Aeration

The process of intentionally exposing wine to oxygen to “open up” and soften it. Aeration occurs during the winemaking process, as when wine is poured or racked (see RACKING) from barrel to barrel, but it may also take place at serving time, as when a young wine is poured into a carafe or a decanter or even just swirled in the glass.

Which grape variety was traditionally used to make vermouth?

A. Muscat

B. Arneis

C. Dolcetto

D. Sauvignon Blanc

Vermouth originated in Piedmont, Italy, in the 18^th century. Historically, muscat grapes were used as the base wine. The moscato that is typically grown in Piedmont is known as moscato Canelli, or white muscat, and is the same as muscat blanc à petit grains in France. Because muscat is a white grape, most vermouth was originally white. Today, for most inexpensive commercial versions, cheap red or white bulk wine from the south of Italy is often used as the base. The wine is then infused with a secret blend of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of aromatic spices, barks, bitter herbs, and flavorings.

1

Rank China now holds as the most important export market for Chilean wine. Five years ago, the U.S. was the leading export market for Chilean wine, and China was number 40, according to the Wall… Continue reading

Get WineSpeed