Visit the Castle Engarran for the weekend national parks & gardens [ August 30th, 2010 ] Posted in » wine tour

castle-engarranOn the occasion of the weekend National parks and gardens on 5 and 6 June, the Castle of Engarran opened the doors of his 3-acre garden in the French fans. A walk inside the property where the resplendent beauty of his “madness” of the eighteenth century.
This visit was also an opportunity to explore the museum at this grape castle while tasting the delicious wines of the proposed by the castle.

The Engarran: symbol of Montpellier follies.

A folly is a wealthy suburban home craft. In the Engarran castle on a hill covered with vineyards, lies in its park, the Engarran, most feminine, the more baroque and best preserved of Montpellier follies.
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Types of White Grapes

a. Chardonnay (Shar doe nay)
Where it is produced : France, US, Australia, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and many other places.
Characteristics : Known as the “King of White Wine”, it is currently the most popular white wine grape. It’s color is pale to straw yellow and its aroma can vary from region to region. In cooler climates, there are hints of apple, citrus, butter and vanilla whereas in the warmer climate, the aroma swings toward melon and tropical fruits. It is usually oaked and is full bodied and toasty with moderate acidity.

b. Sauvignon Blanc (Saw Vee nyon blahnk)
Where it is produced : Bordeaux, Loire Valley, US, Australia, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Italy and many other places.
Characteristics : Also known as Fumé Blanc, this grape is a popular blending grape for Bordeaux wines. It’s color is light to medium yellow with a tinge of green. It has a grassy bouquet like the smell of freshly cut lawn. May also display scents of lemons, asparagus and fig.
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March 8th, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Turkey Day Wines

turkey-day-wines-2It’s that time of year again folks, so feel free to read this article and take from it what you can. This is one huge meal that always gets a lot of people wandering the wine aisle’s trying to pick out that one perfect wine. Don’t do it. Don’t think that there is one perfect wine. There are hundreds and hundreds. This is a feast that can accommodate so many wines that I could walk blindfolded through my wine store and come up with wines that match.

If you try the blindfolded thing just bring someone along to steer you clear of the wine displays, and if you try it out with your eyes wide open, give these varietals a look. Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. So you are getting the picture, right. Lots of options and nothing to stress out about.

The reason all these wines can work is because they all have something different to offer the main course and all the accompaniments.
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February 8th, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Bookwalter

bookwalter12000″Ciel du Cheval ”
Columbia Valley
Chenin Blanc

In the heart of the Columbia Valley, Bookwalter Winery has been turning out juice for almost 20 years now. Since this region of Washington State is now completely exposed (the long kept secret finally got out) wine freaks from around the continent now know where to go for great taste and nice values.

This enticing Chenin Blanc is about $11 and delivers concentrated rich flavors to the forefront. It’s medium yellow-gold in color with a peach/pear nose and sweet, tangy, ripe honeydew melon freshness that is extremely nice and brings a full mouth coating texture to saturate your entire pie-hole. It slides past your molars and then leaves some deep mango fruit covered sponge cake flavors on the sides of your tongue and cheek just as a reminder of how good that last sip really was.
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February 5th, 2010 | Leave a Comment

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