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General Wine Questions

Q	I want to buy 2 cases of chenin blanc for a wedding in August 2010. Is this too early? Not at all, just store it in a cool dark place and ask for a case discount (typically 5 to 10%) off the per bottle price. Back to Topic Index
Q	How long can you keep unopened Cava I find most cava (Spanish sparkling wine) to be drunk sooner rather than later. Meaning soon after you buy it or within three years MAX of buying it. Good choice in wine though. Back to Topic Index
Q	how long after you open a bottle of wine does it stay good A bottel of wine can last 1 to 3 days after it is opened. Back to Topic Index
Q	I have a bottle of vintage Louis Roederer Champagne dated 1996 that has been in a cupboard in my kitchen...is it still okay to open or should I just get rid of it? My rule regarding wine that has been aged and it may or may not be good is to try the wine with a backup bottle on hand. I have had quite a number of aged wine that you would not expect to be drinkable and was a joy to have. You will not know unless you give it a try. Back to Topic Index
Q	Can I chill pinot noir? Why, the colder the wine is the harder it is to discern the flavors of the wine. Also a general rule, you do not chill rd wine, only white. But if you prefer it chilled please do so, as wine is very individual and it is most important that you enjoy wine. Back to Topic Index
Q	what type of wine will go good with pasta Most red sauced Italian dishes pair well with red Italian wines such as chianti, barbara, barolo and barbaresco. Back to Topic Index
Q	I have two bottles of wine that have been refrigerated for about two weeks. Can I remove them and store them in my wine rack? You can rerack the wine, just don't keep doing it. Every time you make large changes in wine temperature you cause change to the wine. Back to Topic Index
Q	should merlot be served chilled Merlot is a red and should not be chilled, it should be served at room temperature. Back to Topic Index
Q	which wines do i chill White and rose wines are most often chilled. Back to Topic Index
Q	Whats the difference between vintage and Non vintage Vintage means the grapes were harvested and the wine made over the course of one year. Non vintage refers to wine that is blended from various vintages. This is very common with sparkling wine as a bad season may not allow the wine maker to make the wine they want to so the wine is blended. Back to Topic Index
Q	how about bringing an open bottle to a restaurant You should never travel with an open container of alcohol in a car as it is illegal in most if not all states. This includes a partially drunk bottle of wine. With that said, don't drive the half open bottle to a restaurant, but you could walk it there. But why bother at all since wine changes so much that going out to dinner really requires a fresh bottle to be opened. Back to Topic Index
Q	What is merlot? Merlot is a type of wine that is made with Merlot grapes. Merlot is also a grape variety. Back to Topic Index
Q	Why should the bottles be kept lying on their sides during ageing period? The cork, which seals the bottle of wine is porous and needs to be kept moist. Storing a bottle on it's side allows contact between the wine and the cork, thus allowing a better seal by not letting the cork dry out. Back to Topic Index
Q	How long should I keep unopened bottles of wine? Most wine made today is meant to be drunk within a year or two of bottling. Meaning aging the wine will not improve it. Think Yellow Tail. Other wines can be aged for five or more years, think Cabernet sauvignon. The key question is what type of wine is it. Since the popularity of the internet wine makers are now putting more information about their wine on the web, aging potential of the wine included. So try the wine makers web site for more information or email us the maker type and year of the wine and you can have our opinion. Back to Topic Index
Q	I received a bottle of champagne in April 2006 called Georges Gardet Cuvee Saint Flavy. It says disgorged in 1999. It is unopened, is it still good to drink or would it have gone off? Drinking it now is fine, should be pretty good. Serve chilled in fluted glasses. Back to Topic Index
Q	Is white wine(Chardonnay) best cold or room temp.? Chardonnay is a white wine is normally and best served slightly chilled. Please not do not over chill the wine, meaning if it is already chilled and you open it you do not need to keep chilling it or sticking it in ice as this will keep the wine overly cold. Lower temperatures will inhibit the flavor of the wine. Back to Topic Index
Q	Does red wine need to be refrigerated after opening? It does not but also keep it away from heat and direct sunlight until you drink it the next day. Back to Topic Index
Q	chill pinot noir? Pinot Noir is a red wine and is best served at room temperature. Back to Topic Index
Q	chateau Le fiet Rothschild 84 any good Good not not great, 82 was better. If the wine was stored properly it should be a great wine to drink now. Check the ulage space to see if it looks like any wine may have been lost and feel the top of the cork through the foil, if it feels squishy it may have a questionable cork. French wines from this era can easily break apart when you try to open the wine so go slowly when you open it and try yo use an extra long cork screw. Also be prepared to decant not only for cork pieces but for sediment that I am sure has dropped out of the wine over the years. Back to Topic Index
Q	I have a chance to buy 10 cases of wine at auction. most have dates of the 90's and some older, are they safe? Throw me a bone here. How were the stored? What types of wine are they? Certainly there are wines from the 1990's that are drinking now or can be aged for several more years. Without more information, I can't really advise you for certain. Back to Topic Index
Q	Does wine have an expiration date? No wine does not come with an expiration date. But the majority of wine made today is meant to be drunk immediately and not aged for years. So rest assured if you have bottle of wine you can drink it now or within a year or two and it will be fine. Back to Topic Index
Q	how long does a opened bottle of wine stay fresh before it goes bad? A day to three days is the maximum time I have had luck with. The wine will not taste the same as when you opened it as it is now exposed to oxygen and begins to degrade. Back to Topic Index
Q	dinner guests bring wine .should we drink theirs or ours first? It depends if your guests know the dinner menu, their wine maybe appropriate to be opened, but it really hinges on the type of wine they bring. Lighter wine should be drunk first, say pinot noir and heavy wine next, say zinfandel. When I am invited to diner, I bring two bottles. One for drinking that night, another for the host to have on another night. This I know from a lot of experience works best. One thing you never do is take the wine home with you if it does not get drunk. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the law on corkage fees in new jersey Unless there is a local ordinance prohibiting it, customers of an unlicensed restaurant may be permitted by the ownership of the restaurant to bring and consume only wine and beer. The restaurant can supply glasses, ice, etc., but may not impose a cover, corkage or service charge. Back to Topic Index
Q	corkage fee Fee charged by a restaurant for opening your bottle of wine and providing stemware. Illegal in some states. Back to Topic Index
Q	When I have some wine freshly opened, I feel fine the next day. But sometimes there are leftovers that I put in the fridge uncorked and drink it a couple of days later and I almost instantly get sick or get sick the next day. Is it in my head or has it gone bad? An open bottle of wine left to sit for several days will almost certainly go bad, which is probable your problem. Try a rubber cork with a vacuum pump to seal the wine when you don't finish the bottle. This will help stop the wine from totally degrading before you drink it again in a day or two. If that doesn't work, then you may just be very sensitive to the degradation of wine. You might have to switch to splints or half bottles. Back to Topic Index
Q	How can you say "if it is a Merlot, it is not going to get better with age, if it is a French Bordeaux... then five to ten years worth of aging may work for you." What about the French Bordeaux that are Merlot-based such as Pomerols and St. Emilions? Petrus has been 100% merlot in some vintages. Not worth aging? I should quantify that most all merlot wine, particularly American Merlot is not meant for aging and will not improve markedly over time and therefore is not worth aging. With that said, merlot is a very light grape variety and is meant for easy, immediate drinking. It is blended in France and in other parts of the world with Cabernet Sauvignon, among other grape varieties, to help soften the wine and make it easier drinking. By easier drinking, I mean a wine that is not so overly tannic. The great wines of Bordeaux are Cabernet based and therefore very tannic and require aging to help the wine mature. Back to Topic Index
Q	how do you serve chanti Room temperature in red wine glasses. Back to Topic Index
Q	Will NJABC permit a restaurant without a liquor license to sell/serve NJ-produced wines to dining guests? Is there a special arrangement or application necessary? Where can I find more info on this? The answer to the first question is yes and yes there are restrictions to doing this. Third call the liquor control board and they will set you straight. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the name of item to keep when red wine openining? Corkscrew? Back to Topic Index
Q	I am having a dinner party with oysters, steamed and fried shrimp, and flounder. I am trying to please a variety of people. Any suggestions? Sauvignon Blanc makes an ideal seafood pairing wine. You could also try a Pinot Noir or a sparkling wine. My pick would be all three to give a variety of choices to your guests, since it seems you are doing that with the food. Back to Topic Index
Q	how long can you keep a bottle of oxford landing savignon blanc unopened after you have bought it? Two years unrefrigerated and a few months refrigerated. Back to Topic Index
Q	Are cabernet and cabernet sauvignon the same thing? Cabernet Sauvignon is a type of grape and a type of wine. People call it Cabernet or Cab for short. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the risks of getting drunk with a big bottle of wine and a small bottle of wine? Simple facts about drinking wine. 1. Alcohol will get you drunk. 2. The more alcohol you consume the more drunk you will get. 3. Wine has alcohol. Back to Topic Index
Q	can i take white wine out of my wine chiller and store on a wine rack? will the wine go bad? Temperature fluctuations degrade wine, so what you are doing is not advisable for the wine. I doubt it will go BAD, but it is a bad thing to do to wine and will diminish the integrity of the wine. Back to Topic Index
Q	After you open a bottle of wine does it have to be refrigerated? It would help and certainly can't hurt the wine, so yes. Please recork it and drink it in a day or two or you will risk the degradation of the wine. If you refrigerate it, take it out of the refrigerator a half hour before consuming to let it warm to room temperature. Wine that is to cold inhibits the flavor. Back to Topic Index
Q	how long does does white wine take to go bad A few years. Improper storage can greatly reduce that time frame. Back to Topic Index
Q	What wine is better to start with Pinot grigio or Caberbet sauvignon? Always start with a lighter wine then move to more full bodied. So start with the Pinot Grigio then try the Cabernet. Back to Topic Index
Q	does wine expire if not kept refrigerated All wine can turn or go bad if aged to long or stored improperly. Most wine today is made to drink today. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is merlot? Merlot is a red wine made from merlot grapes which are an easy drinking, rather smooth red wine variety. Merlot is a classic red wine blending grape used infrance. Back to Topic Index
Q	I have a 1973 chateau mouton rothschild that has never been opened but is obviously bad because the bottle is only 3/4 full...what happened? I am sorry to hear that the ulage space (the space between the cork and the very top of the wine) has increased. You first and only true line of defense to stop this is the cork, which is porous and degrades over time and which is the primary cause. If the wine was not stored at 55 degrees and on its side, not upright, then the cork is your culprit. You can appreciate now that some wine makers are switching to plastic corks, which don't degrade and screw caps. Do not entirely give up on the wine, you have a small chance that the wine is still good, not great. Let me know. Back to Topic Index
Q	I need a recipe for Mimosas Three parts orange juice, preferable fresh squeezed, to one part sparkling wine. You do not need really expensive sparkling wine to make mimosas since the orange juice deflates the wine flavor. Back to Topic Index
Q	What is the difference in the California Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot? Is it just different in grapes or is one stronger in taste or favor? Cabernet Sauvignon is made from Cabernet grapes and is a much more full bodied wine than merlot, whose popularity is attributable to it's easy drinker nature. Back to Topic Index
Q	what wines can I refrigerate? Lighter colored wines, such as rose, white and champagne can be chilled. As a rule and for properer enjoyment of the wine, do not chill red wine ever. Back to Topic Index
Q	a gift of 1996 dom perion last dec 2004. how long should it sit, when will it get old, when should it be consumed? Great gift. Your bottle is ready to drink now or within the next 3 to 5 years. I am not suggesting you age it though. I think the champagne has enough age on it right now and any further aging will provide little noticeable benefit unless you have a really defined palate. Back to Topic Index
Q	is there anything special about 1996 Dom perion Well, it is real champagne. It is vintage, which not all champagne is. It comes from a very famous champagne house. It cost over $100.00 for a bottle. So yes all of the above make it special when compared to other champagne. But if your asking about the vintage, well it was a good year but not spectacular. Drink it now and enjoy it. Back to Topic Index
Q	what does classico mean It refers to the central part of an Italian wine region. The vineyards in this area have a long history of growing vines - which often means the grapes are of a higher quality. Back to Topic Index
Q	does wine go bad if unopened? Yes. Most wine made today is meant to be drunk immediately. Some wine can age for a few years, and only a small amount of wine (Think French Bordeaux and California Cabernet's) can be aged for any extended period of time. Now if wine is not stored properly (55 degrees, dark place) it can go bad. So the answer is yes, wine can go bad. Back to Topic Index
Q	how long can you keep a bottle of fastini gold spumanti had mine for over 10 years nt in the fridge? You are pushing the envelope. I would not recommend keeping wine in a food refrigerator for more than six months, preferable a few weeks. Ten years is over the top and I would suggest drinking it now, but I would have a spare bottle, in case the wine has turned. Back to Topic Index
Q	how long can I keep a bottle of unopened wine? The key points are what type of wine is it and how are you going to store it. First, if the wine is a Merlot, it is not going to get better with age, if it is a French Bordeaux or a California Cabernet or meritage, then five to ten years worth of aging may work for you. If you want to age a wine, I would consult with the store where you purchased the wine or the winery itself (web site) either source may be able to point you to the aging potential of the wine. I have bought a variety of French wine that I intend to age for the next ten to 20 years. These wine are highly tannic now and will undoubtedly get smoother with age, but these wine are the exception to the rule. Even a good pinot noir has a limited ageing potential of 3 to 7 years. Back to Topic Index
Q	DO SULFITES CAUSE HEADACHES? Some people complain about getting headaches from wine. Well it could be the sulfites in the wine, the amount consumed, or another chemical or environmental variable. But more to the point of sulfites possible causing headaches. Sulfite levels are high in white wines, and lower in red wines. If you get headaches from white wines only, it might be the sulfites. If it really is the sulfites, you might have to cut back on your white wine drinking or switch to low-sulfite styles. American wines list the �contains sulfites� disclaimer because of regulation in the United States. Back to Topic Index
Q	when you buy a bottle of wine and are giving it as a gift should you keep it in the refrigerator until you give it to that person No, keep the wine in a cool dark place before you give it as a gift. You don't know when the receiver of the gift will drink the wine and by refrigerating it you are assuming they will drink it immediately. Remember temperature fluctuations damage wine. Back to Topic Index
Q	I have a limited edition bottle of Moet & Chandon decorated with swarovski crystals bottled in 2004. How long coud I keep it without the champage going off? If by going off you mean the cork flying off, I would say not in your life time. If you mean go bad, since it is vintage (meaning the majority of the grapes from a single year, where most are a mixture of various vintage years) I would drink it within the next seven years. Anything longer and I don't think you would see much improvement. Back to Topic Index
Q	What Sauvignon Blanc would go well with a green bell pepper and tomato salad? I try not to suggest one wine over another, so I am going to suggest that you evaluate New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand offers some great values in wine and Sauvignon Blanc is one of their signature wines. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is fortified wine and why was it invented? First, table wines differ from fortified wines, in that the alcohol level is raised by the addition of spirits in fortified wines. Fortified wines range from the relatively familiar sherry and port to the fairly obscure Madeira and Marsala. They are not your normal meal wines but more served as aperitifs and served after dinner, or enjoyed on their own. Fortified wines date back to the days when England ruled the oceans (they say the sun never set on the British empire). Since the British had next to no domestic wines, the British had to ship wine home, and to their colonies in North America, from various wine-rich regions. They soon discovered that since ocean voyages took a very long time, that they could stabilize wines for a long sea voyage by adding extra alcohol to them, usually in the form of brandy. Most of these fortified wines are still known today by the names of the places where they originated: port, from Oporto in Portugal; sherry, from Jerez in Southern Spain; Madeira, from the Atlantic island of that name; and Marsala, from the seaport town in western Sicily. Back to Topic Index
Q	When I drink California wines I invariably get night leg cramps. Do California wine makers make their wines differently than say,France,Italy and other foreign countries? Wine making for the most part is a standard practice world wide. Still wine makers generally all follow the same procedures, with minor (although to them and the taste of the wine the differences are huge) difference such as the storing of the wine in new or old French oak. Some wine makers do place additives or enhancers in the wine to add flavor (think oak). This is more prevalent in bulk wine (think gallon or box containers) or inexpensive wines (say less than $10.00). Your leg cramps maybe tied to an additive or prese4rvative the wine maker has added. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the most expensive bottle of champagne? Dom Perignon is typically the most over priced Champagne and that would make it the most expensive for what you get. Before you complain that I am wrong, bear in mind that Dom Perignon is not owned by a bunch of monks by LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) a multi billion dollar firm that owns expensive products. Back to Topic Index
Q	Does red wine go bad if it is left uncorked overnight? All wine oxidizes once it opens. Some oxidation is good, too much, i.e., for long periods of time is bad such as over night. But the proof is in the taste. If you open a bottle of wine and leave it open overnight and it still tastes good, you dodged a bullet. Back to Topic Index
Q	What does the rooster symbolize on certain Chianti producers bottles??? Here is your history lesson. After many years years of wars, early in the 13th century, the leaders of the city-states of Florence and Siena made plans to define their respective borders. They determined that one horseman from each state would start out at cockcrow, and the place they met would be the boundary between the two states. Apparently it seemed fair at the time. Well for the making of the cockcrow, the Sienese choose a strong, well cared for white bird. The Florentines, on the other hand, choose a much less cared for bird and starved their black rooster. Being hungry and poorly cared-for, the Florentine cockerel started crowing very early. The Florentine rider starting riding well before dawn and met the Sienese at Fonterutoli, about 15 kilometers from the walls of Siena. Due to the outcome of the race a large part of what is now Chianti passed to the control of the Florentine City State. The Black Rooster became the symbol of the Chianti Region as far back as the 14th century. In 1924 a group of Chianti Classico producers started what is now known as the Consorzio del Marchio Storico-Chianti Classico and of course has as its symbol the Black Rooster. All members of the consortium can display the Rooster on its bottles. Back to Topic Index
Q	If the chardonnay I purchased was already chilled and I neglected to keep it chilled after a couple days from purchase, should I throw in the refrigerator or should i keep it outside the fridge if I plan to drink it in the next two months? Good question. I would keep the wine chilled, since cooler temperatures will retard any further degradation of the wine. Now I am not saying your wine is now damaged since it has gone from chilled to room temperature, in realty wine is hardier than people realize. In the future don't buy chilled wine unless your going to drink it. Also don't buy wine warm weather and live it in the car to simmer for hours. Back to Topic Index
Q	Should I keep all my newly purchase(already chilled when bought at store) bottles of chardonnay in the fridge if I plan to use them for the holiday season the next two months? Yes. Next time buy them them at room temperature and store the wine in a cool dry and dark place. Back to Topic Index
Q	if wine is left out for months is it still good If left unopened then yes it is probable still good as long as it was stored on its side out of heat and light. If you mean a bottle of wine that was recorked, then go dump it down the drain, I cringe at the thought of what it could taste like now. Back to Topic Index
Q	What single bottle chiller is best? Forget wine chillers and small wine refrigerators, they consume a lot of space and are very energy inefficient. The best place is your refrigerator. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the ideal temperature for storing Chardonnay. 55 degrees is a good temperature for storage. Keep in mind that chardonnay is not age worthy, so if you want to drink the wine soon, store it in the refrigerator. If you want to wait awhile before you drink it, store it in the basement or the back of a closet out of direct sun light and heat sources. Back to Topic Index
Q	Is there any chance that a white wine (Pinot Blanc blend) may be intentionally "fizzy"? If not, what caused it and is the wine still good? It does not look cloudy or smell bad to me. If the wine is fizzy and it is not sparkling wine, it has gone bad. The cause is bacteria either at the time of bottling, or through the cork due to a defect in the cork or bad storage. Sorry to break the news to you. Back to Topic Index
Q	I GOT A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGANE FOR NEW YEARS. I PUT IT IN THE REFRIG UN OPENED. HOW LONG WILL IT KEEP BEFORE GOING BAD Please drink it within a few months, preferable sooner. Back to Topic Index
Q	I HAVE SEVERAL BOTTLES OF WINE LYING ON THEIR SIDES IN A STORAGE CABINET THAT HAVE BEEN THERE FOR 15 TO 20 YEARS, ARE THEY POSSIBLY STILL WORTH THE CHANCE TO ATTEMPT TO SAMPLE THEM ???? Why not? Temperature and light can break down wine. So if these two factors don't come into play, the next question is what types of wines were they. You see the sad truth is most wine is not age worthy, i.e., they won't get better with age. If the wine was say a Cabernet sauvignon or a Bordeaux then you might have a pot of gold on your hands. If the wine was mostly chardonnay, well, then I express my deepest regrets. You have nothing to lose so why not crack a bottle every so often, with the expectation that the wine will be no good (so have a backup bottle) and give it a shot. I would love to know how they taste, drop us another line. Back to Topic Index
Q	do all champagnes have sulfites? All wines have sulfites, including champagne. Back to Topic Index
Q	WHAT WHITE WINES ARE LOW IN SULFITES/HISTAMINES All wines contain sulfites. Unless the label states low in sulfites assume the worst. Many non vintage wines have high levels of sulfites which helps preserve the wine for blending. Back to Topic Index
Q	How long can I keep a bottle of Moet Chandon Non vintage drink within 3 years. Back to Topic Index
Q	I have a bottle of 1990 Dom Perignon that I have kept in the fridge since I bought it 5 years ago- how long should it last if I keep it there? Drink it now, it is not going to get much better and you risk letting it degrade. Back to Topic Index
Q	What wines do you refrigerate and which ones do not? White wines and champagne, that you intend to drink either immediately or within a few months. Back to Topic Index
Q	My father saved from his past collection of fine wines he once treasered, a bottle for my wedding, some 20yrs ago. This fine bottle still not opened, nor I married, is a Cuvee Dom Perignon 1964 vintage and I stand to believe was too a vintage year to boot. Is it worth the risk opening or better with cork left in, seems a waste to open if only to find out tastes like vinegar. Ha...he`s been carryin it around so long now, he said to me the other month back..you might as well hang onto this now son (he`s movin in to a security ,24 hr doctor type environment)I1m sure theres a signal there somewhere...lol...lol Hell if its worth anything I might as well get married now and sell the sparkly to fund the honey moon..lol Either way not fussed, yet curious to no wotz best option. I am not a fan of telling people to sell a wine that they, a relative or a friend has held onto for years, since it is difficult, if not impossible to guarantee that the wine was stored properly. So you would be selling something of questionable quality that someone may pay good money for and getting less than their money's worth. In lieu of selling the wine, I would suggest you drink it, and not just for a special occasion, since just by drinking the wine could constitute a special occasion. If your not married or engaged, and your dad can drink alcohol, why not drink it with him. It is certainly something you could share together. Please do not save it for your wedding (Now I am not saying you won't be married) but wedding days are so hectic that you may not enjoy the wine amid all the commotion. Drinking it for the start of an engagement or by going out to dinner at a BYOB could also fit the bill. You want to be able to chill out with the wine and enjoy its complexity, with friends or possible a publisher of a BYOB Guide web site (ha). Back to Topic Index
Q	can i serve wine in a plastic cup? On the beach, in the park, for a walk around the neighborhood, yes. Any other time, please use a glass wine glass. Wine glasses are made to enhance the wine, you hold the glass by the stem so as not to warm the wine. You can swirl the wine in the glass to enjoy the wine's aroma without spilling any. Need I go on? Back to Topic Index
Q	What is an average bottle of dom perion cost Depending on where you are in the country and the time of year $120.00 is a good average for a recent vintage. Back to Topic Index
Q	I accidentally left a bottle of unopened white wine in my car for a few hours when it was very warm out, the heat caused the cork to come out of the bottle. There is still a full bottle of wine remaining, but is this ok to drink? Has it damaged the flavor of the wine? Taste it. If it is still good, only a taste will tell. If it is good drink it tonight, because it won't last more than a day or two. Back to Topic Index
Q	chill chanti Please no, cold red wine conceals the flavor. Back to Topic Index
Q	I have a couple of bottles of 1994 Merlot. Is this still good or is it past its prime? Being that it is 2005, the wine maybe past it's peak, since Merlot is not a wine meant to be aged. My best advice is to start drinking it now. I can only hope that this wine got away from you because it was stored in a cool dark place and it might be fine to drink. Plus you can have bragging rights that you drank 11 year old merlot, for what it's worth. Back to Topic Index
Q	What is the proper temperature to store red and white wines? The optimum temperature is 50 to 55�F (10-12�C). However, any constant temperature within 40-65�F (5-18�C) will work. Now keeping that temperature is even more important. Rapid temperature changes can harm the wine. A slow change of temperature of ten or so degrees between winter and summer is not a big problem. But this kind of fluctuation on a daily or weekly basis will damage wine and cause them to age to quickly. Back to Topic Index
Q	Does Champagne go bad? Any wine can go bad, champagne included. Back to Topic Index
Q	does champagne get better with age Real vintage champagne and quality sparkling wine can improve with age. Average time frames to keep and hold could be from 3 to 10 years, check with the producer for their own opinion. Back to Topic Index
Q	How long can I store dom perion vintage unopened in case? and where and how should I store it if I am not going to drink it for 1 year from now? You can store the champagne five years or more but not more then twelve. Please store it like you would any wine, in a cool, dark place. Back to Topic Index
Q	ingrediant used to ferment wine yeast. Back to Topic Index
Q	Who is the first person to use porous corks in their champagne? The famed monk Dom Perignon who is credited with the discovery of how to make sparkling wine via the �champagne method�, apparently was the first to use porous corks. Incidently the metal cage that you have to twist to remove a sparkling wine cork is a standard on all sparkling wine. The equipment that makes the metal cage seal around the neck of the sparkling wine bottle is only made by one company in the world (and they say Microsoft is a monopoly). So no matter what type of sparkling wine you buy, the number of twists you have to do to remove the cage is the same. Back to Topic Index
Q	How To Serve Dom Perigon? In fluted champagne glasses. Store in a refrigerator (not ice) for three to four hours. Take the champagne out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before you plan to drink it. Most important have a good time. Back to Topic Index
Q	Their seems to be many quality wines at reasonably affordable prices. What attributes seperate higher priced wines from moderately priced wines? The saying goes to make a small fortune in wine start with a large one, which means making wine is expensive. Low production, private wine producers can have more expensive wine simple because they do not have the economies of scale of a large winery, i.e., buying power, facilities to make the wine, rent rather than own the land where the grapes are grown, skilled winemaker on staff, good channels of distribution, etc. Or they could just be very particular about the quality of grapes they use and the way the wine is made i.e., using virgin French oak to store the wine (around $700.00 a barrel) rather than stainless steel vats (almost free depending on how long the winery has owned the vat). There are so many factors that go into making wine that prices can vary widely. I don�t want to cross the line and say that an expensive wine is a sign of quality, because it isn�t. This is not to say that a large mass produce wine maker can�t make very good reasonable priced wine, they can. Prices charged for wine are based on both what the market can bear (i.e., if the wine is marketed as high end they can charge more) and what it actually cost to make the wine (i.e., a good vintage may only offer a very low yielding crop, which lowers winery production and thus fewer bottles to sell, so charge more). These are just the tip of the wine pricing iceberg, there is so much more, just ask a wine maker. Back to Topic Index
Q	i found a bottle of dom perion from 1963. How much would it be worth ? Or who should i ask? If you just "found" the wine, then you cannot verify how the wine was stored, so who would spend any money for a questionable wine? Selling older vintage wine requires proper documentation that the wine was stored properly. Why not drink it on a special occasion and live to tell the story of how good or bad it was. Now if the wine was stored perfectly, you could expect a sale of between $500.00 and $1,000.00. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the most famous wine? I don�t believe there is any one truly famous wine. There are many wines that are well known and many that the wine maker and wine lovers may consider to be famous, but this is really all in the eye of the beholder. The not so tasty wine that goes by the name of Two Buck Chuck and is sold through Trader Joes stores is very well known and somewhat famous for costing two dollars. The great champagne Dom Perion is very well known and most people have believed the name to be synonymous with quality champagne. The Australian winery that makes the Yellow Tail line of wine, is selling very well and is popular for its low price. I consider it famous, since I see it at most all broad selection wine stores and because the wine is not very tasty. I once brought it to a holiday party (partly as a joke and partially for the wine drinkers that aren�t that discriminating) and I got comments all night long about it. I felt a little famous, but in a bad way. With all that said, there is no one truly famous wine, sorry. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the difference between wine and sparkling wine? Sparkling wine contains carbon dioxide which is released in the wine when it is uncorked and thus you get bubbles/sparkles. Non sparkling wines do not have this trapped carbon dioxide and accordingly no bubbles. That�s it in a nut shell. Back to Topic Index
Q	How long can I leave a bottle of unopened white wine in the refrigerator? How long can I leave one that's been opened? Assuming you want the wine to still taste good, I would not leave an opened bottle more than two days. For an unopened bottle, less than a year. Back to Topic Index
Q	names of red wines that do not have sulfites added. Sulfites are naturally occurring in wine. They are not added. All wine contains sulfites to varying degrees, so you may have to give up your quest to find sulfite free wine. Back to Topic Index
Q	In the movie "Moonstruck" they add something like alka-seltzer to wine or champagne. Why would that be done? I can't recall the scene from the movie but my guess would be to add effect to a scene in the movie. Perhaps the wine wine was old and flat and it was put in to give it fresh sparkels. In general practice you would never mix wine and alka-seltze. Back to Topic Index
Q	Does champagne contain sulfites? yes, for the most part all wine contains sulfites. Back to Topic Index
Q	What ingrediant in wine can cause headaches besides alcohol? Well alcohol is the proven ingredient. Sulfites although not proven I belive to be a contributing factor, as do histamines. Back to Topic Index
Q	A European woman recently told me that California Sparkling wines contain higher levels of histamines than French Champagnes. That doesn't seem plausible to me since most sparkling wines are made with Chardonnay grapes. Is there any validity to her claim? She is not right and you are. Back to Topic Index
Q	Give me some examples of full body wines? Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel are two American full bodied wines. Italian Barolo and French Bourdeaux are also two good examples. For comparison a merlot and a pinot noir are softer less full bodied wines. Back to Topic Index
Q	Give me some examples of full body wines? Randolph Zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon Back to Topic Index
Q	what are 3 differences between champagne and sparkling wine First to be called champagne it must be made in the champagne region of France, otherwise you are only supposed to call it sparkling wine. Second to be champagne, it has to be made utilizing the �champagne method�, where the wine undergoes a second fermentation and is degourged. The �champagne method� is more time consuming and costly to follow, so people feel it deserves a special designation. There are cheaper ways to make sparkling wine, but some people believe it cheapens the taste. Third champagne is supposed to be made of a combination of three grapes, pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. Most all sparkling wine is made from this trio of grapes but not all the time. Back to Topic Index
Q	Why do we need lactic acid in our bodies? We don�t actually need Lactic acid, which is a by-product of anaerobic respiration. When we exercise strenuously, our bodies cannot produce enough oxygen quickly enough to react with glucose to produce energy to keep our muscles going. It is because of this imbalance that our bodies produce energy by breaking the glucose down chemically, and instead of producing CO2. Because of this our bodies, have to get rid of the lactic acid that build up in our bodies. Our bodies naturally due this by making us pant and breath heavy during exercise, which allows our bodies to clear the Oxygen deficient brought on by anaerobic respiration. If we don't do this and leave the lactic acid in our bodies, it can lead to muscle cramps. Back to Topic Index
Q	when was wine invented The person to ask is unfortunately dead, so I can only speculate through what I know that wine was around during Egyptian, Greek and Roman times. When it actually was made on a time line is pretty much everyone's guess. Back to Topic Index
Q	how long should I refrigerate Dom Perignon If you�re asking from time of purchase to drinking, I would say a few hours to overnight. Most wine, including overpriced Champagne is normally drunk to cold, which hinders the flavor of the wine. If you spent the money, chill the wine for a few hours and enjoy and there is no need to keep it in an ice bucket after it is opened, I consider champagne something that you drink right away, not over an extended period of time. Back to Topic Index
Q	What are a few informative steps on how some one would go about properly opening a bottle of wine? First remove the foil wrapper by cutting or simple by pulling it off (that's my trick). Second, wipe the neck of the bottle by the cork with a clean cloth. Next with the bottle resting on a table, insert the cork screw into the cork as far as you can then extract the cork. Then call me up for a glass to ensure you did everything properly. Back to Topic Index
Q	what does full bodies wine mean Full body is associated with the flavor of the wine. It comes from the extract of grape solids and the percent of alcohol in the wine. Typically the more flavor (stronger) the wine the more body the wine has. Back to Topic Index
Q	what is the dfference between fining and filtering Simple put fining refers to the use of chemicals, known as fining agents, to improve the clarity of a wine. Filtering also refers to improving the clarity of a wine but this method uses a mechanical process of trapping suspended matter in a medium, for example filters. So one is chemical and one is mechanical. Back to Topic Index
Q	I am looking for a wine that is a small winery that is owned by Mondavi (I think) It is called IO, and is probably the best varietal I have ever had. Any suggestions? I am sorry I can't suggest a particular wine shop, but we prefer that this wine section be nonbiased and prefer not to suggest one wine shop over another. Although here is the website address for the winery http://www.iowine.com/wines.asp No doubt if you contact the winery, they can point you in the right direction. Back to Topic Index
Q	Will a white wine be ruined if it is refrigerated, and then stored in the cellar? Will the refrigeration to warm and back to be refrigerated ruin the wine? Poor storage, i.e., temperature fluctuations, can damage both red and white wines. Moving wine from the refrigerator to a cool but a warmer basement most likely won�t make the wine undrinkable, but if you have a sophisticated palette then you might notice a slight degradation of taste. Keep in mind that most wines are served either too warm or too cold. Restaurant ice buckets for white wine that came out of a refrigerator are totally unnecessary. Back to Topic Index
Q	what wine goes well with sushi? Pinot Noir and sparkling wine such as Spanish cava or Champagne go very well with sushi. FYI, offering a glass of your wine to the sushi chef is a welcome gesture that might get you better cuts of sushi. Back to Topic Index
Q	What type of wine is chianti? The primary grape of Chianti is Sangiovese. It is medium bodied with a solid, dry texture and a tannic backbone that are particularly suited with food pairing. There are different levels of Chianti wine, the first being simply labeled Chianti. These are inexpensive every day drinking wines. The next level is Chianti Classico, which was developed/labeled by the Chianti Classico Consortium in 1924 to protect the quality of its wines. A hallmark of the wine is the small black rooster that appears on the neck of every bottle of Chianti Classico. In 1996 Chianti Classico received its own DOCG classification (separate from Chianti). This designation brings additional requirements such as Chianti Classico can use 75 to 100 percent Sangiovese. But Chianti Classico can use up to 15 percent of other red grape varieties such as Colorino, Malvasia Nera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, as long as they are grown in the Chianti district. Ordinary Chianti can use a maximum of 10 percent of other red varieties. The top level is Chianti Classico Riserva, which must be aged for a minimum of 27 months and typically represents the highest quality and price that Chianti wines have to offer. Back to Topic Index
Q	I like your website and information in it. I lived in Queens, New York, does NY have any policy against BYOB? To the best of our knowledge no, most large cities offer liquor licenses on the cheap, i.e., tens of thousands of dollars as opposed to hundreds of thousands. Beacuse lower costs makes the licenses more affordable more restaurants obtain them. New York just has the ability to offer a lot of licenses. Back to Topic Index
Q	I recently heard about a white Merlot. Can someone tell me where to find it and the details of it, heavy, oaky, citrus, etc thanks White Merlot is similar to white zinfandel in that the wine is a red based wine with minimal grape skin contact. So it is Merlot based wine with all the attributes of Merlot in a white variety. It is not what would be considered a wine drinker's wine. I saw that Beringer makes a white Merlot and tried it, which was ok, nothing to write home about. Don't think you are on the cutting edge drinking white Merlot, I would stick with red, which again is not a connoisseurs wine but is very affordable lately. You see since the movie Sideways Merlot sales are down and Pinot Noir sales are up. I am not preaching Merlot since I have found many Merlot's to be without merit, but I recently had an Artesia Merlot which was great, but most wines from Artesia are and priced reasonably. Back to Topic Index
Q	I really took to Rioja wine, especially MUGA. I cannot find this type wine in the US. Help, where can I buy it. I am surprised you can't find the wine, any good wine shop should have multiple bottles of Rioja wine, although maybe not from Muga. Rioja is a great wine that offers wine drinkers a real value. I am sorry I can't suggest a particular wine shop, but we prefer that this wine section be nonbiased and prefer not to suggest one wine shop over another. Although here is the website address that will give you the distributors for Muga wines anywhere in the world, http://www.bodegasmuga.com/English/distribuidores-vinos-muga.html Back to Topic Index
Q	How do I find out if there is a wine that has the name Nunzio in the name? If there is a list I would also like to get that. I know of no wines`with the name Nunzio in it, which doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Keep in mind that buying wine on a name alone is a bit of a stretch. You didn't say why you were looking for a wine with the Nunzio name in it, but I presume it has some attachment to you. Scroll up a few questions and read our response to a similar questions where we informed the user to simple contact a winery and have a wine made with Nunzio placed on the menu. Back to Topic Index
Q	Why was wine invented? To be drunk and enjoyed would be thinking. Back to Topic Index
Q	are there any wines that don'T HAVE SULFER IN IT? Sulfites, not sulfer is naturally occuring in wine and yes some wines do claim that they do not contain sulfites, although I don't believe the claim is alway correct. Back to Topic Index
Q	who invented wine? Who invented wine is a question that no one can truthfully answer. My guess is that it was first made accidentally by storing grape juice in clay containers where the juice was allowed to ferment and thus make wine. I do know that references to grapes appear in both Greek and Roman mythology although who was first to mention it is questionable. In mythology wine is associated with the Greek god Dionysus and the Roman god Bacchus. This does not mean that some mythological god created wine, it means that wine was obviously present in Greek and Roman culture to have a god represent wine. References to wine before the Greeks or the Romans are kinda sketchy, but please be aware that the wine you drink today is vastly different in taste from the wine made back then. That much I am sure of and the advances that we have made in wine production allow a much wider group of people to enjoy wine. If you want to concentrate on the creation of wine, go visit a winery and I don�t mean just in California, go visit a local winery (you would be surprised how many there are) and ask the wine maker about wine. I have no doubt they would love to talk about it and let you sample their offerings, this way you can affirmatively say you know the person who created that particular wine. Back to Topic Index
Q	Where do I look for the answers to the questions I asked last week? We try to respond to ALL requests within two weeks or sooner. Our reply time depends on how many restaurants we are in the middle of adding or reviewing and our general work load. Back to Topic Index
Q	What goes well with sushi? Japanese beer, champagne, any sparkling wine and pinot noir are our favorite sushi and drink pairings. Back to Topic Index
Q	Could I get a list of Nunzio wines? We are not aware of any winery that makes a wine called Nunzio. This is not to say that a wine named Nunzio does not exist. Since there are so many wineries, it is certainly possible that such a wine has been or is being made, it may just be below our radar screen. Although I doubt, such a wine is currently in production. An alternate approach to your wine search is to contact a winery such as Windsor, to have them make a wine for you and they can put the name Nunzio or whatever name you choose on the label. You see there are a number of wineries that will label their wine with any name you want. There are usually a minimum number of bottles to order, but a lot of wineries will do this for you. As for the quality of the wine, you can purchase a bottle before you order your custom labeled wine. I might also suggest you contact wineries that are local to your area or state and see if they can custom label wine for you and if they have a tasting room where you can visit and try their different wines. Back to Topic Index
Q	I am looking for a wine that has the name Nunzio on the label. I think it is a red wine. If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it. We are not aware of any winery that makes a wine called Nunzio. This is not to say that a wine named Nunzio does not exist. Since there are so many wineries, it is certainly possible that such a wine has been or is being made, it may just be below our radar screen. Although I doubt, such a wine is currently in production. An alternate approach to your wine search is to contact a winery such as Windsor, to have them make a wine for you and they can put the name Nunzio or whatever name you choose on the label. You see there are a number of wineries that will label their wine with any name you want. There are usually a minimum number of bottles to order, but a lot of wineries will do this for you. As for the quality of the wine, you can purchase a bottle before you order your custom labeled wine. I might also suggest you contact wineries that are local to your area or state and see if they can custom label wine for you and if they have a tasting room where you can visit and try their different wines. Back to Topic Index
Q	I was told that red wine may be the cause of my migraines, but in a question above you said that it's white wine that has more sulfites in it. What could be in the red wine that may be causing these migraines? (It is definitely migraine as opposed to normal headache). Assuming you understand that drinking wine to excess will give you a headache, let me fill you in on the wine headache issue. First some people call the headache that is acquired from drinking red wine, Red Wine Headache (RWH) syndrome. This syndrome is separate from sulfite allergies that a very small percentage of the population (1%) has, and it is for these people that the FDA requires wine that contains sulfites to list �contains sulfites� on the bottle. Sulfites cause an allergic reaction, not headaches. Sulfites can be higher in white wine because it can be tied to sweetness (white wines are generally sweeter. Keep in mind that dried fruits contains sulfites as well, but headaches are not usually blamed on dried fruit. With that said the RWH syndrome is one where there is not a clear cut cause. The three main suspects of RWH are tannins, which are acquired from the grape juice being in contact with the grape skins and are present in larger amounts in Bordeaux wines and Cabernet Sauvignon. Histamines which are present in higher concentrations in red wine and the third potential cause of RWH is prostaglandins, which are substances than involve the transmission of nerve impulses and help regulate the rate of metabolism in various tissues. Any one of these or a combination of them could contribute to RWH, the truth is no one really knows and it is not an area where a lot of research dollars are being invested. Back to Topic Index
Q	who invented champagne? Champagne as we know it was invented by a Dom Perignon, a 17th century Benedictine monk with the Abbey of Hautville near Riems in France. He was born about 1638, with the name Pierre Perignon. His legacy was the development of the procedure to produce champagne (before he was born wine was already being produced in France). The champagne process, which is lengthy and not followed for every sparkling wine produced (champagne is a sparkling wine) includes riddling the bottles so the sediment can be removed, adding a dosage for a secondary fermentation and utilizing special corks to seal the bottles. Dom Perignon famous statement "I see stars" as legend has it was spoken when he first tasted of Champagne. Back to Topic Index
Q	I don't know a thing about wine so I hope this isn't a dumb question but here goes... we had several bottles of white wine left over from our wedding. They have been in our refrigerator for about a month now (taking up a lot of space). Would it ruin the wine to remove it from the refrigerator and place it an alternate storage area? When it comes to wine, no questions are dumb. When it comes to maintaining wine for later consumption, the key thing to remember is to try to keep the wine at a constant (cool) temperature. Heat, sunlight and excessive movement of wine are BAD. My advice would be 1. Either drink the wine over the holidays, (white wine is not just for summer or 2. move the wine from the fridge to somewhere in the house that is cool such as a basement or the back of a closet that shares an outside wall. (I have a closet on the North side of the house that has two outside facing walls and the closet is always cool.) Don�t remove the wine from the fridge and put it in a heated area. Finally, store the wine on its side so the cork remains moist. Back to Topic Index
Q	How do I know what type of glass is used for different wines? To start with the basics, if you are drinking a wine you like, a good wine can be served in any glass. That aside, a lot of time and effort has gone into designing wine glasses to go with a particular wine. To start from the beginning, jelly jars are not good wine glasses because by the way of holding the glass you will transfer heat to the wine, this is why stemmed glasses are customary to preserve the serving temperature of the wine and allow the drinker to view the color and clarity of the wine. As for shape of the glasses, here are some general guidelines. Red Bordeaux, Cabernet and Merlot should be served in a wine glass that is wide and conical. This helps to maximize air contact and direct the wine to the palate. <MAP NAME="boxmap-p8"><AREA SHAPE="RECT" COORDS="14, 200, 103, 207" HREF="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" ><AREA COORDS="0,0,10000,10000" HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/byobguidecom-20" ></MAP><img src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" usemap="#boxmap-p8" alt="Shop at Amazon.com"> Zinfandel and Italian wines should be served in a slightly smaller cone shaped glass than the Bordeaux glass. Burgundy and Pinot Noir wines, where the focus should be on bouquet of the wine, a wide balloon glass provides the best bouquet enhancement. <MAP NAME="boxmap-p8"><AREA SHAPE="RECT" COORDS="14, 200, 103, 207" HREF="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" ><AREA COORDS="0,0,10000,10000" HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/byobguidecom-20" ></MAP><img src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" usemap="#boxmap-p8" alt="Shop at Amazon.com"> White wines should be served in slightly bulb-shaped glasses with a chimney top or a conical glass. <MAP NAME="boxmap-p8"><AREA SHAPE="RECT" COORDS="14, 200, 103, 207" HREF="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" ><AREA COORDS="0,0,10000,10000" HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/byobguidecom-20" ></MAP><img src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" usemap="#boxmap-p8" alt="Shop at Amazon.com"> Champagnes, Cava and sparkling wines are normally served in tall flutes (narrow) which helps to contain the effervescence (bubbles). <MAP NAME="boxmap-p8"><AREA SHAPE="RECT" COORDS="14, 200, 103, 207" HREF="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" ><AREA COORDS="0,0,10000,10000" HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/byobguidecom-20" ></MAP><img src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" usemap="#boxmap-p8" alt="Shop at Amazon.com"> The wider saucer shaped glasses will allow the bubbles to escape faster. But the choice between these two glasses is really personal preference, as most people view sparkling wine as a beverage that you tend to drink faster than say a big red wine. Finally, buy any wine glasses that you won�t mind breaking. I�ve broken enough wine glasses to not get upset when they break, this includes the high end Riedel glasses. I do not recommend overly ornate crystal wine glasses or spending a lot of money. I have a good collection of Riedel glasses, but I am just as happy with the less expensive ones I use. And to be honest every time I break a Riedel glass, it hurts a little. Disclaimer: The reason behind the images and the links to the wine glasses at Amazon are three fold. First, they serve the purpose of providing an image of the glasses. Two, the BYOBguide is part of the associate program at Amazon, and this site receives a small commission for purchases that originate thru the BYOBguide.com web site. (Remember we don�t use pop ads or clutter the site with a lot of advertising) Third, Amazon is where I have been buying my wine glasses for the last few years. Back to Topic Index
Q	My wife and I often open a bottle of Red wine an do not finish it. Do we need to refrigerate it? First, don't recork it use an inexpensive wine saver such as the vacu vin wine saver <MAP NAME="boxmap-p8"><AREA SHAPE="RECT" COORDS="14, 200, 103, 207" HREF="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" ><AREA COORDS="0,0,10000,10000" HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home/byobguidecom-20" ></MAP><img src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/rcm/120x240.gif" width="120" height="240" border="0" usemap="#boxmap-p8" alt="Shop at Amazon.com"> it will add days to the wine. As for refrigerating the wine, yes. Temperature i.e. heat distresses wine, so taking a partially drank bottle and refrigerating it will help extend the life of the wine. Just remember to remove the wine an hour before you want to drink it, cold red wine just doesn't work. Back to Topic Index
Q	spelling??? terralogio wine? Ok, you stumped us. Do you have any more information to offer. Back to Topic Index
Q	What is the best corkscrew? I have a table mounted corkscrew that is a breeze to use, but it does take up space. If space is an issue, a waiters corkscrew is the way to go, it even has a foil cutter built in. I am not a fan of the other corkscrews. Back to Topic Index
Q	Can you age white wine? White wines should be drunk within 1 to 3 years of the bottling date. Some whites could be aged further but your best to consider drinking what you have. If you collect wine and your wine storage area isn't well lit, it's easy to forget or see what whites you have and you could end up with some over aged white on your hands. Back to Topic Index
Q	What grapes are in white Bordeaux? For the most part they are made exclusively from Sauvignon Blanc, S�millon and Muscadelle grapes. Back to Topic Index
Q	What is the deal with plastic corks? Are they any good? Cork comes from trees, plastics are man made. Save a tree and don't think you are getting a lesser bottle of wine if it comes with a plastic cork. The corks are popular with Australia and New Zealand wineries. The French, seem to be avoiding them, some American producers are adopting them. To be sure you will see more of them in the future. It is a good thing and at least they are better than a screw cap. Back to Topic Index
Q	What is the low down on sulfites in wine? Are they bad for you? Truth be told Sulfites are not an evil, unnatural addition to wine. Sulfites are a natural part of many fruits and vegetables. It�s mother nature�s way of allowing plant's to protect themselves from warding off things that might eat them. Sulfites help preserve the plant. More to the point here, sulfites serve the same protective purpose in grapes, which is why winemakers add in additional sulfites. Sulfites help the wine to age. If wine didn�t contain sulfites, we'd only have wines that could last 1-2 years. Some people complain about getting headaches from wine. Well it could be the sulfites in the wine, the amount consumed, or another chemical or environmental variable. But more to the point of sulfites possible causing headaches. Sulfite levels are high in white wines, and lower in red wines. If you get headaches from white wines only, it might be the sulfites. If it really is the sulfites, you might have to cut back on your white wine drinking or switch to low-sulfite styles. American wines list the �contains sulfites� disclaimer because of regulation in the United States. Back to Topic Index
Q	My wife and I like to have wine with dinner, any advice on a everyday drinking wine that won't break the bank? You don't say if you favor red or white so I will comment on both. I find imported wines from Spain to be both tastey and very affordable (read around $10.00 a bottle). Go to your local wine shop and try and half dozen or so wines. Pick the one you like best and buy a case. Since most liquor stores will give a discount to full cases of the same wine, you will now have an affordable everyday drinking wine. As for white, I would go Italian. Back to Topic Index
Q	Any tips on wine storage, I don't have a basement in my house? If you just bought the wine and intend to drink it soon, storage isn't really that much of an issue. If you are looking to store wine for later consumption, then remember wine doesn't like bright light or heat. With that in mind, I would try to keep the wine in a coset that has a wall facing North. If closet space is not an option, you can buy a refrigerated wine case in a variety of sizes. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars (Home Depot) to thousands. Back to Topic Index
Q	What is the difference between Sparkling wine and Champagne? Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made in the Champagne region of France, where incidentally, Champagne was invented by a monk named Dom Perigon. Sparkling wine is a type of wine that is made everywhere but cannot be called Champagne unless it was made in Champagne France. Sound confusing, it isn�t. Remember this, all Champagne is a sparking wine but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Should I mention that sparkling wine made in Spain is called cava, no I probable shouldn�t cloud the situation anymore? With that said, I am going to focus on sparkling wine. Why is it we usually only drink sparkling wine on New Years Eve and at weddings? I mean if it tastes so good, why only limit to two special days? My only explanation is perhaps it�s the marketing of sparkling wine and Champagne that causes us to ignore this tasty beverage so much. Sparkling wine goes so well with sushi, turkey, Lobster, Scallops, Shrimp, Mushroom, and surprisingly, go extremely well with light chicken dishes, but avoid chicken dishes with lemon or vinegar. I also think it goes well just sitting around a nice warm fire. Back to Topic Index
Q	Whenever I go to a wine store and the sales person asks if I need any help, every time I say yes and the salesperson tells me all the minutia about the wine I am buying, I feel a whole lot dumber about wine. Should I feel this way? Let me tell you, I hate wine shops that try to tell you everything they know about wine and you don�t. A courtesy wine store will feel you out about wine what you like and what you are looking for so you can find the bottle or bottles you are looking for and hopefully expand your knowledge of wine. As for feeling dumber, remember that everything the person at the wine shop knows changes from year to year with the vintage. So it is a constant learning curve the sales person and remember, it is their job to know a lot about wine. I have no doubt that you could talk circle around the sales person if the topic was in you profession. Back to Topic Index
Q	Why is there sometimes mold on the top of the cork but not on the rest of the cork? Mold likes to grow in moist dark places and it just so happens that the top of the cork is an appealing place for mold to grow. Corks are porous and can allow molecules of vapor and air to pass through. This happens on a very small scale and takes a fair amount of time, so you can expect mold on older bottles every so often, but it shouldn�t be expected on any recent vintage wine. Back to Topic Index

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Restaurant Take Out Tips and Tricks
Have you ever ordered take out from a BYOB restaurant you like only to have the restaurant screw up your order? Based on an informal polling of BYOBguide.com users, apparently the answer is ...
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