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Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid148 Headlands Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid372 Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid334 Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid373 Josmeyer Wine Spectator 86 La Vieille Ferme Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1198 Lolonis Mont St. John Montevina Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid340 Wine Spectator 87 Mount St. John Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid375 Organic Wine Works Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid210 Orleans Home Penfolds Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid114 Terra D'oro Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid368 Welcome to Beverage Nation - organic wines, natural wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid369 Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine X Rated Wines Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Spectator Rated Wines Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Enthusiast Rated Wines Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Advocate Rated Wines Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : Details Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Staff Rated Wines Chapoutier Wine Advocate 98 Taylor Fladgate Wine Advocate 94 Cardinale Jim Barry Krug De Loach Charles Heidsieck Wine Spectator 96 Chateau Montrose Wine Spectator 95 Cakebread Alamos Ridge Jepson Schramsberg Wine X XX Wineries, locations, and information Wine 101 : Jump to Continent:Jump to Region/Country:Jump to Sub Region: Africa Asia Australia Europe Middle East North America South America New South Wales New Zealand Adriatic and Appenines Alsace Bordeaux Burgundy Carneros Central Italy Champagne Cotes Du Rhone Languedoc Livermore Loire Valley Mendocino Monterey Napa Valley Northwest Italy San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Sicily and Sardinia Sonoma Southern Italy Fun Facts 1. There are over 600 wineries in Australia. 2. Australias' harvest takes place in March and April. 3. Thompson Seedless grapes( used for raisins) account for 50% of the grape harvest. 4. Shiraz is the dominant red varietal with Cabernet a distant second. 5. Wine consumption is three times that of the U.S. 6. After WWII soldiers were used to replant vineyards. 7. European immigration revived the wine industry after WWII. 8. Australians call their dessert wines “stickies”. 9. If the label says “show reserve” it must have won a competition and Australians take their competions very seriously. 10. Most wines are planted near the coast where it is cooler. 11. Jim Barrys’ Armagh was ranked #2 in the world by the “Wine Enthusiast”. 12. Early immigrants were very skilled at picking vineyard locations; often locating them in remote areas. Many these vineyards are still Austalias’ best. Australia in Brief Australia Features Australia is the tenth largest wine producing country and has a 200 year history of vinification. This country, the size of the U.S., has a wide range of climactic conditions and therefore produces a wide array of wines and styles; some being among the best in the world. Australian wine today represents one of the best world values and are extremely approachable. Australian wine makers are focused on preserving fruit flavors while maintaining supple tannins. This results in a very distinctive Australian style, yet it fits easily into the international scene. Australian wine making is technologically advanced and for many years was thought to be overly focused on the vinification process and not enough in the vineyard. This is changing, the new mantra is “wines are made in the vineyard”. Australian wine makers are among the best in the world and have a huge influence on the wine world. Many routinely consult in the best wineries around the world. Wine competitions are one reason why Australia has been able to maintain such high standards. Although Australian judges have different tastes than their American counterpoints they have very high standards. Awards are coveted by wineries and translate into higher prices and sales. Australia is best known for its Shiraz (Syrah) which is the most widely planted red grape. This varietal often reflects the local terroir. It has peppery characteristics from the Barossa Valley and silkier tones from the Hunter Valley. Penfolds’ Grange Hermitage is considered among the worlds “First Growth” wines. Jim Barry's Armagh was ranked second in the world for 1999 by the “Wine Enthusiast”. Australian Cabernet is a distant second as far as production but is often first class in quality. Australia has many vineyards that produce some of the best white wines. Semillon is particular to this country and is often synonymous with the Hunter Valley. This varietal is fruit forward and often has floral characteristics. We highly recommend Lindemans Semillon. Good Semillon will age gracefully and take on Oak characteristics even though it generally never sees oak. Also look for Semillon and Chardonnay blends. Chardonnay is now the most widely planted white grape in Australia. These wines are most often fruity and distinctive. Lindeman’s Roxburgh is consistently considered to be one of the best Australian Chardonnays. Riesling is experiencing a comeback after falling out of fashion. More people are realizing this is one of Australias’ finest wines. It ages well and is usually dry. Australia is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. Many microclimates are now being pioneered and Australian wine making is definitely cutting edge, so keep a watch for this country to continue to supply us with great value and new and interesting products. Seppelt Winery Featured WinerySeppelt Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Australia and was founded by a Silesian immigrant named Joseph Seppelt in 1851. This family quickly grew the winery to to be at one time the largest in Australia. Today their portfolio is varied and contains many great value wines along with a few world class entries. Seppelt is the largest Sparkling wine producer in Australia. Salinger is their premium Sparkler while the Great Western brand is their everyday label. Like many of the large wineries Seppelt sources grapes from many vineyards for maximum results; Padthaway Chardonnay and Dorrien Cabernet from the Barossa. Seppelt also has an impressive selection of Ports and Dessert wines. Their Show Tokay received 95 points from the “Wine Spectator”. If you’re in an adventuresome mood try the Sparkling Shiraz, very popular in Australia and given 90 points by the “Wine Spectator”; a deep red wine with bubbles and sweetness. Seppelt makes solid approachable wines across the board. ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now [Home World Wine Education: Northern Territory World Wine Education: Queensland World Wine Education: New South Wales World Wine Education: New Zealand World Wine Education: Victoria World Wine Education: South Australia World Wine Education: Tasmiania World Wine Education: Africa : Jump to Continent:Jump to Region/Country:Jump to Sub Region: Africa Asia Australia Europe Middle East North America South America South Africa Adriatic and Appenines Alsace Bordeaux Burgundy Carneros Central Italy Champagne Cotes Du Rhone Languedoc Livermore Loire Valley Mendocino Monterey Napa Valley Northwest Italy San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Sicily and Sardinia Sonoma Southern Italy Fun Facts Africa in Brief Africa Features ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now [Home World Wine Education: South Africa World Wine Education: Asia : Jump to Continent:Jump to Region/Country:Jump to Sub Region: Africa Asia Australia Europe Middle East North America South America Adriatic and Appenines Alsace Bordeaux Burgundy Carneros Central Italy Champagne Cotes Du Rhone Languedoc Livermore Loire Valley Mendocino Monterey Napa Valley Northwest Italy San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Sicily and Sardinia Sonoma Southern Italy Fun Facts Asia in Brief Asia Features ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now [Home World Wine Education: Japan World Wine Education: South America : Jump to Continent:Jump to Region/Country:Jump to Sub Region: Africa Asia Australia Europe Middle East North America South America Argentina Chile Adriatic and Appenines Alsace Bordeaux Burgundy Carneros Central Italy Champagne Cotes Du Rhone Languedoc Livermore Loire Valley Mendocino Monterey Napa Valley Northwest Italy San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Sicily and Sardinia Sonoma Southern Italy Fun Facts South America in Brief South America Features ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now [Home World Wine Education: Argentina World Wine Education: Chile World Wine Education: North America : Jump to Continent:Jump to Region/Country:Jump to Sub Region: Africa Asia Australia Europe Middle East North America South America California Colorado Oregon Washington Adriatic and Appenines Alsace Bordeaux Burgundy Carneros Central Italy Champagne Cotes Du Rhone Languedoc Livermore Loire Valley Mendocino Monterey Napa Valley Northwest Italy San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Sicily and Sardinia Sonoma Southern Italy Fun Facts 1. Leif Ericsson founded the first colony in North America and named it Vinland(Wine Land). 2. Native Americans offered fermented grape juice as offerings to their Gods. 3. The vine eating phylloxera is native to North America. 4. A combination of Prohibition and the Depression killed interest in fine wine for two generations. 5. Vines native to North America do not make good wine. They do however make excellent grape juice. 6. Canadian grape growers were able to negotiate an exemption from Canadian Prohibition and were in a much better position when U.S. Prohibition ended to take advantage of the U.S. markets. 7. American Vticultural Areas were established in 1983 and modeled after the French Appellation System. 8. American wines are most commonly labeled according to their grape varietal. In most states the wine must contain at least 75% of the named grape. North America in Brief North America Features North America is experiencing a Golden Age of wine making. Vineyards are popping up everywhere and good wine is being made in some very surprising places; Champagne in Albuquerque, New Mexico and fine wine in Long Island, New York. Science and good root stocks are just a couple of the reasons this is possible. Meanwhile in more established California, new wineries are opening on a daily basis and others are being bought and sold at almost internet speed. Americans are expanding into other countries while foreigners are buying and teaming up with American wineries. The result is some excellent wine but not always at bargain basement prices. North America offers a wide rage of cultures and climates. The most prevelant country is of course the US with the largest country bieng Canada. ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now [Home World Wine Education: California World Wine Education: Oregon World Wine Education: Washington World Wine Education: Colorado World Wine Education: Rocky Mountain Region World Wine Education: Europe : Jump to Continent:Jump to Region/Country:Jump to Sub Region: Africa Asia Australia Europe Middle East North America South America France Germany Italy Portugal Spain Adriatic and Appenines Alsace Bordeaux Burgundy Carneros Central Italy Champagne Cotes Du Rhone Languedoc Livermore Loire Valley Mendocino Monterey Napa Valley Northwest Italy San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Sicily and Sardinia Sonoma Southern Italy Fun Facts Europe in Brief Europe Features ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now [Home World Wine Education: Germany World Wine Education: Switzerland World Wine Education: Italy World Wine Education: France World Wine Education: Spain World Wine Education: Portugal World Wine Education: Middle East : Jump to Continent:Jump to Region/Country:Jump to Sub Region: Africa Asia Australia Europe Middle East North America South America Adriatic and Appenines Alsace Bordeaux Burgundy Carneros Central Italy Champagne Cotes Du Rhone Languedoc Livermore Loire Valley Mendocino Monterey Napa Valley Northwest Italy San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Cruz Sicily and Sardinia Sonoma Southern Italy Fun Facts Middle East in Brief Middle East Features ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now [Home Welcome to Beverage Nation - Recommended Wines : Details Bodegas y Vinedos Monte Antico Antinori Castello Di Farnetella Martinetti Traversa Willamette Welcome to Beverage Nation - Recommended Wines : Shopping : Willamette Seven Peaks Newlan Keenan Domaine Thibert Moet & Chandon J Lohr Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : CABERNET SAUVIGNON Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : GRENACHE Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : NEBBIOLO Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : MERLOT Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : PINOT NOIR Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : ZINFANDEL Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : SANGIOVESE Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : BARBERA Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : CORVINA Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : MOURVEDRE Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : MALBEC Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : PINOTAGE Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : NEGRAMARO Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : XYNOMAVRO Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : TOURIGA NACIONAL Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : TEMPRANILLO Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : VERDELHO TINTO Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : DOLCETTO Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : SYRAH Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : SHIRAZ Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : GAMAY Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Chardonnay Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Chenin Blanc / Steen Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Sauvignon Blanc / Fume Blanc Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Gewьrztraminer Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Riesling Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Muscat Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Prosecco Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Rousanne Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Semillon Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Coda di Volpe Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Cortese Welcome to Beverage Nation - White Wines : Trebbiano / Ugni Blanc Acacia Hogue Kunde Gallo of Sonoma Beringer Bogle Chateau St. Jean Iron Horse Saturday, May 24, 2003 Charles Krug Ironstone Ste Chapelle Dom St. Michelle Elsa Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Spectator Rated Wines : Details Spectator Cellar Selection Gaja Luigi Einaudi Wine Spectator 94 Ridge Chalk Hill ZD Wine Spectator 93 Stonestreet Landmark Mumm Cuvee Napa Galway Pipe Wine Spectator 92 Freemark Abbey Chateau Ste Michelle Mt. Horrocks Jacquart Vine Cliff Yalumba Limited Inventory Available Babcock Rabbit Ridge Marimar Torres St. Francis Chateau Lynch Bages Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Spectator Rated Wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1581 $17.99 Neyers Paul Hobbes Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Spectator Rated Wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid575 Grgich Hills Chancellor Domaine Carneros Cinnabar Whitehall Lane Montes Wine Spectator 91 Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Enthusiast Rated Wines : Details Chateau Potelle Wine Enthusiast 93 Rosemount Gundlach Bundschu Wine Enthusiast 92 Veuve Clicquot Foppiano Villa Mt. Eden Eberle Casa Lapostolle Chandon Mastroberardino Fess Parker Vigil Wild Horse Bonny Doon Taurino Edna Valley Chateau Trignon Enthusiast Best Buy La Crema Wine Enthusiast 89 Peter Lehman Markham Silverado Enyhusiast Best Buy Edgewood Dry Creek Justin Boeger Clos du Bois Gamla Wine Enthusiast 86 Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Advocate Rated Wines : Details Hacienda Monasterio Robert Mondavi Havens Guigal Wine Advocate 90 Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Advocate Rated Wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid301 Chateau Beaucastel Domaine Rossignol Trimbach Gainey Zind-Humbrecht Corrina Clarendon Hills Wine Advocate 88 Kuentz-Bas Martilde Coltibuono Chateau De Lascaux Hill of Content Il Coure Campo de Borja Regaleali Wine Advocate 86 Domaine D Welcome to Beverage Nation - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Advocate Rated Wines : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1188 Ashbrook World Wine Education: New South Wales : Details Lindemans Spectator Highly Recommended World Wine Education: New South Wales : Shopping : Searchresults Productid102 World Wine Education: New South Wales : Shopping : Searchresults Productid381 Wine Spectator 88 World Wine Education: New Zealand : Details World Wine Education: Victoria : Details Seppelt World Wine Education: Victoria : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1498 World Wine Education: Victoria : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1499 World Wine Education: South Australia : Details Saturday, May 17, 2003 World Wine Education: South Australia : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1531 World Wine Education: South Africa : Details KWV World Wine Education: South Africa : Shopping : Searchresults Productid698 World Wine Education: Argentina : Details Catena World Wine Education: Argentina : Shopping : Searchresults Productid633 World Wine Education: Chile : Details Caliterra World Wine Education: Chile : Shopping : Searchresults Productid622 World Wine Education: California : Details Buena Vista World Wine Education: California : Shopping : Searchresults Productid280 World Wine Education: California : Shopping : Searchresults Productid387 World Wine Education: California : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1363 World Wine Education: California : Jump to a Continent Fun Facts Wineries in Stock: Acacia Adler Fels Alexander Valley Altamura Amador Foothills Amberhill Raymond Anapamu Arrowood Artesa B. R. Cohn Babcock Bayliss & Fortune Bayview Cellars Beaulieu Vineyard Bella Vigna Belvedere Benziger Beringer Bernardus Blackstone Blockheadia Ringnosii Boeger Bogle Bonny Doon Bonterra Brophy Clark Buena Vista Byron Cakebread Calera Callaway Cambria Camelot Cardinale Carmenet Carmody McKnight Carneros Creek Caymus Chalk Hill Chalone Chandon Chappellet Charles Krug Chateau Potelle Chateau Souverain Chateau St. Jean Chateau Woltner Chimere Chimney Rock Christian Moueix Cinnabar Cline Clos du Bois Clos du Val Clos Pegase Concannon Corison Counterpoint Cuvaison Cypress Danzante David Bruce De Loach Diamond Creek Dom Carneros Dom Carneros Taittinger Domaine Carneros Domaine St. George Dry Creek Duckhorn Duet Dunnewood Dutton Ranch Eberle Echelon Edgewood Edmeads Edna Valley Eos Eshcol Trefethen Eshol Trefethen Estancia Far Niente Ferrari Carano Fess Parker Fetzer Ficklin Fife Fisher Flora Springs Folie A Deux Foppiano Forest Glen Fountain Grove Francis Coppola Franciscan Freemark Abbey Frey Gainey Gallo Estate Gallo of Sonoma Gekkeikan Geyser Peak Girard Glass Mountain Gloria Ferrer Graceland Grgich Hills Groth Guenoc Gundlach Bundschau Gundlach Bundschu Hahn Estates Hanna Havens Headlands Heitz Hess Honig Il Coure Indigo Hills Iron Horse Ironstone Ivan Tamas J J Fritz J Lohr Jamieson Canyon Jepson Jordon Justin Karly Keegan Cellars Keenan Kendall Jackson Kenwood Keyhole Ranch Seghesio Kistler Kunde Kynsi La Crema La Crosse Lambert Bridge Landmark Laurel Glen Leaping Lizard Liberty School Livingstons Lockwood Lolonis Louis Martini Lyeth M Trinchero M. Trinchero Marcelina Marietta Marimar Torres Mark West Markham Martin & Weyrich Martin Brothers Martin Ray Mer Soleil Meridian Merryvale Michele Schlumberger Michel-Schlumberger Mirassou Momokawa Mont St. John Montevina Morgan Mount St. John Mount Veeder Mountain View Mumm Cuvee Napa Murphy-Goode Murrieta Well Napa Ridge Newlan Newton Neyers Optima Opus One Organic Wine Works Orleans Home Pacific Echo Parducci Paul Hobbes Peachy Canyon Peirano Estate Pepi Pezzi King Phelps Philippe Lorrain Phillip Staley Phoenix Pine Ridge Preston Quivira Qupe Rabbit Ridge Ramsay Ravenswood Raymond Renwood RH Phillips Ridge Ristow Robert Mondavi Robert Pecota Robert Stemmler Rochioli Rocking Horse Rodney Strong Rombauer Rosenblum Rosenthal Roundhill Rutherford Hill Rutz Cellars Saintsbury Sanford Saucelito Canyon Schramsberg Seghesio Sequoia Grove Seven Peaks Shafer Silver Oak Silverado Smith & Hook Spring Mountain St. Francis St. Supery Staglin Family Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Staley Steele Steltzner Sterling Stonehedge Stonestreet Sullivan Swanson Taft Street Talus Terra D'oro Tessera Tete a Tete Toad Hollow Tobin James Treana Turnbull Turning Leaf Valley Of The Moon Venezia Vigil Villa Mt. Eden Vine Cliff Voss Wente White Oak Whitehall Lane Wild Horse Zabaco Zaca Mesa ZD 1. The Buena Vista winery grew to 6000 acres by 1864 (one of the largest in the world) but soon went bankrupt. The enigmatic owner moved to Nicaragua where he is believed to have been eaten by an alligator. 2. Phylloxera first appeared in California in 1873 with a devastating effect. 3. Phylloxera resistant vines originated in the Eastern U.S., but at first Californians imported them via France. 4. In the 1940’s U.C. Davis recommended a Phylloxera resistant root stock. This was not the case and three out of four vines will have to be replaced. 5. Beaulieu Vineyard weathered prohibition by selling altar wine. 6. During Prohibition some wineries continued to produce grape juice with “warnings” of what would happen if a specific amount of sugar was added to cause fermentation. 7. In 1861 the Governor of California commissioned the flamboyant Haraszthy to go to Europe to research and bring back vines, after his succesful trip he was refused reimbursement due to lack of funds. 8. In the last decade 10,000 less acres are under vine but the actual acreage dedicated to vineyards has increased by 10,000 acres; this is due to replanting. 9. In 1966 only five Oenology (study of wine) majors graduated from U.C. Davis. 10. U.S. wines labeled with a varietal must contain at least 75% of that grape. 11. Winemakers often move from winery to winery much like a famous chef moves from restaurant to restaurant with his recipes. 12. Zinfandel is a very American varietal rarely seen outside of the U.S. 13. U.C. Davis and California State Fresno are world leaders in the scientific studies of wine(oenology) and many European winemakers send their children to these schools. 14. In the U.S. the words; reserve, special select and classic have no legal definition. 15. 90% of U.S. wine production comes from Calfornia, down from 96% in1985. 16. California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world. 17. American Viticultural Areas or AVAs are modeled after the French system. California in Brief California Features California’s first wine was made in 1782 by two priests in Southern California’s San Juan Capistrano. However, the person most influential in early California wine making was a Hungarian immigrant, Agoston Haraszthy, who founded the Buena Vista Winery near the town of Sonoma in 1857. He is generally credited for moving the center of California wine making from the South to the North. Haraszthy was commissioned by the Governor of California to travel to Europe to procure cuttings and information which would assist in the development of the area’s wine industry. He returned with 100,000 cuttings and volumes of information. He eventually grew the Buena Vista Winery to 6000 acres, one of the largest in the world at the time, before he went bankrupt. The second major impact on California wine making is Phylloxera. This vine eating pest has caused California (and most of the world) to replant its vineyards with more resistant vines. In the short term it appears devastating but in the long run it could be a blessing. It has forced vineyards to replace old vines with higher quality vines. These newer vines helped enhance the quality of wine which culminated in one of the most memorable tastings; a tasting between French and Californian wines. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars took first place in the “Reds” category and Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the “Whites” category. This event put California on the world wine map and induced people like Baron Philippe de Rothschild to invest in California wineries. Trends and what to expect Today the California wine industry seems to be moving at a similar speed to that of the internet. We’re seeing a lot of experimentation with new varietals and themes on old styles of wine. We’re especially excited by the rising quality of California Pinot Noir, a difficult grape to grow. More large companies such as Gallo are beginning to focus on the fine wine aspect of the market and their deep pockets can only help the whole industry. Many winemakers are taking bold steps in experimenting with different grapes and developing new areas with different and specific microclimates, thus presenting you, the consumer, with more varied and higher quality choices to enjoy.ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy NowBuena VistaCabernet Sauvignon199612.99Details World Wine Education: Sonoma World Wine Education: Napa Valley World Wine Education: Carneros World Wine Education: Sierra Foothills World Wine Education: Livermore World Wine Education: Santa Cruz World Wine Education: Monterey World Wine Education: San Luis Obispo World Wine Education: Santa Barbara World Wine Education: Oregon : Shopping : Searchresults Productid848 World Wine Education: Washington : Details Wine Spectator 90 Tuesday, July 15, 2003 Spectator Best Buy World Wine Education: Washington : Shopping : Searchresults Productid835 World Wine Education: Washington : Shopping : Searchresults Productid836 Wine Spectator World Wine Education: Washington : Shopping : Searchresults Productid993 World Wine Education: Colorado : Details Plum Creek World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1056 World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1057 World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1058 World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1059 World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1060 World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1061 World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1062 World Wine Education: Colorado : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1269 Boutari Shopping : Searchresults Productid1566 World Wine Education: Germany : Details Valckenberg World Wine Education: Switzerland : Details World Wine Education: Italy : Details World Wine Education: Italy : Shopping : Searchresults Productid542 World Wine Education: Italy : Jump to a Continent Fun Facts Wineries in Stock: Antinori Avignonesi Badia a Coltibuono Ballata La Rampa Fugnano Barbi Berardenga Felsina Biondi-Santi Borgo Al Castello Boscaini Brigaldara Cantine Leonardo Casa Emma Castello Di Farnetella Ceretto Coltibuono Corrina Fanetti Fattoria Felsina Fontalloro Fontodi Frescobaldi Gaja Kolbenhof J. Hofstatter Luce Luigi Einaudi Lupicaia Martilde Martinetti Martini & Rossi Mastroberardino Monsanto Monte Antico Mormoraia Oddero Oltrepo Pavese Petroio Poderi Roset Regaleali Righetti San Felice Santa Margherita Sassacaia Tassinaia Taurino Tiefenbrunner Tommasi Travaglini Traversa Valditerra Vietti Vignalta Villa Sonia Zamo & Zamo 1. One quarter of the Worlds wine production is from Italy, about 18 million hectolitres per year. 2. Italians are still the worlds largest consumers of wine but have declined from a high of 110 litres per capita to 70 litres per capita. 3. The Roman God of Wine is Bacchus; with perpetually rosy cheeks he seems to be a happy fellow. 4. One of the earliest peoples of southen Italy were the Oenotria tribe, this is where we get the wine prefix oeno or eno. 5. Most wines produced during the Roman era were flavored with resin, honey, spices, herbs or sea salt. 6. DOCG ( Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita), is a mark of esteem given to six different wine of Italy. -Barolo -Barbaresco -Brunello di Montalcino -Vino Noble di Montepulciano -Chianti -Albana 7. Chianti is a blend of different grapes, some being white grapes. 8. There are over 1000 different varieties of grapes grown in Italy. 9. Lacyrma Crysti is one of Italy's famous wines, meaning, The Tears of Christ. This wine is grown at the base of Mt. Vesuvius and is close to the traditional Roman style. Italy in Brief Italy Features Italy is probably one of the oldest and most diverse wine growing countries in the world. Italy has been making wine for over 4000 years. Its wine tradition is marked by constant changes in wine styles and wine making techniques, all contributing to better and better wines. Italy is also unique in that wine is produced in every region covering its 1200 mile length. Italy's rugged terrain and its geographical distances are the reasons behind it's great diversity in grape varieties and wine styles. History Italians were probably not the first people to make wine, and seem to be the most adept at evolving into great wine producers. Wine and primitive wine making techniques have been in Italy since before 2000 BC. These early peoples were eventually conquered by the Greeks and Etruscans, wherein wine making became more common. The Romans then took this knowledge and advanced grape growing and wine making techniques probably more than any other culture in history, all while under the protective watch of Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine. During the Dark ages (1000 AD to 1400 AD) Italy's wine making and consumption declined and was not brought back to prominance until the late Middle Ages ( around 1600 AD), when wine became a part of every day life. Even with this long history, Italy did not have its true wine revolution and enlightenment until the early 1800's. At this time Italy began to produce more dry red wines that could be aged. These new methods were brought to Italy by French winemakers interested in the wines of Barolo and Chianti. At this time, Italy also began to produce sparkling wines in the Asti region, from techniques learned from the wine makers of Champagne. Italy is presently making what many believe to be their best wines ever. While in recent years it has developed tough new standards and laws to govern and protect its classic wines, Italy has also continued to grow and experiment with new grape varieties and methods of wine making. Some of the wine makers in the northeast around Fruili-Venezia and Veneto, are producing varietal character wines similar to those of California and are labeled by varietal ( ie. Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot) instead of the region. In Tuscany, wine makers have had great success with producing the critically aclaimed "Super Tuscans". This wine combines the bold, tannic structure of the Cabernet grape with the fruit and drinkability of Chianti (mainly Sangiovese grape). Geography and Climate Italy probably has the most varied wine growing climate of any wine producing country. The climate of Italy's regions include everything from: The Northeastern area of Trentino, Veneto and Fruily-Venezia producing California style Chardonnays and Merlots; The Northwestern mountains of Valle D' Aoste, producing light fruity reds and whites; The central warm hills of Tuscany and Umbria producing the dry crisp citrousy whites, like Vernacchia, and the famous Chiantis; The hot subtropical pennisula and islands of Sicily and Sardenia, producing ripe, rich wines like Apulia's Salice Salentio; and finally, what many consider Italy's noblest wines, the Barolos and Barberescos of Western Italy's lush Piedmonte region. While Italy remains protective of its older classic wines, there is still a strong sense of adventure in the present young and old wine makers of Italy. One of the up and coming trends in Italian wine is the production of dry sparkling wines, such as BellaVista Cuvee Brut. These bubbly wines are produced using bottle fermentation similar to French Champagnes. While expermenting with new concepts Italy continues to raise the standards on its classics. As shipping becomes easier and more profitable to the Italian wine producer, we will begin to see wines from lesser known regions, such as, the clean crisp whites of liguria and the robust reds of Sardenia. Lastly, gowers of Tuscany's "Super Tuscan" wines will continue to grow and compete for top honors with the Rothchilds, Caymuses and Granges of the world. Among these top contenders are Antinori's Tiganello and Frescobaldi's Montesodi.ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy NowAntinoriItalian White19989.99Details World Wine Education: Northeast Italy World Wine Education: Sicily and Sardinia Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - world wine education - Wine 101 Monday, May 19, 2003 World Wine Education: Adriatic and Appenines World Wine Education: France : Details Drouhin World Wine Education: France : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1121 World Wine Education: France : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1122 World Wine Education: France : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1123 World Wine Education: France : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1482 World Wine Education: France : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1483 World Wine Education: France : Jump to a Continent Fun Facts Wineries in Stock: Audras Baron Rothschild Bellerruche Chapoutier Berthaut Bitoouzet Cadet Du Roy Chapoutier Charles Heidsieck Charles Joguet Chateau Beaucastel Chateau Beychevelle Chateau Biston-Brillette Chateau Brown Chateau Cantelaudette Chateau D'arricaud Chateau de Berrye Chateau De Lascaux Chateau Des Tours Chateau Deyrem Valentin Chateau D'issan Chateau Fantin Chateau Fleur De Rol Chateau Fontareche Chateau Gloria Chateau Goelane Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste Chateau Grand Vernay Chateau Graville Lacoste Chateau Graysac Chateau Gros Caillou Chateau Gruaud Chateau Haut Paiullac Chateau Haute La Pereyre Chateau Hauts Tonnelles Chateau Hureau Chateau La Becasse Chateau La Fleur Cravignac Chateau La Tour Chateau Lafite Rothschild Chateau Larose-trintaudon Chateau Larruau Chateau Le Pay Chateau Le Thil Chateau Lynch Bages Chateau Magnan Chateau Maison Nueve Chateau Malar Chateau Melin Chateau Meyney Chateau Monregard Chateau Montrose Chateau Moussoulens Chateau Paloumey Chateau Petite Thouars Chateau Pic Chateau Plantley Chateau Pomys Chateau Pontarnaud Chateau Rayne Vigneau Chateau Reynon Chateau Rolland Chateau Segonzac Chateau Soutard Chateau St. Estephe Chateau Thivin Chateau Tour Pez Chateau Trignon Chateau Variere Chave Chignard Christian Moueix Clos Clemenciere Clos De la Crele Clos De Paulilles Clos Fourquet Delamotte Dom Diochon Domaine Gavelles Coteax Domaine Af Gros Domaine Baruel Domaine Cassan Domaine Cherrier Domaine Condemine Domaine D'andezon Domaine D'Auphilhac Domaine De La Caniere Bachelet Domaine de L'enclos Domaine Du Jas Domaine Du Jaugaret Domaine Grillot Domaine Jean Pascal Domaine Le Brun Domaine Le Capitaine Domaine Leyre Loup Domaine Pallieres Domaine Paul Mas Domaine poujol Domaine Romarines Domaine Rossignol Domaine Sangs Cailoux Domaine St. Siffrein Domaine Tempier Domaine Thibert Domaine Vallouit Domaine Vieux Telegraph Domaine Vocoret Dopff & Irion Drouhin Duboeuf F. Ohet Gobbillard Guigal Guy Mardon Heron Hugel Cuvee J. Lassalle J. Pascal Jacquart Jadot Jean M Roger Jean Pierre Moueix Josmeyer Kermit Lynch Krug Kuentz-Bas La Cuvee La Rambaqrde La Vieille Ferme Lalou Landrat Pouilly Latour Le Ciel Le Haut-Lieu Le Jaja De Jau Les Allees de Cantermerle Les Jamelles Louis Max Marc Bredif Mas Des Aveylans Mas Llaro Michel Faraud Moet & Chandon Mumms Nicolas Feuillatte Noel Verset Novellum Paul Jaboulet Perrin Petrus Philippe Faury Pierre Sparr Pommery Ribeauville Salavert Sere Laloue Tardy Thevenet Thibert Trenel Trimbach Veuve Clicquot Vincent Wunsh & Mann Zind-Humbrecht 1. Terroir literally means “soil”, but French wine makers have added to its meaning: shelter, drainage, angle of slope, microclimate, frost and cultivation practices. 2. France has ideal climates for growing grapes and producing wine. 3. There are two distinct stylistic traditions in Franc: Burgundy and Bordeaux. 4. Touring wine regions in France is a favorite for the world’s travelers, and France is set up to accommodate this. 5. Visiting France in the fall at vintage is fun, but do not expect to be catered to as most growers will be too busy for tours and tastings. 6. French wines are controlled with a rigid (and sometimes confusing) hierarchy system. 7. France determines the quality of a wine by its geography / terroir. 8. The Chardonnay grape is from Burgundy, and is used to produce some of the world’s finest white wine including some Champagnes and sparkling wines. 9. Cabernet and Merlot are two of the principal grapes of Bordeaux. 10. France is one of the two leading producers of wine in the world (Italy is the other, closely followed by Spain). France in Brief France Features France, the truest word in wine. Though many countries all over the world produce amazing wines, no other country can do so much, so well, and so naturally. France’s geography allows the perfect growing conditions for a vast number of grapes while other countries must rely on technology for improved growing and production conditions. Even today, with wine production reaching new heights in quality the world over, makers and consumers alike compare their best to France’s best for perspective. The French wine industry is one of the most closely monitored regions anywhere, with strict quality standards and bottle labeling. Some regions’ labels are more mysterious than others, however, there is a basic tier system in use that can be outlined as follows, in descending order of importance: “appellation d’origine controlee” or AOC, “vins delimites di qualite superieure” or VDQS (this designation is currently being phased out of the system), “vins de pays” and “vin de table”. After these designations, things get a little confusing. Every region has further designations, most of which differ from one another, often using the same words, but having different meanings. An AOC in Bordeuax can be a giant area encompassing several communes, whereas one in Burgundy might be a tiny parcel of vineyard within a vineyard. On top of this designation, there are further specifications, and again, these differ by region and sometimes even within the region. For further information we suggest using a good resource such as Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine or more specific texts such as Robert Parker Jr.’s Bordeaux. Now, let’s play ball! ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy NowDrouhinChardonnay19978.99Details World Wine Education: Loire Valley World Wine Education: alsace World Wine Education: Burgundy World Wine Education: Bordeaux World Wine Education: Cotes Du Rhone World Wine Education: Languedoc World Wine Education: Spain : Details World Wine Education: Portugal : Details Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Online wine shopping Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - wine tastings, wine events, wine events schedule Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : SYRAH : Welcome to Beverage Nation - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : SYRAH : Sale Items Saturday, May 24, 2003 : 1 Thursday, May 29, 2003 World Wine Education: Sonoma : Details World Wine Education: Sonoma : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1347 World Wine Education: Napa Valley : Details World Wine Education: Carneros : Details Wednesday, May 28, 2003 World Wine Education: Sierra Foothills : Details Friday, May 30, 2003 World Wine Education: Santa Cruz : Details World Wine Education: Santa Cruz : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1255 World Wine Education: Santa Cruz : Shopping : Searchresults Productid1256 World Wine Education: Santa Cruz : Searchresults Productid1540 World Wine Education: Monterey : Details World Wine Education: Monterey : Searchresults Productid1578 World Wine Education: Santa Barbara : Details Byron World Wine Education: Santa Barbara : Searchresults Productid389 Monday, May 31, 2004 Tuesday, May 27, 2003 World Wine Education: Northeast Italy : Details World Wine Education: Sicily and Sardinia : Details Monday, May 26, 2003 Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - world wine education - Wine 101 : Details Wine Enthusiast Monday, May 19, 2003 : Details Monday, May 19, 2003 : Searchresults Productid569 Saturday, July 26, 2003 World Wine Education: alsace : Details World Wine Education: Cotes Du Rhone : Details World Wine Education: Languedoc : Details Les Jamelles Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Online wine shopping : Friday, November 29, 2002 Wine Enthusiast 91 Wednesday, November 20, 2002 Balbas Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Online wine shopping : Whole Story Corporate Gift Packages - Wilbur's Wine and Spirits More Events Wineries, locations, and information Wine 101 Key Word Price Range $ All 0-10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90 90-100 100+ Home : Details Pierre Chermette Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Online wine shopping : Thursday, March 27, 2003 Thursday, January 23, 2003 Sunday, December 29, 2002 Monday, January 20, 2003 Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - organic wines, natural wines : Details Wednesday, November 27, 2002 Bonterra Region: Frey SubRegion: Thursday, June 05, 2003 Tasting Notes: Wine Spectator ©Copyright 2000 Wilbur's Wine and Spirits, Inc. Lolonis 87 Terra D Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Food/Wine Match : Monday, November 11, 2002 Food and Wine Match New Search Sunday, January 12, 2003 Type: World Wine Education: France Welcome to Beverage Nation - Online wine shopping Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Recommended Wines : Details Tuesday, November 05, 2002 Blackstone Stonehedge Thursday, January 09, 2003 Keenan Wolf Blass Duck Pond Sterling Rocca delle Macie Guilliams Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : CABERNET FRANC Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - red wines, cabernet sauvignon, merlot... : PRIMITIVO Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Food and Wine Match for merlot, cabernet sauvignon, red wines, white wines Friday, May 16, 2003 Saturday, May 17, 2003 Peter Lehman Wine Enthusiast World Wine Education: South Africa : Details Monday, May 19, 2003 World Wine Education: Argentina : Searchresults Productid2026 Wednesday, May 21, 2003 Wednesday, May 07, 2003 : Searchresults Productid832 Saturday, November 29, 2003 Tuesday, November 18, 2003 Sunday, May 18, 2003 Monday, July 14, 2003 Monday, September 29, 2003 World Wine Education: Italy : Jump to a Continent Fun Facts Wineries in Stock: A Mano Agripeccioli Antinori Argiolas Avignonesi Badia a Coltibuono Banfi Barberani Biondi-Santi Borgo Al Castello Boscaini Brigaldara Campanile Casa Emma Castello Di Ama Castello Di Farnetella Castelvero Ceretto Coltibuono Corrina Danzante Dezzani Fabula Falchini Falesco Fanetti Fattoria Felsina Feudi Di San Gregorio Folie A Deux Folonari Fontaleoni Fontalloro Fontodi Frescobaldi Gaja Gini Kolbenhof J. Hofstatter Le Calcinaie Luce Martilde Martinetti Martini & Rossi Mastroberardino Mazzi Mezza Corona Monsanto Monte Antico Mormoraia Oddero Ornellaia Paolo Scavino Petroio Pira Poderi Roset Regaleali Righetti Rocca delle Macie Ruffino San Felice Sant Elena Santa Margherita Sassacaia Tassinaia Taurino Terrale Tiefenbrunner Tommasi Travaglini Traversa Venica Vestini Vietti Vignalta Villa Sonia Zamo & Zamo Zenato 1. One quarter of the Worlds wine production is from Italy, about 18 million hectolitres per year. 2. Italians are still the worlds largest consumers of wine but have declined from a high of 110 litres per capita to 70 litres per capita. 3. The Roman God of Wine is Bacchus; with perpetually rosy cheeks he seems to be a happy fellow. 4. One of the earliest peoples of southen Italy were the Oenotria tribe, this is where we get the wine prefix oeno or eno. 5. Most wines produced during the Roman era were flavored with resin, honey, spices, herbs or sea salt. 6. DOCG ( Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita), is a mark of esteem given to six different wine of Italy. -Barolo -Barbaresco -Brunello di Montalcino -Vino Noble di Montepulciano -Chianti -Albana 7. Chianti is a blend of different grapes, some being white grapes. 8. There are over 1000 different varieties of grapes grown in Italy. 9. Lacyrma Crysti is one of Italy's famous wines, meaning, The Tears of Christ. This wine is grown at the base of Mt. Vesuvius and is close to the traditional Roman style. Italy in Brief Italy Features Italy is probably one of the oldest and most diverse wine growing countries in the world. Italy has been making wine for over 4000 years. Its wine tradition is marked by constant changes in wine styles and wine making techniques, all contributing to better and better wines. Italy is also unique in that wine is produced in every region covering its 1200 mile length. Italy's rugged terrain and its geographical distances are the reasons behind it's great diversity in grape varieties and wine styles. History Italians were probably not the first people to make wine, and seem to be the most adept at evolving into great wine producers. Wine and primitive wine making techniques have been in Italy since before 2000 BC. These early peoples were eventually conquered by the Greeks and Etruscans, wherein wine making became more common. The Romans then took this knowledge and advanced grape growing and wine making techniques probably more than any other culture in history, all while under the protective watch of Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine. During the Dark ages (1000 AD to 1400 AD) Italy's wine making and consumption declined and was not brought back to prominance until the late Middle Ages ( around 1600 AD), when wine became a part of every day life. Even with this long history, Italy did not have its true wine revolution and enlightenment until the early 1800's. At this time Italy began to produce more dry red wines that could be aged. These new methods were brought to Italy by French winemakers interested in the wines of Barolo and Chianti. At this time, Italy also began to produce sparkling wines in the Asti region, from techniques learned from the wine makers of Champagne. Italy is presently making what many believe to be their best wines ever. While in recent years it has developed tough new standards and laws to govern and protect its classic wines, Italy has also continued to grow and experiment with new grape varieties and methods of wine making. Some of the wine makers in the northeast around Fruili-Venezia and Veneto, are producing varietal character wines similar to those of California and are labeled by varietal ( ie. Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot) instead of the region. In Tuscany, wine makers have had great success with producing the critically aclaimed "Super Tuscans". This wine combines the bold, tannic structure of the Cabernet grape with the fruit and drinkability of Chianti (mainly Sangiovese grape). Geography and Climate Italy probably has the most varied wine growing climate of any wine producing country. The climate of Italy's regions include everything from: The Northeastern area of Trentino, Veneto and Fruily-Venezia producing California style Chardonnays and Merlots; The Northwestern mountains of Valle D' Aoste, producing light fruity reds and whites; The central warm hills of Tuscany and Umbria producing the dry crisp citrousy whites, like Vernacchia, and the famous Chiantis; The hot subtropical pennisula and islands of Sicily and Sardenia, producing ripe, rich wines like Apulia's Salice Salentio; and finally, what many consider Italy's noblest wines, the Barolos and Barberescos of Western Italy's lush Piedmonte region. While Italy remains protective of its older classic wines, there is still a strong sense of adventure in the present young and old wine makers of Italy. One of the up and coming trends in Italian wine is the production of dry sparkling wines, such as BellaVista Cuvee Brut. These bubbly wines are produced using bottle fermentation similar to French Champagnes. While expermenting with new concepts Italy continues to raise the standards on its classics. As shipping becomes easier and more profitable to the Italian wine producer, we will begin to see wines from lesser known regions, such as, the clean crisp whites of liguria and the robust reds of Sardenia. Lastly, gowers of Tuscany's "Super Tuscan" wines will continue to grow and compete for top honors with the Rothchilds, Caymuses and Granges of the world. Among these top contenders are Antinori's Tiganello and Frescobaldi's Montesodi. ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy NowAntinoriItalian White200110.49Details World Wine Education: Adriatic and Appenines Sunday, September 28, 2003 World Wine Education: France : Jump to a Continent Fun Facts Wineries in Stock: Baron Rothschild Bellerruche Chapoutier Bitoouzet Boisset Chapoutier Charles Heidsieck Charles Joguet Chateau Beaucastel Chateau Beychevelle Chateau Biston-Brillette Chateau Brown Chateau D Chateau de Cedre Chateau De Lascaux Chateau de Sancerre Chateau de Trinquevedel Chateau Des Tours Chateau Deyrem Valentin Chateau Fantin Chateau Fleur De Rol Chateau Fontareche Chateau Gloria Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste Chateau Grand Vernay Chateau Graville Lacoste Chateau Graysac Chateau Gros Caillou Chateau Haut Paiullac Chateau Haute La Pereyre Chateau La Becasse Chateau La Tour Chateau Larose-trintaudon Chateau Larruau Chateau Le Thil Chateau Lynch Bages Chateau Magnan Chateau Maison Nueve Chateau Meyney Chateau Monregard Chateau Paloumey Chateau Pech Redon Chateau Plantley Chateau Pomys Chateau Rayne Vigneau Chateau Reynon Chateau Rolland Chateau Segonzac Chateau Soutard Chateau Thivin Chateau Tour Pez Chateau Trignon Chateau Variere Chave Christian Moueix Clos Clemenciere Clos La Coutale Col des Vents Delamotte Dom Des Cassagnoles Dom Diochon Domaine Af Gros Domaine Cassan Domaine Cherrier Domaine D Domaine de Rieux Domaine des Corbillieres Domaine Du Jas Domaine Du Jaugaret Domaine Jean Pascal Domaine la Marche Domaine Le Brun Domaine Le Capitaine Domaine Leyre Loup Domaine LOrangerie Domaine Pallieres Domaine Paul Mas Domaine poujol Domaine Romarines Domaine St. Siffrein Domaine Tempier Domaine Thibert Domaine Vieux Telegraph Drouhin Duboeuf Dupeuble F. Ohet Gobbillard Guigal Heron Huges de Beauvignac J. Lassalle Jacquart Jadot Jean M Roger Jean Pierre Moueix Josmeyer Krug La Rambaqrde La Vieille Ferme Latour Le Ciel Le Jaja De Jau Les Allees de Cantermerle Les Jamelles Louis Dressner Maison Nicolas Marc Bredif Moet & Chandon Moreau Mumms Nicolas Feuillatte Novellum Pascal Jolibet Paul Jaboulet Perrin Philippe Faury Pierre Chermette Pierre Sparr Pommery Ribeauville Roederer Salavert Sere Laloue Thevenet Thibert Trenel Trimbach Veuve Clicquot Vieux Telegraphe Vincent Wunsh & Mann 1. Terroir literally means “soil”, but French wine makers have added to its meaning: shelter, drainage, angle of slope, microclimate, frost and cultivation practices. 2. France has ideal climates for growing grapes and producing wine. 3. There are two distinct stylistic traditions in Franc: Burgundy and Bordeaux. 4. Touring wine regions in France is a favorite for the world’s travelers, and France is set up to accommodate this. 5. Visiting France in the fall at vintage is fun, but do not expect to be catered to as most growers will be too busy for tours and tastings. 6. French wines are controlled with a rigid (and sometimes confusing) hierarchy system. 7. France determines the quality of a wine by its geography / terroir. 8. The Chardonnay grape is from Burgundy, and is used to produce some of the world’s finest white wine including some Champagnes and sparkling wines. 9. Cabernet and Merlot are two of the principal grapes of Bordeaux. 10. France is one of the two leading producers of wine in the world (Italy is the other, closely followed by Spain). France in Brief France Features France, the truest word in wine. Though many countries all over the world produce amazing wines, no other country can do so much, so well, and so naturally. France’s geography allows the perfect growing conditions for a vast number of grapes while other countries must rely on technology for improved growing and production conditions. Even today, with wine production reaching new heights in quality the world over, makers and consumers alike compare their best to France’s best for perspective. The French wine industry is one of the most closely monitored regions anywhere, with strict quality standards and bottle labeling. Some regions’ labels are more mysterious than others, however, there is a basic tier system in use that can be outlined as follows, in descending order of importance: “appellation d’origine controlee” or AOC, “vins delimites di qualite superieure” or VDQS (this designation is currently being phased out of the system), “vins de pays” and “vin de table”. After these designations, things get a little confusing. Every region has further designations, most of which differ from one another, often using the same words, but having different meanings. An AOC in Bordeuax can be a giant area encompassing several communes, whereas one in Burgundy might be a tiny parcel of vineyard within a vineyard. On top of this designation, there are further specifications, and again, these differ by region and sometimes even within the region. For further information we suggest using a good resource such as Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine or more specific texts such as Robert Parker Jr.’s Bordeaux. Now, let’s play ball! ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy NowDrouhinChardonnay20008.99Details Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - wine gifts, wine accessories : Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Top Rated Wines : Details Hacienda Monasterio Pine Ridge 93 Graham 94 Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Top Rated Wines : Searchresults Productid1436 Jepson Saturday, June 14, 2003 Alamos Ridge Welcome to Beverage Nation - Online wine shopping : View Cart Wine Spectator 82 Welcome to Beverage Nation - Online wine shopping : Sale Items Cellar Selection Club Welcome to Beverage Nation - wine gifts and wine accessories Black Opal Mc Guigan Saturday, May 24, 2003 Wednesday, May 28, 2003 Friday, May 23, 2003 : Searchresults Productid1813 Bonny Doon World Wine Education: Monterey : Details Saturday, July 26, 2003 World Wine Education: Languedoc : Details Sunday, May 30, 2004 Trademark Free Zone XX Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Top Rated Wines : More Wine X Rated Wines : Searchresults Productid1464 Hardys Dom St. Michelle X 91 Grgich Hills Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Spectator Rated Wines : Searchresults Productid1264 Rutz Cellars Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Spectator Rated Wines : Searchresults Productid1604 J. Lassalle J Fritz Mer Soleil Gallo of Sonoma Flora Springs Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Enthusiast Rated Wines : Details Conde De Valdemar Enthusiast Best Buy Enyhusiast Best Buy Boeger 86 Welcome to Wilbur's Wine and Spirits - Top Rated Wines : More Wine Advocate Rated Wines : Details Monday, September 20, 2004 Chateau Beaucastel For a limited time! Recieve 20% Off of Entire Order! : 1 Welcome to Wilbur's Total Beverage - wine tastings, wine events, wine events schedule Employee Login

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