Wine Sediments

At the start of 2007 I decided to enroll on the WSET Diploma program. For those not familiar with the WSET, it is The Wine and Spirit Education Trust and is the “leading global organisation providing a range of sought-after qualifications for both professionals and enthusiastic amateurs”. The Diploma is their flagship qualification.
Over the next […]

The New York Sun’s Peter Hellman reports that only 98 Americans have a Wine and Spirit Eduction Trust diploma.   I hold the distinction of being the wine rookie here at Wine Sediments, so when I saw this story I thought: “the what diploma?” 
The WSET diploma is issued by the British-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust. An individual can receive […]

It has long been known that white grape varieties stem from red grapes - but scientists have never been able to pin down exactly when or why the genetic change appeared. Until now.
Australian scientists have discovered that around 3,000 years ago a genetic mutation occurred. The colour of grape skins is controlled by two genes, […]

The connection between wine drinkers and sports might not be readily apparent, but according to Reuters, there definitely is one.   Market research company Nielsen conducted a study to find out which sports fans drink the most wine.  Turns out, the unlikely group that holds that distinction are fans of women’s golf.  Who knew?
The same study found that ”wine consumption among U.S. […]

I don’t recall noticing our wine dripping when we pour, but either I’m not paying enough attention, or we’ve just been lucky, because apparently it’s a wide enough spread problem that there is a new contraption to combat just that.
Built NY has come out with the Wine Drip Collar ($12.99/2), designed to protect your guests […]

I was under the impression that red wine was the only type of alcohol that could be enjoyed with the excuse that it had health benefits.  For example, I would think: “Oh, I have to drink this glass of Zinfandel for my heart.  It’s more of an obligation than a luxury.  Really.” 
When I attended the […]

Am I the only one who missed this? Carlo Rossi jug wine, when empty, recycled into hip-tone furniture for the crib?
Years ago I had a sculpture teacher in Silicon Valley who’s father-in-law was Carlo Rossi. We used to go up to the prof’s house in San Francisco because his wife cooked for us (and she […]

Today’s wine bottle comes from a long history of wine storage. Originally, containers were made of stone, wood, leather or earthenware. The Greek amphora was used to store up to 30 gallons of wine or oil. During the dark ages, casks were invented, but for long term storage, they imparted a bit too much oakiness!
The […]

It’s hard to believe, but in the France of the early 60s, viognier grew on a tiny space of 30 hectares; just for Condrieu  (8 hectares!), Château-grillet and Côte-rôtie. In the 1980s, the variety started to be used in Côtes-du-Rhône wines, and its production now covers well over 2500 hectares in France.
It is the unique grape […]

Le Touraine primeur est arrivé! As well as le Gaillac nouveau and other “new” wines which compete — in France, at least — with the tried and true Beaujolais nouveau.
500,000 bottles of Touraine primeur  wine will be marketed in France. Although this represents a small percentage of Loire Valley wines, Touraine primeur has enjoyed  AOC status since […]