The Golden Vine - Guidance

Stemware for Red Wine

Stemware suggestions for light red wine. Bowl size determines how much wine is exposed to the air.Slightly larger openings direct wine to the top and sides of the tongue. A flared lip directs wine to the tip of the tongue and the front of the palate. This will emphasize fruit flavors and minimize acidity.

Red wine glasses have a large bowl that allows wine to aerate. Glasses will appear “tall” directing wine to the back of the mouth and placing your nose at optimal distance to smell aromas instead of alcohol.

Red Meritage

Meritage is the name given to red wine blends produced in California. Bordeaux is the name given to red wine blends produced in Bordeaux, France. Bordeaux blends must be produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere. These wines must meet specifications and standards set by the appellation d'origine controlee.

Meritage is the name given to red wine blends produced in California. Meritage must be produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot, or Carmenère. These wines must meet specifications and standards set by the Meritage Association.

White Meritage

Meritage is the name given to white wine blends produced in California. Meritage is the name given to white wine blends produced in California. Meritage must be produced Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon, or Muscadelle du Bordelais. These wines must meet specifications and standards set by the Meritage Association.

“Bordeaux style” wines produced in California may not use the term “Bordeaux” on the label. As the popularity of red blends increased, California winemakers sought to create a recognizable name for their blended wines.

The first wine to be labeled with the term "Meritage" was the 1986 “The Poet” by Cosentino Winery and 1985 vintage by Dry Creek Vineyard.

Terroir

Pronounced Terˈwär. "Terroir" is the characteristics and flavor given to wine by the environment.

Environmental factors, soil, topography, and climate contribute to the flavor of wine.

Pronounced terˈwär

Red Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the name given to red wine blends produced in Bordeaux, France. Bordeaux is the name given to red wine blends produced in Bordeaux, France. Bordeaux blends must be produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere. These wines must meet specifications and standards set by the appellation d'origine controlee.

Romans brought grapes to the Bordeaux in the first century to produce wine for local consumption.

Red Bordeaux is called Claret in the United Kingdom.

Red Rhone Varietals

Notes on White Rhone Varietals. Rhone is a wine region is Southern France. Due to the regulations set by the appellation d'origine controlee, specific grape varietals are designated to sub regions though out Rhone.

Southern Rhône has mild winters and hot summers. Varietals like Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Counoise, Mourvedre thrive in this environment.

GSM blends are produced from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Each Rhone varietal adds a different character to the wine.

White Rhone Varietals

Notes on White Rhone Varietals. Rhone is a wine region in Southern France. Due to the regulations set by the appellation d'origine controlee, specific grape varietals are designated to sub regions though out Rhone.

Northern Rhone has cooler climates and produces white wine varietals like Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Grenche Blanc and Picpoul Blanc.

Burgundy Varietals

Notes on Burgundy Varietals. Burgundy is a wine region in Eastern France .The most famous wines produced in this region are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These wines are commonly referred to as "Burgundies.”

Pinot Noir: Light bodied red wine with high acidity and low tannins. Flavors include cranberry, black cherry, rose currants, raspberry, vanilla and clove.

Chardonnay: Rich white wine with Medium acidity, tropical or tart fruit. Flavors include pineapple, guava, mango, apple and lemon.

Understanding Wine Labels

Understanding the items on a wine label. Producer- This is who made the wine. Our example lists the producer as, “Flock of Seagulls Winery.”

Name- Some producers name their wines for marketing purposes. Names can also clarify if the wine is blend or single varietal. Our example lists the name as, “Better at the Beach.”

Appellation- The region indicates where the grapes were grown to produce the wine. Our example lists the region or appellation as, “Edna Valley AVA”

Varietals- The varietal is the type of grape used in the wine. Wine labels will list blend varietals by the amount used. Our examples lists “Sauvignon Blanc."

Vintage or Non-Vintage (NV)- The year that the grapes were harvested is the vintage. As a general rule, multi-vintage wines or “NV” wines use wine from multiple vintages to control the flavor. Our example lists “2018.”

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and Bottling Location- Every bottle of wine sold in the United States is required to list these statistics on the bottle.

Understanding Tasting Notes

Understanding wine tasting notes. Primary aromas focused around fruit, floral, and herbal aromas. These are the result of grapes and soil.

Secondary aromas include yeast and sour cream. These flavors are the result of different winemaking methods.

Tertiary Aromas include clove, vanilla, baking spices, roasted nuts, dill, coconut, and smoke. These are the result of oak ageing in barrels.

A wines acidity is a measurement of tart flavors. Wine with high acidity will be similar to a lemon.

Tannin gives wine course, fine, and velvety textures. Tannin will make your lips stick to your teeth.

Body references how a wine feels in your mouth. What’s the overall texture?