How about a warmer version of ice wine? -2

If you have read my previous post, you just might be interested to read on. As promised, let's bring in our main characters of straw wine in, namely the Dry red wine and the sweet red wine versions of straw wine. We shall focus more on the dry red wine in this post.

Amarone della Valpolicella (the dry red wine) as the nature would explain for itself, consist of the process of making this beautiful wine by allowing the grapes to dry, and not surprisingly, on straw mats! Of course, as per many other things of this world, names flow from their historic growth. Thus, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that straw mats, while remains a traditional method of drying the grapes, has started to see its fate being replaced by special drying chambers nowadays for the modern Amarone. Talk about being sentimental, sticking onto the traditional method might not always be ideal here. If you've been a loyal reader of my blog, the term "Botrytis cinerea" might in this instant ring a bell in you. Yes, just as mentioned in my post about ice wine, grapes processed here should be free from the noble rot as well. Thus the reason why the modern processing method might appear to be a better method of processing these grapes here. With the special drying chambers, the amount of handling that the grapes undergo is greatly minimized, hence decreasing the chances of the onset of Botrytis cinerea. Another term worth knowing would be "rasinate" - to dry and shrivel in Italian. And just as in the case of ice wine, though the grapes are not collected while it's frozen, by rasinating the grapes brings us quite the same result, and that is the concentration of sugars and flavors in the grapes. Following the drying of grapes comes the familiar step of fermentation. However, note that this shall not be mistaken as a step that is similiar to the usual fermentation. The fermentation of the dry grapes here are kept at a dry low temperature fermentation and is usually a much longer process. This is because with the reduced water content, it is easy to see the higher level of spoilage and possibility of wine faults.

And with the right grasp of time for fermenting the grapes comes the birth of our dry red wine, Amarone. However, interestingly, while the dry and sweet red wine are categorised apart, they are yet not so apart. This is so because should the fermentation be stopped early, the residual sugar in the resulting wine might just twist the fate of the wine and turn it into a sweet wine known as Recioto della Valpolicella. For the sweeter version, you might like to try it with some chocolate desserts!

Just like the making of the ice wine, the process of producing these straw wines are quite a challenge in itself as well. No wet and rainy weather is really welcomed here as this might lead to the rotting of the grapes even before it can dry out. And if the luck doesn't help here, the winemakers will then see themselves putting in extra effort in trying to remove those rotten grapes in order to ensure the quality of their final product is not compromised. Ask me what would happen if the effort of the winemakers are compromised? Well, I can only wish you enjoy the wine with the moldy flavors! *cheers* or *puke* you know it now~

Enjoy~

P.S The above information is obtained from
- The Wikipedia
- The website "http://www.detrafford.co.za/w_straw1997.htm"
- The picture from "http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Zyance" and "italianwinehub.com/news05.html"

How about a warmer version of Ice wine? -1

The dried grapes ready to contribute to the makings of Amarone!

If you have read my previous post about ice wine, and love concentrated versions of this wonderfully creation (i.e. our beloved wine), here's something else you just might be interested to know about!

And Yesss, i present the Straw wine. Oh, what a name you might think! But let not the name dampen your heightened desires to drink it. Nope, it's not gonna taste like straw, or even smell like one. A warmer version of ice wine might just be the phrase I would gladly attach to it.

Straw wine, or else better known as raisin wine, holds a rather similar fate as our beloved ice wine. Being made from grapes that have been dried in order to concentrate its juice, you bet you're in for another sweetalicious treat. And yes if you're thinking this sounds a bit like ice wine processed in warmer climates, you're right! As for the attaching of this rather weird name, that you probably still can't figure out why it was ever named after, here's some enlightening. The classic method of processing this unique wine starts with drying clusters of grapes on mats of straw in the sun, though some other regions do dry them slightly differently like drying them under cover, hanging the grapes or even replacing the straws with modern racks nowadays. Not neglecting the recognition of its homeland, straw wines are mostly produced in Northern Italy and the French Alps. However, as per any other of its cousins, you should expect other areas to come out with more and more experimentation of producing this brother of ice wine.

Having the similar process as producing ice wine, it should naturally bring you into realization the labour intensive and low yields production straw wine has!And so needless to comment further, the higher price you will see yourself paying! But as per any other great wines of the world, you know it's always worth experimenting the fine works around, don't you agree?

Another area of straw wine I would find it worth mentioning would be the different diversification it holds. This being broadly categorized, its growth into either a dry red wine (Amarone della Valpolicella) or a sweet red wine (Recioto della Valpolicella) specifically in the region of Verona. Care to know more about the childhoods of Amarone and Recioto? Stay tuned as I bring to you "How about a warmer version of Ice wine? - 2".

Oh and before I end this post, how about adding a few new terms to your wine index. Here's presenting the various names of straw wine in the respective regions:

• Vin de Paille - France
• Strohwein - Germany/Austria
• Passito (Generic name) - Italy

Till then, let me toast to you a marvelicious glass of Recioto to end off our night with sweetness! *Cheers*

P.S The above information is gathered from the following:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_wine
- http://z.about.com/d/italianfood/1/0/y/A/201.jpg - Picture
- http://amarone.mangibene.com/ - Picture

An Australian wine review to share...

Very unlike my style to blog about an australian wine. However, since I came across this particular bottle of Australian red, why not share my experience ya?

A rather unique description was actually attached to this bottle as follows:
"Serpico was a famous NY police officer in the 70's who wasn't afraid to "work against the grain" and in doing so exposed the immense depth of police corruption in the era. With Mitolo Serpico we aim to step outside out peers and redefine the accepted style of Australian wine."

Hmm...so what has been stirred within you after reading the description? Will it be a bottle that will be able to get your curiosity aroused? If you're still in the midst of your hestiation, allow me to being you through some insights (probably biased insights though)...

A 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale-thin in texture. However, I wouldn't see it as a good thing here because what was brought along with the thin texture, was a superficial finish. No in depth emotions was found. The mild spice that landed on my taste-buds subsided and left me like in a split-second moment. Savouring it seems like an unexpected request to be made. All in all, the tannin while light enough to serve for casual chit-chats, it just didn't meet the standard to add colours to the session.

Here's more information should you wish to know more about it:

Mitolo
Serpico
2004
Cabernet Sauvignon
McLaren Vale

Produced by Mitolo Wines
CNR of Angle Vale Road
Johns Road Virginia,
South Australia 5120
www.mitolowines.com.au

Produce of Australia
Preservative (220) added
15.0% alc/vol
approx 8.9 standard drinks

Audendum defendere fides tuas
nonque conformandum plebi est
750ml

P.S: The above review is solely based on my personal tasting experience and holds no intention against the producer in particular. All are still encouraged to give it a try. Afterall, with the unique tastebuds of every individual, you just might fall in love with this wine.

M. Chapoutier 2005 - Belleruche

A new wine recommendation is finally here.

Chapoutier has been a ringing name in the Rhône Valley since 1808. As for Michel Chapoutier, being one of wine's fascinating characters, he is by no surprise a man of character, a lover of the terrior as well as a perfectionist. The quality of products of M. Chapoutier should not be too disappointing. Afterall, with such a long historic background and a devoted producer, you can be quite assured it is likely to be able to satisfy you.

With a typical style or a set style, as well as a permanent objective to work out differences in tastes, and a constant desire to bring out the specific tastes provided by each local terroir and wine, this is how M. Chapoutier sum up the Chapothier Estate quest. Surely, this would be a point worthy to note - to not expect just another typical boring red that is!

And as for me, i guess it did worked for me. An initial overwhelming effect that may come a little unexpected, but if you can get over that very first sudden touch and settle your lips to a close, you will get to experience the tender and smooth finish it leaves lingering in your taste buds. Rather dark in colour, but the texture is surprisingly comfortable and rather thin. Tannin content wise, I would say its just right for even casual drinking. With no food required, it can still be a great accompaniment through the night.

So here are the details you might find useful should you wish to give it a try:


(Please note that this is just a label for reference, the exact details for the bottle mention are as follows...)

Belleruche
Cotes-du-rhône
Appellation cotes-du-rhône controlee
M. Chapoutier
2005
Mis en bouteille per M.Chapoutier 26600 tain france product of france
13.5% alc/vol

P.S Additional informations were obtained from the following website:
- http://www.chapoutier.com/
Hope you guys love the new wine recommendation. *Prost* to a new beginning in the year too! =)

Embrace the touch of strength...

[Do listen to the music for an added swing with the post =)]



A stretch.
A powerful turn.
A clear cut sweep of the waves of its hair.
A jump into the air.
As it lift you to the highest point.

What do you know?
And what have you realised?
You swirl but have not noticed,
The unleashing of passion
And the inborne strength and build it possess.

Its dance is so powerful and smooth
But how long have you stayed to appreciate
As it faint away with every passing moment

NO!
It wasn't meant to end with a soft touch
Tonight, just tonight
Let it stop with a "Bang" and then silence......

Just to let its sensation linger in you
and ONLY you
It is to stay
At that corner of your memory where you know

A corner
Where your emotion will always be stirred.

ALASsssss, embrace its touch now or never!
For its strength today will no longer prevail tomorrow.



P.S: Hope this combination of dance and wine will help bring some added appreciation.
The above pictures used are extracted from Yahoo Images with the sources linked to the pictures.
Lastly, enjoy the festive season as we welcome the coming year with a toast! *cheers*