Tasting & Confidence
Not sure how to describe what you’re tasting—or even what you like yet? You’re not alone. This is where we explore how wine actually tastes, compare it to what you already know (hello, French wine!), and build that quiet confidence. No pressure. Just curiosity and a bit of fun.
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What are some good Japanese wines?
I just got back from the Salon des Vins Japonais in Beaune, and let me tell you — Japanese wine is having a moment. If you’ve been curious but don’t know where to start, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Instead of overwhelming you with wine theory, I’m sharing the standout producers, who make some of the best Japanese…
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The Salon des Vins Japonais in Beaune
Curious about Japanese wine? The Salon des Vins Japonais is your chance to explore over 130 wines from 45 wineries, meet 14 winemakers, and dive into a unique fusion of Japanese and French wine cultures. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 9, 2025, at La Chapelle de l’Oratoire in Beaune, from 11 am to 7 pm. Tickets are just 9€,…
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Discover Unique Japanese Wine Grape Varieties
7 minutes read Did you know Japan isn’t just about sake? When you think of Japan, wine might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Japanese wines are worth knowing about if you enjoy discovering new and unique flavors. Japan is part of the ‘New World,’ but its grape varieties uniquely adapt to challenging climates. These grapes…
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The Impact Of Terroir On Grüner Veltliner Production
13 minutes read Ever wonder what makes Grüner Veltliner so darn special? It’s not just about sunshine and happy vines (though that definitely helps!). The real secret? Terroir — that fancy French word for everything that influences how a grape grows and how the wine tastes We all agree that soil is important, right? matters, right? If you didn’t know…
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Understanding Blaufränkisch Labels From Burgenland
Today’s your turn to pick out the wine. And here comes the stress… How will you ever choose? Okey you already know you’re going for a Blaufränkisch wine from Burgenland but now, which wine to choose? Indeed, Blaufränkisch is very terroir driven so depending on where it comes from in Burgenland and which producer it comes from, it can different…
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Sustainable And Organic Blaufränkisch Producers In Burgenland
Throughout history, farmers have used whatever technology was available to them to get the most out of their land. For centuries, progress was slow, with only gradual discoveries in irrigation, fertilization, and crop rotation. But the invention of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the 19th and 20th centuries, respectively, revolutionized agriculture. These chemicals, along with mechanized farming equipment, allowed farmers…
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Blaufränkisch: The Impact Of Climate On Flavor Profiles In Burgenland
As we’ve seen in the post on the impact of soil on the flavors of the wine, the climate plays a pivotal role too! Climate is part of what French people call the terroir. And let’s take Burgenland as an example (you know I love Blaufränkisch!). Burgenland has warm summers and mild winters, which makes it the ideal region for…
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Unique Characteristics Of Blaufränkisch From Burgenland
Blaufränkisch from Burgenland is a distinctive and unique varietal that has captivated wine enthusiasts around the world… well at least it has me captivated! If you’re completely new to Blaufränkisch, I suggest you check out my beginner’s guide. Otherwise, let me tell you all I know about Blaufränkisch so when you leave this post, you’ll be an expert too! It…
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Blaufränkisch Aging Potential: What To Expect
As in so many wine regions, there is a new generation that wants to do things a little differently, as the 2020 and 2021 examples from Claus Preisinger that we tasted at the Summit showed most dramatically, thanks to early-picked grapes and fashionable amphora ageing. These wines were much paler than most, having had only a few days’ contact with…
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Exploring The Terroir Of Burgenland For Blaufränkisch
In our beginner’s guide to Blaufränkisch, we talked about Blaufränkisch being well spread across Central Europe, but it really felt at home in Burgenland. Why? Because of Burgenland’s terroir. First, just a little reminder : the vine needs FIVE elements to produce the wine. Heat is fundamental. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis (production of glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide…
