Wine 101

Grower Champagne refers to Champagne crafted by the farmer cultivating the grapes used in the production.

Grower Champagne is also known by various names. As it is wine produced by farmers, it is often affectionately called "Farmer Fizz." Additionally, it may be referred to as "RM" Champagne. This designation stems from the initials "RM" typically found on the label, standing for "Recoltant-Manipulant," translating to "Grower-Maker" in French (or "harvester-manipulator" for a more literal interpretation).

What Does "Corked Wine" Mean?
Corked wine doesn't necessarily have visible cork particles or taste straightforwardly of cork. The term refers to wine contaminated with cork taint, which occurs when wine is bottled with a cork infected by TCA, a chemical compound. TCA forms when fungi naturally present in cork interact with certain cleaning products.

How Wine Gets Corked?
TCA, or 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, arises when fungi in natural cork encounter specific chlorides present in bleaches and winery sanitation products. When wineries use infected corks, the wine becomes tainted. If left unchecked, TCA can infect an entire cellar or winery and is challenging to eliminate. Since its discovery in the early 1990s, most wineries have ceased using chlorine-based clearing products.

The Taste of Corked Wine
While unpleasant, cork taint poses no harm to humans. Corked wines have aromas and flavors reminiscent of damp, musty, or rotten cardboard. It diminishes the wine's fruitiness, making it lackluster and cutting short its finish. The intensity of the corked smell and taste varies depending on the extent of taint and the sensitivity of the drinker. Some may barely notice it, while others detect it immediately upon opening the bottle. For instance, in our household, although I am the wine professional, my husband can often detect corked wine before the cork is even pulled, regardless of the taint's severity.

The first step in building a wine cellar is establishing a vision and setting goals for the collection. Consider factors such as budget, storage space, and desired size of the cellar, as well as long-term objectives, such as aging potential, investment value, and thematic focus. Whether aspiring to create a comprehensive collection of rare and collectible wines or simply seeking to stock a cellar for everyday enjoyment, defining clear goals will guide the selection process and ensure coherence and consistency in the collection.

Next, invest in proper storage equipment to safeguard the integrity and longevity of the wines. Temperature control, humidity regulation, and protection from light, vibration, and odors are essential considerations when choosing a wine storage solution. Options range from traditional wine racks and cabinets to temperature-controlled wine refrigerators and custom-built cellars, each offering varying levels of insulation, stability, and capacity to accommodate different needs and budgets.

Once the cellar is established, focus on building a diverse and balanced collection that reflects personal taste preferences and interests. Consider factors such as grape varietals, wine regions, vintages, and styles when selecting wines to include in the cellar. Aim to create a well-rounded portfolio that encompasses a range of flavors, aromas, and aging potential, from everyday drinking wines to special occasion bottles and investment-grade collectibles.

Finally, prioritize organization and documentation to track inventory, monitor cellar conditions, and plan future acquisitions. Implement a system for cataloging wines, including labels, tasting notes, purchase dates, and drinking windows, to ensure easy access and informed decision-making. Regularly assess the cellar inventory, rotating wines as needed and updating records to reflect changes in taste preferences, market trends, and cellar conditions.

In conclusion, wine collecting is a rewarding and enriching pursuit that offers endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and enjoyment. By following these guidelines for building a wine cellar, enthusiasts can embark on a journey of oenophilic discovery, curating a collection that reflects their passion, personality, and palate preferences while savoring the pleasures and possibilities of the world of wine.

Deciding whether to enjoy or discard an open bottle of wine can be a conundrum for many wine enthusiasts. Factors such as the wine's style, quality, level of tannins, and more come into play. The good news is that most wines retain their palatability for longer than expected. If you're curious about how long wine stays good after opening, we've compiled a practical guide to assist you. Below is a useful manual to understand the shelf life of specific wines and strategies to prolong the enjoyment of a bottle beyond its initial opening.

Duration of Wine After Opening?
The quality of the wine is the ultimate determining factor in its longevity once opened. Regardless of preservation techniques like gas-injection or vacuuming, once a bottle is opened, oxygen is introduced, which is absorbed into the wine. It's not the air above the wine that makes the difference but the oxygen absorbed at the moment of opening.

White Wine
Well-made white wines, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Sémillon, or Sauvignon Blanc, can last comfortably for three to four days in a half-full bottle. High-grade, single-vineyard whites with a high fill level may endure for up to a week in the fridge, albeit with a slight loss of aroma. Mass-produced, simpler whites and rosés are best consumed within two days.

Red Wine
Similar to white wine, red wine typically remains in good condition for three to four days, with more robust reds lasting longer due to their higher tannin content. Elegant Beaujolais may last three to four days, while robust southern Rhône or Primitivo can endure for five to six days.

Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines retain their carbon dioxide protection, but open bottles require purpose-made stoppers to securely seal them. Marcello Lunelli, co-owner of Italy’s Cantine Ferrari in Trento, suggests that a re-stoppered bottle can last three to four days if properly closed, while a half-full bottle is best consumed within two days to preserve its optimal effervescence. Beyond that, leftover sparkling wine can be repurposed for cooking, as its acidity complements the sweetness of dishes like risotto.

Understanding the Fundamentals of “Good Wine” Selecting a good wine is entirely a matter of personal taste. Each individual's interpretation of what constitutes a fine wine is unique and based on their own palate preferences. Whether you lean towards delicate, bold, sweet, tart, or even spicy flavors, there is undoubtedly a wine out there that will captivate your senses. Familiarizing yourself with the fundamental characteristics that define each type of wine can serve as a helpful guide as you navigate the selection process.

Sweetness: Wine labels frequently categorize wines as “sweet,” “semi-sweet,” or “dry.” A dry wine lacks any sweetness.

Acidity: Wines with high acidity tend to be more tart, while those with low acidity offer a rounder or richer taste.

Tannin: Tannins, found in grape skins, impart bitterness to wine. When naturally present in the winemaking process or introduced through aging, tannins contribute to a wine's bitter flavor. It's common for people to confuse tannin levels with a wine's “dryness,” which actually refers to its sweetness. Red wines typically contain more tannins, resulting in a distinctly dry and bitter finish.

Body: Wines are categorized as light-bodied, full-bodied, or somewhere in between. The term “body” describes the weight of the wine in your mouth. Generally, red wines have a fuller body than whites, as do wines produced from grapes grown in warmer climates.

Alcohol: The higher the alcohol content in a glass of wine, the more it will warm the throat and the back of the mouth. Alcohol content is measured as a percentage by volume (ABV), typically ranging from 11 to 13 percent, but can vary from 5.5 percent to 20 percent.

Each person will have their own preferences for these wine characteristics, but with careful consideration, you can find a bottle that aligns with your taste preferences.

Strategies for Selecting a Superior Bottle of Wine Given that the concept of a “fine wine” is highly subjective, choosing the perfect bottle involves taking multiple factors into account, including the occasion, flavor preferences, labeling, and pricing. While these factors vary from person to person, the following tips can assist anyone in their quest for the ideal bottle of wine.