Vienna is the only city in the world with a significant level of wine production within its city limits. Zahel culitvates 25 acres of vineyards, which are located within each of the city’s 5 wine-growing zones. The wine that Vienna is most famous for is called Gemischter Satz. It is a wine produced from a single vineyard, where at least 3 or more grape varietals have been planted adjacent to one another. The grapes are harvested together on a single …
The largest and most important appellation in the southern Rhone, with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers, Chateauneuf-du-Pape produces more wine than the whole of the northern Rhone combined. The gloriously rich red wines, redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, are enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several of the 14 permitted grape varieties. Only two wines are permitted in the appellation – a red and a white wine both composed …
The world of wine is vast. It is produced in virtually every country, from perhaps up to 10,000 grape varieties, not including hybrids. Yet, only a fraction of the wine produced in the world is carried at the LCBO. Restaurants, though, have long known where to find unique and interesting wines from boutique producers — they buy from their local Ontario wine agent. Wine Agents Offer Wines Not Found At The LCBO Have you ever been in a restaurant or …
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and has a rich vinous history dating back over 2500 years. The classic Mediterranean climate and soil has resulted in an area not only ideal for winemaking but also olives and citrus fruit which are key exports. Mount Etna dominates the landscape providing mineral-rich dark soil; vineyards are being planted ever higher up the slope. Historically, the island was more famous for the production of Marsala, however, a major transformation is underway. …
Wine has been enjoyed for centuries. While it is still fermented grape juice, every so often there is a new innovation, a blend, a hot variety, or something else new in the wine world. Recently, buying wine online has become increasingly popular among wine lovers in Ontario. There are many Ontario wine agents who make it their mission to source the world’s best wines from unique and hidden gem wineries. The Small Winemakers Collection has been doing this since 1991, …
With vineyard holdings dating back to the 1890s, the Spalletti family has a long history of grape growing and winemaking in Chianti’s Rufina sub-zone. By the middle of the 20th century this included the production of a highly respected brand that was subsequently sold in the 1960s. And though they have continuously produced wine from their traditional holdings, in 1990 Contessa Gabriella Spalletti reinvigorated the family business under the name Colognole. Today, the estate is run by her sons, Mario …
Bruno Lafon (from Domaine des Comtes Lafon) came to the Languedoc in 1999, leaving his native Burgundy behind, in search of new promising terroirs. He was able to acquire a number of superb vineyards from a large existing operation, and the new Domaine Magellan was born. The stony vineyards that produce the grapes for the classic French blend being offered this week clearly demonstrate why the land he chose is so productive. The rocky soil drains easily thus avoiding water stagnation …
Anyone who buys and enjoys wine can accumulate quite a collection over the years. Inevitably, when you get a new bottle you want to know “how long should I keep this for? and how should I store it?” How Long Should I Store Wine? Many fine wines, particularly reds, can improve with age. Ageing allows the various structural components (acid, tannin and alcohol) to become more integrated, making the wine easier to drink. It also changes the nature of the …
Many of the best made wines in the world come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, particularly from appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas. The finest of these wines are produced from vineyards that are precariously perched on cliffs overlooking the Rhône River below. These vineyards are very labour intensive which partly accounts for their elevated prices. More importantly perhaps is the fact that these wines are made in minute quantities, making them rare and expensive. Furthermore, these wines …
Costers del Segre is located in the province of Lleida, just west of Barcelona. The area is diverse with varying geological and climatic characteristics. The climate is continental (hot summers and cold winters) influenced by the proximity of the Pyrenees. Low rainfall, extreme temperatures, hail and spring frosts are regular risks for the vineyards. Despite its somewhat inconvenient location (in terms of trade routes), winemaking has flourished in Costers del Segre for many centuries. It continued uninterupted until the devastating …
