Mo's Wine & Spirits

What’s the difference between sparkling wine and champagne? Do you know? It’s all about location and  the method of production.

According to Wine X, a young adult lifestyle magazine featuring information on wine and other beverages, “[just] as a French Chablis is called ‘Chablis’ when it’s produced in the Chablis region of France, sparkling wine – named so because of its effervescence [from trapped carbon dioxide] – is called ‘Champagne’ when it’s produced in the Champagne region in the classic methode champenoise tradition.”

Sparking wines produced elsewhere are widely available, but cannot – by law – call themselves Champagne. This doesn’t mean, however, that sparkling wines can’t be just as enjoyable. Granted, some of the carbonated beverages are inferior. But which sparkling wines are better?

“Of the three methods of producing sparkling wines,” Wine X notes that “methode champenoise is the most costly and labor-intensive.” However, it also produces the best results. By contrast, the process known as the transfer method” typically uses grapes of a lesser quality and a quicker filtering system that often strips the wine of flavor complexities. Similarly, the Charmat Bulk Process uses a lesser  grape and delivers a sparkling wine at unparalleled speed … and at a lower cost. Beverages created with this latter procedure are often sweetened to hide flaws.

So how do you choose? When shopping for quality, it’s generally safer to go with Champagne or a dryer sparkling wine. Look for terms like “brut,” “extra dry” or “sec.” You’ll also want to stick with reliable producers. And, if in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation. There is a bubbly sure to meet both your taste preferences and price range.

Holiday Greeting To All!

A new year is just around the corner! I would like to write about a current issue. 

A lot of customers are coming in with the “I got this as a gift, or is this stuff any good, or What do I do with it, I don’t usually drink this ” question. Answer to all of the preceding questions. Open them up and try them! You will be richer for the experience. Who knows, you might find a new personal favorite among a bottle you have never heard of or would have never bought for yourself. I believe all wine has a purpose and deserves a home. I always enjoy a new “wine adventure” and not just because it’s part of my job. And who knows, that bottle just might fit your taste buds. 

                                                          Cheers, Sharon

Sun Winefest 2008 is coming to Uncasville, CT January 19th and 20th. The event – touted as the largest wine and food show in Connecticut –  will feature an all-star cast of celebrity chefs plus wine, spirit and ale experts. One well-known name in the line-up of prestigious culinary talent is Robert Irvine, chef and host of the Food Network’s hit series Dinner: Impossible!

The Winefest’s main event is the Grand Tasting which will comprise over 1,000 fine wines, specialty spirits and ales. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from winemakers and experts. Scheduled events also include a “Celebrity Chef Dine Around” where world-famous chefs prepare signature dishes paired with premium wines. Visitors can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations and seminars.

For more information on this upcoming event, visit  http://sunwinefest.com/

Wine plays a natural role in holiday get-togethers and gift-giving. One that you can enhance with a little homespun creativity … and some terrific tips from Lisa Shea at WineIntro.com!

Wine charms are a great example. These decorative markers help guests keep track of wine glasses and they are super-easy to make! All you need are five to fifteen minutes and these simple instructions, plus a few supplies that you might already have at home: scissors, some light wire and beads and/or necklace charms.

You can also add a special touch to a gift of wine with a festive bottle wrap. Shea offers three varieties to choose from. Each can be created without use of a sewing machine. Just 12″ by 14″ blocks of fabric and a few quick stitches and you’re almost done!

What a great way to add a personal touch and some holiday color during this wintry time of the year!

Let’s take a little quiz. Just one question: What color of grapes does white wine come from? No cheating, now!

If you answered “white or red” pat yourself on the back; you haven’t fallen victim to the myth that white wines are derived, solely, from white grapes, a common misconception. It’s the pigment of grape skin that has caused all the confusion. And, to set the matter straight, we’ve turned to The Wineprofessor for an explanation.

“Red wine is made from red grapes or a blend of red and white grapes,” according to the professor, Stephen Mutkoski, Ph.D. “The red grape skins remain with the juice and pulp during fermentation and provide the color.” On the other hand, “white wine is made from white grapes or from red grapes which have had the skins removed from the juice and pulp before fermentation begins.”

That’s simple enough. But, aside from color, how do white wines differ from reds? Steve Pitcher, a wine expert writing for How Stuff Works, says that, in general, “white wines tend to be lighter in taste than the red wines and are usually served chilled.” Of traditional varietals, Pitcher finds that “the world’s most popular varietal, Chardonnay … is considered to be the greatest white wine,” though he admits that “Riesling lovers will dispute this.”

With the Holidays just around the corner and the weather feeling a bit more seasonal its time to think about what your going to give out as gifts. Wednesday December 12th Mo’s Wine & Spirits will hold a tasting of some fantastic California Cabernet’s. The main goal is to taste with our customers so they may buy some wonderful gifts for their friends, family, and colleagues.  Its not everyday you get to taste great Cabernets all at once.  It can be an eye opening experience.  You may even learn at you truly like and dislike, and you might be surprised.              

The tasting will be informal and be from 5-8pm.              

The following wines will be tasted.

Dominus ‘04, Shafer One Point Five ‘04, Juslyn Spring Mt ‘03, Heitz ‘02, Beringer Private Reserve ‘02, J.Davies Diamond Mt. ‘03 and Grgich Hills ‘03      

Cheers Mark 

Want to get the most enjoyment possible from your wine? Here are several practical tips from Randal Caparoso, a successful restaurateur and wine journalist.  

1. Don’t hold wine glasses like they do on television or in movies. Holding glasses by the bowl rather than stem negatively affects the temperature of the wine.
2. Swirl your wine. This isn’t an exercise in pretentiousness! You must swirl to generate the aromas that the mind and palate perceive as “flavor.” If this feels awkward, however, move your glass around in little circles as it sits on the table.
3. Sniff, don’t snort, your wine. The objective, through discreet sniffing, is to open your mind up to what the wine reminds you of.

To see all seven of Caparoso’s tips, unabridged, click here.