News Archives - Page 18 of 30 - WineCollective Blog

The balance between fine wine and funny labels

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Wil Knoll

We have all walked down the aisles of wine at our favourite liquor store. Bottle after bottle of Chateau this and Bodega that, where fancy calligraphy makes every label blend into one and you’re left wondering which to take to your friend’s dinner party. But then, you see it. A name that sticks out among the rest, a refreshing bright colour and you’re almost immediately sold even before knowing what variety is catching your eye.

Clever and hilarious wine names are everywhere. From “FAT bastard” to “Skinny Girl,” these wines are leading in sales and popularity. But wine geeks like us have to wonder whether the eye-catching name is leading us to quality wine or if we’re buying into an obviously effective marketing strategy.

FAT bastard wine tells a charming tale of Thierry, a winemaker in France tasting an experimental wine alongside his friend and partner, Guy. The two were blown away by the “rich colour and full palate,” which led Thierry to shout out, “now zat iz what you call eh phet bast-ard!” Now, by “charming,” I was referring to the French accent, not off-colour language. Yet, the label’s profanity has led to annual sales of 400,000 cases. While the price is low at around $10, wine critics have had difficulties rating FAT bastard wines over 80 points.

In 2012, Skinnygirl wine was number one in sales in North America. Over $4.7 million dollars were spent on these low-calorie Red and White Blends. Promising 100 calories for 5oz and low alcohol content compared to an average 123 calories in a Cabernet Sauvignon for example. The wine is obviously aimed at weight-aware women. Well, I don’t know about you but I came for the wine, not the calorie counting.

Most wines with show stopper labels such as, #YOLO, Mad Housewife and Fancy Pants may have a cute back-story or target a specific audience. They may make a pocket-friendly gift that sparks a smile, but for the wine-lover, these marketing tactics may not be a pleasure to drink.

This is not to say that all wines with funny names aren’t flavoursome and deep. Woop Woop wines (meaning “out there”) is very fun to say and comes from the McLaren Vale in southeastern Australia. This wine is not only a penny saver, but also holds ratings of 90 points from International Wine Cellar for their 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and 89 pts for 2010 Shiraz.

WineCollective has also featured some laughable names in our packages including, Bob’s Your Uncle, Wrongo Dongo and Cockfighter’s Ghost. While including entertaining names and labels, these wines were also all enjoyed by our professionally trained wine critics.

At WineCollective we know the truly discriminating wine lover looks past the cover. When you find a fun label, don’t forget to read the fine print for region, variety and flavour. Find a balance between a flashy presentation and an amazing wine.

Welcome to Wine – wine journals

Posted on June 7, 2013June 7, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Keeping a wine journal is a helpful practice for wine beginners and professionals alike. Unless you are able to memorize each bottle you have ever tried, filling out a page or two of details can help you remember what made the vintage so special… or dreadful.

A typical journal makes space for you to list the name of the wine, vintage as well as the region and country it came from. You can also record tasting descriptions (eyes, nose, mouth) and additional notes or overall ratings. Most wine journals, like Wine Enthusiast’s leather bound journal ($34.95) also have areas for tasting date, alcohol, price, date purchased and where, food pairing and cellaring information. Basically, these notes make going back and finding the bottle you enjoyed six months ago a breeze.

Label areas are another feature typically included in a wine journal. After removing a label* from the bottle, pasting it among the notes really completes an entry and gives you a visual to find the vintage later on. You can remove a label easily at home.

If you prefer not to take the chance of getting burnt, label removers are essentially large pieces of adhesive that rip the label from the bottle. Labeloff sells 10 stickers for $8 and up to 1,000 for $400.

As a member of WineCollective you receive tasting cards with each bottle you receive with your package. With all the research done for you, these can help you write out each section of your journal – some of which include a slot to store technical sheets or cards such as ours. Through your WineCollective account online you can also view information on every wine sent to your door. Under “My Wines,” you can share your ratings and comments on every vintage you receive with the WineCollective community.

Purchasing a wine journal does not have to come at a price. If fancy leather isn’t your thing, Chapters sells a wide variety starting at $10. Or, if you’re really hesitant on carrying a book to dinner this weekend (you may look nerdy) then there is an app for that. Smart phones also have a large selection of wine apps, including Wine Journal for $1.99. It allows you to note much of the same information as a hard copy and snap photos to go along with the description.

Whichever route you choose, we guarantee keeping a wine journal is a handy exercise. You will definitely be glad you did it when you’d really like another glass of that Pinot Blanc we sent you last month… What was it called again?

Petite Rivière Vineyards

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Wil Knoll

When thinking Canadian wine, our minds usually go to Niagara or British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Way out East however, Nova Scotia is producing quality wines that may just need a little push to be experienced by all of Canada.

Petite Rivière has been making wine for 10 years along the south shores of Nova Scotia in the LaHave River Valley where vineyards have been present since the 1600’s. While their vines have been around for centuries, Petite Rivière is showing that their new winery has something to offer as Nova Scotia wine, not only to the locals but also from one Canadian coast to the other.

Jillian Mouzar of Petite Rivière says the vineyard has a “laid back and serene old French feel” that has welcomed the public for three years now. The winery offers wine tours every day at noon, opening doors for learning about the differences of land, grapes and terroir in their small region. Mouzar says the tour finishes with wine and cheese pairings where guests are invited to try their premiere white wines and “Elite Reds.”

Other tours like Nova Scotia Wine Tours invite guests to travel to several wineries in the different regions of the province. Their “South Shore Escape” highlights Petite Rivière as a destination for one of the featured private tours.

Unlike their neighbouring northern regions, Bay of Fundy and Annapolis Valley, the rocky land, soil, and coastal location of Petite Rivière provides growing conditions and climate ideal for red wine.

2011 La Have joins grape varieties DeChaunac and Leon Millot for Petite Rivière’s most celebrated wine. Mouzar hopes that as more wines become available on liquor store shelves, people will be curious to try others like their Elite Red, 2010 Italy Cross.

Petite Rivière also launched a 2012 Tidal Bay white wine. This selection is known as Nova Scotia’s premiere white wine and has been created as a signature by various wineries in the province. While the same standards are met, including low alcohol content and use of grape variety L’Acadie, each winery has their distinct Tidal Bay vintage. Petite Rivière’s features “citrus and tropical notes with hints of pear and grapefruit.” Mouzar credits the fabulous popularity of Tidal Bay to Nova Scotians love for white wine.

While this new winery and region is young in the known world of wines, Petite Rivière is excited about breaking out and becoming a recognized name. The winery opens booths in 13 farmers markets across the province and multiple festivals as a chance for locals of smaller towns to try their wines. Their involvement and push to show off their products has resulted in plenty of positive feedback and growth for their winery, region and Nova Scotia wines.

Welcome to Wine – favourite regions

Posted on June 3, 2013June 7, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Familiarizing yourself with different wine regions from around the world may help you recognize grape varieties and what sets them apart in every country. Here we have the top ten wine producing countries and their regions that have made them a star.

BORDEAUX

Known for its superior red wines, the Bordeaux region of France has made wine for 2,000 years and is home to 10,000 producers. Dominating in mainly Merlot vineyards, the region is also famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab Franc; the popular Bordeaux Blend is a combination of these three favourite varieties. The Atlantic Ocean combined with the Dordogne and Garonne River provide a humid climate that spreads through the 54 different appellations which together equal 297,000 acres of vineyards. St-Emillion and Margaux are among the recognized sub-regions that make Bordeaux the largest region in France.

Treat yourself to the 2009 Chateau Domeyne St. Estèphe | Cab Sauv | $46.00

PUGLIA (APULIA)

We all know that Italy is shaped like a boot. What you may not know is that held within its “heel” is the highest wine production region of Italy, Puglia. English-speakers may recognize the region as Apulia and it accounts for 17% of Italian wine. The production of the unique Puglian grapes, Negroamaro and Primitivo (twin to the Californian Zinfandel) make up 61% of vineyards. The region’s Mediterranean climate consists of persistent sunshine and calming sea breezes that feed the vines and create perfect growing conditions. Puglia also manufactures 50% of Italy’s olives and olive oil.

If you enjoy quality for price try the 2007 Candido Devinis IGT | Primitivo | $18.99

RIOJA

With 14,000 vineyards and 140 wineries, the Rioja region is able to pump out 250 million litres of wine annually that we all get to share! A friend of red wines (85% of production), Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Graciano and Mazuelo are the four main varieties grown in the area. Previously known for their long-term aging, Rioja wineries have established methods to make wine ready to drink sooner and clarify their reserves from “Crianza” to “Gran Reserve” depending on their time spent in Oak casks. The characteristics of aging and oak are very recognizable in Rioja wine.

We just sold out of our 2010 Bodegas Altanza Capitoso | Tempranillo | $20.00

NAPA VALLEY

A youngster in wine production in comparison to its European successors, Napa Valley, California has become highly reputable in the last 50 years. With 14 sub-appellations in 48 km, Napa Valley has produced fine quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot. In 1976, during a blind judgment in Paris, a Napa Valley Cabernet beat out a Bordeaux and Burgundy wine, giving the region a giant push in recognition. Protected by the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountains, the 400 wineries owned and operated mainly by families are becoming masters of viticulture.

* In our WineCollective store, try the 2010 Yosemite View Cabernet | $18.00

MENDOZA

Home to the world’s highest vineyards, Mendoza produces 2/3rds of Argentina’s fine wine. Within the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the region succeeds in growing a variety of grapes 2,500-5,000 feet above sea level. More than a quarter of plantings in the area are the pink-skinned varieties of Criolla Grande and Cerez. However, Malbec is the region’s most produced wine; followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Chardonnay.

* On sale now at WineCollective 2011 Pascual Toso Reserve | Cab Sauv | $18.90

BAROSSA

Barossa is nestled within hills of the south and is Australia’s oldest wine region, made up of two valleys: Eden and Barossa. 56 km from the city of Adelaide, German settlers planted vines in the 1840’s and influenced the region unlike others in the country founded by the British. Besides their signature Shiraz grape in Barossa Valley, the Eden Valley produces plenty of Riesling (the Germans were here), Semillon and Chardonnay. The hot climate of Barossa allows grapes to ripen quickly, creating wines high in sugar with low acidity.

Always creating quality wines try 2009 Peter Lehmann VSV 1885 Shiraz | $34.51

MOSEL

Although it is only the third largest production region of Germany, Mosel is definitely the most prestigious. Famous for its steep slopes, the area is mechanically impractical and needs the expertise of manpower to weave within its incline. The slopes make for optimal exposure to the sun and heat is also reflected from the Mosel River below, making up for the cool temperatures. Without top soil, broken slate creates a unique means for growth of the Riesling grapes, known for their light and crisp flavours, low alcohol content and high acidity.

WineCollective staff loved the 2012 Clean Slate Riesling | $16.00

WESTERN CAPE

The large geographical unit of Western Cape is separated into districts dependent on political boundaries and then further, wards based on terroir differences. Containing the majority of South Africa’s wineries, Western Cape stretches from Cape Town to the Olifants River in the north and eastern Mossel Bay. Shiraz, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are protected within the mountain ranges, giving soft breezes to vineyards that later create well-known fresh wines. South Africa’s oldest estate in Constania was founded in the 1600’s, leading the nation into hundreds of years of wine making.

Enjoy the 2008 Lammershoek | Chenin Blanc | $24.77

MAIPO VALLEY

Surrounding Chile’s capital of Santiago, the Maipo Valley is praised for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnays. The region is separated into three sections: Alto Maipo (2,600 feet above sea level), Central Maipo (the warmest area) and Pacific (influenced by the Pacific Ocean, and experimental with Sauvignon Blanc). Within these three districts and apart from their powerful varieties, Carmenere grapes are increasing annually and becoming Chile’s icon. Although low rainfall is to be expected for the wineries within the valley, winemaking has taken place here since the 16^th century.

We recommend a 2008 Viña Tarapaca Grand Reserva | Cab Franc & Cab Sauv | $30.54

DOURO

The Douro River running from Spain through to western Portugal’s Porto (Oporto) is home to the creation of Port. This exclusive wine has been cultivated in the Douro region for 2,000 years and while other nations attempt it, they can never truly re-create Portugal’s signature. Hilly and mountainous, the area grows varieties specific to Portugal such as Tinta Roris, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca and Tinto Cao. Apart from Port, the Douro Valley also creates table wines using the same grape varieties that are becoming increasingly popular.

Expand your palette with the 2005 Quinta de Fronteira | Touriga Nacional | $21.00

Who knows, maybe one day you will get to embark on a wine tour in France or travel down under and see what the Barossa Valley has to offer. Until then, while enjoying your glass of a favourite vintage, you can not only grasp its flavour but an entire appreciation from the beautiful vineyards it came from.

Cork or screw cap?

Posted on May 29, 2013May 29, 2013 by Wil Knoll

In the last ten years the cork industry has seen dramatic changes in desire for their product. Although cork is a 100 per-cent natural and renewable material, wineries are enclosing their bottles with synthetic or plastic mocks due to tainted wine.

With 50 per-cent of the globe’s cork production, Portugal has experienced a decline of their main industry which accounts for 16 per-cent of the country’s foreign income. Although the screw cap alternatives are easier to handle, various factors of ecological responsibility are ignored for the non-traditional method of “poppin’ bottles.”

Every nine years, a cork oak tree is stripped of its bark to produce the light and flexible cork material. This processes helps the tree re-new and strive to live for up to 300 years. Apart from wine stoppers, the cork industry has expanded to flooring, footwear and unique crafting ideas (to name a few). However, these uses may not be enough to support Portugal’s 500 factories and 50,000 industry professionals.

Making up 5.3 million acres of forest, these special oak trees are home to many endangered species. As a major source for CO2 retention, it is no argument that cork provides a friendly green advantage over plastic stoppers, which produce 10-24 times more greenhouse gases.

António Rios de Amorim of APCOR or the Portuguese Cork Association says he believes that there has been a 30 per-cent reduction in cork output since 2001.

Amorim Cork is the largest producer of the natural stopper, with 3.2 billion produced in 2010. They are also responsible for the creation of ReCork by Amorim. This organization reuses old corks (corks to date 41,220,110) to create footwear with their partner SOLE. This movement also strengthens Portuguese forests by planting more of the protected tree. So far they have planted 8,472 Cork Oak trees in the last several years. ReCork has a number of drop-off locations in Canada, where you can put your cork collection to valuable use.

Obviously a preference exists for wine drinkers everywhere. Depending on your love for convenience or the economy, the stopper choice of a winery my influence your purchase. While cork is essential for aging wines gracefully, screw caps are very handy if you’re planning on opening the bottle as soon as you get home. The ritual, however, of opening a bottle does not have the same effect with a screw cap. Amorim said, “The only argument in favour of screw caps is now convenience. But what you gain in convenience you lose in style.” What is your preference?

Welcome to Wine – varieties and temperature

Posted on May 24, 2013June 7, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Besides the commonly recognized Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, thousands of grape varieties exist, each having their own characteristics, aromas and flavour.

In our last Welcome to Wine post, I highlighted some popular wine varieties and their typical traits in taste (mouth) and smell (nose). Wines, according to their grape variety as well as region also have differences in temperatures to serve and store. When held at the wrong
temperature, the taste, aromas and
aging process can be altered.

Wine Storing Tips

Store wine around 12°C and horizontally
If you don’t have a cellar, invest in a wine cooler for short-term (typically priced from $200) or wine cellar fridge to lay down a bottle long-term ($1200 +)
Fridge temperature’s are too cold, but work well for a quick cooling
Forgot to chill the wine? Put a glass in the fridge for speedy serving temperature
Don’t forget a bottle in the freezer, the cork may pop out leaving you a mess

GE 30 Bottle Wine Chiller $348

White varieties are typically served between 7° to 10°C, where as reds are best at 12° to 18°C. If overly warm, the taste of alcohol may be stronger in reds. Although chilling is usually associated with whites, don’t be afraid to do the same to a Merlot or Pinot Noir.

Sauvignon Blanc France original. Crisp and light	7°C
Pinot Grigio Alsace. Citrus, melon and peach	7°C
Chardonnay Burgundy. Butter and vanilla	10°C
Riesling Germany. Melon and grapefruit	8°C
Rosé Red grapes with less skin contact	10°C
Pinot Noir Burgundy. Berries and mint	10°C – 13°C
Merlot Previously blended. Plum and berries	13°C – 15°C
Shiraz Rhône. Spices and berries	18°C
Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux. Cherry and tobacco	18°C
Zinfandel California. Jam and black pepper	18°C

GearUp4CF Fundraiser

Posted on May 23, 2013October 29, 2020 by Wil Knoll

On May 11^th, WineCollective helped support the 3^rd annual “Beer and Burger Night,” a fundraiser to raise money for the GearUp4CF ride in Vancouver.

Sandra Smith, who organized the event says approximately $13,400 was raised in aid of her husband Blair’s upcoming participation of the 1,200 km journey from Vancouver to Banff. Blair hopes to raise a total of $25,000 before the ride that takes place on June 22^nd. Cyclists come from across Canada to take part this nine-day challenge.

Sandra, who is among the 4,000 Canadians living with Cystic Fibrosis, was told her time was limited three years ago. After being unable to walk up and down stairs, she was referred for a double lung transplant. “Thanks to my donor family, my wonderful CF and Lung Transplant teams and with the love of my family and friends,” Sandra says, “I have a new chance at life.”

This year, WineCollective donated an Evolution – Red package, as well as a Tannic membership ($195 value). Tickets for “Beer and Burger Night,” held at Local 002 Public Tavern & Kitchen, include an automatic donation for GearUp4CF, as well as access to the fundraiser’s silent auction, door prizes and raffles.

Through her own personal experience, Sandra says, “I have seen first-hand what research can do for someone with Cystic Fibrosis and I have personally benefited as well. All of the time and effort put into raising money for research makes a difference.” Since 2006, GearUp4CF has raised $970,000 to one day find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

Sandra and husband Blair at the GearUp4CF 2012 finish line

Get involved and donate here to this amazing event.

Dads love wine!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Wil Knoll

If your dad is anything like mine, he sure does love his vino. So instead of buying him yet another tie for Father’s Day, give him something he will really enjoy! If you’re lucky, he may even share.

You can purchase a WineCollective package from now until the end of May and receive your unique wines around Father’s Day in mid-June.

From now until June 17, 2013, use our FATHERSDAY2013 coupon code for $5.00 off any subscription or gift package. We’ll send an email to your pop letting him know his special something is on its way, or keep it a secret and we’ll send you all the details.

Whatever you choose, WineCollective will ensure your package of expertly selected wines is safely delivered straight to your dad’s door. He’ll also receive detailed tasting cards and access to our online community of wine lovers! With everything taken care of you and your dad are free to spend the day together, maybe for lunch and a round of golf?

Enjoy your day dads; it is well deserved!

New WineCollective packages!

Posted on May 16, 2013May 17, 2013 by Wil Knoll

We’ve been listening to your feedback at WineCollective, and it’s our pleasure to introduce our new packages!

Don’t worry. We’re still continuing the WineCollective experience you know and love; we’re just giving you more! We hope you’ll enjoy the chance to broaden your exposure to the many unique wines we offer or refine your palate with increased access to your favourite grapes.

Indulgence

IT’S HEALTHY TO INDULGE YOURSELF

For the discerning wine drinker who loves the finer things in life, this package offers a mix of cellar-quality wine and wine for Wednesday night pizza dinner. Available in both 2 and 4 bottle packages, the wines are selected seasonally.

If you currently receive the Magellan subscription, please note that your package is now a 2 bottle Indulgence.

Expansion

ENOUGH TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS

For the wine drinker who needs no occasion to raise their glass or host a party. Featuring 4 bottles of red wine and 2 white, this is a fantastic value and an excellent opportunity to get the most variety of wine.

Evolution

EXPLORE YOUR PALATE

For the enthusiastic wine lover who wishes to explore all types of wine. This palate expander includes 4 bottles of wine for any occasion in both mixed and exclusively red packages.

If you currently receive the Rosso subscription, your package is now the Evolution – Red and will continue to feature only expertly curated red wine selections every month. However, while we’ve previously selected the wines for the mixed package seasonally, you can now enjoy an even selection of both red and white every month of the year.

Genesis

START YOUR JOURNEY HERE

For wine lovers at the beginning of their journey, or experienced enthusiasts who need just a top up, this introductory package features 2 bottles.

You’ve asked for a package featuring only white wine, so we’ve split this into two options tailored exclusively to more exacting palates. Choose two bottles a month of either white or red selections, and refine your tasting experience!

If you currently receive the Cartier subscription, you will now receive the new Genesis package. This means that you’ll need to log into your account before May 31st and choose whether you’d prefer all white wine each month or all red. Please note that if you don’t select a package, we will default your subscription to red for June, but you are free to change your package at any time.

Want to sample a new package?

You can now log into your account change your subscription. Try an Indulgence for a special occasion month, or add a few more bottles to your cellar with an Expansion package. You can do this at your own convenience!

Log into your account and select “switch package” on your Subscriptions page:

Choose the package you want, and change at any time. Just remember that any change you make in the current month won’t take effect until the month that follows.

Thank you for your continued feedback and support. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions about our new packages. We love hearing from you, and we hope you enjoy your improved WineCollective experience!

Cheers!

Wine education at its finest

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Wil Knoll

For those of us interested in wine and its industry, sharing bottles and discussing with friends is typically how we expand our taste and knowledge. Some may even take wine tasting classes (like those held at our partner Willow Park Wines & Spirits) as a way of further developing their understanding of wine.

However, universities such as Brock University in St. Catherine’s Ontario and the University of California – Davis, are providing students with top-notch wine education in Bachelor of Science undergraduate degrees.

Brock University’s cellar, The Canadian Wine Library, holds 43,000 bottles

The Oenology and Viticulture program at Brock happens to be the only University in Canada offering a BSc, with popularity and class sizes doubling since its introduction in 2009. Other Canadian universities such as Vancouver Island University only offer certificates in wine business and appreciation.

Kaitlyn Little of Brock University says that students leave with “comprehensive understanding of both winemaking and viticulture practices.” The program leads the way for graduates to be able to work in wineries with a focus on scientific practices such as biochemistry and plant physiology.

Brock’s fermentation lab is used for student classes. The university sees an employment rate of 97% for viticulture graduates.

Students also learn more about the industry with mandatory classes in wine marketing and the option of taking a business minor so that they may one day own and operate their own vineyard.

The best part about the program is the several internships that must be completed apart from the courses. This gives students hands-on international experience, with jobs in North America, Europe and Eurasia, Little says.

Unlike Canada, the United States has various university programs with UC-Davis being the #1 Agriculture Research and Teaching Institution worldwide, according to QS World University Rankings.

The UC-Davis’ winery is highly recognized for it’s environmentally friendly facility. It was awarded Platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design by the U.S Green Building Council

Professor Mark Matthews says that with the new building facilities, including an “ultra modern winery,” Viticulture and Enology students have everything necessary to grow grapes, select yeast and bacteria for fermentations and process wine. Although this program does not hold a business requirement, costs and industry considerations are worked into courses like “vineyard design.”

Traditionally, wineries are known for their family influence with vineyards being passed down from generation to generation. While this may seem like a heart-warming intention, the global wine market is expected to generate $292 billion in 2014, according to MarketLine.

We think this leaves plenty of opportunity for more business and new winemakers.

Welcome to Wine

Posted on May 9, 2013June 7, 2013 by Wil Knoll

Being new to wine culture and the art of tasting may make you feel like you’re jumping into an intimidating mixture of snobby know-it-alls and eclectic vocabulary. But here at WineCollective headquarters we know that different levels of wine education exist. Our team ranges from certified vino pros to the earliest of beginners – like me.

In the next few weeks our WineCollective blog will be featuring a “Welcome to Wine” series of posts that will go through all beginner basics, including terminology and various tips to help you learn. After all, our club is open not only to connoisseurs and collectors, but all Canadians wanting to share in the joys of wine.

My interest in wine began early, where a glass (or two) of my father’s homemade wine at the family dinner table was always necessary and would lead us through hours of conversation and laughs. Today, my interest has spread to curiosity in all features of the wine industry that I hope to explore. So whether you just want to socialize and share wine with food and friends or have a thirst for knowledge, here is a delicious place to start.

We will begin with, tasting basics.

There are three steps to getting the most out of your wine tasting experience that will require you to indulge your senses of sight, smell and taste. While reading up on technique and a “systematic approach” will give you foundation in wine education, you’ll probably find that, like most things, practice makes perfect. So feel free to pop a cork and follow along.

Step 1 – Eyes

The best way to peek into the inside of your glass is to slightly tilt its delicious contents, preferably up to a blank canvas like a white tablecloth. Here you can look into not only the colour, but the clarity and legs as well (yes, wine has legs).

Red, white and rose wines all have a range of colour they can fit into determined by grape varieties, how the wine was aged and the overall age of the wine. These can all have an effect on how the wine appears. My Wine Tutor says that whites gain colour in the aging process, while reds lose colour.

Here is a spectrum of hues to look for as you tilt your glass:

White: straw-yellow / yellow-gold / gold / old-gold / yellow-brown

Red: purple / ruby / red / brick red / red-brown / tawny

Rose: pink / salmon / orange

You also want to make note of the intensity of your wine colour as well as the clarity – is your wine clear or hazy?

The legs of your wine can be seen as a clear film against the sides of the glass, which can indicate the alcohol content and body.

Step 2 – Nose

Swirling your glass as part of wine tasting is essential and powerful. Not only does the motion aerate the wine and release a bouquet of aromatic appeal, it also makes you look and feel extremely fancy. Or at least, I think so.

Aroma characteristics can coincide with varieties used. Learning the smells of more popular wines can help you match with your own experience. However, everyone is different; what you smell may be different from what someone else might take away from the wine.

White

Chardonnay: Melons, pears, vanilla, hazelnut

Sauvignon Blanc: Grapefruit, gooseberries, tart apples, lime or lemon

Riesling: Apple, pear, peach, honey, flowers

Red

Pinot Noir: Cherries, strawberries, forest floor

Merlot: Blueberry, plum, tobacco, chocolate

Cabernet Sauvignon: Black currant, black cherry, smoke, cigar box

Winesworld’s Magazine gives a long list of favourite wines and their individuality.

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.” – Paulo Coelho

Step 3 – Mouth

Finally, you get to taste. But don’t rush and don’t gulp it up. Instead, savour the flavour that the last two steps were piecing together. Taste buds and sensations are everywhere. Try to pull apart the components that make up the wine: sweetness, acidity and tannin (bitterness).

Flavour characteristics can coincide with aroma. Fruit and floral (like citrus and tropical) as well as spice, vegetables, and oak can all be explored within a wine glass.

What do you taste? Is the body of the wine heavy and rich, or light? Does it match with your meal? These are all questions to ask to ask to help you decide if the bottle is one you enjoy.

The last element of wine tasting to notice is the balance and length of your sip. A long finish leaves the taste of the wine and its components in your mouth. With time, you may be able to pinpoint which flavours hold.

WineCollective is an excellent place to start in your wine journey. Not only do we test and rate wines within our office, we also send you a variety of unique wines to expand your palette.

Along with the bottles, Tasting Cards are sent to members to share the vintage with highlighted tasting notes – Eyes, Nose, Mouth. We also include information on the vineyard, region and producer to add to every aspect of your wine education.

Tasting Cards can also throw an extra challenge with every card’s food pairing suggestion. Attempt a recipe to go along with the wine to see how flavours of food and wine can flawlessly marry.

Although wine tasting may have its science, the experience is entirely individual. Being aware and knowledgeable will not only help to impress your friends, but will also help bring you to find your palette and wine preferences. Happy tasting!

Celebrate Mother’s Day with WineCollective!

Posted on April 22, 2013March 23, 2022 by Wil Knoll

Mother’s Day is approaching quickly and, as with most celebrations, wine is the best complement. If you’re still looking for the perfect way to show your appreciation, we can help! Share a WineCollective gift package with your mother and let us take care of the details.

In the spirit of classic gestures like Breakfast in bed, WineCollective will deliver comfort and ease with an expertly curated selection of wine delivered right to your mother’s door. Enjoy the day together; we’ll do the rest. We’ll send an email on your behalf welcoming her to a great wine experience, and your mom will receive fantastic wine to enjoy at her leisure complete with detailed tasting cards and access to our wine loving community online.

Pleasantly surprise mom this year when she receives:

Three professionally curated wines – you’ll get to pick whether she receives an all-red, all-white or mixed wine pack!
Three exclusive recipes in her first box to try out
A tasting guide for the journey
Member perks such as access to our private store with discounted pricing!

By the way, mothers, don’t forget to treat yourselves; you deserve it!