Guide on Types of Wine for Newbies

Is French Bordeaux Wines your 'cup of tea'!

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Mon, 31 May 2010 09:22:00 +0000

Picture Source : Bordeaux wine! by ajburgess, on Flickr

As we always hear that French Wines are the best wines in the world. Not sure whether you share the same sentiments, when I first tasted a bottle of French Bordeaux Red picked up from the supermarket many years ago, the first impression I had was that it is not so fantastic after all. It is really 'Siap Siap' (astrigent) like chinese tea.

During then, I thought I'll never like French Bordeaux Red. But as time goes by and I get the chance to taste a variety of French Bordeaux, the conclusion is that never pick-up a cheap off-the-shelf Bordeaux, of course I can't deny the fact that occasionally one might strike lottery unexpectedly.

Picture Source : Grapes by Dan Finnan, on Flickr

It is normally not easy for Asians to appreciate French Bordeaux as we tend to prefer sweeter and stronger-taste drinks. But these are not the elements you'll associate with Bordeaux Red wines.

Good Bordeaux red wines should be dry (not sweet) and complex (e.g. taste of earthiness, tobacco etc.) and they are normally not as full-bodied (in simple term 'thick') as the Australia and California wines of the same varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon).

In addition, tannin (the element that causes astringency in wine) produces from the skin, seeds and stems of grapes; is commonly found in Bordeaux red wines. It is mainly contributed by the thick skin of Cabernet Sauvignon varietal which is blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc to produce the Bordeaux Red.

Hence, when you open a bottle of Bordeaux Red it is important to let it 'breathe' (left in contact with air) for a while before drinking. Some good Bordeaux Red should be 'breathe' for 3-4 hours before consuming. The purpose is to soften the tannin so that it is not so astringent.

Also its good to remember that most Old World wines are food wines. Thus, try to have your Bordeaux Red over the meal especially the cheesy type to bring out its intended flavour.

Attempt on questions on Bordeaux wines and Win Winekaki Points! CLICK HERE

MOCCA Food & Beverage (For Sale): Wine Appreciation & Pairing with Italian Appetizer; Learn to appreciate wines @cosy Italian restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:08:00 +0000

http://classifieds.mocca.com/node/1407781?food-and-beverage-wine-stores-for-sale-wine-appreciation-pairing-with-italian-appetizer

Get to know Bordeaux wines

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:51:00 +0000

Saint-Émilion Vineyard
Originally uploaded by ClatieK

In France, wines are named after the region where they are produced. Hence, Bordeaux is the wine produced in Bordeaux region.

However, to complicate to the thing a bit, within Bordeaux region itself, there are wine producing areas like Medoc, Haut-Medoc, Graves, Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Entre-Deux-Mers, Sauternes; and wines are named after these places.

At this juncture, you may think that it is difficult to pick a Bordeaux, actually it is not quite if you knows some of the basics...MORE

Winekaki on Facebook Application now!

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Winekaki has launched our Wine Portal as a Facebook Application on 15 Dec 2009.

Besides being an online Boutique Wines Store that sells "Good Value For Money" Napa Valley wines and French Bordeaux wines, we are the 1st comprehensive Wine Portal implemented on Facebook application in Singapore providing Food Wine Pairing Suggestion in he easy to understand manner.

And, our user-friendly system features allows you to find out your preferred wine styles (by taking a simple quiz); to recommend wines to your Facebook friends; save wines into Favourite List; Rate a Wine; Request & add Wine Buddies.

Check out it out at http://apps.facebook.com/winekaki/

Check out beautiful pictures of New Zealand Vineyards

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:33:00 +0000

View all of New Zealand Vineyards photos @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/33284576@N05/sets/72157611207932362/detail/

These photos are courtesy of Mr. Lim Shao Bin

Some Q&As on Australian wines from my postings in forums

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:16:00 +0000

Question: Hey there. You seem very knowledgeable about wines. What good whites do you recommend? I am looking for a bottle under 50. Thanks a lot!

My Response: For white, I'll recommend Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. They are refreshing with good acidity, good to go with seafood or even to drink on its own.Try out Oyster Bay or Wither Hill, you should be able to get them in Cold storage

Question: Hi winekaki, besides carrefour, where else do u recommend noobs like me to get my cab sauv fm? Besides kang ridge, wat other brands can i get??

My Response: You may try out Marketplace @City Hall. In terms of what brand to pick up, it really depends on your budget and taste preference.General rule of thumb, don't get anything below $20 unless there is a good discount. For $20 - $30 range, you might not be able find a good one, may try Yellow Tail and Wolf Blass though.For $30 - $60, you should be able to get a nice ones, try out Cab Sauvignon from Coonawarra region with brands like Hollick and Wynns. Also may try out Mad Fish Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (one of my personal preference).

Australian Shiraz or Bordeaux wine -continued

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Continue from where I’ve left off, let’s start with Australian Shiraz.

Shiraz is one of the most popular varietal planted in Australia especially in Barossa Valley in South Australia. Barossa has gained its fame since Max Schubert produces his 1st Penfold Grange back in 1950’s

Side track: Don’t mistaken Penfold Grange to be the same as other Penfold range wines, it is of quite a different class from the others, it could be said as one of the Australia's most famous wines.
Though having said that, there other good and more affordable Penfolds like Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz (which is also called ‘Baby Grange’), Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz (which is one of my personal favourite) and Bin 138 Barossa Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre

In general, you may think that most of the Australian Shiraz tastes the same, which is, Full Bodied, Up Front, Not Too Dry and Not Too Tannic.

In Layman Terms:
Full Bodied = Thick
Up Front = Strong alcohol up front
Not too dry = Sweet
Not too tannic = not astringent (Hokkien: Siap Siap)

In fact, it is not so. The characteristics as described above are more of the “Hotter” regions Australian Shiraz. If you like this type of wine, look for Shiraz from Cowra, Riverina or Hunter Valley.

If you prefer a more complex Shiraz which is slightly drier but still “Big” in fruitiness, go for the Barossa Valley shiraz. Please be reminded that good Barossa Shiraz are quite expensive due to their good complexity, length and overall balance.

As for those who prefer not so “thick” (medium-bodied) Shiraz, you may want to go for “Colder” regions shiraz from Victoria state. The well-known wine regions includes Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsular, Heathcote. Though these regions are better known for their Pinot Noir, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc; they do have good Shiraz.

Reminder: “Colder” region wines are normally more tannic and drier than the “Hotter” regions ones

Another region that can’t be ignored is Coonawarra which is situated in South Australia like Barossa Valley. Due to its proximity to sea (which provide the cooling effect to the grapes), it produces well-balanced wines

Finally, for those who like French wines but are attracted to Australia wines’ fruitiness, try out McLaren Vale’s Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon which are slightly more tannic but still big in fruit.

Check out more on Australian wine regions HERE and list of some australian wines HERE

Australian Shiraz or Bordeaux this Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:16:00 +0000

As I've research on the search terms popularity, "Australian Shiraz" and "Bordeaux wines" are among the most popular wine related search by Asia web users.

Hence, like the others if you are interested to find out which one of them might suit you, just continue to read on.

To start with, Shiraz is the name of the grape varietal used to produce the wine (it is in no way related to the place called Shiraz in Iran); whereas Bordeaux is the famous wine region in France where famous wines like Chateau La Tour; Chateau Lafite and Margaux are produced.

In case you are not awared, New World and Old World named their wines differently.

New World --> Wine are named by grape varietals

Old World --> wine are named by wine regions

By the way, Bordeaux is the blend of Cabernet Sauvignon; Merlot; Cabernet Franc

Forget about Old World or New World, the Important Question is How do you know which types of wine you're like?

Just make it simple, in Singapore's context, if you are a Kopi Kao (I am referring Kopitiam's coffee) person, go for Australian Shiraz. If you are Starbuck coffee (without milk) person, go for Bordeaux

P/S: What if you're a Teh-O person?

If you're interested to find out more, please wait for my next update

10 reasons to drink wine this Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:15:00 +0000

1. Good way to chase away blues of economy downturn and start to tune into the festive mood -just get 'High', don't get drunk

2. Good currency exchange rate for Aussie $ means good time to stock up your favourite Australia Shiraz

3. Wine is said to be good for health - Drink Full-bodied wine and save on the full body check-up

4. Best way to get your family members drunk in Christmas to save on the petrol driving to Orchard Road

5. It will be hard to swallow mum's tough Christmas turkey without a glass of Chardonnay

6. In case you can't pronounce Cabernet Sauvignon while ordering wine in restaurant this Christmas, just tell them you want a Bordeaux (bo-dooh) wine

7. If you can't afford a real Petrus you can always get an imitate one from China

8. If you are still not drinking wine, you are falling behind as aunties and uncles are swirling their glasses away in Community Centers

9. If you find it is too expensive drinking wine in restaurant, you can still have it in Kopitia (Coffee Shops in heartlands of Singapore) - Just order "Wine Kao Chi Pue"

10. Lastly there is no better occasion than Christmas to get together with family & friends to share out bottles of good wines

noreply@blogger.com (WineKaki) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:09:00 +0000

Learn about different types of wine the quick way.

Wondered what types of wine that suits your taste, Australian wines or Bordeaux wines or even China wine? Would like to understand the characteristics of different types of wine like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer? Would like to know the different between Australia Shiraz and Rhone Valley Syrah?

Check out this easy wine guide that is meant for wine newbies. You could also share some of your favourite wines.

Check out WineKaki.com