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AWARD WINNING ORGANICALLY PRODUCED WINES |
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| Caring
for Wine |
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| Caring For and Serving Your Wine |
l. Travel and Rest
If you and your wine have been on the road
or in the air for a long trip, both of you
should rest for a while! Air travel is especially
"tiring" for wine and we recommend that
the wine bottle rest on its side (it cannot
sleep standing up!) in a cool, dark place
for several weeks before it is opened.
2. Storage
Wine bottles should be laid on their sides
or kept upside down in their case in a cool,
dark place. This storage is important because
it keeps the cork moist and protected. Avoid
exposure to sunlight and sudden temperature
changes, and try to ensure that the temperature
does not exceed 18 degrees Celsius.
3. Serving Temperature
Our red wines are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Our white wines should be lightly chilled.
Over chilling the wine kills its bouquet
and aromas and consequently, the flavours
as well. Try an experiment: taste your favourite
wine--one you know well--at 3 different
temperatures. You will be surprised at the
marked differences, and we predict that
you'll get much more enjoyment from a wine
which isn't "chilled to the bone."
4. Wine Diamonds
You may find crystals in our wines, particularly
the Riesling. These are tartrate crystals
which are formed naturally during fermentation
and storage. They are harmless and indicate
only the wine's high quality. Careful pouring
as you empty the bottle will prevent the
crystals from entering your glass.
5. Filling the Glass
Try not to overfill your glass. You should
have enough room left in the glass to swirl
the wine and sniff the aromas that develop
in the bulb of the glass.
6. Holding the Glass
Hold your glass by the stem. It allows you
to see the colour of the wine and protects
the wine from the heat of your hand. That
is why wine glasses have stems! It also
allows you to make that lovely crystal tinkling
sound when you touch glasses with your companions.
Much better than a dull clunk!
7. Storing Opened Wine
Wine exposed to air will experience a change
in personality after about a day. Therefore,
if you have not finished the bottle, you
can replace the cork and you should try
to finish it within the next day or two
unless you use a preserving device or system
(i.e. a vacuum stopper). The exception to
this general rule is our Icewine, which
will keep for a week or longer once opened,
without a change in character.
8. Tasting Troubles
Remember that the taste of your wine will be influenced by a number of factors, such as the time of day, food (including bubble gum!) and drink consumed before or during your tasting, cigarettes, perfumes, and colds or allergies. Certain substances are well-known "enemies" of wine--tarragon, coffee and vinaigrette salad dressing among them. As you experiment more and more with wine and food, we are sure you'll hit on the winning combinations for you. And remember the most important thing--atmosphere counts! Enjoy your wine in good company and in good health!
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| Wine Aging Guidelines |
| Type |
Cost |
Age (from
vintage date) |
| Cabernet
Sauvignon |
$12-$25 |
5-6 years |
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> $25 |
7-15 years |
| Chardonnay |
$12-$25 |
Consume within
5 years |
| Merlot |
$12-$25 |
3-4 years |
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> $25 |
5-12 years |
| Calif. Riesling |
$12-$25 |
Consume within
3-4 years |
| Syrah/Shiraz |
$12-$25 |
3-5 years |
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