Wine Tasting 101 is Brought to You By the and and These Great Products Clos Du Bois William Hill Winery Atlas Peak Vineyards Wine Tasting 101 [ Home ] Chapter 1: [ Introduction to WineTasting ] Chapter 2: [ Opening & Decanting Wines ] Chapter 3: [ The Language of Wine ] a.]--The White Wines-- b.]--The Red Wines-- c.]--Champagne, Sparkling Wines & Port-- Chapter 4: [Hosting Your Own Tasting] a.]--Tasting Sheets-- Chapter 5: [ What Have We Learned? ] --Search Our Database of the entire  Kreston Wine & Spirits www.KrestonWines.com Website--

Below we describe wines produced from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and the classic "Bordeaux Blend" of Merlot / Cabernet.  The purchase of these six reds could form the basis for a "Discovery Tasting" exploring the World of Red Wines that could entertain a group of up to a dozen guests for an evening of fun and wine discovery and exploration.  Utilizing the materials found here in Kreston's "Wine Tasting 101," add some cheese and crusty breads, and you've got the basis for a fun and unique party experience.  Kreston's staff stands ready to assist you in your wine selections, and you'd be surprised at just how inexpensive such an evening's entertainment can be!  Get adventurous and give it a try!  We guarantee that you and your friends will have a BLAST!  And all will walk away with an enhanced knowledge of the World's red wines.

The Merlot grape has long been a mainstay of the famous Bordeaux from St. Emilion and Pomerol and as the primary blending grape with Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the remainder of the famous Bordeaux appellations where it contributes lush fruit and a silky texture.  In the New World, it produces wines ranging from supple, light and fruity to deep and dark, especially when blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.  Merlot takes well to wood, so be alert to the presence of oak and its influence.  Bigger styles of Merlot may have aging potential, but many are ready to drink on release when the fruit flavors are at their fullest.

Highly regarded throughout the world, this king of red grapes is known for producing big, complex wines that can age well.  In Bordeaux, the grape has long been blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but in California's Napa Valley and Sonoma County it often stands alone.  With its great intensity of flavor, full body and affinity for oak aging, this grape has the potential to make dark, purple wines of stamina, depth and greatness.

Pinot Noir is the grape responsible for French Burgundy's elegant reds.  With a lighter body and less tannin than most reds, Pinot offers a bridge between whites and reds.  Spain's indigenous Tempranillo grape creates the great Rioja's of Spain where extensive barrel-aging softens the tannins and lightens the color.  Sangiovese is the grape responsible for Italy's famous Tuscan Chianti Classicos.  And the classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet is renowned the world over as THE classic grape marriage for greatness.

The
Simple
Fact
Is
You
Become
a Great
Taster
By
Tasting

                        [--The White Wines--]            [--Champagne, Sparkling Wines & Port--]

The 4 Constants in Analyzing Any Wine:  Appearance - Bouquet - Taste - Aftertaste
                                                                                                                                                       Look at it          -         Smell it     -      Taste it     -     Think About it!