Sep 6, 2007

WINE 101

Wine contains polyphenols which have antioxidant properties to prevent heart diseases and cancer. It also has a phytochemical called resveratrol that protects against stomach infections. A glass of wine or two daily helps to keep arteries from hardening, relief tension, prevent attacks of angina, aid digestion, stimulate appetite and offeset insomnia.

Category
1) Table or Still Wines (Burgundy, red & wine) - alcohol content: 9 - 14%
2) Fortified or Dessert Wines (Sherry , Port, Madeira) - AC - 16 - 23%
3) Apertifs or Flavoured Wines (Vermouth, Dubonnet) - AC 15-20%
4) Sparkling bubbly wines (Champagne, Moet et Candon, Dom Perignon, Monrachet, Bordeaux Asti, Spumate, Marquis de Pompadour) - AC 12-14%

How to Store
Ideal temperature for -12 to 18 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity.
All corked wines should be kept on their sides to keep the corks wet, swollen and air tight
Screwed caps may be allowed to stand up to keeep them tranquil.

Sophisticate Speak
Life is too short to drink bad wine.
White Wine - Blanc
Red Wine - Merlot, Carbenet
Pinkish Wine - Zinfandel, Rose

Very dry (not sweet wine) - Brut or Natur
Extra Dry

Fairly Sweet wine - Demi sec
Very Sweet Wine - Sec or Doux

Players from many countries:
While Australian and French wines still rule, wines from other countries are giving them a run for their money. Top contenders are Chile, South Africa and New Zealand.

Germany - Moselle(red), Sekt(sparkling), Riesling (white)
Australia - Sheery & Vermouth
Spain - Sherry-Amontillado and Amoroso & Riojas(red)
Italy - Chianti(red) Verdicchio (white) Ast, Spumante(sparkling)
Sicily - Masala(red)
Portugal - Madiera and Muscatel(red)
Portugal - Tokay(dessert wine)
India - Sula, Choantilli, Riviera (Chaeu Indage)

Pairing with Food
White Wine - light food, fish and chicken, mild curris, pasta and cheese
Red wine - with robust red meats, pizza, hard cheese, hot curries
Sparkling wines - go well with anything before & after dinner
Flavoured wines - everything except dessert.
Dessert Wine - with dessert

WINE 101



Singaporeans adore good food and wines and are happy to pay ay price that they can afford. Life is too short to drink bad wine and eat bad food. Wine types encompass sparkling wine, whites, red, sweet wines and many more. For a larger collection, a wine fridge is de rigeur where you can keep the wine at 12 degrees Celsius and 75 percent humidity. If you’re a wealthy wine connoisseur, you can build your own wine cellar and have them double up as bomb shelter.


White vs Red:
Although red is perceived as having health benefits and is trendier, more people are moving beyond the traditionally popular red to white. Whine white such as ‘cult’ wines like Cloudy Bay from New Zealand are being consumed more here.

Countries of origin:
While Australian and French wines still rule, wines from other countries are giving them a run for their money. Top contenders are Chile, South Africa and New Zealand. For a small collection, a fridge is best. Wyndam Estate Bin 888 from Australia are usually sold out during CNY in Singapore because of its lucky number. France is popular for high-end premium wines.

Sparkling wines:
Champagne are becoming more widespread. Champagnes like James Bond’s “Bollinger Grand Annee 1997 Champagne” while Italy’s Bistol’s Proseco di Valdobbiadene.

25 - 27 Oct // Wine for Asia 2007 It is Asia's most comprehensive international wine exhibition and Sopexa's first inaugural French Pavilion. Read on... ...

8 - 11 Nov // Bonjour French Fair Come down for another season of food and wine at the Bonjour French Fair! There will even be a Giant Eiffel Tower for you to hang the wish of your choice. Read on to find out more.......

19 - 23 Nov // Alsace meets Asia 2007 The yearly affair with Alsace Wine is once again back from the 19 Nov - 23 Nov 2007 with more events. Read on to find out how you can be a part of it... ...

15 Nov // Beaujolais Nouveau Join us on the 15th of Nov to mark the celebration of "Beaujolais Nouveau"! Look out for promotions available with purchase of the wine at Cold Storage, Isetan and Carrefour. More details will be coming your way so keep a look out... ... More Events >>

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