Wine & Grape VarietiesBack to: It's likely you've
heard of many varietal wines just by visiting your local market. For those
who haven't, or those who want to learn more, here are some short definitions
and defining characteristics for some of the more common varietals and
grapes. Keep in mind, most American wines are identified by their
varietal name, while in Europe, it is more common for wines to be associated
with and named after the region in which they were produced. ·
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Chardonnay:. Chardonnay grapes are among the
very finest of all white wine grapes. The grapes have an appealing balance of
fruit, acidity and texture. Some tasters associate Chardonnay with apples,
ripe figs, and melons, while others focus on the wine's creamy or
buttery texture. Winemakers play a particularly important role in the style
of a Chardonnay wine, which can range from clean, crisp bottlings, with a
hint of varietal fruit, to rich, complex, oak-aged examples that need several
years of bottle aging to fully display their character. Chardonnay grapes are
also used to produce fine sparkling wines. ·
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Rosé: The French word for pink, and
adopted for the same use in the English language. It is made from black
grapes whose skins are left in contact with the fermenting juice just long
enough to extract the desired amount of color. The grapes are then pressed
and the now pink juice continues to ferment. Once at the proper
temperature, its color will change from a soft pink to a smooth ruby shade. Some,
made from such varieties as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel can
be distinctive and flavorful. Others, are full-bodied and have been known to
be addictive after tasted. The wine should be served chilled and can be consumed
young, although its flavor becomes even sweeter with age. It should be handled
with care as it bruises easily. However, when properly cared for, this wine
will fill your mouth with a flood of delectable juices that will have you
yearning for more. |