by Rhino Wino on March 19, 2010
It is hard not to notice that champagne bottles are larger and thicker than the bottles in which other wines are packaged in. While everyone notices this few question why that is. The reason of course is champagne is under so much pressure the glass must be capable of withstanding this force it is bottling up inside. That is why champagne bottles are so much thicker, but in an age when people are concerned with the use of resources and impacts on the environment this also means more goes into making a champagne bottle.
French glass and wine makers recently got together and worked up a bottle for champagne that will contain two ounces less glass but yet will still be able to withstand the force within. While this may not sound like a big glass savings when you consider just how many bottles are created each year this will add up to a significant reduction in the use of glass for champagne. So buyers who want to fill a personalized wine carrier up with a bottle of champagne as a gift can now buy without the feelings of guilt that comes with buying a product that is not trying to be better for the environment.
by Rhino Wino on March 18, 2010
Everyone knows that wine and chocolate go hand and hand to perfectly compliment each other. Now for those who are looking for a new way to indulge their sweet tooth all while enjoying the excellent flavor of wine can try the new treat from Bissinger’s. The new delectable chocolate delight from this confectioner originally from Paris now features a fine chocolate coating a wine grape for the ultimate taste experience.
While it may not be easy to display these chocolates on your wine bottle silhouette cheese board, they do make a excellent snack for your next wine gathering. Or if you are like most who try these chocolate covered grapes you may prefer to keep them all to yourself.
Each dried grape is infused with shiraz and then coated with a layer of fine chocolate for a taste treat unlike any other most people have experienced. Eat them alone or enjoy them with a red wine or glass of vintage port. Plus with the health benefits of chocolate and wine it is easy to justify eating some every day in order to fight the antioxidants that may be in your body in order to feel younger and healthier.
by Rhino Wino on March 17, 2010
While it may seem like a simple task to order a bottle of wine with your dinner when eating out, many patrons still make mistakes that could affect the paring of their food with their wine.
Many wine enthusiasts think they know enough about wine in order to make the best selection to go with their meal that evening. But really it is a big mistake to not talk to the wine steward to get their opinion of the best paring of wine for the food you ordered. These professionals know what is cellared at the restaurant what pares the best with the food on their particular menu.
While it may be tempting to order the most expensive bottle on the wine list this may not always be the best wine to accommodate your food. While it is also tempting for others to order several different wines by the glass to sit on their table next to a wine barrel candle holder, but this is not the most efficient use of your dining dollar. Mark up is higher on the glass prices so get more wine for your money by ordering by the bottle as opposed to the glass.
by Rhino Wino on March 16, 2010
While wine and art have always been closely associated one artist is taking the two one step closer together to create art of a new kind. While the common association is for wine lovers to drink their favorite vintages while viewing beautiful art there is also Will Bullas wine art showing wine inside the art. But for Rebekah Bynum wine is actually used while making the art, not just to consume or be the subject of the image.
Artists at her studio are given a subject to paint in each class along with a fine wine to drink while creating their image. This unique combination of wine tasting, art, and social gathering has become a huge success with wine drinkers from many walks of life.
Of course if you do not live near her studio there is no reason to worry. Wine lovers can create this experience in their own home to combine art along with fine wine to have a fun social get together that all their guests will remember and enjoy taking home a unique work of art with as well.
by Rhino Wino on March 15, 2010
For wine enthusiasts looking for the best way to cellar wine in their own home to keep it at its finest whether for months or even years a new solution has emerged from Wine Guardian. If those fine wines brought home in your Meritage Moka wine carrier are not kept properly light and temperature can wreak havoc on the flavor and make that purchase less than desirable after even a short time of being cellared if done improperly.
Wine Guardian has an affordable solution that is ideal for not only small restaurants but even the home cellar. Not only is their through the wall system for storing wine effective in keeping wine at the optimal levels of temperature and humidity; but this wine storing solution is one of the most environmentally sound as well.
Many homeowners looking for a way to store wine in their home and worry that one of their only options are wine refrigerators. But with the through the wall system wine lovers can have complete control of their cellar all with a unit that is economical to buy and operate.
by Rhino Wino on March 15, 2010
We have great news to share. The Rhino Wine Gear Blog is now up and running. If you are looking for details and product updates you have found the right place. You’ll not only get product updates, but also news and fun things that are wine related. You can also share your comments and feedback on wine accessories, decanters, and everything wine. Be sure to add them to your bookmarks, blog reader, or however you consume the web.
by Rhino Wino on March 13, 2010
While the sales figures for wine are continuing to going up with more and more bottles being sold each year this is not good news for the premium wine makers especially in Napa Valley. While bottle sales are up the price per bottle is going down as many consumers are spending their money wisely in order to get more value for their money.
The producers of the most expensive American wines in Napa Valley are struggling with dipping sales as wine drinkers buy other brands when shopping for their wines. While they are choosing to fill their stemless wine glasses with more affordable wines as many as ten vineyards may end up facing foreclosure in 2010 due to poor sales. Many other wine makers in the area are stating their finances are very weak and will not make it in future years should the trend for more affordable wines not reverse themselves.
To add to the slumping wine sales property values in the region are dropping making it hard for vintners to refinance loans and cover operating costs while they try and ride out the low times. For wine lovers this may be a temporary loss of premium wine selection from Napa Valley but in the end many speculate that others will step in to take over these vineyards to create wine in the future.
by Rhino Wino on March 12, 2010
With St Patrick’s Day just a few short days away many are planning a traditional Irish feast to share with friends and loved ones for the occasion. While Ireland is known for its beer there is no reason why you cannot serve a quality wine with a classic dish such as corned beef and cabbage.
While this classic dish of boiled meat with cabbage can be a challenge to pare wine with it is possible to come up with a perfect taste combination. Chefs need to consider the salty nature of the meat along with the earthy flavor of the cabbage when shopping for their wine. Most wine experts agree the wine will need to be slightly sweet with just a little touch of acidity to pare well with this meal.
While a white wine such as a Pinot Gris should pare well this will leave red wine lovers still shopping for the perfect combination. For those who love red wine a Beaujolais should pare up nicely with the meal. Hosts do need to remember to serve this wine with the proper wine decanter accessories and decanters to ensure the flavor of the wine is optimal for paring with this traditional meal.
by Rhino Wino on March 11, 2010
Warren Buffet is one of the richest men in the United States, and recently he placed a substantial amount of his money in the wine industry. With reports saying Buffet paid top dollar to acquire Empire Distributing out of Atlanta. This niche wine distributor is an investment for Buffet who many believe will place more money in the wine industry after this purchase is complete.
With studies showing that the Baby Boomer generation spends more than any other filling their barossa moka wine tote at the store, Buffet is hoping to take these sales and get a significant return on his investment. While the reasons for consuming wine for the Baby Boomers may vary from pure taste enjoyment, to show success, and even for health the average amount spent per year is approximately $125 per person.
For the wine industry Buffet putting his money into the industry will only encourage others to do the same. Many follow the same path as Warren Buffet just because he has such a successful track record on getting positive returns for his money. In times like these with an unstable economy finding wise investments is something that many are looking for and look to people like Buffet for guidance.
by Rhino Wino on March 10, 2010
While the wine industry in South America is still reeling from the devastating earthquake, which rocked Chile and the surrounding area recently. The wine industry in North America is now preparing a hit of a different sort, which can affect production. Napa Valley is now under a quarantine to try and prevent the further spread of the European grapevine moth.
The moth was first discovered in Oakville last September and since then it appears they are spreading. In order to protect from further spread, which is augmented in the spring when larvae eat the young flowers on grape vines, quarantine has been placed inside the state. This controls the shipment of fruit and some plants in order to keep the moth from spreading farther.
Provided the quarantine is effective wine lovers will still be able to fill their Malibu picnic wine carrier with fine wines from Napa Valley with little problems. But if the moth gets out of control in the region grape harvest for the year will be devastated affecting the quantity of wine that will be made. This can in the long run affect not only bottle production but the price they will be sold for as well.
