Spicy

A descriptive term for a wine with an AROMA or flavor suggestive of aromatic spices. Spicy wines are also often peppery and can have a slight, pleasantly scratchy texture.

Spanish cava must, by law, be made from one or more of seven grape varieties. Pinot noir, subirat, and trepat are the three lesser-known options. Four other grapes are the main ones. Which of the following is not a variety used to make cava?

A. Chardonnay

B. Ull de Llebre

C. Parellada

D. Xarel-lo

While Ull de Llebre (or “eye of the hare” in Catalan) is a Spanish grape grown in the Penedès, it is not a part of the seven grapes legally allowed to make cava. (It is, however, the local name for tempranillo). While chardonnay often adds finesse to cavas, the varieties macabeo, parellada, and xarel-lo are the most important. Macabeo is fruity and aromatic with good acidity. Parellada is the most delicate of these Spanish grapes and are often grown in higher, cooler vineyards. And you can thank xarel-lo for giving cava most of its personality by contributing good acidity and a generous, round body.

Concrete Eggs

Large egg-shaped concrete vessels used to ferment white wine. There are distinct advantages to using concrete eggs instead of oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. The oval shape of the egg helps create a vortex causing… Continue reading

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