04 November 2009

Big(ger) Reds @ Coupe Space's Tasting Club by LexnGer

You say Syrah, I say Shiraz? They're the same grape, actually: Syrah comes from the Northern Rhone in France, and Shiraz is the Australian name. French Syrahs are typically more austere and meatier, while Aussie Shiraz is rich, bold, opulent, and sometimes a bit sweet. Elsewhere, the wine can be called either name, and it's not always easy to tell the style. I like them both, but my favorite is an in-between style that's both serious and a bit opulent, like many Syrahs from Washington state.

Have a preference for Syrah versus Shiraz? Dish in the comments!

PSA: Please drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.

28 October 2009

In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the most widely-planted white wine grape, but there it's sometimes known as "Steen." If you're shopping for wine in the South African aisle, either name will do--it's the same grape.

PSA: Please drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.

21 October 2009

If you're like me and don't drink a lot of dessert wine, when the rare occasion does arise you're probably unsure about two things: what temperature to serve the wine at, and in what receptacle. The temperature one is easy, because it follows regular red and white rules with only one exception. Serve dessert whites just out of the fridge, and fortified dessert reds (like Port) at room temp to get the best flavors. Exception: sweet Sherry, like Oloroso, is also good at room temp so those lovely aromas open up.

As to glasses, Riedel's Vinum Icewine/Dessert Wineglasses (pictured) are sweet (ha), but not necessary. I serve dessert wine in regular red and white glasses and just pour about half the usual amount.

PSA: Please drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.

14 October 2009

I'm not much of a reality TV fan--you won't catch me watching American Idol or The Biggest Loser--but a new wine show airing on PBS this month, The Winemakers, has me hooked. (Err, the previews have me hooked. The actual show won't air on my local station, unfortunately. But maybe yours has it. Check it out.) The show is about 12 ordinary people who compete in the vineyard and winery for the chance to launch their own wine brand. They face challenges from picking grapes for 48 hours straight to designing a wine label.

What do you think? Reality hit or flop?