Exploring the Wine Glass

Cooperage; the art and science of the wine barrel

On this episode I delve into the world of wine barrels. I take you through the process of choosinng the tree, which parts of the tree are used and how the barrel comes to its shape. There is so much that occurs behind the scenes and it can take up to three years before a barrel is ready for sale. These beautiful pieces of art impart a huge characteristic onto the wines they hold. As promised, here is the photo of the barrel parts. And please be sure to check out the video on Youtube of Saury Cooperage. 

 

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

Winephabet Street; O is for Orvieto

Orvieto is an Italian wine region located in Umbria and Lazio. It is primarily known for its white wines made from a blend of mostly Grechetto and Trebbiano, which is sold under the Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) Orvieto and Orvieto Classico. Blended red wine and eight varietal reds are sold under the Rosso Orvietano DOC.

The Orvieto zone is in the province of Terni in the south-western corner of Umbria. It extends southward into the Viterbo province of Lazio and north to the border between Terni and the province of Perugia. The Orvieto Classico region is characterised by tufa (a variety of limestone formed when carbonate minerals), limestone and volcanic soil.

If you like what you hear, please give us a 5 star review, so that others can find us! We appreciate your support.

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

To Decant or Not to Decant; Wine Writer WrapUp

This week I sat down with a group of wine writer friends for another edition of Wine Writer’s Wrap Up. The topic was all about decanting.  It may not be such a volatile topic, but people seem to have a definitive opinion on wether or not you should decant and how long.  Give it a listen and afterwards, let me know what your thoughts are. Do you decant your wines? When and why?

On this episode:

Amber Burke - Winetraveleats.com

Nick Berube - WineCommGuy.com

Michael Kelly - californiawinesandwineries.com

John Taylor - pairswithlife.net

1. What’s everyone drinking?

2. Episode 6 - To Decant or Not to Decant
         ~Do you decant your wines on a regular basis?

         ~Dr. Gavin Sacks, an associate professor at Cornell University’s               school of Department of Food Science, notes that separating                     clarified wine from the solids suspended in the bottle was the                   original motivation behind decanting wine

         ~Do you decant for the oxygenation benefits or to help remove the           sediment?

        ~Do you have any “rules” before you decant?
        (let stand up for a certain amount of time? Hold a light to the                    neck?)
 
       ~How do you determine how long you let sit after decanting?

       ~Decanting typically is with reds- do you decant whites? When and         why?

      ~Are there any wines or regions you suggest NOT decanting?            

 

     3. Riddle Time -

          The sun bakes them,

          The hand breaks them,

          The foot treads them,

          The mouth tastes them.

          ANSWER: see below! 

4. Wrap-Up Time
     The time for you to plug yourself a bit. What’s happening with you           in the upcoming week.

5. Next month’s title and date.

September 10th 8pm EST - Drink Now or Drink Later

Riddle Score: Riddle Score: Rick 4, Nick: 2

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

The History of Paso Robles

This is a short but sweet episode. I wanted to give a little insight into the history of the place that Michael and I have fallen in love with. We visited once and it was love at first sight. We had no clue at that point what this amazing area would mean to us. Counting the days until it is our home full time!

If you like what you hear, please give us a 5 star review, so that others can find us! We appreciate your support.

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

Winephabet Street; N is for Negroamaro

photo courtesy of: italianculturalcentre.ca

Negroamaro is a dark-skinned grape best known in the Puglia region in southern Italy. This is the most important and exclusive vine of Puglia! covering roughly 12,000 hectares (29,652 acres) of land throughout the region, but it is especially widespread on the Salento Peninsula.  

The origins of the name “Negroamaro” are not precisely known. There are several different theories about the origins of the name: some believe that «negro» (black) is a clear reference to  its very dark colour, a peculiarity which has been particularly appreciated since the times of the Benedictine monks; «amaro» (bitter) could refer to its strong tannins, or to the fact that in the past the wine was  left to ferment with the grape-skins for a long time, so that by the end of fermentation it was dark and very bitter. The most probable explanation is that the name Negroamaro derives from the fusion of the Greek word mavros and the Latin word niger, both meaning “black” and referring to the colour of the grapes, so that  Negroamaro actually means black-black.

If you like what you hear, please give us a 5 star review, so that others can find us! We appreciate your support.

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

Aridus Wine Company; Making Wine in Arizona

photo credit: Aridus Wine Company

I had the privilege of attending a tasting event at Napa Valley Wine Academy in early July.  When I heard that an Arizona winery was coming to Napa, I had to take the drive north to find out more. 

Aridus Wine Company opened its doors in 2012 after restoring 28000 sq foot apple warehouse.  It is a family owned winery that also acts as a custom crush facility. After tasting the wines, I wanted to delve a little deeper into the story behind this winery and learn about the winemaker, Lisa Strid.

The podcast is broken up into two parts. The first you will hear from Lisa as she talks about the winery and what its like to grow grapes in Arizona. The second portion is an interview with Lisa herself. Hope you enjoy!

You can watch my unedited interview with Lisa on our YouTube channel by clicking here.  Also, please head to Aridus Wine Co to find out more about their wines and how to order. 

If you like what you hear, please give us a 5 star review, so that others can find us! We appreciate your support.

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

Summer Must Haves; Wine Writer WrapUp

With it being officially summer, I thought a proper topic would be Summer Must Haves.  So join me along with four of my wine writing friends as we discuss what characteristics we look for in a summer wine, when we start thinking about summer wines and although I’m all for promoting Rose’ (shameless plug here- we have an amazing offer on our Rose’ – get 20% off a six pack of our rose’ PLUS get $10 off a future order and that will be eligible for our inaugural release of our Reserve Single Vineyard designate 2016 Cabernet Franc! You can find out about our award winning wines and how to order on our website at dracaenawines.com

We had a lot of laughs during this episode and we did do a bit of name dropping – so be prepared for some bell ringing. We decided everytime someone dropped a name, we would ring a bell. I think by the end, we could have had a symphony!  

And I learned I need to pay more attention to the answers of the riddle as I totally didn’t hear the correct answer! Hope you enjoy!

On this episode:

Nick Berube Wine Comm Guy

Jeff Eckles We Like Drinking Podcast

Amber Burke Wine Travel Eats

Rick Dean Coffee to Red Wine

1. What’s everyone drinking?
   
   
2. Episode 5 - Summer Must Haves
   ~When do you start thinking summer wine? Memorial Day? Summer Solstice?

~What makes a summer wine a summer wine? Is there a main characteristic?
~Can a red be a summer wine?
~Do you drink more, less or same amount during the summer? reasoning ?
~Do you expect summer wines to come with a lower price tag?
~We always hear about “summer wines” but are there also Fall wines, Spring wines and winter wines?

 

1. Riddle Time -

I climb higher when hot,

But beware my rage,

I’ll kill with a breath,

If I can escape my cage.

ANSWER: scroll down! 

1. Wrap-Up Time
   The time for you to plug yourself a bit. What’s happening with you in the upcoming week.
   
   
2. Next month’s title and date

   August 13th 8pm EST - Decant or Not

Riddle Score: Rick 2: Nick: 2

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

Phylloxera

Phylloxera is a microscopic louse or aphid, that lives on and eats roots of grapes. They can become inhabitants of vineyards through the soles of vineyard worker's boots, on equipment or naturally  by spreading from one vineyard to the next.

They, sadly, have played an integral part in the history of wine and have almost completely devistated both the French and American wine industry by destroying the vines.  

Interestingly enough, they themselves, do not kill the vine. Instead it is the fungal infection they leave behind that causes the vine to ultimately suffocate and die of malnutrition.

If you like what you hear, please give us a 5 star review, so that others can find us! We appreciate your support.

 Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

Wine Bias; Wine Writer WrapUp

In this episode of Wine Writer’s Wrap Up, I sit down with my wine writing friends and discuss our thoughts on wine bias. People have bias. There is nothing we can do about it. But do you have bias against wine packaging? What’s your thoughts on screw caps, boxed wines, critter labels, and the most recent’ the 40oz wine?!  Do you choose you bottle by your palate or is there a bias in your decision. 

So uncork, unscrew or saber that bottle and connect with us as my wine writer friends and I discuss wine packaging bias.

Slainte! 

On this episode:

Tina Morey: Winestudio

Debbie Gioquindo: Hudson Valley Wine Goddess

Nicole Ruiz Hudson: Nibbling Gypsy

 

1- What’s everyone drinking?

2- Episode 4 - Wine Bias Against Packaging

• There are lots of bias out there and things change over time.  I think the original bias was screwcaps. Where you bias? Have you changed?
• Next up has to be boxed wine? Ever have? Were you forced to have? How was it? Black Box - Award-Winning Wines for 40% Less  - Thoughts?
• Next… wines in cans? Thoughts? Comments?
• Critter Labels: Some stats: A critter label is any label that features an animal, (so I guess we are a critter label) In 2006, a NYT article stated that nearly one in five labels featured an animal. The king of critters is Yellow Tail. Thoughts on brands like this?
• The latest, which caused quite the stir on social media… the 40 oz bottle of wine.
• Any other bias’ out there?

 

3- Riddle Time -
           I was standing by a railing,

           watching a ship a sailing.

           What is the Captain’s name.

           If you don’t know his name,

           It’s you to blame.

           What is the Captain’s name.
            

Answer found below! 

4- Wrap-Up Time
     The time for you to plug yourself a bit. What’s happening with you        in the upcoming week.

5- Next month’s title and date.

    July 9th 8pm EST - Summer Must Haves

 

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors:

Vinho Verde Experience

cover photo courtesy of wines of Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is a region in the northwest of Portugal. Although, predominently white wines, many of which are blends, single varieties and both red and rose' wines can also be found. Wines are typically light bodied, lower in alcohol and excellent with a variety of food pairings.

White varieties include: Alvarinho, Arinto, Avesso, Azal, Loureiro and Trajadura

Red varieties include: Espadeiro, Padeiro and Vinhao

I attended the Vinho Verde Experience in NYC in April. This was my first time tasting Vinho Verde, so I had a lot to learn.  During the event, I was able to talk to a couple of Sommeliers, along with winemakers and even the President of the Vinho Verde region.  

I would like to thank Kirsten Horner of Big Picture Media for making the arrangments so that I may attend.  

In this podcast I speak with:

1- Kara Joseph - Sommelier

2- Charles Springfield - Sommelier

3- Manuel Pinheiro - President of Vinho Verde region

4- Jose Oliveira - winemaker at ViniVerde

5- Vitor Silvio Cardadeiro - winemaker/owner at Reguengo de Melgaco

Our Wines + Your Moments = Great Memories

Join our wine club. The Chalk Club 3 bottles of Dracaena Wines 2x per year. Choose between all red or red and rose'. 

Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at dracaenawines@gmail.com.

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dracaenawines

Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, Google + and Snapchat (@dracaenawines)

Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.

Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.

Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION!

Please support us by finding out more about our sponsors: