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Debra's Wine Clubs & Wine Tastings
FREE shipping on full cases of wine. With fuel prices going up this is GREAT! Debra has recipes and wines to pair with them, as well as so much beginner info on grapes, storage and more!
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Varietal Wines: These wines are named for the grape variety from which they are produced. Almost every country now allows wines to be labeled this way although knowledge of local laws is beneficial because variations do exist. In California, only 75% of a particular grape is required for a wine to be labeled with that varietal name. In France, a wine designated with a grape varietal name must contain 100% of that particular variety. In general, 'new world' countries are more likely to label their better and best wines with varietal names while 'old world' countries relegate varietal naming to wines of the everyday table wine category. Some examples of Varietal names are: Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese.
Generic Wines: This particular category of wines is more common in the United States than in most other countries and is almost non-existent in European countries. These are wines that have no content or origin requirements that are named for distant and famous wine producing regions. It is a marketing practice that was especially common in the United States when the modern wine business was developing. If an American winery produced a sparkling wine, it was labeled as a 'Champagne' even though true Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region of France. Similarly, if a wine was white and dry, it might be labeled 'Chablis' even though it bore little resemblance to a true French Chablis. Some examples of Generic names include: Chablis, Burgundy, Champagne, Sherry and Port. Most countries have treaty agreements that protect the names of important wine regions. You'll never see a sparkling wine produced in Europe outside of the Champagne region of France that is labeled as Champagne. Sparkling wines from Italy are Spumante and those from Germany are called Sekt. In the United States and any other countries that allow generic naming, consumers become easily confused and often fail to appreciate the true quality of the real regions whose names are used to market inexpensive and inferior wines.
Proprietary Wines: These are wines that may qualify for varietal or regional naming but for marketing reasons have been given unique trademarked names. If is usually harder to establish a proprietary brand, but if it is done successfully, the result can be much more profitable. Imagine if the Sutter Home winery had trademarked the "White Zinfandel" name that they gave to their Zinfandel Rose. Had they done so, they would be the only White Zinfandel on the market. Instead they face challengers from Beringer, Mondavi, Gallo and nearly every other large winery in California. On the other hand, if they were the only winery promoting White Zinfandel, you have to wonder if that wine would ever have become so popular in the United States. While most proprietary named wines are mass market wines, the use of a proprietary name is not necessarily an indication of quality. Some examples of Proprietary names include: Blue Nun, Grange, Opus One.
Sulfites in wine
All wines contain at least some small amount of sulfites. They are a natural result of the same fermentation process that turns grape juice into alcohol. Even wines that have not had any sulfites added during the winemaking process contain some amount of sulfites. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used by winemakers to keep freshly pressed must from spoiling. It keeps down the activities of native yeast and bacteria and preserves the freshness of the wine. Modern technology has allowed the use of significantly less sulfur than was used in the past but some is necessary to make a stable wine. Regulations in the United States require that domestic and imported wines carry warning labels if they have sulfites in excess of 10 parts per million. Wines that have less than 10 parts per million are not required to carry the "Contains Sulfites" label but they still contain sulfites in some level.
Temperatures
The best temperature for serving wine varies based on the type of wine. In general, though, we tend to drink our white wines too cold and our red wines too warm in the U.S.A.
45 degrees- Most white wines you'll come across including Chenin Blancs, Sauvignon Blancs, Loire Wines, Rieslings and 'everyday' Chardonnays. If they are served colder, the aromas and flavors will be minimized and you won't get full enjoyment.
50 degrees- Full bodied, high quality white wines including Sauternes and rich white Burgundies. Light red wines like Beaujolais.
60 degrees- Red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux, Zinfandel, Rhones and Syrah/Shiraz. Most people have heard that red wines should be served at 'room' temperature, but that is really a reference to 'cellar' temperature. Cellar temperature is usually about 55 degrees which is perfect for storing wine. The reason that red wines are best enjoyed at slightly reduced temperatures is that alcohol will produce an unpleasant bite on the palate when served at normal room temperature.
Sweet and served chilled
This is often the first type of wine that you ever had and liked. This category of wines is light, sweet and served cold. Wines in this group sometimes have a little spritz or carbonation. Pop wines, some blush wines, and fruit wines fall into this first wine category. Think of these wines like soft drinks with a kick (cold, sweet and sometimes with bubbles).
Semi-dry and served chilled
These are very agreeable wines and can be food friendly as well. Some of the cloying sweetness and any trace of carbonation that existed in the first group of wines is gone. Higher acid levels in these wines balance the remaining sweetness. Vouvray, most German wines and many blush wines fall into this category.
Dry, white and served chilled
Wines in this category have no sweetness, and are served chilled. Chardonnay is the most popular grape variety in this category. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) are also favorites in this taste range. It is common for a person to enjoy wines in this category for many years before moving on to the fuller flavored, light red wines. These wines go especially well with fowl and seafood.
Dry, more flavorful and served slightly chilled
Light red wines such as Beaujolais and inexpensive Pinot Noir are found in this group of wines. They are dry wines and have stronger flavors than the white wines in the previous category. They are served slightly chilled but not cold. These wines do not have the tannins that are to be found in the next group. They match up well with grilled fish and poultry because they often have higher acid levels than most red wines.
Dry, rich flavored and served at cellar temperature
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the dominant grape varieties from which these wines are made. They are richly flavored, medium bodied, dry red wines and they often have very high levels of tannin in their youth. They should be served at very cool room temperature (upper 60`s F.) and allowed to warm in the glass. These wines often require aging to show their best.
Dry, complex and served at cellar temperature
These are selected wines from the previous categories that have been aged to their peak. With that age comes subtlety and complexity in the smells and tastes. These wines are have lost the forward fruit of their youth and the tannin levels have subsided. These wines require special handling including decanting before being served.
Join the Wine Club
-Great Wedding gift they will receive new wines every month! Help them start a collection!
-How about the friend that wants to try unique wines?
-Start a collection or wine cellar!
Call Debra 847-341-9453
DEBRA WILL SPECIFICALLY SEND WINES BASED ON YOUR TASTE! YOU WILL GET WINES YOU WILL ENJOY. ADDRESS CHANGES ARE ALLOWED IF YOU WISH TO SPLIT THE MONTHS BETWEEN 2 ADDRESSES.
1 MONTH FOR YOURSELF
1 MONTH FOR A GIFT OR FOR MOM'S BIRTHDAY!
With the wine club the 1st month you can add the Metal-Lever Wine Opener for $40 ( savings of $10) take a peek! www.debraswine.com
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