I selected Riesling from the Alsace region in France because it’s expression is unique compared to those from other regions and countries. As you may recall, back in July, we explored the world of German Rieslings, which vary widely in level of sweetness. Alsace is known for its pronounced minerality imparted on the wine fromContinue reading “September 22nd-Alsatian Riesling”
Author Archives: Theloosetannin
September 15th-Trebbiano (or Orvieto)
Trebbiano, or Ugni Blanc, is a family of white grape varieties widely planted in central Italy, as well as all around the world. While there are many types of Trebbiano,Trebbiano Toscano (aka Procanico) is blended with Grechetto to make Orvieto, a blend originating from the Orvieto DOC (in the region of Umbria, south of Tuscany).Continue reading “September 15th-Trebbiano (or Orvieto)”
September 8th-Agiorgitiko
Agiorgitiko (Ah-yohr-Yee-ti-koh) is an ancient Greek red grape variety from the Peloponnesian peninsula in southern Greece. It thrives in the hot Mediterranean climate in the Nemea PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wine appellation. The name means ‘St George’s Grape’ (and is commonly labelled as such) but is nicknamed ‘Blood of Heracles’. The mythology behind theContinue reading “September 8th-Agiorgitiko”
September 1st-Austrian Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner (GV) is a light bodied, crisp white wine that hails from Austria. It is believed to be a cross between Savagnin (parent to Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer to name a few) and St Georgen (an ancient white grape identified in 2000). The wine underwent many name changes over the centuries but became knownContinue reading “September 1st-Austrian Grüner Veltliner”
August 25th-Prosecco
Prosecco is another type of sparkling wine. It originates from the Veneto region in Northeast Italy but other approved areas to produce it are located in the Friuli-Venezia region. It is mostly made with the Glera grape but new as of this year is a Prosecco Rosé, DOC. This rosé can also contain up toContinue reading “August 25th-Prosecco”
August 18th-Vouvray
This week is revisiting Chenin Blanc. Previously, we tried the grape as it is produced in South Africa. This week, we can see how that version differs from those of Vouvray. Vouvray is an area within the Loire Valley in Northern France that produces Chenin Blanc. Just like with other wines of France, the nameContinue reading “August 18th-Vouvray”
September Tasting Schedule
With 2021 harvest rapidly approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s difficult to believe summer is almost behind us! We have a few last light wines before we start getting back to the wines to pair with our favorite cooler weather meals! September 1st-Austrian Gruner Veltliner September 8th-Agiorgitiko September 15th-Tebbiano (or Oriveto) September 22nd-Alsatian Riesling SeptemberContinue reading “September Tasting Schedule”
August 11-New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Back in June, we tasted Sancerre, a French old world style Sauvignon Blanc. Today, we’ll try a Marlborough new world version of this white grape. While the French versions tend to exhibit more minerality, the cool climates of Marlborough impart lively, sharp acidity, gooseberries, tropical fruits and herbaceousness. They also show an unmistakable smell ofContinue reading “August 11-New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc”
August 4th-Cava
Cava is the Spanish version of Champagne, made in the same manner (listed as traditional method or methode champenoise on the label) but usually from different grapes. The most common grapes used in Cava are Parellada, Xarel·lo, and Macabeo. These grapes can be used to make single varietal wines but are known for their useContinue reading “August 4th-Cava”
July 28th-Argentinian Malbec
Malbec is one of the original Bordeaux grape varieties from the Bordeaux region of France. It is still included in small amounts in many blends from the region but never flourished as a single varietal wine grape until some vines were relocated to the Mendoza region of Argentina in 1868 in an effort to improveContinue reading “July 28th-Argentinian Malbec”
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 