Riesling

American Distillers Are Rethinking Grappa’s Classic Roots

American Distillers Are Rethinking Grappa’s Classic Roots

The Italian spirit everyone loves to hate is getting a fresh twist—thanks to American distillers. Grappa, that fiery, often polarizing digestif made from grape pomace, has long been a divisive favorite. But as its traditional roots face scrutiny for intensity and complexity, a new wave of American craft distillers is redefining the category. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and refined flavor, these producers are crafting grappa that’s less about the burn and more about balance. The result? A category that’s evolving beyond its Italian origins. Grappa’s story is one of ingenuity. For centuries, it’s been made from the leftover…
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The Art of Pairing Wine with Chinese Cuisine

The Art of Pairing Wine with Chinese Cuisine

Here’s what you need to know: Pairing wine with Chinese food isn’t about matching flavors—it’s about balancing chaos. Chinese cuisine is a symphony of spice, salt, sweetness, and umami, and wine must step up to the plate. The trick? Let acidity, sweetness, and structure do the heavy lifting. German Riesling, with its zingy acidity and subtle sweetness, is a go-to for everything from fried rice to Kung Pao chicken. It’s like a liquid citrus wedge, cutting through grease and amplifying the dish’s complexity. If you’re craving red, Gamay-based Beaujolais is your ally. Its light body and fruity notes handle everything…
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Pairing Wine with Wings: A Guide to Balancing Heat and Flavor

Pairing Wine with Wings: A Guide to Balancing Heat and Flavor

The verdict is in: pairing wine with wings is less about matching flavors and more about balancing chaos. Sticky fingers, shared glasses, and a chorus of “I’m fine” are the price of entry. But the real magic lies in understanding how wine can tame spice, cut through grease, and elevate the sauce without drowning out its character. It’s not about finding a perfect match—it’s about finding a partner that doesn’t fight back. Buffalo wings, with their buttery base and fiery kick, demand a sweet, acidic wine to temper the heat. Riesling, with its zesty citrus and honeyed finish, is a…
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Beyond Orange Wine: Discovering Nuances in Riesling, Sherry, and More

Beyond Orange Wine: Discovering Nuances in Riesling, Sherry, and More

If you’re feeling the burnout from orange wine, you’re not alone. While the skin-fermented trend has carved its niche, a quiet shift is underway—palates are seeking new textures, depth, and complexity. This isn’t about abandoning orange wine, but expanding the table. Let’s cut through the noise and spotlight styles that deliver the same intrigue without the fatigue. Riesling from Alsace is a revelation. Unlike Germany’s lighter, sweeter profiles, Alsatian versions are dry, structured, and brimming with minerality. Think gunflint, white flowers, and a savory edge that lingers. Claire King, sommelier at Nimmo Bay, champions these wines for their year-round versatility.…
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The Grape That Made Germany’s Wine Scene Legendary

The Grape That Made Germany’s Wine Scene Legendary

Time to spill: The grape that made Germany’s wine scene legendary is here to redefine your taste buds. Riesling isn’t just a wine—it’s a masterclass in balance, where sweetness and acidity duel like two sides of the same coin. This week’s tasting challenge dives into the heart of why Riesling dominates German vineyards, turning the country into a global wine power. Riesling’s magic lies in its relentless acidity, so sharp it could cut through a penny’s worth of sugar. Yet it’s this very trait that pairs with its honeyed sweetness to create wines that feel both thrilling and refined. While…
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6 White Wines to Unlock Your Palate

6 White Wines to Unlock Your Palate

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s your guide to white wine without the fluff. If you’ve ever dismissed white wine as a “lesser” option, you’ve missed out on a world of complexity. These six styles aren’t just categories—they’re gateways to understanding how terroir, aging, and grape variety shape flavor. Start with oaked Chardonnay, the bold, buttery titan that can cut through steak like a knife. Then taste its minimalist cousin, unoaked Chardonnay, which delivers crisp apple and lemon without the oak’s fingerprints. Sauvignon Blanc is the summer drinker’s anthem, but its New Zealand version is a zesty punchbox, while Sancerre…
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First-Time Racking of Portuguese Riesling: A Personal Vineyard Journey

First-Time Racking of Portuguese Riesling: A Personal Vineyard Journey

If you're a wine enthusiast or a budding vintner, racking your first bottle can be an exhilarating experience. For me, it was just that. Today, I'm sharing my personal journey of racking a Riesling produced in Portugal, offering insights into the process and the delightful outcome. Racking is a crucial step in winemaking where you separate the clear wine from the sediment accumulated during fermentation. For my first attempt, I was eager to gauge the wine's taste and its final alcohol level. With high expectations, I took the plunge, ready to unveil the fruit of my labor. The process began…
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Dariusz Galasiński: ‘Is wine a message that extends beyond its agricultural site?’

Dariusz Galasiński: ‘Is wine a message that extends beyond its agricultural site?’

Dariusz Galasiński: ‘Is wine a message that extends beyond its agricultural site?’ In the realm of fine beverages, wine holds a unique position as both an agricultural product and a cultural artifact. It is not merely a beverage but a medium through which the essence of its birthplace is captured and conveyed. Yet, this assertion raises intriguing questions about what exactly wine represents—does it serve as a vessel for the culture in which it was born, or does it transcend its origins to become something more? Consider the spectrum of German wines: dry Riesling, sweet Riesling, sparkling Sekt, and red…
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