Monthly Schedules – A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks

Jan 25th-Zelen

Zelen is an ancient indigenous grape from the Vipavska Dolina area in southwest Slovenia (to the east of Northern Italy). I had tried a wine previously that was a field blend that included a small percentage of Zelen but on my last trip to the wine shop, I found a varietal wine. Zelen translates toContinue reading “Jan 25th-Zelen”

Jan 18th-Jacquère

While sorting through my bottles of wine over the past week, I stumbled across a bottle of Vin de Savoie made from Jacquère, a white grape believed to have been imported to the region in the 13th century. Savoie is located in southeastern France, in the foothills of the French Alps. The grapes in theContinue reading “Jan 18th-Jacquère”

Jan 11th-Petit Rouge

Petit Rouge is a small red grape (just as the name would indicate) grown in the Italian Alps in the region Valle d’Aosta. It is believed to have been transported to the area during the fifth century when countries along the North Sea became Burgundy territories. It is a vital grape variety in the ValleContinue reading “Jan 11th-Petit Rouge”

Dec 28th- Pinot Meunier

Pinot Meunier is a black grape used in the production of Champagne and other sparkling wines. It is added in small proportions to blends that are more predominantly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to increase the fruity notes in the final product. Meunier got its name because of the layer of white ‘peach fuzz’ on theContinue reading “Dec 28th- Pinot Meunier”

Dec 21st-Glühwein

With the holidays upon us, this week I wanted to try a wine a little different from my usual theme. Glühwein, or ‘glow wine’ as it is loosely translated, is a spiced wine traditionally sold at German and Austrian Christmas markets. Its history dates back to Roman times when they needed ways to mask theContinue reading “Dec 21st-Glühwein”

Dec 14th-Clairette

Clairette is an ancient white grape from Southern France dating back as far as the 15th century. It is commonly used in blended wines with different grapes such as Vermentino, Ugni Blanc, Terret, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and even some red blends, depending on the region it is being cultivated in. In addition to making dryContinue reading “Dec 14th-Clairette”

December 7th-Viura/Macabeo

During my recent studies, my instructor spoke of Viura and how gracefully it ages. So, when I was perusing the shelves of my local wine shop, I was excited to spot a bottle from 2015. Viura, as it is known in the regions of Rioja and Rueda, also goes by the more common name ofContinue reading “December 7th-Viura/Macabeo”

Nov 30th-Çalkarasi

When I think of rosé wines, the first place, or even the 10th place, to spring to mind isn’t Turkey but that is where this week’s bottle was produced. Çalkarasi (Chal-kara-see) is a red grape indigenous to the Çal district of the Denizli province. It is located about 330 miles south of Istanbul in westernContinue reading “Nov 30th-Çalkarasi”

Nov 23rd-Freisa

Friesa is one of the oldest red grape varieties from the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It is a close relative of Nebbiolo. Due to its sharp acidity, heavy tannins and bitter finish, it is commonly made into gently sparkling wines or still wines with some residual sugar to help balance these attributes. DOC lawsContinue reading “Nov 23rd-Freisa”

Nov 16th-Uva Rara and Vespolina

Uva Rara and Vespolina are both red grapes that are indigenous to the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It would be reasonable to assume that Uva Rara is the rarer variety of the two, but that would be incorrect. Its name literally means ‘rare grape’ but this is a reference to the bunch size andContinue reading “Nov 16th-Uva Rara and Vespolina”