Solera

A solera is a complex network of barrels used for aging Sherry by progressively blending younger wines into older wines. Since the barrels are not completely filled, the wine is allowed to be gently subjected to oxidization during the process. Wine held in a solera is said to undergo the solera process.

The Romans fattened which of the following, raising them in special airy boxes, until they were ready to be cooked in wine then eaten:

A. Finches

B. Frogs

C. Shrews

D. Snails

The Romans fattened snails on choice tidbits of food and housed them in special snail boxes, before they were cooked. Today, the French, and especially the Alsatians, have raised the eating of escargots to a fine art. The drizzling of snails with garlic butter is merely the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens of ways of preparing snails, including a famous one in which the mollusks are simmered with wild chanterelle mushrooms, garlic, and shallots in a wine and whipped cream stock, then served with a chilled riesling.

Can Bubbles Be Corked?

Popular misconception has it that sparkling wines and Champagnes cannot be corked because carbonation inhibits the formation of the taint TCA (trichloranisole). Not true. Sparklers can be tainted with TCA, and can take on the telltale odor… Continue reading

Solera

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