Washington Wines
The lush and fertile valleys of Central and Eastern Washington are renown for sunshine, apples and world-class wines. See more photos of beautiful Central and Eastern Washington Washington state is the nation's second-largest wine producer. With a climate comparable to the finest wine-growing regions in France, Eastern Washington vineyards consistently produce grapes of the highest quality -- attracting wine makers from all over the world. Wine Tips from Durella DeGrasse...This month...
Sweets for Your SweetFor Valentine's Day this year, think about surprising your Valentine with something totally unexpected: a great sweet wine. Champagne is always romantic, especially rosé Champagnes, but this year after the cards, flowers, and special dinner, bring out a fabulous sweet wine. If you think sweet wines are heavy and cloying, try one of the three that I recommend. The trick in creating any fine sweet wine is having a balance of fruit and acidity that keeps the wine light on its feet and prepares you for another sip. You may not believe that you or your Valentine like sweet wine but the suggestions below could change your mind. Icewine from Canada
Just as its name implies, Icewine (or Ice Wine) is made from grapes that have frozen on the vine, concentrating their juice into a tiny amount of sweet nectar. The wine regions are Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and Nova Scotia, with the majority of vineyards in British Columbia. Look for an Icewine made from the Vidal grape -- which is particularly well suited for this type of wine. Tokaji Aszu
Tokaji, pronounced Toh-kah-YEE, is Hungary's most famous wine and has been called the "Wine of Kings and the King of Wines." Indeed, it is one of the world's more unusual wines, made from grapes (Furmint and Harslevelu) that have shriveled on the vine and are then made into a sweet paste that's fermented with a base wine. The result is a bronze-colored nectar-like wine that tastes like apricots, peaches, spiced apples and cinnamon. The Tokaji Aszu has matured three to five years in cask and has five to six puttonyos, which indicates the level of sweetness but also is a measure of concentration and intensity. Sauternes from France
Sauternes is made in the Bordeaux region of France, primarily from Semillon with some Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. These grapes have been botrytis affected, the famous "noble rot" that makes the grapes shrivel and concentrates the juice. Sauternes is the sweet wine by which sweet wines are judged; it's a combination of lusciousness, earthiness and lightness. The greatest Sauternes in the world is Chateau d'Yquem, but it's hard to find and very expensive. What to serve late in the evening with Icewine, Tokaji or Sauternes? Sophisticated desserts, such as soufflés would be good and fresh fruit would be a winner, as would nuts. Happy Valentine's Day! Cheers,
Durella DeGrasse
Certified Wine Professional
Click the links below
to read more of Durella's articles... Tre Venezie
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The American consumer seems to have settled on two fundamental profiles for their white wines: big, oaky and a bit sweet (Chardonnay) or very clean, crisp and juicy (Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio). Gavi and Verdicchio don't fit those profiles... Small Region, Big Tastes
Ribera del Duero is a region of harsh intensity with blistering summers and winters that are fiercely cold. The tinto fino is a grape variety that thrives on such stress, creating wines that are not shy. An Informal Wine's Uncomplicated Charm
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Tips for choosing the right sparkling wine for Thanksgiving or Christmas gifts... The Other Washington
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Uncorking, aerating and decanting. These three steps can enhance your enjoyment of any wine... Stocking an Everyday Wine Cellar
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How does mere grape juice become the stuff of poetry and legend? Just what are the steps a winemaker takes and what happens in the cellar?... Professional Wine Tasting Tips
To taste wine like a professional, you must learn to be a deliberate taster. And beyond that, you must be able to describe what you taste... Pairing Wine with Food
When pairing food and wine, the goal is synergy and balance. The wine should not overpower the food, nor should the food overpower the wine... Drink American for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dinners are so varied that it's impossible to suggest a one-size-fits-all wine, but this is an American holiday so stick with American wine... Going Beyond Beer at Summer Barbecues
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When planning a party and wine is on your list to serve, here's some advice for selecting the right wine... Fortified Wines
Fortified wines have had grape spirit (brandy) added either before, during or after fermentation, which raises the alcohol content and also changes the flavor profile, making a very unique and distinctive wine... What Makes Great Wine Great?
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The regional classifications of Bordeaux are extremely complicated -- and are different from one region to the next, even though the terms used may be the same or similar... Champagne
The reason Champagne is held apart from, if not above, all other bubblies is not necessarily because it's better but because the region is unique... Chianti
"Chianti" is one of those words that makes people smile. For wine drinkers and food lovers in the 1960s, Chianti was romantic, earthy, and fit the Bohemian esthetic (and budget)... Sicilian Il Vino
Italy ranks first in the world in wine production, and Sicily is often the most productive and largest region - 10,000 square miles... From Sicily to Southern Italy
It was in Campania that the Greeks introduced three of the south's most impressive grape varieties: aglianico, fiano and greco. All three varieties thrive in the volcanic soils northeast of Mount Vesuvius... Wines of The Loire
The Loire is one of the largest and most diverse wine regions in France. Virtually every type of wine is produced there -- still and sparkling, dry and sweet, red, white and rose... Wines of Alsace
Alsace is a rare wine region devoted almost exclusively to white wine - riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot gris, muscat and pinot blanc...
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