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VISITING BORDEAUX CHATEAUXMost wine aficionados would jump at an opportunity to visit famous chateaux.Medoc, a sub-region of Bordeaux generally called the Left bank of the Gironde Estuary, alone has 1500 of them including some world-famous ones like Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild, just the name a few. The term Medoc has its origins in medium aquae in Latin which means “in the midst of the waters”, which the region was before Dutch engineers built draining canals. Here, 16 000 hectares of vineyards yield some of the best and best-known wines of Bordeaux. Famous chateaux wines are expensive because demand outstrips supply pending on the vintage quality, pricing, and the general economic conditions of major importers i.e. the United Kingdom, the U S A, Japan, and now China.A chateau label means that the wine originates in the state’s vineyards and is vinified in the winery on the premises. Some chateaux are mansions with a shed; others sport elaborate complexes of buildings and lavish cellars complete with chandeliers and tasting tables in a corner and hundreds of barrels of aging wine. Some chateaux make their own barrels, or repair those damaged. Visiting a famous chateau is an event and can be very impressive. The French know how to host an event. Unfortunately, many chateaux are closed to visitors.Chateau Margaux (a first-growth classified estate) produces approximately 13 000 cases of grand vin and 1700 of the second label called Pavillon Rouge and close to 3000 cases of white offers guided group tours by appointment. The tasting at the end is impressive.Chateau Kirwan (Third growth according to the 1855 classification) is now owned by Schroeder et Schyler (a famous Bordeaux shipper). The wines are excellent and you can purchase them at the property after a guided tour that is offered from Mondays to Saturdays at 4 p m. Group tours require an appointment. Chateau d’Issan Grand cru Classe (third growth). The chateau was built in the 17th century on the site of a fortress; the property produces fine wines. It can be visited by appointment. Chateau La Lagune (Third growth) in the northern part of Medoc grows cabernet sauvignon, (60 per cent), merlot (30 per cent), and petit verdot (10 per cent).The estate dates back to the 17th century, but is now owned by the Frey family from Champagne. The grand vin is elegant, rich, and well-balanced. The second label Moulin La Lagune contains more merlot is more fruity than the grand vin and softer. The chateau accepts groups for tours, and even accommodates participants and serves excellent fare for a price. Visiting chateaux in Bordeaux requires a car, a well conceived and laid out map and a little homework to avoid disappointments, but it can be a life changing experience to see with how much care your favourite alcoholic beverage is produced.

We live in a time when many of the foundation stones, and pillars of our culture and beliefs seem to have been torn away. Trust in governments, the police, the press, and the medical profession seems to be a distant memory. For lovers of Bordeaux and its wines it is comforting that the landmark 1855 classification of the wines of the Médoc and Sauternes is still in place. And, on the whole, it is as valid today as it has ever been.Of course in the (nearly) 170 years since the classification, there have been many changes to the listed châteaux, but only one major and one minor change to the list. The Phylloxera louse invaded the vineyards, properties have changed hands, have expanded or contracted (any increase in the land under vine must always be within the appellation), and yields today are generally higher. At times some of the châteaux went off form, and even fell into disrepair, but the investment in the last couple of decade has been phenomenal.There are many books written about Bordeaux and its wines, all of which discuss, to a greater or lesser extent, the properties listed in the famous 1855 Classification. However, whilst each work takes an individual approach, to date there has not been a book that looks at the châteaux that considers how they cater for the wine tourist. This is remedied in this great new publication: 'Bordeaux 1855: A Guide to the Grands Crus Classés', published by Flammarion. Price: £22https://lnkd.in/eipykjX4

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Switzerland is a country that is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, iconic chocolates, and luxurious watches.However, it is also a land of hidden gems regarding wine production. While Swiss wines may not be as well-known as those from France or Italy, they are slowly but surely gaining a reputation for their unique taste and quality. Let's check out some Swiss wine facts:🍷Switzerland is a small wine-producing country with only around 15,000 hectares of vineyards🍷Swiss winemakers produce wines in small quantities, often in the cellar of their homes, focusing on quality over quantity.🍷Most Swiss wines are consumed domestically, with only about less than 5% being exported.🍷Swiss wines are often expensive due to the high working labour cost in Switzerland and the country's small production that's justified also the slightly higher price 🇨🇭The steep, terraced vineyards of Lavaux are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for producing some of the best Chasselas wines in the world.🍷Switzerland has a unique appellation contrôlée system for wine, similar to France's system, that regulates the production of wine and designates specific geographic areas for wine production.🍷The Ticino region in southern Switzerland is known for producing light Merlot wines to satisfy the Swiss thirst for red wine of any quality.👉 Swiss wine may not be as well-known as other wine-producing countriesBut it is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. 🍷The unique taste of Swiss white and red wines, combined with the passion and dedication of its winemakers, make it a wine destination worth exploring.Follow Armin White-Somm for more such info, let's explore different kinds of wines together.#switzerland #whiteglovesommelier #winetravel #winelover

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Yes, the Douro is amazing - but Portugal's freshest, greenest, and most charming wine region is just north of Porto. The Vinho Verde region has become increasingly popular for wine tourism. Visitors can explore the picturesque vineyards, visit wineries for tastings, and enjoy the beautiful countryside. The region also offers historical sites, charming towns, and a variety of culinary experiences.The Vinho Verde region is a renowned wine-producing region in northwest Portugal. "Vinho Verde" translates to "green wine" in Portuguese, but it doesn't refer to the color of the wine. Instead, it signifies the youthful and fresh characteristics of the wines produced in this region.https://lnkd.in/dYpYQahW

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Chianti International Day😎September is not only the great comeback to school, the Northern Hemisphere harvest season but also an opportunity to extend holidays by celebrating Chianti, Port or Grenache wine days. The magic of wine colours does not fade with the first days of autumn.🧐Chianti is at the same time Italy’s most famous red wine and the least reliable. It can be a great an average or even a poor wine, like no other. The variability of Chianti reminds us of the iron rule in the wine world; the only guarantor of quality is the producer. Neither the region nor a funny wine salesman can replace that. ‼️Chianti is very often misspelled; it is not obvious for everyone that Italian ‘Ch’ is pronounced like a ‘K’ and not like a French ‘Sh’.👨🎓The region has been known since the 13th century. The boundaries of the Chianti Classico region were set in 1719. Sangiovese became Chianti’s main grape ("for bouquet and vigour" - baron Bettino Ricasoli) starting from XIX century. Sangiovese grape should be min. 80% but it can be 100% like the most famous wine of continental Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino.👉Sangiovese, is Italy’s most popular grape with almost 10% of the plantings, showing the fragmented landscape of Italy (top 10 grapes represent less than 40% of the growings vs. 70% in France). Sangiovese is often known as the ‘chameleon’ due to its versatility and adaptability to different soils. It is also known as Brunello, Morellino, Nielluccio and Prugnolo Gentile. Sangiovese has a ruby colour, a sour cherry, red plum, fig but also earthy aromas. It can be at the same time bitter (medium to high tannins) and fresh (acidity) making it a wonderful food wine. It can go classy with Italian food (from pizza to risotto) but also it is great with grilled meats and even fish. It is like Rioja a super universal food wine.🤔It might come as surprise that the is no one Chianti region, but rather 7 Chianti subregions. However, there are 3 to keep in mind. Chianti Classico, the birthplace of the wine (meaning of Classico) and place of famous producers. It has a sticker with black roaster (gallo nero) on the bottle neck. Being a DOCG, Chianti Classico has the most restrictive legal requirements, which does not mean that wine is taster and certainly this reduces its value for money. A regular wine is aged in oak 12 months before release, Riserva for 24 months and Gran Selezione for at least 30 months.✔Chianti Rufina and Chianti Colli Senesi, with high-quality wines at better value for money that Chianti Classico. Highly recommended!⁉️What about the famous Chanti fiasco bottle? (Bottle wrapped in a straw basket) it is a great option to try it while having vacations in Italy. Do not buy it to take home, it won’t taste even as close as good. Like Lambrusco, only taste good in Italy.Give it a try but remember to take a pic of the bottle to remember the producer.Salute e arrivederci! 🍷#tasteiteasy #chianticlassico #chianti #italianwines

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Collaboration, collective marketing, a circular economy and a resolute wine-first focus. That’s who we are at Artisans of Barossa. We are organised as a business by the many, not by or for the individual, the hero, the celebrity.The overlap with Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is significant in ethos, yet the opportunity they give us is in distribution is something we can't do by ourselves.Click the link to read my thoughts on why joining Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia is the next step that Artisans of Barossa needs in its journey. (And we got there in nine months).#winetourism

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The wine cellar: is it necessary to have hundreds of labels?The selection of wines in a hotel, especially a high-end one, is a complex operation that requires competence and a clear vision.The cellar, like the kitchen, reflects the character of the property and offers a cross-section of what best matches the location and destination.An upscale hotel like ours, which aims to offer the "travel experience", must offer a balanced product that is not necessarily declined on pages and pages of menus.Wine is a delicate product, it must be taken care of and its conservation must be so careful as to always guarantee the integrity and goodness of the contents. The more assortment you have, the greater the chances are that there will be smudging in the storage.We have chosen to select the best the local market offers, relying on wineries that take care of the product, from the packaging to the contents, with a particular eye to the sustainability and genuineness of the raw material, giving priority to local native vines.The national and international offer is well defined: 2 important pillars of the Italian Classic Method bubbles, Trento Doc and Franciacorta; 2 lines of champagne, with high-end labels; a discreet selection of still whites with leading labels in the reference areas and with blends that embrace the whole spectrum of the main preferences of international customers.It is not our role to sensitize the guest to taste new flavors and varieties - we leave this to those who are more expert than us on the subject; rather we want to offer a high quality, noble and recognizable product, without the pretense of flaunting thousands of euro bottles whose integrity we may not be able to guarantee over time.This attitude is rewarding us: our customers consume a lot of wine even between meals, associating it with tapas and gourmet fingers at any time of the day, embracing the philosophy of never ostentatious exclusivity of Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Experienze: "We wish you balance in life".#unaesperienze @unaesperienze #posia #posiastyle

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Wine: A Timeless Elixir of Culture and PleasureWine, a beverage with a history dating back millennia, holds a unique place in the tapestry of human culture. Its allure extends beyond mere refreshment, intertwining with tradition, art, and conviviality. This essay delves into the multifaceted world of wine, exploring its origins, the winemaking process, its cultural significance, and its ability to elevate the human experience.The origins of wine can be traced to ancient civilizations, with evidence of winemaking dating back to around 6000 BC in what is now modern-day Iran. The process of fermenting grapes into wine, a fascinating alchemy of nature and human intervention, has evolved over time, with countless grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and regional distinctions emerging. From the bold reds of Bordeaux to the crisp whites of Burgundy, wine has become a diverse and nuanced art form.Winemaking involves a delicate dance between the grapevine and the vintner. Grapes, carefully selected and harvested at just the right moment, are crushed and fermented. Yeast transforms sugars into alcohol, giving birth to the complex flavors and aromas that define each wine. Aging in barrels or tanks further refines the wine, imbuing it with character and depth.Beyond its technical intricacies, wine embodies a rich cultural heritage. It has been intertwined with rituals, celebrations, and social gatherings for centuries. In ancient Greece and Rome, wine was associated with gods and was central to religious ceremonies. In medieval Europe, monasteries played a pivotal role in preserving and advancing winemaking knowledge. Today, wine remains an integral part of various cultures, from the wine-soaked festivals of Spain to the refined wine and cheese pairings of France.Wine's allure extends to its ability to enhance the human experience. Sharing a bottle of wine with friends or family fosters connection and conviviality. Its ability to complement a meal, elevating flavors and stimulating conversation, is unmatched. Furthermore, the appreciation of wine encourages mindfulness, as one savors its colors, aromas, and tastes, fostering a deeper connection with the present moment.In conclusion, wine is more than just a beverage; it is a testament to human ingenuity, a vessel of tradition, and a catalyst for culture and connection. Its journey from ancient beginnings to modern refinement reflects the ever-evolving tapestry of human experience. Whether enjoyed in a rustic vineyard, a cozy living room, or a fine dining establishment, wine remains a timeless elixir that continues to enrich our lives.#foodandbeverage #iihmhotelschools #hotelmanagement #wine

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This is an enchanting region in eastern France that holds an almost mythical status in the wine world. When we talk about Burgundy wines, we are diving deep into a realm of elegance, complexity, and the intricate dance between nature and nurture.Burgundy, or Bourgogne in French, stretches from the city of Dijon in the north to Mâcon in the south. The region is mainly known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, which are the stars of its red and white wines, respectively. But don't be misled into thinking it's that simple. The true magic of Burgundy lies in its detailed appellation system.Burgundy's vineyards are classified into a hierarchical structure. At the top are the "Grands Crus", followed by "Premiers Crus", then village wines, and finally regional wines. Each classification represents a different quality level, determined by the region's unique 'terroir' – the special combination of soil, climate, and human touch.The concept of terroir is sacred in Burgundy. It represents the belief that wines should reflect the very ground they come from. Even two vineyards side by side can produce vastly different wines due to subtle differences in their terroir.Burgundy's red wines, made from Pinot Noir, are known for their delicate aromas of red fruits, flowers, and sometimes earthy notes. They can be silky and refined, yet with an ability to age gracefully.On the other hand, the region's Chardonnay-based white wines can range from crisp and mineral-driven in Chablis (the northernmost part of Burgundy) to rich and buttery in the Côte de Beaune. These whites often have notes of green apple, citrus, and sometimes tropical fruits, balanced by oak and aging characteristics.While Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme, Burgundy also produces wines from Aligoté, a lesser-known white grape, and Gamay, the primary grape in Beaujolais, situated at the southern tip of Burgundy.Burgundy is a testament to the beauty of diversity and detail. Each bottle tells a story of its origin, from the specific plot of land to the hands that crafted it. As you sip on a Burgundian wine, remember, you're not just tasting grapes fermented in a barrel; you're experiencing a piece of earth, a moment in time, and a tradition that has evolved over centuries.➡ https://www.somm.site#wine #burgundy #sommelier #wineeducation #wineindustry #restaurants #hospitality #hospitalitymanagement #unlv #cornell #management #marketing #sommeliers #career #education

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The exceptionally fertile soil of the Rioja region means that the potatoes grown here are among the best in Spain. But we’ve not come to Rioja Alavesa to taste potatoes. Mountains to the north and to the south provide protection against Atlantic winds, and help to produce a perfect micro-climate. More sun and less rain = better grapes, and so the Romans planted their vines here, and wine has been produced ever since. When the great wine houses of Bordeaux were affected by phylloxera in the 1860s, they turned to Rioja, bringing with them their expertise and techniques such as aging in the barrel, and started to invest heavily in wine production in the area. One of the notable differences between Rioja and Bordeaux is that most French wine owners will live in their Chateaux on their estates, whereas in Rioja many of the owners of Bodegas were investors and lived in more fashionable areas.This means that Rioja has a huge range of Bodegas, some designed by world renowned architects and others much smaller and more humble, but all with one thing in common: they produce excellent wine. And if you enjoy a good glass of wine, perhaps it is time to get serious about it and visit the best region, Rioja Alavesa. You can stroll through medieval villages and soak up a very peaceful atmosphere. The area is rich in culture and history, from dolmans to modern architectural statement pieces. Try some traditional dishes such aslamb chop cutlets over vine shoots, veal cheeks in red wine or even Rioja style potatoes (perhaps we have come to taste potatoes).And then of course visit a winery or two.We visit the Lozano winery, and start of with a tasting of 6 different type of grape, although it is just the Tempranillo which is used for red, and the Viura for white. We follow up with an aroma test (failed miserably by yours truly) and a blind tasting and lunch. There are some fantastic accommodation options if you choose to stay over for some in depth research into Rioja, but the area is easily reached from anywhere else in the Basque Country, with San Sebastián being only 2 hours away and Bilbao an hour. But the most important thing to learn about Rioja is that a good bottle of wine is meant to be shared.Can you imagine yourself at your next dinner party opening a bottle of “your Rioja?” “Try this wine, it’s from a little Bodega in the Alavesa region. We loved it, and the owner was so friendly.” And remember to invite the travel agent who arranged that perfect trip for you. #rioja #basquecountry #notjusttravel

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