French Oak – Flavor and Finesse From the Forest

French oak is a type of oak commonly used in the production of wine barrels. French oak is known for its high quality and distinctive flavor profile, which can impart unique characteristics to the wine aged in these barrels. In this entry, we will explore the significance of French oak in winemaking, and compare it […]

Grand Cru – Terroir as a Classification System

Grand Cru is a classification system used in many wine regions throughout France, particularly in Burgundy and Alsace, to denote the highest-quality vineyards and wines. The term “Grand Cru” literally translates to “great growth,” and it signifies vineyards that are recognized as producing the finest wines. In Burgundy, the Grand Cru classification system is based […]

Grassy – Fresh Mown Grass in a Glass?

Grassy is a term used to describe the aroma and flavor of wine that has a green, herbaceous character, reminiscent of freshly cut grass. This characteristic is most commonly associated with wines made from white grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and is often described as a hallmark of these wines. The grassy flavor in […]

Hermitage – Pinnacle of Syrah

Hermitage is a famous French wine region located in the northern Rhône valley (AOC – Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in France , known for producing some of the finest and most long-lived red wines in the world. The region’s namesake wine is made primarily from the Syrah grape variety, which is known for its deep, intense […]

Horizontal Wine Tasting

A Horizontal Tasting is a lesser referred to wine tasting technique where multiple wines from the same vintage or region are tasted side by side. In this method, the focus is on exploring the range of styles and variations within a specific category, such as Syrah, rather than comparing different vintages of the same wine […]