Acidification

A process practiced in warm wine regions whereby a winemaker adds acid to fermenting wine in order to boost that wine’s low level of acidity. Acidification is legal and widely practiced in many parts of the world, including California. Also called acidulation.

What are cardoons?

A. A vegetable related to artichokes

B. A type of sweet onion similar in shape to leeks

C. Traditional Moroccan candies made from raw sugar, almonds, and spices

D. A fennel-like herb historically used to make curative teas

Cardoons are close relatives of globe artichokes. However, only the ribs of the leaves are edible. Cardoons, like artichokes, are members of the thistle family and are similar in taste to artichoke hearts. Cardoons are among many forgotten vegetables that were very popular in America during colonial times. Many of these vegetables (which still grow in the Colonial Garden and Nursery at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia) are undergoing a resurgence thanks to farm stands and chef markets across the country.

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Distance (in miles) between the sparkling wine vineyards of southern England and those in Champagne. The two places share nearly identical chalky soils laid down before the English Channel formed. As a result, England is… Continue reading

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