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Viognier Grapes- Origin, Climate, and Regions

Viognier is white grape variety. Origin of Viognier is unclear but researchers point it to Dalmatia (now Croatia) and that Romans brought with them to the Rhône.

A warmer climate with the long growing season is most suitable for the grapes but these can also be grown in cooler areas. Grapes of this variety requires long, warm season to ripen fully. Grapes should not be exposed to a hot climate for a long time otherwise, wine’s aromatic notes would be suppressed and it would turn out to contain high levels of sugar.

The picking of the fruit should be neither too early nor too late. If picked early, its taste and aromas would not properly develop and if delayed wine would turn out to be oily and lacking adequate aromas.

One drawback of planting Viognier is its yield is low which makes it a little costlier affair.

Viognier is grown in regions of New Zealand, North and South America, Cape Winelands in South Africa and Australia.

Viognier and Chardonnay

Viognier like Chardonnay can produce wines high in alcohol and not overly tannic. Unlike Chardonnay, it contains notes of pears and peach.

Australia

In Australia, Yalumba winery used the grape to produce varietal white wines and creating shiraz blends.

Most cases the wines are developed to be consumed young but those coming from old vines or the late-harvest vines can age well especially those from Australia and California.

Food Pairing

These Viognier wines do pair well with spicy Thai cuisine.

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Verdelho- Grapes and Wines from Australia

History

In the 15^th Century, Verdelho grape was grown primarily on the island of Madeira and Douro Valley in Portugal. However, the vines were damaged by Phylloxera plague which led to significant reduction of vines.

Australia

Verdelho arrived in Australia in the 1820s and was initially used in the production of fortified wines but which later evolved as dry white table wines.

Australian wines are known for flavors of honeysuckle and lime and an appearance of oil on the surface of wine that comes with aging.

In Australia, the grape is popular and grown in regions such as Cowra, Langhorne Creek, Swan Valley, Queensland, and Hunter region, among others. Each region gives its own unique flavors to the wine.

Climate and Flavors

Verdelho grown in cooler climate have herbal and grassy flavors and substantial presence of citrus fruit. On the other hand, Verdelho grown in a warmer climate have higher alcohol content, sweeter and has fruit salad flavors.

Viticulture

From viticulture point of view, the grapes need to be protected from the attack of powdery mildew. The vines can be harmed by cold weather conditions such as frost.

Similar sounding grape varieties

One should not be confused with similar sounding grape varieties such as Verdelho Tinto which is a red grape variety in Madeira, Verdelho Feijão of Portugal, Verduzzo which is an Italian grape variety and Verdejo which is white grape of Spain.

Value for Money

A great value for money compared to expensive Chardonnay. One can enjoy good quality Verdelho wine by shelling out $20 for a bottle.

Verdelho wines are best consumed young. 

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Movies on the Theme of Wines

Wines are popular around the world. These are grown all over the global wherever there are suitable agro-climatic conditions. Wines have also been the subject of many hollywood movies. Some of these which shall be seen by wine lovers to gain an insight into the actual working of the wines businesses are provided here.

Bottle Shock

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0914797/?ref_=vi_tt_t)

Corked

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1031562/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Merlove

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326817/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Red Obsession

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2419284/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Sideways

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Somm

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2204371/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

A Good Year

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401445/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Blood into Wine

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1394383/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

American Wine Story

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3273290/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

A Walk in the Clouds

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114887/?ref_=nv_sr_2)

Mondovino

(More info at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411674/?ref_=tt_rec_tti)

An Introduction to Merlot Grape and Merlot Wines

Merlot comes from Magdeleine Noire des Charentes and Cabernet Franc family.

Taste

Merlot Wines are smooth and contains taste of plums and chocolate and someone tasting red wine for the first time, Merlot is the best choice.

Difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot is different from Cabernet Sauvignon in the following ways –

·         Color is lighter and the grape skin thinner.

·         Ripens faster that Cabernet Sauvignon.

·         Sugar Content is higher and Malic acid is lower in Merlot grapes.

Viticulture

Most suitable soil for Merlot is cold soil and ferrous clay. Due to its thin skin, it is vulnerable from insects and fungus.

Regions

France has the world’s largest share of Merlot planting which amounts to two-third. Other world regions where it is grown are – Greece, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Chile, Argentina, United States, Mexico, Croatia, Montenegro, Canada, Bulgaria, California, Hungary, Switzerland, Slovenia and Romania.

In 2004, There was 115,000 hectares of area under Merlot plantation in France and the most widely grown grape variety.

Styles

Merlot comes in 3 styles –

First style being soft, smooth and low in tannins.

Second style is higher in tannins

Third style being tannic, like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot of cold climate

Merlot grown in cold regions such as Italy, France and Chile, normally show higher levels of tannins and earth like flavours of tar and tobacco and are often confused with Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines coming from Pomerol, St. Emilion and Fronsac are few examples.

Merlot of warm climate

Merlot grown in warmer regions such as Australia, California and Argentina, is fruit driven and tannin level is not prominent. To improve the structure of the wines, it is aged in oak barrels for a period of 24 months. California Merlot is one example.

In Australia, Merlot grapes are grown in about 8480 hectares of land area and production is of about 111 thousand tonnes. Check more statistics here. 

Penfolds Wines

Penfolds has a history beginning 1844 which makes it one of the oldest wine companies of Australia. The winery features a range of wines under different labels and offers wines in every varietal. Most of the popular Penfolds wines are offered under the range of Limited Edition, Max's, Koonunga Hill, Cellar Reserve, Special Bins and Fortifieds.

Penfold Wines by OZ Wine Lover on Scribd