Blog posts tagged with 'belgium wine watchers'

Castello di Ama, the leading Chianti estate, is so full of works of art that when you arrive there’s a high risk of tripping over. ‘Le Chemin du Bonheur,’ the work of Pascale Marthine Tayou, lines the ancient stone street of Ama, enlivening the 18th century hamlet with colour. The contemporary art on the hill overlooking the estate is a tribute to what owners Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti call in latin “genius loci”: a spirit-like sense of place. On 10 December at the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, genius loci was celebrated in a vertical tasting of L’Apparita, the 100% Merlot wine made in heart of Chianti Classico for which the estate became known. Ama had a ‘Judgement of Paris’ moment on 8 February 1992 when the L’Apparita 1987 vintage beat Pétrus 1988, Le Pin and 16 other world-class Merlot wines at a tasting hosted by the Académie du Vin in Switzerland, with a jury comprised of renowned winemaking consultant Michel Rolland.

Few winemakers have been as influential, controversial, and compelling as Didier Dagueneau. A legend in his own time– and elevated to near demi-god status since his untimely death in 2008 –Dagueneau continues to profoundly inspire wine lovers and winemakers alike. The goal is to show the greatest respect to the life and soul of the terroir: plowing by horse, employing twice the usual number of vineyard workers, and applying the most minimal copper sulfate possible. But Dagueneau is no luddite, however traditional some of his practices may be: networked weather stations are placed throughout the vineyards and temperature control in the winery is employed and closely monitored. In the end, the goal is to produce wines that awe the nose and palate with their purity, complexity, energy, and almost miraculous expression of Pouilly’s slate-argile terroir. We can offer you a nice selection of the wines of Dagueneau!

Does tasting wine at a fancy restaurant make you nervous? Do you feel awkward when all eyes are on you while having the first sip? Many people are afraid of tasting wine, but it should be fun. In this blog, we teach you step-by-step how to taste wine and develop an objective opinion about the served wine. First things first Tasting wine is a careful observation of look, smell, and taste. The more carefully you taste, the better you know why you prefer certain wines over others. Don’t be shy and write down your findings about a particular wine so you learn to share your thoughts in a clear and structured way. The perfect serve A good tasting starts with the way a wine is served. It’s part of the experience of enjoying a fine wine, even at home. Do you have a dinner party planned and always wanted to serve your wine with style? In a previous blog post, we gathered five tips that will give you the necessary confidence to make an impression at the table. You might even want to take the time to give more details about the wine. The better you understand the wine label, the better the story. Before you know it, you’ll sound like a true sommelier. Evaluate a wine by sight The colour of the wine Look straight down into the glass and observe the colour. After a while, you will learn to identify certain grapes by colour: an aged Pinot Noir has a pale brick colour in the center and an even more transparent edge, while a young Cabernet Sauvignon can be recognized by the dark ruby center and a slightly magenta-tinted edge. The older the wine, the more difference between the color in the center and the color at the edge. In general, intense colours indicate an exclusive wine of good quality, yet keep in mind every grape has its own unique intensity level. Only compare the intensity between wines of the same vintage. For example, deeper and richer coloured Bordeaux wines will taste more intense, while young Bordeaux wines with light colours will taste lighter and have more red fruits than black ones. A good wine should also show some sparkle when looking down into the glass. The more reflection of the light, the better the quality, yet it doesn’t tell you anything about the taste itself. The clarity of the wine Raise your glass of wine and hold it to the light. See how clear it is. The clarity of the wine tells you more about the quality of the grapes and storage conditions. A cloudy wine doesn’t necessarily mean the wine is bad, but it can indicate a lack of finesse. If you notice any sediment, there’s no reason to panic because it’s perfectly normal with an aged vintage wine. It may not look pretty, but the wine is still perfect to drink. The viscosity of the wine Swirl the wine and evaluate the viscosity or the ‘wine legs’. The higher the alcohol level of the wine, the higher the density of the droplets on the inside of the wine glass. When the tears flow down slowly, it indicates a sweet wine. Evaluate the smell of a wine A first impression Don’t swirl or bury your nose inside the glass, but take a first sniff over the top. This is the perfect way to check if you smell cork or other things that don’t belong in a wine. If you smell anything irregular, don’t hesitate to mention it. Indicate the primary aromas Take a deep sniff without swirling the glass. Make sure you hold the glass by its stem so your hands don’t warm up the wine. What do you smell? Mostly fruits? Or more herbal or floral notes? When you smell multiple aromas, you’re holding a complex wine. Don’t panic if you can’t distinguish any aroma at this point. This means the wine is ‘closed’. Indicate the secondary and tertiary aromas Time to swirl and release the secondary aromas that come from the winemaking practices. Especially the influence of oak can be derived and aromas like toast, vanilla, cedar, spice. When you’re tasting a young white wine or a young sparkling wine, you may even notice the scent of beer. This is perfectly normal and comes from the yeast. If you still don’t smell anything, the wine is indeed closed. When you’re holding an aged vintage wine, it’s possible to smell tertiary aromas as well. Aged white wines can release the smell of honey, toast, burned nuts, and petrol, while the smell of an aged red wine might remind you of leather, fall, or the countryside. TIP: If you want to practice swirling, pour some water in a wine glass and swirl the water around until you feel confident enough. Evaluate the taste of a wine The main taste of wine Take a sip and circulate it throughout your mouth by sucking on it as if you’re pulling the wine through a straw. Our tongues can detect four tastes: salty, sour, sweet, or bitter. All wines will taste a little sour because grapes inherently have some level of acidity, yet a salty taste will be less likely present. The level of tannins influences the bitterness and colour. The higher the level, the deeper the colour, and the more chance your mouth will feel a little dry while tasting. When bitterness is all you can taste, the tannins aren’t of good quality. Good tannins influence the aging of the wine and add stability to the texture. They are present but should be balanced by sour and fruity notes. Discovering new aromas By circulating the wine in your mouth, you might smell new aromas. This is called the ‘retronasal smell’. As you are warming up the wine in your mouth, the smell molecules shunt up through the nasal passages. The length of the taste Keep paying attention after you have swallowed the wine. How long does it take before the flavour is gone? The finish of the wine is just as important as the beginning and mid-palate. Develop your own personal taste Tasting wine should always be an interesting and pleasant experience. After a while, you will develop a preference for certain grape varieties and wine regions, making choosing a wine at a fancy restaurant less stressful. Do you plan a private tasting or are you a professional in organizing wine tastings? At Belgium Wine Watchers, you will find a wide range of exclusive wines from the best regions in France and Italy. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help in making your selection.

Introduction: At Belgium Wine Watchers, we recently stumbled upon a ghost bottle of old Port, shrouded in mystery with no reference to its producer. Intrigued by the challenge, we decided to take a leap of faith and uncork this hidden gem. With eager anticipation, we indulged in a sip of this remarkably aged 1927 Porto, and what a delight it turned out to be! Body: This ancient Port, despite its age, still retains its charm and allure. With every sip, it reveals layers of flavor that tantalize the palate. The smoothness of ripe cherries dances alongside the subtle notes of wild herbs, creating a symphony of taste that captivates the senses. But the true surprise comes with a burst of baked biscuit character, adding depth and complexity to the experience. While the liquid may show signs of its age with a slight flakiness, it remains a testament to the enduring quality of well-aged Port. Despite the passage of time, this ghost bottle still boasts a stunning depth and richness of fruit, showcasing just how worthy aged Port can be. It's a true survivor, standing the test of time and leaving a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of tasting it. Conclusion: In a world where treasures often lie hidden, this ghost bottle of Porto from 1927 serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of fine wine. Its discovery is a testament to the thrill of exploration and the joy of uncovering hidden gems. As we raise our glasses to toast this remarkable find, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery and indulgence, where every sip tells a story and every bottle holds the promise of adventure.

Piedmont, one of Italy’s most esteemed wine regions, beckons with its rich tapestry of vineyards, producing an array of esteemed wines including the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco. Nestled amidst the Po River Valley, this picturesque region, aptly named "at the foot of the mountain," boasts a landscape dotted with vineyard-draped hills, offering a haven for wine and culinary enthusiasts alike. At the Foot of the Mountain: Situated at the foothills of the Alps and the Apennines, Piedmont is adorned with vineyards that thrive on its naturally elevated terrain. During autumn, a mystical veil of fog blankets the vineyards, transforming the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors as the lush green hills bask in the reflection of the towering mountains. As temperatures fluctuate throughout the seasons, Piedmont's wines develop distinctive flavors, capturing the essence of its terroir. The Burgundy of Italy: Dubbed "the Burgundy of Italy" for its slow food culture, delectable truffles, and exquisite wines, Piedmont exudes culinary excellence. Many family-owned wineries in the region welcome visitors with open arms, offering insights into their time-honored winemaking traditions. With an abundance of festivals celebrating its gastronomic heritage, Piedmont attracts epicureans and chefs from around the globe, promising a feast for the senses. The Wines of Piedmont: Piedmont's illustrious wines, bearing the coveted DOCG appellation, epitomize the region's winemaking prowess. From Barbera and Dolcetto to Nebbiolo, each grape varietal lends its name to esteemed wines such as Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba, and Barolo. While red wines reign supreme in Piedmont, the region also produces exceptional white wines including Arneis, Cortese, and Moscato, renowned for their crisp flavors and aromatic profiles. Grape Varieties of Piedmont: Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo stand as the cornerstone grape varieties of Piedmont, each contributing to the region's diverse wine offerings. Barbera wines boast vibrant fruitiness, while Dolcetto wines charm with floral aromas. Nebbiolo, the quintessential Piedmontese grape, yields complex wines with great aging potential, epitomized by the revered Barolo and Barbaresco vintages. Bringing Piedmont Home: Experience the taste of Piedmont with Belgium Wine Watchers' curated selection of exceptional wines. From age-worthy Barolos to refreshing Cortese whites, embark on a journey through Piedmont's vinous treasures from the comfort of your home.

Vintage variations can be fascinating, often revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. While some years are celebrated for producing exceptional wines, others, like the moderately regarded 1976 vintage, offer surprises of their own. Often overshadowed by more illustrious years, 1976 may have been better suited for white wines, producing delicately nuanced and pleasant bottles that have been somewhat underestimated over time. Unveiling a Forgotten Treasure: Domaine Arliguy's 1976 Meursault "Santenots" provided an intriguing glimpse into this overlooked vintage. Despite initial concerns about its dark orange hue, hinting at potential oxidation, the wine defied expectations with its captivating aromas. Bursting with exuberant notes of ripe apricot and subtle hints of smoke, it offered a seductive, almost sweet raisin character. Rich yet nuanced, with a delicate balance of minerality, this Premier Cru bottle showcased the enduring quality of aged wines. Embracing the Unexpected: This tasting experience served as a valuable reminder not to judge a bottle solely by its vintage. Sometimes, hidden treasures await those willing to give them a second chance. The 1976 Meursault "Santenots" exemplified the beauty of patience and the rewards of exploring lesser-known vintages.