grape deep dive

My grape deep dive is back and this time it’s all about the misunderstood Riesling grape!

You may already be thinking: I don’t like Riesling! Either because you think it’s too sweet or it’s too acidic. But here’s where Riesling’s unique characteristics shine…this grape can do both! It can be sweet or acidic and it’s all dependent on where it’s grown and how the winemaker chooses to make the wine!

Today, we are going to take a deep dive into Riesling and dispel the myths of this grape. I’ll share the incredible diversity of this noble and distinctive white grape because it can produce wines across a wide spectrum of sweetness levels from bone dry to lusciously sweet.

And by now you know that I love history, so I’ll dive into the fascinating history of Riesling and its German origins. We’ll also discover how the Blue Nun had a less than positive effect on people’s view of Riesling.

I can’t wait to share the complex aromatics that set Riesling apart from other grapes. Think petrol (oh yes, gasoline), mineral notes, vibrant fruit aromas. You’ll also learn how adaptable and resilient Riesling is when it comes to the climates it’s grown in.

Are you ready to dive into this versatile Riesling grape? If so press play and listen in! And if this episode has inspired you to try Riesling I’d love for you to head over to Instagram and let me know what you think!

Episode Highlights:

• Versatility of Riesling grapes from sweet to acidic
• What is special about Riesling wine?
• What are the characteristics of Riesling wine?
• History of Riesling grapes and it’s German origin
• The curse of the Blue Nun and its impact on Riesling
• The aging potential of Riesling
• Understanding Riesling’s sweetness levels
• Answering the question: is Riesling dry or sweet?
• Is Riesling dry or fruity?
• Unique aromas of Riesling (think petrol)
• Highlighting top regions for Riesling production

I’m so excited to be leading my 2nd wine retreat to Walla Walla WA this April and I want you to come with me!

3 1/2 days, over 8 unique wine tasting experiences, 2 extravagant dinners, special welcome bag full of goodies, new friendships and a lot of laughter and fun awaits you on this can’t miss retreat. Learn more and sign up here www.corkandfizz.com/2024-walla-walla-wine-retreat 

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

I’m back with the next installment of my Grape Deep Dive Miniseries and this time it’s all about Chenin Blanc. 

If I could only drink one style of wine for the rest of my life it would be…Chenin Blanc!

Why? Because there’s really nothing that this grape can’t do! From really lovely high acid white wines which are perfect for pairing with seafood or full bodied really oaky-rich white wines which are perfect for sipping by the fire, this grape is quite versatile. 

And Chenin Blanc’s versatility doesn’t end there. It also makes incredible sparkling wines that, to me, rival some of the top Champagnes. And Chenin Blanc goes even further with rich delectable sweet wines that don't cost an arm and a leg!

In this episode I’m digging deep into the history of Chenin Blanc. This grape has been around since the 800’s! And no that’s not a typo! It’s believed to have originated back in the 9th century. 

Join me as I dig into the adaptability of Chenin Blanc, how it can grow in warm and cool climates, and how the temperature affects the taste of Chenin Blanc. The two major challenges when it comes to Chenin Blanc and we will of course dive into the most popular regions where you can find Chenin Blanc! 

And I’m answering the question that many of you have - is Chenin Blanc similar to Chardonnay? And are Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc the same?

Are you ready to dive into all things Chenin Blanc? If so press play and listen in! And if this episode has inspired you to try Chenin Blanc I’d love for you to head over to Instagram and let me know what you think! 

Episode Highlights:

• The history of Chenin Blanc 
• What kind of wine is Chenin Blanc 
• Are Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc the same 
• Is Chenin Blanc the same as Chardonnay 
• What grape is Chenin Blanc 
• The uniqueness, versatility and adaptability of Chenin Blanc 
• What climate does Chenin Blanc grow in and how it affects the taste 
• Chenin Blanc’s many

I’m so excited to be leading my 2nd wine retreat to Walla Walla WA this April and I want you to come with me!

3 1/2 days, over 8 unique wine tasting experiences, 2 extravagant dinners, special welcome bag full of goodies, new friendships and a lot of laughter and fun awaits you on this can’t miss retreat. Learn more and sign up here www.corkandfizz.com/2024-walla-walla-wine-retreat 

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com

I’m back with the next installment of my Grape Deep Dive Miniseries and this time it’s all about Cabernet Franc. This grape is incredibly versatile and known for its diverse flavors and intriguing history. You may not be super familiar with Cabernet Franc but you likely know one of its offspring: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Carménère. 

Cabernet Franc is that it is not without its challenges. We’ll start with the debate on where it originated. Then I’ll dive into the importance of vintage and how the weather can impact the harvest (especially in certain regions of the world), ultimately influencing the quality of the wine.

I’ll also cover what the heck those green flavors are that Cabernet Franc is known for. I’ll give you a hint, it’s a chemical compound called methozypyrazines and it can create desirable savory aromas or the not-so-great asparagus water flavor! Learn how a winemaker can avoid the bad flavors and incorporate just the good stuff through vineyard management.

Join me as we journey through vineyards and explore the different expressions of Cabernet Franc, from its early roots in the Loire Valley to its global influence today. We'll uncover the key factors that shape the flavor profile of this grape and provide insights on what to look for when sampling Cabernet Franc wines.

And if this episode has inspired you to try a bottle of Cabernet Franc I’d love for you to head over to Instagram and let me know what you tried! 

Episode Highlights:

• The history of Cabernet Franc
• The debate over Cabernet Franc being from the French or Spanish side of Basque Country
• Where I think Cabernet Franc truly found its home
• What makes Cabernet Franc the perfect blending grape
• Where the green pepper in Cabernet Franc comes from
• Tips on navigating and appreciating the green flavors of Cabernet Franc
• How consumer preference for Cabernet Franc has evolved over time
• The four regions in the Loire Valley that you will find Cabernet Franc
• How to

I’m so excited to be leading my 2nd wine retreat to Walla Walla WA this April and I want you to come with me!

3 1/2 days, over 8 unique wine tasting experiences, 2 extravagant dinners, special welcome bag full of goodies, new friendships and a lot of laughter and fun awaits you on this can’t miss retreat. Learn more and sign up here www.corkandfizz.com/2024-walla-walla-wine-retreat 

Don't Forget to Download my Free Wine Tasting Guide! - https://www.corkandfizz.com/free-wine-tasting-guide

Have you Joined the Cork Crew?!

The Cork Crew Tasting Club is a community of people that enjoy drinking and learning about wine. It's like a book club...but with wine! Each month I’ll select two styles of wine for us to focus on. We’ll then have a virtual tasting party to explore those wines along with a community event to learn from professionals in the wine community.

Click the link below to get a FREE pass to attend a Cork Crew event of your choosing!

https://www.corkandfizz.com/freeclasspass

Connect with me:
Cork and Fizz - https://www.corkandfizz.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandfizz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/corkandfizz/
Email - hailey@corkandfizz.com