Don't Fear the Grape

In this episode Patrick and I answer listener submitted questions. Keep them coming!

Questions:

• How long will the wine keep after it is opened?
• Why do are some wines need to “breath?”
• What is decanting?
• What is the best way to cleanse your palate between tasting different wines?
• What’s the deal with screw-tops?
• What’s that dent in the bottom of the bottle?
• Where are the best wine values coming from these days?
• Do you think that Minnesota-grown wines can compete in quality with California wines?
• Does glassware really make a difference?
• How many servings are in a bottle of wine?
• What wines are good for a party of large gathering?
• Serving temperature for wine?
• What is the nutritional content of wine?
• Why do some wines give you a headache? It’s from the sulfites right?
• What are sulfites and should I be worried about them?
• I’ve always wondered why some white wines make your pee neon green the next day.

Our other podcasts:

Animation Station: www.animationstation.info
Crash! Bang! Pow!: www.crashbangpow.com

Episode 14A [ 25:10 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (170)

In this episode Patrick and I give the tips and tricks to host your own wine tasting party.

Wine Tasting Types:

• The Vertical Wine Tasting
• The Horizontal Wine Tasting
• Old World vs. New World Wine Tasting
• The Wine and Cheese Tasting
• The Wine and Chocolate Tasting
• The Top Ten Wine Tasting

Tips:

• Don’t pour more than 1-2 oz. of wine. The object is to taste the wine, not get drunk.
• Try a blind tasting—people’s preconceptions of a wine can greatly influence their tasting experience.
• Hold off on sharing the price of the wine until after the tasting process.
• Determine your guest list and send invites at least two weeks before your tasting.
• Keep the atmosphere light and engaging.

What You Will Need:

• Four to six wines
• Tasting card
• Appetizers
• Loaf of bread
• Wine glasses
• Pitcher of water
• Dump bucket
• Brown bags
• Pens and extra paper

Links mentioned in this episode:

Wine and Cheese Pairings: www.dontfearthegrape.com/resources/wine-and-cheese-pairings/
Wine and Chocolate Pairings: www.dontfearthegrape.com/resources/wine-and-chocolate-pairings/
Wine Tasting Card: www.dontfearthegrape.com/resources/wine-tasting-card/

Our other podcasts:

Animation Station: www.animationstation.info
Crash! Bang! Pow!: www.crashbangpow.com

Episode 13A [ 15:47 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (112)

Topic: Tips on where to buy wine, reading a wine label and storing wine.

Tasting: 2007 Echelon Vineyards Pinot Noir

Price: $8.49 on sale
Varietal: 87% Pinot Noir 13% Other Rhône Varietals
Region: France > Vin de Pays de I’Île de Beauté
Website: www.echelonvineyards.com

Tad’s Rating: Like It
Patrick’s Rating: Like It

Tip: Always store your wine on its side to prevent the cork from drying out

Episode 3 [ 27:23 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (62)

Topic: Discussion on the basics of how to properly taste wine.

Tasting: 2007 Lo Duca Bros. Mamertino

Price: $12.99
Varietal: Biancale and Trebbiano
Region: Italy > Emilia-Romagna

Tad’s Rating: Like It
Patrick’s Rating: Love It

Tip: In order to properly appreciate a wine’s color and nose, never fill you glass more than 1/3 full.

Episode 2 [ 16:43 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (101)