Chemistry Sets and Better Wine

Start checking those labels, many winemakers are now dabbling with high-tech chemical analysis to streamline the wine making process and squeeze more money out of every grape. For now, this technology is primarily being used to make harvest decisions — but others are beginning to use onsite labs to tweak the grape juice while it ferments.

Harvest decisions historically have relied heavily on simply tasting the grape. Today some vinters are using a laboratory process called chromatography that chemically separates grape into its component parts, such as the molecules responsible for aroma, taste and feel. That analysis can be used to make the decision to harvest when these particular molecules reach their highest concentration levels.

The wine scientists aim to bring the same chemical analysis used in agra-chemical, oil refineries and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities to make wine manufacturing more efficient, consistent and, of course, more profitable.

Aglianico, A Barolo Like no Other

I know it's been ages since my last post. Obviously blogging is a lot like venting stellar wines, with time they mature and are truly sought after. I've been exploring several Italian wines, one is the product of the up & coming Aglianico grape. It is one of Italy's great wine grapes, producing a wine that is sometimes called the Barolo of the South.

The Aglianico is very young and primary in its fruit aromas and flavors--upfront with blackberries, black cherries with a spicy tang. Very full bodied and velvety, but with good acidity and only 13.5 percent alcohol. I think this is a wine worth buying in quantity for drinking slowly over the next few years to see how it ages.

When I saw this Aglianico at Trader Joe's for $5.99, I couldn't resist giving it a try. Beneventano Epicuro is deep and purplish. The wine smells thick, noted in it's wide legs clinging to the side of the glass. You might mistake this for an Shiraz or a Zinfandel. But there's clearly no new oak treatment for this wine.

Enjoy Beneventano!

Unwind with Twisted Zin

Purchased in a 1.5L bottle from Fred Meyers. This is an easy drinking wine, not too spicy - but given I'm a Zin newbie, I have a good idea this grape has potential. The term "Old Vine" cannot be used on a wine label unless the vines that produced the grapes are at least 30 years old. While old vines produce fewer grapes, those grapes are usually of superior quality.

Such is the case with the Twisted Zin label. The flavor derived from the old-vine grapes illustrates it's nimbleness and variety by showing large amounts of blackberry, cranberry, black cherry and, as an added bonus, toast and cinnamon spice flavors. I found the link, from the folks at Delicato.

A recent review was positive from Robert Whitley at the San Diego Union-Tribune

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Trek Black Mountain

This is a lovely Pinot Noir and probably best-valued wine in this variety of grape. The sniff is rather generic, but the body is just off-dry with wholesome lush dark fruit flavors and soft tannins. The finish was long, mildly vanilla- sweet, and reminiscent of the body.

As it turns out this his wine is a special label made exclusively for Trader Joe’s under the Napa Ridge - Branco brand, of Franzia. At five bucks this is a valued-based purchase. This is a nice wine for people who don't normally like reds, and goes with meal that requires a red.

A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away

as reported in the The Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor

Is red wine the fountain of youth or a potent poison? Is enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner each evening beneficial to your health? Current research suggests that a glass of red wine each day may be providing you with more than just a little relaxation.

What are the health benefits of drinking red wine?
For over 10 years, research has indicated that moderate intake of alcohol improves cardiovascular health. In fact, in 1992 Harvard researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of the "eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk." However, research has suggested that specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes.

Scientists believe the antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in three ways:

• by reducing production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also know as the "bad" cholesterol)
• by boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
• by reducing blood clotting. Furthermore, consuming a glass of wine along with a meal may favorably influence your lipid profiles following that meal

Recently, researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant resveratrol, which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Which wines should you consume to reap the most benefits?
Researchers at the University of California, at Davis tested a variety of wines to determine which types have the highest concentrations of flavonoids. Their results concluded that the flavonoid favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. Both Merlots and red zinfandels have fewer flavonoids than their more potent predecessors. White wine had significantly smaller amounts than the red wine varieties. The bottom line is the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavonoids. Dryer red wines are your best bet for a flavonoid boost.

How much red wine should I drink?
A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving. Men will benefit from consuming one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per day to reap the maximum benefits. This is not to say that you should start drinking alcohol if you presently do not. Occasional or binge drinkers have higher mortality rates than those who drink moderately on a regular basis. In those who consume three or more drinks per day, there is an increased risk for elevated serum triglycerides (fat in the bloodstream). Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can damage nerve cells, the liver and the pancreas. Heavy drinkers are also at risk for malnutrition, as alcohol may substitute for more nutritious foods.

What if I have other health problems?
Recommendations to consume moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. It is clear that people with medical and social conditions worsened by alcohol should not consume any alcohol at all. Hypertryglyceridemia, pancreatitis, liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, depression and congestive heart failure are diseases that may be worsened by alcohol. Those individuals at risk for these conditions should consult with their physician before consuming any alcohol at all.

What about grape juice and non alcoholic red wine?
In 1997, researchers at the University of Wisconsin concluded that purple grape juice also reduced blood clotting. Another study by researchers at University of California at Davis, confirmed the findings that non alcoholic red wine contains the same antioxidant profile as red wine. However in a 1998 study, Japanese researchers found that while grape juice still had antioxidative benefits, it did not significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to red wine.

The debate continues on whether it is the components of the wine, the way the wine is consumed, or the lifestyle traits that is the most responsible for the long healthy lives of many wine drinkers. However, the evidence seems clear that regular, moderate consumption of red wine is beneficial to your health. So here’s a toast to your health! Cheers!

My Three Son's Pinot

If you grew up watching TV's My Three Sons or any number of Disney movies (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent Minded Professor, Bon Voyage, Son of Flubber, Follow Me Boys, The Happiest Millionaire, Charlie and The Angel) in the 60's you may remember this actor.

Besides acting he also had an interest in wine making, and I'm glad he did as one of my more recent favorites is a Pinot from McMurray Ranch — a classic Russian River Valley Pinot. The winery destems the grapes but does not crush them and you can taste the velvety result.

MacMurray Ranch was the home and working vineyard of famed actor Fred MacMurray. He purchased the ranch in 1941 and raised his family there, enjoying the natural wonders of Sonoma County. The ranch and vineyards sold to Gallo in 1996. His daughter Kate is now their spokesperson.

Today, the ranch looks much as it did a century ago, surrounded by rail fences and framed by oak and redwood groves. Only now it is home to some of Sonoma County's finest vineyards. Aside from being beautiful, the Russian River Valley is among the premier growing regions for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. MacMurray Ranch crafts some very elegant wines.