Exploring the Wine Glass

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.

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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:

Winephabet Street; M is for Mencia

Mencía (“Men-thee-ah”) is a medium-bodied red wine grape that produces wines with floral and red fruit flavors. If the fruit is harvested from older, low yield vines, it has shown the ability to age like other fine wines. It is suggested as a alternative for Pinot and Gamay lovers. However, both  Debbie and I felt that it was a bigger wine than either of these and aliked it to more like a Cabernet Franc, but less vegetal or even a lighter Petite Sirah. 

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:

Inventions That Help Us Enjoy Our Wine

In this episode, I sat down with three individuals who are pursuing their passion in wine. However, they are not growers, wine makers nor are they sommeliers. They are inventors, people who have created a product that helps us enjoy our wine more. 

First, I sat down with Ryan Frederickson, the creator of ArT Wine Preserver. The product uses Argon gas to preserve up to 50 bottles of wine. Argon displaces oxygen in the bottle and creates a blanket to protect your wine from the harmful effects of oxygen.

website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

 

My next guest was Maire Murphy of CapaBunga. Maire and her husband have been involved in wine in many aspects of the industry. They have sold wine, marketed wine, made wine and now they focus on the use of silicon to help our wine last longer! And one of my favorite products, CapaBubbles. A product that allows you to preserve your sparkling/Champagne.

website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

 

My final guest was Steven Parker. He is a temperature specialist. He originally created thermometers to help protect babies from crib death and helped elders with hypothermia.  After living above a wine shop and gaining an understanding that wine's aromas and flavors are affected by the temperature, he created Kelvin Wine Monitor. A thermometer that gives you an alert on your phone to tell you that it truly is #winetime! 

website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

 

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:

*disclaimer; media samples; all thoughts & opinions my own.

Winephabet Street; L is for Lambrusco

Lambrusco is actually one of hte oldest wines in history and has a genealogical heritage to wild vines. The ancient Romans use to call it labrusca, from the Latin labrun which means edge or order. The name is ideal since the vines grew wildly along the edges of the fields. These are "non-domesticated" grapevines. Lambrusco is so different than many of the other grapevines we are familiar with since it is a wild vine, it freely pollinates with other grape varieties, dandelions, and wildflowers producing a large number of different Lambrusco varieties. (not clones)

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:

Points vs. Palate; 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 points and medals. How much do they effect people’s decision to buy a bottle of wine. We would love to hear your thoughts  too! You can always leave a comment.  And please when you are on your phone, swipe down a bit and leave us a review to help others find us and to let us know how we are doing. 

Slainte! 

On this episode:

Jeff Kralik - the Drunken Cyclist

Rick Dean - Strong Coffee to Red Wine

Nick Berube - Wine Comm Guy

Debbie Gioquindo - HV Wine Goddess

 

1. What’s everyone drinking?
   
   
2. Episode 3 - points vs palate

• • How important are points to you?
    Do you follow a certain person’s points
  • What do you think of the 100 point scale? What number do you say to yourself. Wow- that’s not a good wine?
  • What scales do you use when rating wines? How did you settle on that scale?
  • Do you read the shelf talkers at your wine shop?
  • Let’s go back to a tasting room; or tasting anywhere.. Do you like the person hosting to tell you the tasting notes prior to you physically tasting?
  • Who reads the back labels of the wines. Do you prefer a story or tasting notes?
  • How do you think someone telling you what aromas and flavors they get impacts your ability to draw your own conclusions?
  • Have you ever had someone tell you “You are crazy - didn’t get anything like that”
  • Do you think rankings make wine more “unapproachable” to people - like making it seem more elitist?
    
    
• Riddle Time -
  What must be in the oven yet can not be baked?

         Grows in the heat yet shuns the light of day?

         What sinks in water but rises with air?

         Looks like skin but is fine as hair?

Answer: see below

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.

June 11th 8pm EST

Riddle Score: Rick 2, Nick 1, 

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:

riddle answer: yeast