Whats in my wine?

Sometimes winemakers dont have to list everything they put into their wines. We know that there are some levels of sulfites and yeasts which are used in helping the fermentation of the wine. But preservatives and fining agents as well as other flavorings can be added too.  So what exactly is inside that bottle of vino?

Sulfur Dioxide which helps kill off bacteria that can ruin the flavor of a wine and is also used to stop the fermentation.

Potassium Sorbate which is used in making cheese and yogurt. It is used to keep fermentation from continuing and kills of microbials.

Tannin Powder is used to enhance the varietals of less tannin enriched grapes. This powder is usually mixed with other natural things like grape skins, seeds and bark.

There is also some concentrated wine grape juice added to boost color and sweetness. So if that wasn't bad enough, did you know that some can have fish bladders. These are used to make the wine less bitter and cloudy. Gelatine and egg whites are added sometimes to make white and rose wines more clear too.

Clay and Plastic or "Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone" is added to absorb astringency and enhances colors. And then sometimes when the yeast in the wine starts to become less active, then vitamins are added to get them working again.

Now this doesn't really detour me from trying budget wines, but it is kind of interesting to know what is in some of those fancy labeled bottles.

~Cheers

Uncorking Bay Bridge Vineyard Merlot

This weeks wine is Bay Bridge Vineyard Merlot. I wasnt able to find much information about this vineyard which in my experience leaves me to believe that it is produced by a vinter.

I picked this bottle up at Quality Food Centers (aka Kroger) for $2.99. This is the first time that I have tried a Merlot (I know its typically peoples intro wine) and it was very strong and bold.

My Notes: Leggy earthy bitter sour lingering full palette heavy body high tannin mild acidity bold sharp.

For a bolder red than what I am use to, I really appreciated this wine and liked it, especially since it is a budget wine.

So like I said before this was a very strong wine. It was very well balanced with a great lingering aftertaste which from what I read is what you want to look for in a wine.

I cant wait to try this with a steak or a good bowl of pasta!!

~Cheers

Beauty and The Bordeaux

We all have heard that a glass of wine is good and beneficial. But did you know that it is also used for beauty? Thats right our dear red wine has secret benefits for our cosmetic health as well.

So lets start with our hair. We all want that gorgeous supermodel hair. Well shampoo and condition like you normally would but use a red wine as a final wash. Doing so will add a luster and to your hair and help thicken it. If you are losing hair, drinking red wine will help prevent this. It also increase circulation to the scalp and reduces dandruff and flakes.

How about the face? Well how about a wine facial? Red wine restores natural glow to the skin and removes blemishes. You have fine lines? Well there is anti aging properties to wine. Open your pores with a nice hot towel or steam bath and then just mix the wine with rosehips, grapes, and essential oils. Rub into the skin for about 5-10 minutes and wash with cold water to close them up again.

Red wine can also be used in scrubs. Add 2tbs of red wine to 2tbs of pip pulp or you can use epsom salt or sugar for a sugar scrub. If you use organic wine as part of your beauty regiment then you have the added benefits of it having antioxidants, and the tannins are excellent for the skin. And because red wine has anti-inflammatory properties, you can use it to treat acne outbreaks, oily skin, and as an antiseptic.

For your teeth, it helps strengthens gums and harden enamel, and prevents tooth decay. If your Diabetic, it can help control glucose levels, and help the pancreas create more natural insulin. And have you ever heard of Quercetin? Well its in red wine and can help to prevent lung cancer, lower breast cancer risks, and reduce cancer cell growth.

Are you someone who gets sick alot? Well researchers have shown that it has components that prevent colds, and that it can actually open your sinuses and help you breath (and probably sleep) better.

These are just some of the many benefits with drinking red wine. And not let us forget its heart benefits as well. So go grab yourself some bottles of red and start drinking to your health. HOWEVER, please do so responsibly and in moderation.

Tonight's #wine is #baybridge #merlot #winetime #wine30 #amateurwinedrinkers #amateurwinesnob http://ift.tt/1MwMxGR #winestagram #winelover #winesofinstagram

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Uncorking Barefoot Wine Red Moscato

This weeks wine is Barefoot Wine's Red Moscato.

Wine Makers Notes: "Refreshingly sweet, Red Moscato dances with all the right fruits. Juicy flavors of red cherry and raspberry shimmy with a sweet citrus until the last sip."

My Notes: "Peach, raspberries, smooth crisp juicy floral fruity finish, low acidity, medium tannin, light body."







This was my first experience with this wine. I have seen it on the shelf at the store but a girlfriend of mine asked me if I wanted a glass, and I said "sure why not, Ive been meaning to try them (Barefoot)."

It had a complex aroma and was surprisingly sweet and berry flavor with hints of peach. It was very smooth, with a great fruity finish and a little aftertaste.

This wine to me was much likened to that of a wine cooler than I would consider a table wine, however, I could see its place there.

This was at a camping trip and I was really happy that I had the chance to try it. I think I may need to have a bottle for myself. Im starting to find that I need a special wine refrigerator.

~Cheers

Tonight's #wine is #cranelake #sweetred decanted and arerated with the #magicdecanter

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Magic Decanter Review

I was given a Magic Decanter the other day to review for the blog. I did up an article about the differences in decanting and aerating a while back, and well I have now done both and found that there really is a difference. With the Magic Decanter you get the best of both worlds without the wait. There are two venting holes that aerate and decant as it pours into your glass.

Now there are other versions of this decanting system that have a stand but this one is hand held. I took a $4.99 bottle of budget wine and before running it through the magic decanter it was bitter, and the the aroma was very perfumed.

After it had been poured through this, it took on a whole new flavor. The aromatics changed from perfume to floral, and the overall taste seemed more balanced and mature. It gave it a better bouquet, enhanced the flavors and smoothed the finish. That budget wine, after having been decanted and aerated became a wine that I would expect to go for $15.

As you can see from the picture to the right, it comes with a display stand, a mesh screen, an a 'satin' draw string bag. This is the perfect under $20 gift to get someone, especially if they are a wine drinker LOVER.

I received this product for free for an honest review.