|
Written by UsTopWines.com
|
Learn how to read a wine label and discover the valuable information hidden there. This knowledge will make choosing the perfect bottle for any occasion less overwhelming. Since every wine-producing country has different government requirements as to what can be included, some labels will have more information than others. Below are components common to wine labels.
Growing Region: Growing region is an area of consistent climate and soil conditions to cultivate a specific type of grape. A majority of labels will list the growing region right before the name of the wine, such as “Napa Valley” Chardonnay. The exception is European wines, which use the growing region as the name of their wine.
Vintage: Vintage is the year the grapes for a particular wine were harvested. It bears no relationship to when it was bottled.
Wine Producer: The producer is the establishment that makes a particular wine. Wine producer’s names in Italy, Germany and Spain contain the word “Estates”. In Europe, they reference “houses and surnames”, and in France it is common to name them “chateaus and domains”.
Varietal Name: Varietal name is the name of the grape(s) used to produce a particular wine, such as Riesling or Chardonnay. It is common for France and Italy not to list this information.
Alcohol Content/Bottle Volume: Alcohol content and bottle volume are the easiest to identify on a label. The alcohol content is referred to as a percentage. In the United States, the minimum alcohol for table wine is 7% and the maximum is 14%. The exception is Sherry, with an alcohol range of 17% to 20%. Bottle volume is commonly referred to in milliliters/ liters. The typical bottle of wine is 1.5 liters.
Last, when learning how to read a wine label, don’t forget there is a back label. Here the producer will include details such as a flavor profile, how long the wine was aged, history of the vineyard, and more.
Author: Kim Phelan
Read more |
|
|
Written by USTopWines.com
|
Health conscious individuals are always interested in the caloric content of the foods and beverages they consume. The calories in white wine can vary dependent upon the wine itself. White drinks/wines is a term used to describe several varieties of wine, and the calories per glass of each can be different. For those who are watching their caloric intake and their general health and wellness, it is essential to understand not only the calories but also the carbohydrates contained in the wines they drink.
White wines can be found in several varieties, and these can range in calories and carbohydrates significantly. Though most white wines contain between 100 and 120 calories per five-ounce glass, some can run as high as 217. Grams of carbohydrates per glass can vary even among those wines with similar caloric content. If you are concerned about the calories in white wine, you’ll want to examine the specific type of wine for more insight.
The following table provides the calories and carbohydrate content of a five-ounce glass of white vino in the most common varieties on the market.
White Wine Type – Calories – Carbohydrates
- Pinot Grigio – 100 – 2 grams
- Riesling – 120 – 5 grams
- Chardonnay – 120 – 1 grams
- Brut Champagne – 115 – 3 grams
- Doux Champagne – 120 – 5.1 grams
- Sauvignon Blanc – 110 – 3 grams
- Gewurztraminer- 120 – 4 grams
- Vigonier – 120 – 1.1 grams
- Dessert wine – 217 – 17 grams
If you’re watching your caloric intake, you’ll need to understand not only the calories and carbohydrates in wine, but also the manner in which your body processes these. The human body burns alcohol calories differently than it does those contained in other foods and beverages. Most calories obtained from foods and beverages are converted to fats. This is not the case with alcohol calories. The majority of alcohol calories are converted to acetate instead. Acetate conversion takes place in the liver which is the reason that alcohol consumption should be in moderation in order to prevent liver damage from long-term and excessive use.
Acetate burns more rapidly than fat. For this reason, the calories in white vino are not as critical to your general dietary count as are those in other foods and drinks you consume. You can count on as much as 95% of the calories in wine being converted to quick burning acetate.
Author: Mike Riggins
Read more |
|
Wine Review: Whites for Christmas Day |
|
Written by Telegraph.co.uk
|
Which way to go for the Christmas spread: red or white? You've got a light fishy/leafy starter (probably), turkey (highly likely), bread sauce, green veggies – all of which point to white. Oh, but here come the sausages, stuffing, gravy, red-berry sauce, roast roots, all shouting, 'Red, red!'
Some people have an aversion to chardonnay, however (and white burgundy is all about this grape). If it's not your thing, or indeed auntie's, shift to another serious white: peppery, lean but lemony grüner veltliner from Austria. GV is heavenly with seafood starters, including mild smoked salmon and simple scallops, and it segues smoothly into the turkey course, too.
Goose guzzlers will prefer, as an alternative to chablis, a lightly honeyed, appley, off-dry French or South African chenin blanc.
TRY THESE...
Esprit de Chablis 2009, Chablis Premier Cru, Burgundy, France (Waitrose, £15.99)
Ripe nectarine and apricot notes, lightly buttered, with the crunch of juicy yellow apples on the finish. A fruity, exuberant chablis, just right for Christmas Day.
Grüner Veltliner 2010, Weissenkirchen, Wachau, Austria (Majestic, £9.99, or £8.99 when you buy two or more until 30 January)
A very sophisticated, subtle white, with clean but strong lines of lemon and grapefruit, a whiff of smoke and a shake of white pepper.
Marks & Spencer Petit Chablis 2010, Burgundy, France (£9.99)
Simpler stuff, but well balanced, food-friendly, with oranges and apples at its core and a creamy, rounded note.
TIPPLE TIP bargain of the week...
'The irresistible champagne offer of the moment has to be Marks & Spencer's Louis Chaurey NV, down from £30 to £15 until 1 January. Dry but lively and vivacious, this has hints of juicy pineapple and candied citrus peel. Bring out with the Christmas canapés'
See |
|
Wine Review: Reds for Christmas day |
|
Written by Telegraph.co.uk
|
Back in the New World, and modernists might opt for a cherryish, juicy pinot noir. New Zealand and Chile make some very impressive pinots, just right for a special occasion.
Festive reds should be served in a decanter (or pretty glass jug) to bring out their aroma and flavour, and, well, just because a bit of ceremony seems appropriate. A smart wooden coaster for the empty bottle, some ribbon on the decanter – why not? It's Christmas. Have a lovely time.
TRY THESE...
Tesco Finest Block 19 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Barossa Valley, Australia (£9.99)
An impressively rich and concentrated, yet rounded red, with flavours of cassis and black wine-gum. A serious choice for turkey, temptingly priced.
Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle 2006, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France (selected Sainsbury's, £19.99)
Splash out on this gloriously mellow, smooth claret, which has lovely redcurrant and wood-spice hints, for the perfect red partner for goose. Would make a hugely welcome gift, too.
Cono Sur Pinot Noir Reserva 2010, Casablanca, Chile (Waitrose, £9.99)
The 'reserve' version of a hugely popular pinot, packed with juicy red berries and a soft, milk-chocolate hint. Great with goose and cold cuts of all roast poultry.
TIPPLE TIP in from the cold...
'Make sure your Christmas Day reds are served at room temperature. Despite the current trend for lightly chilled reds, it just doesn't work with richer styles at a winter feast. Bring the bottles out of cool spots the night before serving'
Read more |
|
|
