Olfaction

The process of perceiving smells. In order to smell things—that is, in order for olfaction to occur—humans use two separate sensory areas. The first is the nasal cavity. Aromas smelled via the nose are said to occur by orthonasal olfaction. The other area is at the cavity at the back of the palate. Aromas perceived this way—retronasally—happen as a result of wine first being warmed in the mouth and mixed with saliva.

Like riesling, gewürztraminer and all other Alsace wines, Alsace pinot noir must, by law, be bottled in tall Germanic-looking flute bottles.

Answer: False.

Alsace pinot noir can be bottled in a tall flute, and some Alsace producers choose to bottle their pinot this way. But they aren’t required to. Indeed, many Alsace pinot noirs are now bottled in Burgundy-shaped bottles. Pinot noir is the only red wine made in Alsace.

Bound to Happen

It was “nutty” and “clean.” It was organic. It scored a 91 which translated as “excellent.” But it wasn’t a score from Parker, because Parker doesn’t rate pot. But Rachel Burkons does. She’s the Cannabis… Continue reading

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