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Number of years ago next week that Prohibition officially ended (December 5, 1933). The 14-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol virtually destroyed the U.S. wine industry and profoundly changed America’s drinking habits. Most wineries went bankrupt, while the production of bootlegged spirits soared, ushering in the first era of cocktails.

What is rotundone?

A. The name of the racking system used to barrel-ferment Cabernet Sauvignon by rotating the barrels on mechanical arms

B. The compound that makes some wines taste peppery

C. The process of training vines in a round, wreath-like circle to prevent the clusters from being damaged by severe wind

D. A type of oak barrel with an especially deep bilge for lots of lees contact

Rotundone (row-TON-dohn) is the compound that accounts for the peppery flavor often found in the Syrahs of France’s Rhône Valley and the Shirazes of Australia. The compound exists in black and white pepper, as well as in marjoram, oregano, rosemary, basil, thyme, and geranium. It can also be found in grapes themselves and survives the fermentation process. Although most often associated with Syrah, rotundone can also occasionally be found in Pinot Noir, Gamay, Durif, Schioppettino and the white grape Grüner Veltliner, among others. The compound was discovered by the Australian Wine Research Institute in 2005.

Trick-or-Treating

A blend of religious and superstitious beliefs, the traditions of Halloween have evolved over several centuries. One such tradition, trick-or-treating, most likely took its cues from All Souls’ Day festivities in England. During the revelries,… Continue reading

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