Wine Blog » Wine Cellar

Best Wine – Cellaring Wine: A Complete Guide to Selecting, Building, and Managing Your Wine Collection

Wineguy — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:00:14 +0000

Red wine ingredient resveratrol may boost metabolism in men
It has been discovered that the chemical resveratrol, found in small quantities in red wine, improves metabolic health in obese men. A recent study, published in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism, tested the effects of the chemical

Cellaring Wine: A Complete Guide to Selecting, Building, and Managing Your Wine Collection
Beer is just a beverage, but wine is an experience. There?s an aura of romance, a hint of the sublime, to bringing a bottle up from your own cellar, carefully drawing out the cork, pouring the wine into a goblet, and taking the first delectable sip.

Now Jeff Cox, author of From Vines to Wines (89,000 copies in print) and a connoisseur well respected in wine circles, shows you how easy it is to have a wine cellar of your own.

But Cellaring Wine is not a home-building project book. In some cases, the would-be wine collector doesn?t have to do much building at all. Rather, Cellaring Wine teaches anyone who loves wine how to create a working system of selecting wines that will age well, know how to lay them down properly, and recognize when they have matured to their full glory and are ready to be savored.

Cox pinpoints the optimum conditions of temperature, light, and humidity for a wine cellar. He walks you through possible locations for your wine cellar ? whether in the basement, an old root cellar, the back of your garage, or even a closet or room in your house ? and what each location requires. He explains when you?ll need a climate-control device (and how much they cost). And he discusses the pros and cons of buying a freestanding unit that is much like a refrigerator.

Then Cox tackles the question that most troubles wine lovers: Which wines will improve with age, and which won?t? This chapter alone is worth the price of the book, since nothing is more disappointing to a wine lover than waiting years to open a bottle of wine only to discover that it was at its peak when it was laid down.

Cox shows you how to keep accurate records so you know at a glance ? without having to hunt through the wine racks ? what you have, where it?s located, and how much to buy so the cellar doesn?t become depleted. And he gives you a crash course in appreciating the fragrance and flavor of a fine wine.Perhaps best of all, Cox gets readers excited about the possibilities of having their own wine cellar. After all, a cellar is not just a storage room, it?s a university where good young wines become great.

Customer Review: Cellaring and much more….
The title of this book is a little misleading, the book does cover selecting, building, and managing wine. However, this information only acocunts for about 1/4 of the book. The rest of the book talks about wine in general. The cellaring chapters were very detailed and answered all of my questions. The other 3/4 of the book was interesting and covered your basic intro to wine information. If you want to know more about wine, or are looking for a complete guide on different ways to cellar wine, then this book is for you.

Customer Review: Exactly what it says…
Jeff Cox has written a wonderful guide for cellaring wine which is nearly complete in all its details. More importantly, he has managed to write it in a way that is highly readable.

Wine gift – Grossman’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits

Wineguy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:16 +0000

Running Fit wins BestOf honors for best shoe store; this week vote for best … – AnnArbor.com

Running Fit wins BestOf honors for best shoe store; this week vote for best …
AnnArbor.com
This week, vote for the best retail wine selection in Washtenaw County. No sour grapes here, but Ben Franklin was wrong. It is wine – not beer – that proves that God loves us and wants us to be happy. And whether you're stocking your wine cellar or …

Grossman’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits
Turn to Grossman’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits for quick answers to your questions about any alcoholic beverage and for insights into the history and origins of liquor. Whether you’re looking for technical advice or interesting conversation pieces, this resource is sure to meet all of your needs.

Customer Review: Get up to speed on spirits in 600 pages
There may be more recent books focused on wine or beer, but this is the most comprehensive guide to alcoholic beverages in general. Tired of listening to a couple of colleagues discussing a subject that I knew nothing about, I read this fascinating book, and soon turned the tables: until I showed them evidence, they simply would not believe that Amaretto was made made from apricot pits rather than almonds! Many other products, like Spanish sherry, have interesting details and histories that I had never suspected. About the organization, roughly one-third is devoted to wines (a chapter per country), one-third to other alcoholic beverages, and one-third to technical advice and appendices on menu-planning, storage, vintages, etc. A highly enjoyable and informative book, very nicely balanced.

Customer Review: Grossman’s sets a standard
Meant principally as a textbook, _Grossman’s_ is nevertheless imminently readable for fun. If you feel awkward in some social situations because you can’t comment intelligently on fine drink, this is a good place to start. You’ll come away from the book with a working knowledge of:

* world wine regions

* legal definitions of various liquor types

* liquor, beer and wine production

* principles of marketing and purchasing

* beverage service

* proper glassware

* liquor trivia

Certainly, this book lacks a contemporary voice. With an original copyright date of 1940, some of the text has remained unaltered for 60 years. It misses trends in recent American beer production, and doesn’t give very complete information about emerging wine producers, such as post-Apartheid South Africa. But at its heart, this is a thoroughly objective textbook which has been written and continuously edited specifically to be brand-neutral. This makes it the pre-eminent textbook for use in a general survey course on liquor service, or an invaluable resource for anyone trying to gain a healthy appreciation for alcohol.

Fear of Wine: An Introductory Guide to the Grape

Wineguy — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:00:16 +0000

Fear of Wine: An Introductory Guide to the Grape
In this friendly introductory guide, food and wine writer Leslie Brenner tells how to:
Pour and taste wine
Develop a taste memory
Order from a wine list
Select a wine at the store
Match food with wine

In addition, helpful sidebars illuminate such subjects as:
How–and why–to swirl without sloshing
Disarming a snotty waiter
Ten great wines to bring to a dinner party
Going beyond California Chardonnay
Starting your own cellar for under $100

Along the way, Lettie Teague’s funny and informative cartoons enhance the text and make great devices for remembering the most important facts. Before long,
your old standby, Chateau Screwtop, will be a distant memory. Accessible and concise, Fear of Wine will appeal to anyone who wants to know a little bit about a subject that can bring great pleasure.

At last, a guide that is as fun to read as wine is to drink!

Customer Review: GREAT BOOK
A friend of mine gave this book about 9 years ago, I enjoyed it then and I still go back and read it now, it has been one the best wine books I have, easy to read and very helpful, it sure gave the information I needed to star my wine cellar.

Customer Review: Great for those who wish to learn and not get overwhelmed!
This is a wonderful book. It’s accurate and EASY to READ. You will not get overwhelmed or confused while reading this material. The illustrations help a LOT. Best introductory wine book out there. A must buy for beginners!

Bar Wine – Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2009 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course)

Wineguy — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 04:00:03 +0000

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2009 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course)

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is simply the bestselling wine book in North America—it’s a classic. In addition to retaining the expanded 60-page section on “101 Wines You Should Know,” from last year, the 2009 revision will include 16 pages of quizzes (two at the end of every chapter) to test readers on how much they’ve learned—just as if they were in Kevin’s class. Those who use the book as an actual course will find this enormously helpful, and a great challenge for testing their knowledge of wine fundamentals. Of course, all wine lists and labels, vintage charts, and trend reports will receive a complete update, too.
As always, Zraly organizes his wines by region, from simple to complex, beginning with white wines from France, the U.S., and Germany; he moves on to the red wines of Burgundy and the Rhône, Bordeaux, the U.S., Italy, Australia, Argentina, and Chile; and concludes with champagnes and ports. By following Kevin’s order, readers will experience the best wines and the wide diversity of taste, style, region, and country. It’s not only a comprehensive and bargain-priced hands-on wine education, but a superb catalog from which to start a wine cellar or find a bottle appropriate for any occasion at any price.
This unequaled volume retains all the invaluable information, fabulous illustration, and gorgeous styling of the previous editions—presented in Zraly’s inimitable, irreverent style. It’s clearly the wine guide against which all others are judged.

Wine gift – Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2008 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course)

Wineguy — Sat, 28 May 2011 02:00:17 +0000

Shoplifter caught at liquor store – Herald-Citizen
COOKEVILLE — The first shoplifting case at one of the new liquor stores here has occurred, police said. It happened Thursday evening at the Discount Wine and Spirits store on South Willow Avenue, according to a report by Cookeville Police Officer Derrick Springs.

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2008 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course)

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is simply the bestselling wine book in North America—it’s a classic. The 2007 edition alone has sold over 100,000 copies and reorders continue to pour in. Along with the expanded text that has made last year’s update so successful, the 2008 revision will include a special 16-page supplement on “How to Taste Wine,” taken directly from Kevin’s world-famous class. This new material will include more than 100 wines that Zraly selects for his students to taste, along with the tasting sheet they use for their evaluations. Organized by region, from simple to complex, his list begins with white wines from France, the U.S., and Germany; moves on to the red wines of Burgundy and the Rhône, Bordeaux, the U.S., Italy, Australia, Argentina, and Chile; and concludes with champagnes and ports. By following Kevin’s order, readers will experience the best wines and the wide diversity of taste, style, region, and country. It’s not only a comprehensive and bargain-priced hands-on wine education, but a superb catalog from which to start a wine cellar or find a bottle appropriate to any occasion. In addition, the label for each of the 101 wines is shown, along with commentary on how to read it, suggestions for alternative wines, and specific instructions on how to set up a tasting using Kevin’s techniques. This is the first time Kevin’s actual list has ever been offered in book form and it alone is worth the cover price of Windows on the World Complete Wine Course.
Of course, as always, this unequaled volume retains all the invaluable information, fabulous illustrations, and gorgeous styling of the previous editions—all presented in Zraly’s inimitable, irreverent style. This is the wine guide against which all others are judged.

Customer Review: Wonderfully informative Beginning Level book, well written and entertaining.
I received this book as a gift from my best friend (who’s husband is a rep for Chateau Ste Michelle). Although I rarely drink, and do not know a great deal about wine, I do seem to have a sharp palette, especially for French Burgandy (I reached this conclusion thanks to my dear, knowledgable and generous friends) … which is really quite fortunate since my family currently lives a stone’s throw from the Red Dundee Hills! This book is down to earth, well written, frequently hilarious … and simply a joy to read!

Customer Review: keep on wine-ing
I ordered this book for my husband who is known to love a good glass of wine of any colour, year, bottle or chateau.
It is a wonderful read. Especially with a glass of wine.
It is all your ever wanted to know and could possible remember about wine, the regions, varieties, qualities and prices.
I found it hard to put down. It is interesting, a great reference to all who enjoy that glorious grape juice we call wine.
It is a superb present to one’s self and to any lover of the juice.
I will refer to it on my next wine sampling, be that at a local winery or at my local grocery store wine section.
It is a great collection to add to your home.

Wine gift – Gift Combo – Sangria Red Wine + Sangria Pitcher

Wineguy — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:08 +0000

China’s cup is overflowing for fine wine – USA Today
LAFITE BECOMES A SALES PHENOM For every winemaker trying to enter the Asian market, the ultimate goal is to replicate the Lafite mania that has swept the region. In Hong Kong, the phenomenon can be seen at local wine stores such as Watson’s Wine Cellar

A fine wine time in New Castle: Wentworth by the Sea opens annual winter fest – Fosters Daily Democrat
NEW CASTLE — If you’re looking to find wines from all over the world under one roof look no further than Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. As part of the Northeast Wine Festivals from Jan. 14 to Feb. 27, the Wentworth opened its 7th annual Winter Wine Festival

Gift Combo – Sangria Red Wine + Sangria Pitcher
This combo includes a bottle of pre-mixed Sangria and a hand-made Sangria pitcher for serving. The pinched spout of the pitcher keeps ice and fruit from pouring out. The bottle of Sangria contains red wine and natural citrus for a great base for sangria.

Ice Wine – William Pear and White wine French Imported confit for cheeses 4.4 oz jar by l’Epicurien France

Wineguy — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:00:31 +0000

Cuisinart Private Reserve Wine Cellar – 16 Bottle Individual Pieces Cookware – Zimbio
Keep your fine wine stored at the perfect temperature for maximum enjoyment. Elegant stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints and is easy to keep sparkling clean. Slide-out stainless steel racks hold 750ml or 1500ml bottles. Double pane tinted viewing window.

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Raises a Glass to Supply Chain Optimization With Manhattan Associates – msnbc.com
ATLANTA, Oct. 26, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is America’s largest private spirits retailer, with nearly 150 locations, 1400 employees, a private delivery fleet, a 200,000 square foot distribution center and an Internet fulfillment

William Pear and White wine French Imported confit for cheeses 4.4 oz jar by l’Epicurien France
With its homemade style of production, l’Epicurien has carried out a cooking process that makes all its preparations slowly simmer in cauldrons. The deep and rich colors of fruits or vegetables, together with their delicate flavors, are deliciously revealed.

Make Wine – Evangelina’s Traditional Greek Cookies – Olive Oil & Wine (5 Ounce) by igourmet.com

Wineguy — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:00:17 +0000

What you can buy for $1 million in the Bay Area – San Francisco Chronicle

What you can buy for $1 million in the Bay Area
San Francisco Chronicle
There's also a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops as well as a wine cellar, office and a carpeted lower-level game room. …

Staycation Specials: Save early for Bodega seafood festival – San Jose Mercury News

Staycation Specials: Save early for Bodega seafood festival
San Jose Mercury News
Save $2 when you buy advance tickets to the 16th annual Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival. The event in Bodega, which runs Aug. …

Evangelina’s Traditional Greek Cookies – Olive Oil & Wine (5 Ounce) by igourmet.com
Evangelia’s traditional Greek Cookies are named after Esther Luongo Psarakis’ mother-in-law who runs the family farm on Crete. It is her picture on the box. She shared with Esther all of her favorite recipes,and these were among the first. These healthy cookies contain No Trans Fats, No Cholesterol, No Eggs or Butter and No Preservatives – just Unbleached Wheat Flour, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Wine, Sugar, Orange Juice, Sesame Seeds, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Cinnamon. They have a lovely fragrance and delicate flavor. They are not too sweet and are a nice compliment to cheeses, tea and coffee. Try them with goat cheese and heather honey.

Wine online – Fear of Wine: An Introductory Guide to the Grape

Wineguy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:00:21 +0000

Best local wines are best found — and grabbed — on their home turf – OregonLive.com

Best local wines are best found — and grabbed — on their home turf
OregonLive.com
A beautifully made wine with a lovely mid-palate density with a core of wild cherry and berry fruits, Matello "Willamette Valley" Pinot Noir 2008 shows just …

Hearty, Healthy, Homemade Winter Soups – CBS News

Hearty, Healthy, Homemade Winter Soups
CBS News
(CBS) In the midst of winter, what better way to warm the soul than by having some hearty, homemade soup? Food & Wine magazine Special Projects Director …

and more »

At last, a guide that is as fun to read as wine is to drink!

Customer Review: GREAT BOOK
A friend of mine gave this book about 9 years ago, I enjoyed it then and I still go back and read it now, it has been one the best wine books I have, easy to read and very helpful, it sure gave the information I needed to star my wine cellar.

Customer Review: Great for those who wish to learn and not get overwhelmed!
This is a wonderful book. It’s accurate and EASY to READ. You will not get overwhelmed or confused while reading this material. The illustrations help a LOT. Best introductory wine book out there. A must buy for beginners!

Purchase Wine – Wine Atlas of the Langhe: The Great Barolo and Barbaresco Vineyards

Wineguy — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:00:28 +0000

Anglers spend long hours on ice – Rhinelander Daily News
“If we had no winter, the spring wouldn’t be so pleasant.” A seasoned fire tender becomes a connoisseur of fuel wood, selecting it as one does wine and cheese. He soon discovers that he can keep the flames driftwood-blue for weeks by placing a

Putin Thanks Bulgaria Agri Minister for Vodka Smuggling Action – Sofia News Agency
On January 12, 35 000 empty fake bottles of ‘Stolichnaya’ vodka were found waiting to be filled and exported in a wine cellar in Kaspichan after which he was officially handed over a letter of thanks and a gift. “The government is working to

Wine Atlas of the Langhe: The Great Barolo and Barbaresco Vineyards
Breathtaking landscapes filled with castles and churches, picturesque hilltop villages and, best of all, vineyards. This is the Langhe, an area in the Piedmont region of northern Italy that produces some of the world’s greatest wines.

A Wine Atlas of the Langhe is a beautiful and highly informative book, produced by the international Slow Food movement, headquartered in Piedmont. For over ten years Slow Food researched the vineyards, the wines, and the history of this fascinating part of the world, including the men and women who have made the wines of the Langhe famous. The book explores the unique features of topography, soils, and climate that have enabled Barolo and Barbaresco to become recognized as two of the world’s most exclusive and highly prized wines. Spectacular aerial photography shows the beauty of the fifteen municipalities profiled in the book.

“Eyewitness Reports” sprinkled throughout the book give readers a privileged insight into the rural culture and social life of the Langhe, through the words of the area’s oldest residents. Chapters on The Greats of Barolo and Barbaresco detail the lives of pioneer winemakers, including growers, scholars, oenologists, cellarmen, and aristocratic entrepreneurs.

More wine is currently imported to the U.S. from Italy than from any other country. Lovers of Italy or its classic wines will treasure this beautiful book. Travelers to Piedmont will find many recommendations for the best vineyards to visit, as well as the best places to stay and eat while in the region.

Customer Review: Beautiful Book
I don’t know much about wine [I sell this book as a bookseller], but I can tell you this large format and thick book is a piece of art. It contains many beautiful photos, has a lovely layout, and feels expensive. I’ve sold many to wine experts and never had anyone be disappointed by it.

Customer Review: One of the finest wine books available
If you’re a lover of nebbiolo wines this book is a must. With relentlessly rich detail, it covers every aspect of the great wines of the Piemonte, their history, viticulture, and the people who make them.

Every major Barolo and Barbaresco vineyard is profiled, along with many of the contributors to the production of their great wines. Not only the great winemakers, past and present, but also the “regular people” involved, from grafters to vine dressers, pickers and barrel makers, even office workers and school teachers have their say. The result is a compelling picture of one of the world’s greatest wine regions.

And if you ever plan a trip to the Langhe, the book features excellent advice and contact info on where to visit, what to look for, etc. A great resource.