Ancient History of Wine

The Physics of a Perfect Pour-Over Coffee: A Groundbreaking Study Revealed

The Physics of a Perfect Pour-Over Coffee: A Groundbreaking Study Revealed

A group of physicists and fluid mechanics experts at the University of Pennsylvania have published a groundbreaking study on pour-over coffee, revealing how to extract the maximum amount of flavor from the fewest beans. A year ago, staff at Arnold Mathijssen's lab, including the main coffee enthusiast Ernest Park, began pondering the ideal pour-over technique while hanging out at their lab's coffee table. This casual conversation led to a 10-page paper in the journal Physics of Fluids, published this week. The team used equipment like an espresso machine, French press, and pour-over setup, but it was the pour-over method that…
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Two Connecticut Coffee Shops Named among the World’s Best: A Boost for Local Culture and Beyond

Two Connecticut Coffee Shops Named among the World’s Best: A Boost for Local Culture and Beyond

Two Connecticut coffee shops, Story and Soil Coffee in Hartford and Silk City Coffee in Manchester, have made it to the list of The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops. This prestigious recognition not only elevates these local gems but also positions Connecticut as a growing hub for specialty coffee culture. The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops is an esteemed annual ranking that considers innovation, ambiance, sustainability practices, and quality of coffee, with public votes and expert evaluations accounting for 70% and 30%, respectively. This year, Silk City Coffee ranked at No. 67, while Story and Soil Coffee secured the No.…
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Infusing Wine into Holiday Cookies with Cranberry-Wine Swirl Cookies

Infusing Wine into Holiday Cookies with Cranberry-Wine Swirl Cookies

If you're a wine and cookie lover, this recipe is right up your alley. Hailing from Northern California, these Cranberry-Wine Swirl Cookies offer an exquisite twist to traditional holiday treats. They combine the charm of a classic sugar dough with a tangy cranberry jam infused with red wine, resulting in a delectable symphony of flavors. In this unique recipe, the cranberries' acidity harmonizes beautifully with the tannins found in the wine, creating an extraordinary taste profile that complements your favorite wine varieties perfectly. The pectin in the cranberries solidifies the jam, ensuring it doesn't ooze out during baking. Although we…
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Unlocking the Versatility of NT’s Seikan-no-Shiro Matcha in Your Daily Routine

Unlocking the Versatility of NT’s Seikan-no-Shiro Matcha in Your Daily Routine

If you're a matcha enthusiast seeking a reliable, affordable blend that delivers on both usucha and latte fronts, look no further than NT's Seikan-no-Shiro. This versatile offering boasts a harmonious balance of mild umami and subtle sweetness that keeps bitterness at bay—perfect for crafting a smooth, creamy foam in your latte. Seikan-no-Shiro has carved out a niche among matcha aficionados for its consistent quality and versatile taste profile. In usucha (traditional whisked matcha), it offers a delicate balance of flavors that appeals to both purists and those who prefer a touch of sweetness. When transformed into a latte, the blend…
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Slim Tea Strainers for Office Use: Worth the Investment?

Slim Tea Strainers for Office Use: Worth the Investment?

If you're a tea lover seeking to elevate your office beverage game, you might have stumbled upon slim tea strainers like this one. But is it worth the hype or just another kitchen gadget that will gather dust? We delve into the benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision. Slim tea strainers are designed for convenience, making them ideal for carrying loose leaf tea on-the-go. Their compact size fits perfectly in lunchboxes, allowing tea enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite brew even at the office. However, these strainers often come with a paper cup limitation, as they…
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The Enduring Legacy of Emmanuel Reynaud at Château Rayas: A Visionary Winemaker’s Impact on the World of Wine

The Enduring Legacy of Emmanuel Reynaud at Château Rayas: A Visionary Winemaker’s Impact on the World of Wine

Emmanuel Reynaud, renowned vintner and proprietor of Château Rayas, one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's most esteemed estates, has left an indelible mark on the wine world. His passing at 61 on Nov. 25 has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to reflect on his unparalleled contribution to winemaking. Emmanuel's journey began in 1997 when he took over Château Rayas and Château de Fonsalette from his uncle Jacques Reynaud, a pioneering figure in the Rhône Valley. With no prior experience in managing such prestigious vineyards, Emmanuel faced an uphill battle to maintain the legendary status of Château Rayas. But with time and…
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Master the Art of Wine Shopping: Tips from the Pros

Master the Art of Wine Shopping: Tips from the Pros

Ever wondered how some people always bring unique, unheard-of bottles to parties? They don't just shop at supermarkets (or even online). If you want to buy wine like a pro, follow these expert tips for an exceptional wine collection. 1. Visit Vineyards and Buy Directly from the Cellar Door You might be surprised to discover vineyards nearby, even in non-wine-producing countries. A visit to a vineyard is more than just a fun day out; it's an opportunity to buy exclusive bottles that haven't made it to stores yet. Rare and original wines, without markups—a perfect souvenir for friends and family.…
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Fresh off the wine press: The ‘other’ nouveau wines bringing joyous revelry in November

Fresh off the wine press: The ‘other’ nouveau wines bringing joyous revelry in November

Title: Unraveling the 'Salinity' in Wine: A Hidden Dimension Content: In the complex world of wine, a fifth dimension is gaining attention - 'salinity'. This elusive attribute, while not as immediately recognizable as sweetness or acidity, contributes significantly to a wine's character and balance. Salinity in wine can be traced back to its terroir, specifically the soil composition and climate of the vineyard. Salty soils, such as those found in parts of Greece, Sicily, and Portugal, can impart a mineral-rich flavor profile to the grapes grown there. However, it's not just saltiness from the earth that contributes to salinity in…
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The Unfair Espresso Landscape: Why Don’t Coffee Shops Offer More Roast Choices?

The Unfair Espresso Landscape: Why Don’t Coffee Shops Offer More Roast Choices?

It's baffling that in a world where wine lists offer an extensive array of choices, most coffee shops limit their options to just one or two roasts. As a casual coffee drinker, I find this lack of choice particularly frustrating, given my partner and I have distinct preferences for dark, chocolatey blends over acidic, citrusy ones. The divide in coffee flavor profiles is real, yet it's rarely catered to beyond the most specialist independent coffee shops. My partner, who drinks her coffee black, finds that the tanginess of acidic coffees becomes increasingly unpalatable as they cool. On the other hand,…
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Crafting a Coffee Connoisseur’s Dream Gift Basket

Crafting a Coffee Connoisseur’s Dream Gift Basket

If you're looking to impress the coffee enthusiast in your life, crafting a thoughtful and personalized gift basket can do just that. With this guide, we'll dive into how to assemble a coffee-centric gift basket brimming with diverse items that will delight even the most discerning of coffee connoisseurs. Crafting a Coffee Gift Basket: A Comprehensive Approach A well-curated coffee gift basket is more than just a collection of goods; it's an experience tailored to the recipient's tastes and preferences. To create one that truly shines, focus on gathering diverse yet complementary items. First Things First: Fresh Coffee Beans To…
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