Many of us believe that drinking red wine is good for health and do we know why?

According to the researchers, red wine is more potent in extending human lifespan. Drinking a glass or two in a day can lower your risk of cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and some other illnesses. Red wine, in addition to bring out out the flavor in the food, is related to a variety of health benefits.

The following article has described some of the healthy benefits of having red wine. These benefits are as under:

Antioxidants: the major ingredient used in making the red wine is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are the molecules that protect the human cells against the effects of free radicals. When the body breaks down the foods, these free radicals are created and thus destoys the cells. These antioxidants reduces the chances of number of diseases including heart diseases and cancer.

Reduces the risks of degenerative diseases: red wine has the potential to reduce the chances of getting degenerative, neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Since red wine is full with antioxidants, it can help in the improvisation of blood supply to the cells and therefore fights the reactive oxidants in your body.

High in resveratrol: red wines have a higher level of resveratrol compared to white wines. Particularly the pinot noir wine has around twice as much as other red wines. Resveratrol is normally found in the grape skins and seeds and can raise HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) from forming.

Reduces risk of stroke: red wine has also the potential to reduces the chances of a person suffering from a fatal stroke. Red wine consumers have low levels of fibrinogen, which raises the risks of a blood clot.

Although red wine is considered to be good for human health, but it is always good to consume withing certain limits. Therefore, in my opinion, i would suggest that taking wine in moderation can increase your life span but consuming beyond limits might reduce your life by few years. So be careful and responsible while drinking.

There's no great mystery to wine tasting - it simply is what it says.  Tasting the flavors in the grape and learning to appreciate the differences between the different varieties on offer.

If you've never done it before then try it at home, perhaps with a few friends.  First take three of four different varieties of wine (red, white, rose - or a mixture of all three).  It should be a light-hearted occasion with perhaps everyone contributing a bottle.  Make a note of each bottle's name, its manufacturer and year produced and arm yourself with a glass for each bottle and a notepad for your findings.

 
Opening Correctly
Open the bottle with a good opener being sure not to leave any cork behind in the bottle, as this can affect the taste and opacity of the wine.  

 
Checking the Color

Now pour a little wine into the glass (a fifth of a glass is adequate for tasting purposes).  Notice the color of the wine as it enters the glass and hold it up to the light so that you take a better look at it's tone and opacity.  The color is an indicator of the flavors and fullness of the wine. Make a note of its shade; if it's a red wine, is it a light cherry shade, a rich damson red, or does it have an even deeper burgundy tone?  If it's a white wine, is it a gold or amber toned white, or does it have a fresher citrus tone?  If it's rose, is it a warm rose-petal pink, or does it have cooler violet tones?   Whatever your findings - note them down next to the name of the wine.

 
Does it have Legs?
Now give the wine a good swirl in the glass and, again, hold it up to the light.  You may notice 'legs' trailing down the glass as the flavors of the wine all meld together.  Again make a note of this.

 
Breaking Down the Components
Now bring the glass up to your nose and inhale deeply.  Close you eyes and try to 'see' the components that make up the wine you are smelling.  For example, you might get a strong aroma of strawberries, plums or cherries, or pick up elements of lemony zest, or even spicy cinnamon or chocolate notes.  Again, write your findings down.

 
The First Sip
Now inhale the wine again but this time bring it up to your lips with the flavors you have 'pictured' clearly in your mind.  Close your eyes again and take a good sip of the wine.  What are your initial thoughts at it hits your mouth?  It might be immediately fresh and vibrant, it might be soft and melony, it might be rich and jammy.

 
Letting in Air
Swirl the wine around in your mouth letting it coat every part and, as you do so, purse your lips as if you are about to whistle and then breathe in just a little air to fully release the flavors of the wine.  Don't breathe in too much or you may find yourself coughing - practice makes perfect!

 
A Good Finish
Now hold the wine in your mouth for a few moments more before letting it slide seductively down your throat (professional wine tasters wouldn't swallow of course but this is a more personal and fun experiment).  Make a note of all the flavors that you have tasted and of the ones that linger on in your mouth after you have swallowed.  Wines that continue to linger are said to have a long-finish.  If you find this to be the case, then again, make a note of it.  

 
Cleansing your Palate

Don't forget to provide a good sized jug of water and additional glasses, so that all of your guests can thoroughly cleanse their palates between tastings.

 
Adding to the Experience
You may consider reading the wine labels, with their description of the grapes and flavors before tasting, but I would suggest leaving this until the end of the tasting and then testing your abilities to see whether you picked up on those listed.  It all adds to the experience and can boost your confidence if you're new to the experience.

 
Building a Collection
One last thing; if possible, take either a photo-copy of each wine label or, better still, the labels themselves and attach them to your notes so that you can, over time, build up a collection of your favorite varieties.

Happy Tasting!

Accessories are often considered the weak link in the wine chain that can be done without, an item that is extra, just an attachment that is less useful than wine itself. Wine accessories can be considered supplementary instead of complimentary. Through this article the function of the most commonly issued wine accessories is discussed to show how the enjoyment of wine cannot be truly fulfilled without the correct accessories forming part of the experience of wine drinking. Not to mention the extremely lucrative market of collectible items such as Victorian bottle openers and decanters.

Among the most popular wine accessories are wine glasses, corkscrews, decanters, collars, stoppers and wine racks. By aiding in storing and serving wine, wine accessories can help the enthusiast enjoy their wine experience to the fullest. Some wine enthusiasts even boast of their own personalized wine bottles and customized accessories.

Moreover, wine charms made out of silver, gold and other materials can make any wine-drinking activity more pleasing to the eyes, leading to the perception of better enjoyment. The enjoyment of wine is sensory and starts from the sight of the drink through the transparent bottle or glass after it has been poured . Wine is similar to food in that your expectations are heightened when you see it well presented regardless of what it eventually tastes like. The type of glass is important. But for some the irresistible moment is hearing that popping off of the wine cork. A sound that is captured by the ear sending all sorts of messages to the brain - either of great joy or dread, depending on ones motivation or health.

There are many styles of wine glasses, each with their own charm and personalized appeal. While wine bottle openers have become somewhat obsolete, thanks to the growing popularity of screw-caps, having a wine bottle opener still adds an elegant touch to wine drinking. Wine bottle openers can range from traditional corkscrews, wine keys and screw-pull levers to more complicated wine bottle openers driven by carbon dioxide.

Wine decanters are glass containers used to serve wine. They maximize the wine's aeration by exposing the wine to more oxygen. This enhances the taste and bouquet of wine. It's also easier to pour wine from a decanter because wine is less likely to spill or dribble.

Wine collars are placed around the wine bottle's neck to absorb any spillage when the wine is poured. It's an important accessory for preventing wine stains on your clothes or table cloths.

Wine coolers are nice to have around because they can ensure that the wine is served at its proper temperature, especially for white, rose and sparkling wine. Highly fruity wines are usually served chilled whilst dry wines are served warm. The temperature helps regulate the amount of molecules allowed to escape into the air, to an extent. Especially at wine tastings, the correct temperature can help ensure the wine taster's olfactory senses remain unbiased. Small wine coolers can be placed right on your table top. If you have a large wine collection, you will be better served by large refrigerator units so you can keep your wine bottles chilled at various temperatures.

Finally, wine racks are used for storing wine bottles in a slightly slanted manner to ensure that the wine touches the cork so it doesn't dry up. Wine racks are usually accessories of serious wine enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs. They provide a neat way to utilize space when there are multiple bottles to store. With the right rack the life time of a bottle of wine can be prolonged as the cork will remain moist for longer and air would not get into the bottle easily.

If you want to save yourself from the hassles of having to store wine and buying racks or large refrigerator units, it's best to order your wine only as the need arises. Thanks to the Internet, ordering wine is no longer a hassle. 

Red wine is very good for health and its keeping health condition. So drinking red wine is good for your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain and more. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than is white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol. Red wine is a particularly rich

source of antioxidants flavonoid phenolics, so many studies to uncover a cause for red wine's effects have focused on its phenolic constituents,

particularly resveratrol and the flavonoids. However, the evidence seems clear that regular, moderate consumption of red wine is beneficial to

your health.

If your goal is a healthy, fit body, a red-wine habit is not the worst vice in the world. Recent research has indicated a substance called

resveratrol, which is found in the skin and seeds of grapes used to make wine, has promising heart-healthy benefits. It has been linked with all sorts of health benefits over the years: the heart, the lungs, prevention of breast cancer, prostate cancer, tooth decay, longevity and just

general wellbeing. The main health benefit of moderate alcohol use appears to be related to its effect on the development of atherosclerosis or

the accumulation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries that supply the heart. Recommendations to consume

moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. Similarly, in countries like Australia, the US and the UK, wine drinkers are believed to smoke less,exercise more and generally lead 'healthier' lifestyles than most beer drinkers. It could therefore be that healthy lifestyles associated with wine drinking are protective against heart disease, rather than wine drinking itself.

The so-called "Mediterranean diet", which includes a larger intake of wine, has been credited with lower rates of heart disease in those countries, despite a higher intake of saturated fats. The pro-red wine studies suggest antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. It's not yet known how beneficial eating grapes or other foods might be compared with drinking red wine when it comes to promoting heart health. It's interesting to note that if I have a second glass of wine at the end of a busy week, my heart rate and blood pressure drop significantly. However, more research is needed before we know whether red wine is better for your heart than are other forms of alcohol, such as beer or spirits.

" One to 2 drinks per day of any alcohol type have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol by about 12%. Some researchers believe that resveratrol

might be the key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Other

studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming.

One of the well-known and most studied benefits of red wine is its heart protective effect. The diversity of red wine is such that it can match any type of food. A succulent fillet steak washed down with a glass of fine red wine is one of the great gastronomic double acts. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail, and the medical findings that red wine is actually beneficial for one's health will pave the way toward adopting the red wine consumption on a larger scale.

Buy Cabernet Sauvignon Online: There are always a few aspects you want to keep in mind, while buying Cabernet Sauvignon wines online. You will find that there are many sites that offer you seemingly unbelievable deals, but at the same time you have to be careful. The first thing to consider is the sites authenticity, they should be able to ensure you the best in genuine wine labels, and deliver the same quality that you expect from that specific label. Secondly, since it is being done online, they should offer a competitive price, as they do not have the maintenance cost of physical stores.

Nick's wine corner is one of the most popular places for you go online and pick out your favorite label of wine, complete with reviews and ratings, so that you are well guided in choosing the right wine. Nick's wine corner also boasts a wide range of labels ranging, well over a thousand for you to consider and, order in a matter of seconds. If you happen to be a Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiast, then you need not worry about a thing, Nick's wine corner has you covered all the way, when looking to buy one of the world's finest grapes to have been used for wine making, the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine's are very personal, and so they should be, at Nick's wine corner, you will find many new and vintage wine labels, to give you the variety you are looking for, so you can make wine shopping online, a preferred way of buying your favorite labels from the ease of your homes. The 2004 Rudd Oakville Estate Red (Clay Label) Napa Valley is classic Cabernet Sauvignon in the making. This fine wine blends the scents of black currents and charcoal, with the added touch of underbrush and licorice, to be completely held together, by a distinguishable spicy undertone, all flowing flawlessly in the passion of a deep ruby color.

Another exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon wine you will find at Nick's wine corner is the 2004 Showket Asante Sana Super Tuscan Blend Oakville, with just twenty percent Cabernet and eighty percent Sangiovese; this is a wine to be loved. Made by Heidi Barrett herself, this wine demands respect, and rightfully so. Heidi is without a shadow of doubt one of the most talented wine maker's around, and she has been extremely successful in transforming this wine into a truly phenomenal experience. The words Asante Sana in Swahili, quite literally translate into "Thank you very much", which servers two purposes, firstly, it symbolizes the donation of profits towards an African school she endorses, and secondly, it sums up the feeling you get after having experienced this Tuscan Super Blend.

Your next favorite Cabernet Sauvignon is simply a few clicks away, and at Nick's wine corner. Shopping for your most loved labels online has taken on a whole new dimension. Covering all the new and old labels of choice and much more, you will find an excellent selection of Cabernet Sauvignon grape wines, and will be more than satisfied with the quality and prices of these wonderful brews.

The AW-280E NewAir Thermoelectric wine refrigerator allows you to store and enjoy wine at its finest. One of the primary enemies of wines is a prolonged exposure to heat or extreme cold and sunlight. Because of these factors, most wine collectors and buyers choose to store their wines in wine fridges and cellars; however, this always remains a failure as most types of wine coolers and fridge systems are too expensive or just considerably substandard.

Nevertheless, if you are a novice connoisseur or are a prominent collector of wines, keeping your bottles safely in a compartment at an ideal temperature will maintain your wines' fragrance and taste. These are all made possible through the use of the AW-280E NewAir thermoelectric wine cooler.

Although this type of wine cooler is considered very lightweight and accumulates very little space compared to other commercial wine fridges, it invariably brags a huge 28 bottle capacity and it can easily and efficiently accommodate a large collection of any wine enthusiast. Its built-in digital temperature control provides precise and accurate temperature modes that can best suit the temperature needs of all brands of wines. It is designed with a LED lighted touch screen that enables any user easy control and operation.

Furthermore, the AW-280E NewAir Thermoelectric wine cooler also has an internal LED monitor display for easy viewing and temperature control adjustments.

In terms of the style, the AW-280E NewAir Thermoelectric wine cooler comes as an attractive and smooth black cabinet and as chrome-plated wine racks for a more sophisticated touch. And because this wine fridge uses thermoelectric cooling that is free from any types of vibration, it operates in a silent manner and will not, in any way, disturb a quiet indoor environment or setting.

What invariably makes the AW-280E NewAir different from other wine coolers is that most wine collections have been greatly damaged due to the moisture and temperature instability of other brands of wine coolers. Exceeding or extreme temperatures can cause wines to prematurely age; hence, its entire balance and taste can be lost.

When a bottle of wine is stored in an overwhelming cold temperature, it can also lose its aroma and taste, which is why the AW-280E NewAir is considered by many wine cooler reviews as the best wine storage device and solution.

This reasonably-priced wine fridge is also designed with a LED temperature monitor display and can amazingly hold up to 28 bottles of wine.

With careful and gentle use, and accompanied by proper and regular maintenance, you can effectively avoid meeting any type of problem with the construction and mechanics of the AW-280E NewAir. Compared to other types of commercial wine refrigerators, the AW-280E NewAir cooling device operates on a more advanced level, and it usually runs longer and more frequent to maintain a constant temperature that is ideal for storing wines.

If you are after a very compact cooler that still offers a very huge wine storage capacity, then the new AW-280E NewAir Thermoelectric Wine cooler is the right choice for you.

Celebrate With the Gift of Champagne

Author: Fiona Muller

When you are looking for a wine gift, or a gift in general there is nothing else that creates such a sense of occasion than champagne. So why not put the two together and send champagne as a gift. Ideal for celebrations like weddings, christenings, birthdays, engagements or just to say ‘I love you’ at anytime of the year, champagne creates a fizz at any event and is always appreciated by the party host.

Champagne gifts come in a range of different ideas, so there is bound to be one to suit the person you are buying for and you pocket. A single bottle of champagne, beautifully packed in a stylish box is a gift suitable for even the most discerning palates. For something a bit different you could go for a rosé this will appeal to everyone on a summer’s day and is a different take on the usual wine.

However if you wake to really make an impression and also make the party last twice as long why not go for a Magnum - one magnificent 150cl bottle – It will be twice as appreciated and all those bubbles are bound to get the party started. A gift that's sure to get you noticed!

You could also spoil someone rotten with 6 bottles of champagne. This will enable the party to last for several days or just ensure they have some bubbly in store for whenever you come round to visit!

When it comes to buying the champagne, what better place to look than online. Not only is there a host of different products available, but they are delivered direct to the person you want to give to.

The champagne gifts are always excellently presented in special boxes, and because they are delivered by the company directly there is less chance of damage occurring en route, allowing your gift recipient to receive a perfect present direct to their doorstep. Ready for them to open with that unmistakeable ‘pop’

The best part about sending champagne online though is that you don’t have to trawl through the shops looking for the product. It allows you to avoid the sales patter of the salesperson and the queuing crowds of the checkout.

In addition to that, you can choose exactly what you want with the guarantee that your champagne will be perfectly presented and will arrive safely.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/celebrate-with-the-gift-of-champagne-394967.html

About the Author

Fiona Muller has been writing for over 20 years. She is a qualified journalist and has worked in food and drinks writing for the last few years, so if you are interested in Champagne Gifts, why not look at www.laithwaites.co.uk where you will find a selection of champagne gifts to choose from.

[TEMPLATE]Amazon top link[/TEMPLATE]
[TEMPLATE]ebay matic[/TEMPLATE]

Planning a Great Wine and Cheese Party

Author: Michael Hutchins

One of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy your home bar and wine furniture is to have a wine and cheese party. To make the party a big hit, however, requires creativity and planning. In planning your party, your first step is to select a theme. For example, do you want wines and cheeses from all over the world represented? Or, do you want wines and cheeses representing just one region, California for example. For the sake of putting our focus on a particular theme, let's use wines and cheeses from all over the world.

When you send out your invitations to the party, make sure they detail the party's theme. For time's sake it's best to assign a region to each guest, or multiple guests, depending on the number of people you anticipate will attend. Each guest will be instructed to bring a bottle of wine and a cheese from that region.

Alternate between red wines, white wines, and even sparkling wines with each invited guest. Give your guests a suggested price range as well. For some extra fun and ambiance, have your guests bring a theme decoration or two representing their assigned regions,( the country's flag, for example). Make sure that your guests are instructed to r.s.v.p. This is important for determining the supplies you'll need to provide.

When your guests arrive, give them a glass for red wine and a glass for white wine. Also have some Champagne flutes available for the sparkling wines. Make certain that you have at least one ice bucket and/or wine chiller available to keep the cold wines chilled. As far as needed bar accessories, you'll want a cheese slicer and several special cheese knives. The cheese slicer features a thin band, and is essential for many soft cheeses. If your guests have not cut up their hard cheeses, have them do so in small squares.

Make sure you provide plenty of toothpicks. It's also a good idea to have bottled water handy to refresh the palate between wines and cheeses. Your guests should be situated in "stations" around your home bar area. A word here about wine openers. An event like a wine and cheese party will definitely help you understand the value of a "heavy-duty" wine opener! When you're opening this many bottles of wine, a commercial quality opener will make the task almost effortless. A savings of energy that you'll appreciate at the end of the day! Definitely invest in a quality opener if you haven't already.

Use a mobile wine cart to move around the room and attend to your guests. A wine cart is an excellent resource at a wine and cheese party! Also, for those of you that would like to get fancy, provide your guests with wine adornments. These adornments attach to the stem of the wine glass and allow wine drinkers to identify their own glasses. Wine adornments are available in a variety of wine oriented themes.

By following these simple suggestions and guidelines, your wine and cheese party will be a smashing success! It might even inspire you to form your own wine "club." Good luck!!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/planning-a-great-wine-and-cheese-party-534396.html

About the Author

Take advantage of my FREE REPORT "Living It Up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver Outstanding Quality For 10.00 Or Less!"
At Last! Now You Can Have Over 190 Of The best tasting home made wine recipes available.... GUARANTEED!

[TEMPLATE]Amazon top link[/TEMPLATE]
[TEMPLATE]ebay matic[/TEMPLATE]

Understanding the Wine Rating System

Author: David Cowley

As with any rating system, there is no such thing as a universal wine rating system.  Wines are rated by different wine clubs, groups, restaurants, food critics, magazines, and wine aficionados.  Just like movies may get good or bad ratings depending on the critic, the same wine may get a higher or lower rating depending on who is doing the actual rating.  Most wine rating systems work the same as any other rating system, awarding a number of points to a particular wine in a variety of categories.  Wine Spectator, a leading magazine about wine, uses a 100-point system when rating wines.  One you understand the different categories of how a wine is critiqued, you may be better able to understand the wine rating system you're perusing.

What is Usually Evaluated

Most who review wines evaluate it by more than just its flavor.  Texture and aroma are also important.  This is because these things are typically affected by the quality of the fruit that is used, the fermentation process, and the procedure used to make the wine.  A poor quality aroma or lack of texture can affect anyone's wine rating system, and quite a bit at that.  To better illustrate, imagine have a cup of coffee that tastes good but smells like dishwater, or that is as thick as mud.  Obviously the smell and texture of any beverage or food is important to the enjoyment of it, just as much as the actual taste.

How Evaluations Are Done

It's important for an impartial wine rating system that wines are stored properly before they're tasted.  They are kept at room temperature of 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit.  Most wines are sampled as soon as the bottle is poured, and then decanted and allowed to be set aside.  They may be re-tasted in 20 minute intervals, to evaluate any changes in the character and taste.

You may have seen a wine taster take a sip of wine or water and spit it out afterwards.  To be sure that there is no mixture of tastes and adulteration of the wine rating system, the taster may rinse his or her mouth with water and then spit that out.  They may also spit out the wine simply because ingesting it may affect the taste of the next sip of wine.

Can You Trust a Wine Rating System?

One wine expert stated on his website that evaluating a wine is much like relating what you see shaped by clouds.  Everyone is different and it's all very subjective and open to interpretation.  Think of a movie you saw that got great reviews, and you thought was a complete waste of time - or vice versa.  Wine rating systems are just like that; if you have the same taste and preferences as the evaluator, then you're likely to agree with his or her opinions.  If your tastes are different, your opinions will be different as well.  The best thing to do is experiment a bit with wine sample from a local winery and see which types appeal to your palate.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wines-and-spirits-articles/understanding-the-wine-rating-system-484843.html

About the Author

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Wines. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to wine information. Visit Wine Information

[TEMPLATE]Amazon top link[/TEMPLATE]
[TEMPLATE]ebay matic[/TEMPLATE]

Wine and Food Pairing

Author: Kathy Howe

When only one variety of grapes is used to make a wine, the wine is called a varietal and is named after that grape. Regulations vary by location, but in California at least 75% of the juice in a wine must be of a particular grape in order for the wine to be labeled as a varietal.

TYPES OF WHITE WINES

Chardonnay
(Shar-doe-nay)

This popular dry white wine is more full bodied than other white wines. Chardonnay has aromas of fruits and acidity. The aroma typically has flavors of lemon or grapefruit. Fermentation in new oak barrels results in a rich, buttery taste often described as toastiness, vanilla, apple, nutty, or toffee. Chardonnays aged in French oak result in a milder flavor than those aged in American oak.

Food and Wine Pairing: Chardonnay goes well with chicken, seafood, and fish.

Origin: Chardonnay originated from the Burgundy area of France. There are many world-class Chardonnays being produced in California.

Sauvignon Blanc
(So-veen-yawn-blah)

Lighter than Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc usually has a grassy citrus aroma. Flavors range from apple, pear, green tea, limes and freshly mowed grass. You can often detect a little smokiness. California Sauvignon Blancs sometimes have a melon flavor. This is a crisp light wine with a strong acid finish. It is also called Fume Blanc.
American Sauvignon Blanc tends to be grassier than those produced in New Zealand.

Food and Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with salads, poultry, seafood, and cheese.

Origin: Sauvignon Blanc originated from the Sancerre region of France. Fabulous Sauvignon Blanc is currently being produced in New Zealand, South Africa, California, and Washington as well.
Riesling
(Rees-ling)

Rieslings have a floral aroma. They range from very dry and crisp to intensely sweet depending on where it is from. German Riesling is slightly sweet and balanced with some acidity. California Riesling tends to be sweeter.

Food and Wine Pairing:Rieslings go well with chicken, fish, pork, and spicy foods.

Origin: Rieslings originate from Germany. Great Rieslings are also produced in New York, Washington, California, and Australia.

Gewurztraminer
(Gah-vurtz-tra-meener)

Gewurztraminer has a spicy aroma and fruity flavors of peach, apricot, tropical fruits, and lychee. It can be dry or sweet.

Food and Wine Pairing: Gewurztraminers go especially well with spicy Asian dishes and pork sausages.

Origin: Gewurztraminer comes from the Alsace region of France. Fantastic Gewurztraminers are produced in Germany, New York, Washington, and California.

Pinot Grigio
(Pea-no-gree-zhe-oh)

Pinot Grigio is light and crispy with almond, lemon, and vanilla flavors. These wines are also called Pinot Gris.

Food and Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio goes well with seafood and salmon.

Origin: Pinot Grigio originated in Burgandy long ago but is often considered an Italian wine. The grapes prefer a cold climate, which is why Oregon is able to produce delicious Pinot Grigio.

TYPES OF RED WINES

Cabernet Sauvignon
(Ca-burr-nay So-veen-yawn)

Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich full-bodied wine. Aged in oak, this is a complex wine with cassis and blackberry flavors as well as hints of bell pepper. To make these wines drinkable sooner they are often blended with other grapes. French Bordeaux is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot to soften the tannins. When blended with Merlot and perhaps Cabernet Franc as well, this Bordeaux style blend is called Meritage in the United States.

Food and Wine Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic wine to serve with red meats.

Origin Cabernet Sauvignon is a well known grape of Bordeaux, France. Superb Cabernets are being produced in California (especially the Napa Valley), Washington, Italy, Australia, and Chile.

Merlot
(Mare-lo)

Merlot is softer tasting than Cabernet Sauvignon due to having less tannins. It is a smooth, dry wine. Merlot is often described as having the flavors of boysenberry, black cherry, herbs, and mocha.

Food and Wine Pairing Merlot is best with poultry and grilled meats, but actually goes well with most foods.

Origin Merlot originates from Bordeaux in France where it is the most commonly planted grape. You can find many great Merlots from California, Oregon, and Washington.

Pinot Noir
(Pee-no Na-wahr)

Pinot Noir is a smooth silky wine that is extremely fruity. It is characterized with aromas and flavors of black cherry or rose petals along with hints of spiciness or herbal qualities. Pinot Noirs are enjoyed for their soft velvety texture. High in alcohol, they are full bodied but not heavy.

Food and Wine Pairing Pinot Noir is best served with grilled salmon, roast beef, lamb, duck, and mushrooms.

Origin Burgandy, France is the area most recognized for its Pinot Noir. Great Pinots are also being produced in California, Oregon, British Columbia, and New Zealand.

Sangiovese
(San-gee-oh-ve-zee)

Sangiovese is a medium bodied dry wine with earthy aromas and berry, plum, spicy, or floral flavors. It has a smooth texture. Sangiovese is the main grape used to produce Italian Chiantis.

Food and Wine Pairing: Sangiovese goes especially well with pasta and other Italian foods.

Origin: Sangiovese grapes came from the Tuscany region of Italy. California is making some delicious Sangiovese as well.

Barbera
(Bar-bear-uh)

Barbera is often used as a blending grape. As a varietal it can exhibit aromas of berries, plums, or cherries with hints of vanilla, toasty, or smoky flavors.

Food and Wine Pairing:Tomato based pasta dishes are perfect matches to serve with Barbera.

Origin:Barbera is an Italian wine. However, California is producing some wonderful Barbera.

Syrah
(Sah-ra)

Syrah is a hearty wine noted for its complexity of aromas and flavors including raspberry, plum, smoke, and white pepper. It is a dark red wine, sometimes almost black in color. This wine is also called Shiraz.

Food and Wine Pairing:Syrah is great eaten with duck, wild game, steak, and beef.

Origin:Syrah is believe to originate from France. There are great Syrahs produced in France, Australia, South Africa, and California.
Zinfandel
(Zin-fan-dell)

Zinfandel can be light to full bodied. It can be rich and spicy or lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors that are typical include raspberry, jam, black pepper, and licorice.

Food and Wine Pairing:Zinfandel is wonderful with steaks, grilled meats, and tomato based dishes.

Origin:It is believe that Zinfandel originated in Croatia. It has been grown in California since the 1850s with California Zinfandels generally considered to the best.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/wine-and-food-pairing-40124.html

About the Author

Kathy and her husband, Steve, spend much of their free time involved with enjoying and tasting wine. Their Web Site, http://www.cheers2wine.com reflects their interest in wine and exploring California's Wine Country.

[TEMPLATE]Amazon top link[/TEMPLATE]
[TEMPLATE]ebay matic[/TEMPLATE]