Author: mike_f

Taste: Aromas of acacia, jasmine, lemon blossom, yellow fruit and nuts are followed by flavors of apricot, peach, pear and lemon, with a mineral edge and sometimes a slightly spicy finish. Occasionally, these wines can display more tropical fruit flavors (e.g. pineapple) and if oak is used you can expect notes of vanilla. Body: Medium to full…

Taste: Aromas of red and black fruits with hints of coffee and chocolate are followed by a range of flavors including raspberry, cherry, pomegranate, blackberry, blackcurrant and plum, along with spicy (clove, cinnamon, pepper) overtones and prominent notes of oak. Can mellow with age and evolve complex forest floor flavors of truffles and mushroom, while still…

Taste: Aromas of violets, red and black fruits with notes of vanilla, star anise, herbs and spice. These are followed by flavors of raspberry, cherry, plum and blackberry along with cedar, tobacco, leather and dark chocolate, leading to a persistent finish. Body: Medium to full Tannin: High (but generally supple) Acidity: Medium Age: Best enjoyed within a few years…

Taste: Rich, but soft, with black fruit aromas and flavors of black cherry, mulberry and plum, along with notes of herbs, leather, smoke and spice. Body: Full Tannin: Medium to high Acidity: Low to medium Age: Best enjoyed within a few years of the vintage, but the best wines age well. Aka: Also known as Calabrese. Description Nero d’Avola (NEH-ro…

Taste: Aromas of red and black fruits as well as spices (clove, cinnamon and nutmeg) are followed by flavors of plum, cherry, and blackberry, with a refreshing cherry finish. More complex examples can display notes of coffee, tobacco, licorice and bitter chocolate, along with an earthy quality. Body: Medium to full Tannin: Medium to high (but tannins…

Taste: Aromas of cherry and violets are followed by red fruit flavors of strawberries, plums and red cherries. As it matures it develops a classic aroma of ‘tar and roses’ with notes of herbs, leather, wood smoke, mushrooms and truffles. Body: Medium to full Tannin: High Acidity: High Age: Modern Barolo (aged in new oak barriques) can be drunk…

Taste: Perfume of rose petals and orange blossom with the flavor of fresh, juicy green grapes. Can also display notes of peach, pear and apricot, as well as fresh herbs. Body: May be light (Frizzante and Sparkling), medium (Table Wine) or full (Dessert and Fortified Wines). Dry / Sweet: Can be dry, medium-dry or sweet depending on how…

Taste: Generally quite neutral but very refreshing and the best can display green apple, grassy and nutty flavors, together with pronounced minerality. For higher quality wines look for “Sur Lie” on the label. Body: Light to medium Dry / Sweet: Very dry Acidity: High Age: Drink while young and fresh. Description The Melon de Bourgogne (may-lohn duh BOOR-goyn) grape has…

Taste: Floral aroma of elderflower, box hedge and herbal notes with flavour of green apple, grape and citrus fruits. Body: Light Dry / Sweet: Generally off-dry to medium-sweet but can be dry. Acidity: Low to medium Age: Drink as young as possible. Aka: Also known as Rivaner and Riesling-Sylvaner. Description Müller-Thurgau (MEW-ler TOOR-gow) is not a classic grape variety. It was created…

Taste: A ‘meaty’ and savory aroma when young, with red fruit and blackberry flavors accompanied by pronounced spicy, herbal and earthy notes. With age develops more complex flavors of leather, mushroom and truffles along with notes of black pepper, cinnamon and licorice, as well as coffee and chocolate. Body: Full Tannin: High Acidity: Medium to high Age: Most should…