Fresh from the airwaves...it's Episode 008 -- Wine Gadgets & Glasses: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly.
Here's the link: PODCAST
We got this week's show idea from listener, Scott Harrah. Thanks for the suggestion!
After covering some great emails, blog comments, and posts on the Facebook page we talked about the latest out of Canada. Scientists there claim to have discovered a strain of yeast that would prevent Red Wine Headaches or "RWH" syndrome as it's commonly called. I still say it's inconclusive but you can decide...
- Here's a link to the Decanter Article that we talked about.
- ...and another to an older Wall Street Journal Article. Sadly, even though it's old not much has changed since it was written. If anyone has about $60K to pour into a research study on the topic, I bet UC Davis would be happy to receive it!
After news, we hopped into the main topic. We reviewed...
- Wine Glasses - White, Red, and Sparkling (I say simplicity is best)
- Aerators & Decanters -- find out why I'm a hater on the aerator and a decanter lover
- Preservers -- I'm not a gadget girl but thumbs up on this
- Openers (I'm so opinionated...listen to learn more)
- Chillers - In case you don't have a fridge in your home
- Wine Stain Remover - an absolute must-have!
Our grape of the week is one of Rick's favorites: Albariño (or Alvarinho in Portugal). A tasty, unique, and delicious Spanish white!
To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it and can please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar in "New & Noteworthy," which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!
Addendum: Listener Josh (comment below) brought up the fact that we mentioned a ton of brands in this show...something we don't usually do! He was in his car listening and said it was hard to keep track of all the brand names and suggested we put links to everything we mentioned here... your wish is my command : )
Here are the links to the brands we mentioned:
Glassware:
Riedel: http://www.riedel.com/
Spiegelau: http://www.spiegelau.com/home/
Aerators:
Vinturi: http://vinturi.com/
Wine Soiree: www.winesoiree.com
Preserver:
Vacuvin: http://www.vacuvin.com/Vacuum_Wine_Saver_286_270_267.html
Opener:
Rabbit: http://www.metrokane.com/site_files/mk_rabbit.aspx
Chiller:
Waring Pro: http://www.waringproducts.com/ret/catalog/product.php?product_id=59&cat_id=5
Wine Stain Remover:
Wine Away: http://www.wineaway.com/
12 comments:
Hi. I just started listen in from the start and up to the Oak episode. Quick question, does the tightness of the grain within the wood impart differences with the flavors and taste. Thanx!!! Awesome show!!!
Ken --
Thanks for your comment and your compliments!
This is a great question and definitely an advanced one, so I'm going to take the liberty of dorking out for a second and get a bit specific to really get you an answer!
There are a few factors that impart differences in flavors and grain is a biggie. According to Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia (a great reference book to have!) there are a few things to note. Here's the quick deal:
1. Tight grained oak grows in cool climates, i.e., Europe. Depending on the species of tree, the oak can have different levels of aromatics and tannins. For instance, Troncais, which is very popular for expensive reds, has high tannin content and aromatics.
American oak usually comes from the midwest of the US -- Minnesota and Wisconsin, Ohio, Missouri, and more! It comes from white oaks as opposed to brown European oaks and the trees are faster growing with much wider grain. The wide grain makes the oak more aromatic. This kind of oak is less tannic but also less refined to many people.
2. A HUGE difference for winemaking isn't just the oak though, it's the barrel making technique. European oak is seasoned outside for years before it's made into barrels. The staves are also split rather than sawed. All this means that the wood is kind of left in tact and the natural process of seasoning means that age will tame the aromatics and tannins.
American oak is sawed, which ruptures the cells and releases huge coconut and vanilla aromatics. It's also kiln-dried and that also concentrates the aromatics.
3. The last component that makes a big difference is toast. We talked about that on the show but the toast level can affect the taste of the wine dramatically.
I hope that helps a little! Please let me know if you want more information. Great question!
Thanks for listening, and for writing and I hope to hear from you again!
Elizabeth
Great cast. I enjoyed listening to it on the way to work today.
I wish you guys would consider posting links to the items you talked about and/or the recommended brand names. Some of the names were difficult to understand and I was driving at the time and didn't have any way to write them down. You might consider linking them to an Amazon merchant account and you could make some spare change on the recommendations.
Keep up the great work.
Hey Josh!
Great suggestion. We usually DON'T mention brands (mostly because I think of brands in wine as secondary to the place the grapes are grown!), but you're so right. For this podcast we went hardcore on the brands.
I'm going to add a note to the post with all the brand names...check out the ones you want to know more about above!
Thanks for listening and for the great suggestion -- I bet a lot of other people are listening in their cars and wondering the same thing!
Elizabeth
Much obliged for the edit, Elizabeth. I made a few purchases yesterday based on your suggestions. Should be here Friday. Yay for Amazon Prime!
Cheers and thanks again.
Josh --
Your suggestion was awesome (and yes, so is Amazon Prime!). Don't leave me hanging! What did you get (I can't imagine it was too much stuff since I really don't endorse having much gear!).
I'm excited to get your feedback on what you think of the products you ordered and whether you concur.
Elizabeth
Well, if you check out my website, it should be pretty obvious that I'm a gadget geek.
I picked up a few sets of Spiegelau glasses and a decanter. I wanted something cheap enough for parties that I wouldn't cry if a few shatter once in a while.
Also grabbed a vacuvin, which I had back in the day but disappeared over the course of several moves. Finally sucked it up and got the waiter's friend as well because I live in a college town where many of the dinner places are BYOW and lugging around a larger opener is unwieldy.
Picked up and red and white Vinturi aerator as well. Here in PA the selection at the wine shop is absolutely horrible because our import laws are super weird, so I'm really limited to relatively uninteresting ~$15 wines. I'm hoping they'll smooth out the flavors and/or take off the edges a bit in a pinch.
I don't think you mentioned anything about a white wine aerator. I did some research since I know a lot of people generally don't think you should decant white wines. Vinturi apparently disagrees and designed the white aerator to introduce a different amount of air to the wine, and I'm at least curious so I figure I'll take one for the team and check it out.
Ah, PA -- the weirdest wine state in the union. Have they done the kiosk program yet or is that still pending? I love it up there, but it's probably more antiquated than any place I know regarding wine law! Urgh!
Love all your choices and I hope you will too! I haven't tried the white wine aerator but I hate to say that I have heard it's kind of bad for the wine. Let me know what you think though -- would love a counterpoint on the benefits!
Take care and thanks again for listening/reading!
Elizabeth
Ah, PA -- the weirdest wine state in the union. Have they done the kiosk program yet or is that still pending? I love it up there, but it's probably more antiquated than any place I know regarding wine law! Urgh!
Love all your choices and I hope you will too! I haven't tried the white wine aerator but I hate to say that I have heard it's kind of bad for the wine. Let me know what you think though -- would love a counterpoint on the benefits!
Take care and thanks again for listening/reading!
Elizabeth
I love the podcast and website! Can I make a tasting suggestion? I got the impression you were not overly impressed with Willamette Valley Pinot Gris...but I'd suggest trying one from Lange Estate Winery. I believe they are the first winemakers there to put in on a little oak...I think it makes it a bit more interesting. You can find it on the shelves of a few wine stores in the Atlanta area...I'd be interested to see what you thought.
Great job on the podcast...I look forward to it every week. : ) You guys are a lot of fun to listen to, and put out some great useful info. Thank you!!!
I thought I was the only one who hated finger prints on my glasses. :)
Brandy -- LOVE your comment. It's so gross! AND not good for the wine : )
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