containing Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The region also allows the use of Cinsault and Carignan in the final wine. Vineyards in this area benefit from cooling effects of being grown at upContinue reading “Sept 20th-Gigondas Rosé”

September 13th-Portuguese red blend

Portugal is home to many unique grape varieties that are commonly used in field blends (blends of unknown quantities of multiple grapes). Newer vineyards have the luxury of planting known quantities of specific grapes but this may not be known in older vineyards. This week, I grabbed a bottle of Poças red blend from myContinue reading “September 13th-Portuguese red blend”

September 6th-Crémant de Loire

Crémant de Loire is a sparkling wine made using the same method as Champagne but with grape varieties grown in the Loire region of northwest France. The most common grapes used are the white grape Chenin Blanc and the red grape Cabernet Franc, but Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and some more unusual grapes can be used.Continue reading “September 6th-Crémant de Loire”

August 30th-Folle Blanche

Folle Blanche is a white grape variety believed to be indigenous to southwestern France. Its first mentions date back to the late 17th century. Traditionally, it has been used for the production of cognac and armagnac, brandies made using distillation methods. It is known for its high yielding nature, neutral flavor, and enamel-removing acidity. PlantingsContinue reading “August 30th-Folle Blanche”

August 23rd- Cinque Terre DOC

In addition to being home to five picturesque fishing areas on the Italian Riviera in northwestern Italy, Cinque Terre (translated to ‘five lands’) also is a designated area to grow wine grapes. The vineyards in this area are on steep trellised slopes that require manual labor (and maybe a harness in some parts). If afraidContinue reading “August 23rd- Cinque Terre DOC”

August 16th-Cremant d’Alsace

Cremant d’Alsace is sparkling wine made using the same method as Champagne but the grapes allowed are a bit different. Cremants are made in 8 different regions around France and denote a sparkling wine using the same method but not made in the region of Champagne. Other examples include Bourgogne, Loire, and Savoie, to nameContinue reading “August 16th-Cremant d’Alsace”

August 9th-Ansonica (Inzolia)

Inzolia is a white grape indigenous to the island of Sicily but also goes by Ansonica in the region of Tuscany. It was first mentioned in writings in the 16th century where it is said to have spread to Sardinia then to the islands of Elba and Giglio (located just off the coast of westernContinue reading “August 9th-Ansonica (Inzolia)”