Varietal Wine Glasses

September 21, 2024September 21, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / 1 Comment

Last week I began the discussion on wine glasses. Now I will turn the discussion to the specific types of glasses used for the various varietals of red and white wine.

White Wine Glasses

Having short bowls and long stems, these glasses are perfect for capturing the bright acidity in white wines. The glasses are smaller than red wine glasses, with a less curved bowl and a much narrower opening. White wines don’t require as much space to breathe as reds, and these glasses help deliver subtle aromatics by bringing the wine closer to your nose. There are specific white wine glasses that are designed to enhance full-bodied white wines and those that work best with high-acid wines.

Chardonnay Wine Glasses

White varietals like Chardonnay are best served in a Chardonnay glass. The u-shaped bowl and long stem help the wine’s notes to shine and keep the warmth of your hand away from the bowl. A Chardonnay glass works well with other full-bodied whites such as Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Trebbiano and Sémillon. For oaky Chardonnays, a Pinot Noir wine glass may also be used.

Sauvignon Blanc / Riesling Wine Glasses

Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling wines can be served in the same style of glass. The mid length stem and the narrow bowl will taper slightly. The smaller bowl makes it easier to enjoy the aromas in the wine.

Dessert / Port Wine Glasses

Dessert wine glasses are available in many shapes and sizes, but they tend to be much smaller than standard wine glasses, as these high-alcohol wines are commonly served in two-ounce pours. These glasses will strengthen the aromas and flavour of dessert wines.

Champagne Flutes

Tall and thin, the traditional Champagne flute is generally a visual sign for a celebration. With a small surface area, streamlined straight lines and sturdy base, these glasses help preserve the rising bubbles in Champagne, Sekt, Cava and other sparkling wines. The design helps keep the wine’s bubbles at the base of the glass.

Red Wine Glasses

The overall height and bowl of red wine glasses are larger than those used for white wine. The shape and thickness of a glass influences the aromas, tastes and textures in the wine. The wide bowls on red wine glasses are ideal for swirling, aerating and smoothing the wine, similar to what a decanter would do. This allows the fruity, floral and minerally aromas and flavors to soften, creating a balanced wine tasting experience.

Cabernet Sauvignon / Bordeaux / Merlot Glasses

Bordeaux glasses are designed to enhance full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Bordeaux blends. These glasses are a good match with tannic wines that are often higher in alcohol. The tall bowls and tapered rims round out the flavour intensity and increase alcohol evaporation.

Syrah / Shiraz / Sangiovese / Malbec Glasses

This style is shorter than the Cabernet Sauvignon type glass and has a smaller bowl, designed for medium to full-bodied red wines. The wine’s flavour and spice are softened because the wine hits your palette more gradually due to the smaller opening. The narrower bowl is more tapered to help trap the aroma.

Pinot Noir / Burgundy Wine Glasses

Pinot Noir/Burgundy glasses are perfect for light-bodied reds but are also good for Rosé and oaked Chardonnay. A Pinot Noir glass has a shorter stem and very wide bowl and slightly tapered rim that softens the acidity and tannins. This enables aeration so the delicate floral aromas of the wine can be appreciated.

Universal Wine Glasses

Most glassware manufacturers offer grape and regional specific wine glasses designed for specific styles of wine. This is great if your preferred choice is one style or grape varietal. However, this is not so good if you don’t just like one type of wine. In this situation, a universal wine glass may be a better option, especially if you only want to have a single type of wine glass in your cupboard.

Also, for people just getting started, universal wine glasses are a good investment. These glasses do a reasonable job of balancing the aromas and flavour of most types of wine. They are characterized by having medium-sized bowls, stems and bases, making them versatile, regardless of the varietal or occasion. They are good for serving red, white and sparkling wines.

Stemless Wine Glasses

Despite the risk of warming the wine with the heat of your hand, stemless wine glasses are a good practical option for everyday use and casual gatherings. Having a universal bowl, these glasses are often a good choice when there are young children or active pets around, reducing the likelihood of both spillage and breakage.

Sláinte mhaith

Wine Glasses

September 14, 2024September 14, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

The vessel from which we devour the sweet nectar of the gods – wine – is an important component of the overall experience. The correct shape and style of the glass ensures that we experience the wine’s full and uninhibited aroma and flavour. The experts agree that using a glass made for the varietal that you are drinking is important if you want to taste and smell all the complexities and intricacies of the grape’s character. Varietal-specific glasses are designed to accentuate the fruit character and structural components of the wine to allow for full enjoyment.

There are two different types of wine glasses, stemmed and stemless. There are four parts to every stemmed wine glass, three parts to a stemless one. The similarities and differences are described below.

The rim is the uppermost part of the bowl on both types of glasses. The thickness, shape and size of the rim controls how quickly and smoothly the wine flows out of the bowl into your mouth and where in your mouth the wine first makes contact.

The bowl is attached to the top of the stem on a stemmed wine glass. The bowl enables the wine to be swirled, allowing aeration of the wine and permitting for the release of subtle nuances in the wine which would otherwise remain hidden. With white wines, a smaller bowl maintains vibrancy and freshness in the wine while for big bold red wines, a large bowl moderates the high tannin and alcohol content, to allow the complex flavour and characteristics to be distinguished.

Next, on a stemmed glass the stem connects the bowl to the base. The stem is a thin piece of glass that helps keep the warmth, oils and scents from your hand away from the wine. It also aids in enabling the wine to be swirled. The length and thickness of a stem varies depending on the type of wine glass for the varietal the glass is designed for. Because of the body heat factor, I use only wine glasses that have a stem. However, it is now possible to obtain double-walled stemless wine glasses which help to insulate the wine from the heat of your hand. However, these glasses don’t appear to be available in a variety of bowl types.

Finally, the base of the glass provides stability. Bases come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the overall design of the glass. Stemless wine glasses are not constructed with a base. Their bowls rest directly on a flat surface. Because the stemless glass does not stand as high as a stemmed glass it does have the benefit of being more stable and there is less likelihood of it being knocked over.

Next week I will continue the discussion on glasses, examining the variation in glasses by the type of wine each is intended for.

Sláinte mhaith

The Napa Valley

September 7, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

Being only 30 miles long and several miles wide, California’s Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of the smallest winegrowing regions in the world, with only one-sixth the planted acreage of Bordeaux. About 95% of the wineries are family-owned businesses. The region’s established viticultural practices result in low yields of high-quality grapes, from which the winemakers produce Napa Valley’s renowned wines, which include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Napa generates only 4% of California’s wine grape harvest but has an extraordinary mixture of microclimates, weather and geography, as well as some of the most varied soils found in a wine region anywhere.

In 1968 Napa Valley became the home of the first Agricultural Preserve in the U.S., a long time before environmental issues became a major concern. Today it has the most comprehensive and stringent land use and environmental regulations of any American winegrowing region.

Napa contains 16 sub or nested appellations, each with its own distinct microclimate and terrain that provide recognizable characteristics on the grapes grown there. These sub appellations are presented alphabetically below:

Atlas Peak

The elevation ranges between 230 to 800 metres above sea level with temperatures in the summer that are about 10–15° cooler than the valley floor. There is low day-to-night temperature range, with summer temperatures rarely rising above 32° Celsius.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes are grown in this region.

Calistoga

Daytime summer temperatures may reach more than 38° Celsius and fall to as low as 4° at night. There are cool afternoon and evening breezes. Elevations range from 90 to 370 metres above sea level.

The main varietals grown in this area are Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah.

Chiles Valley

Temperatures peak in the 25° range but the higher elevation and summer fog at night result in nighttime temperatures in the 10° range. With an elevation of 180 to 370 metres above sea level, there are colder winters and springs, as well as strong winds, which results in the harvest coming later than down in the valley.

The key varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Coombsville

Because of the cool maritime winds from the San Pablo Bay, as well as the Petaluma Gap, high temperatures rarely get above 27° Celsius. This appellation is at a low elevation not exceeding 200 metres above sea level.

The grape varietals include Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Diamond Mountain

There are moderately warm temperatures in this region, with less fluctuation than the north Napa Valley floor. Summertime temperatures range from 10° t0 30° Celsius. The elevation ranges from 120 to 670 metres above sea level.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc varietals are grown in the region.

Howell Mountain

Howell Mountain is situated above the fog line on the eastern side of the valley. This area is warmer and drier than the other appellations because of more hours of sunshine and an insignificant amount of marine influence. The elevation ranges from 180 to 800 metres above sea level.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel grapes are grown in this area.

Los Carneros

With marine winds from the San Pablo Bay and the Petaluma Gap, high temperatures rarely exceed 27° Celsius. Elevations range from sea level to 215 metres above sea level.

Varietals grown include Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay.

Mount Veeder

There is a cool to moderate temperature in this region, with most of the vineyards situated above the fog line. This results in warmer nights and cooler days than on the valley floor below. Normal summer highs are in the 30° Celsius range. Elevation ranges from 150 to 800 metres above sea level.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Chardonnay grapes are grown.

Oak Knoll

Having a moderate to cool climate with marine air and fog often remaining until late morning, afternoon breezes often develop, maintaining summer temperatures that reach as high as 33° Celsius. Elevations rise from sea level up to 150 metres.

The varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Oakville

The climate is moderately warm, with temperatures generally in the mid-30s during summer, but are impacted by night and early morning fog. Elevations are the same as Oak Knoll, rising from sea level to 150 metres.

However, only Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc varietals produced here.

Rutherford

The region is moderately warm, marginally influenced by early morning fog. Summer temperatures usually rise to the mid-30s, with a distinct day-to-night fluctuation in temperature. Elevations range from sea level to 180 metres.

Grape varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel.

St. Helena

Less fog and wind, along with heat reflecting off the hillsides, see summer temperatures often reach the mid-to-high 30s. Elevations range from 30 to 200 metres above sea level.

Grape grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel.

Spring Mountain

Cool weather prevails as most of the vineyards are located above the fog line, providing warmer nights and cooler days than the valley floor below. Mid-summer temperatures reach 30° Celsius. Elevations range from 180 to 800 metres above sea level.

Grapes grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Zinfandel

Stags Leap

This region is moderately warm with afternoon marine winds cooling the warmer air. Summer temperatures can reach to about 40° Celsius but are normally in the mid-30s. Elevations range from sea level to 150 metres.

Grapes grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Wild Horse Valley

This is one of the warmer regions with summer temperatures hovering in the mid-30s. Elevations range from 180 to 600 metres above sea level.

Varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Yountville

Moderate, with cool marine influence and morning fog, summer mornings are cool in this region. Marine breezes keep afternoons more comfortable than further up the valley with high temperatures reaching 32° Celsius and nighttime lows dropping into the teens. Elevations range from just above sea level to 60 metres.

Varietals are limited to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Sláinte mhaith

The Future of Scotch Whisky

August 31, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

Whisky has evolved from simply being a drink on its own to being part of an overall holistic lifestyle. Today people who appreciate fine single-malt scotch whisky are also thought to have an appreciation for fashion, travel, watches, cars and luxury pursuits. All of these things can go together hand in hand.

There was a period during the 1980s when there was an excess of Scotch Whisky production that was the result of erroneous market assumptions. This resulted in a ‘lake’ of unsellable whisky because of the miscalculation in demand. This became known as the ‘Whisky Loch’. During this period twenty distilleries closed, production slowed by 35% and 20 years later there was still a large quantity of undesired 3 year old whisky.

New markets opening due to the ever-growing middle class in India, China and South America point towards a promising future for Scotch Whisky and single malts in particular; there is currently no fear of another Whisky Loch occurring anytime soon.

A combination of non-aged whiskies are often being used to appeal to new and younger audiences. Refined approaches to marketing and branding are being explored. Also, with the resurgence in the demand for Scotch Whisky, the supply of aged single malts has been somewhat depleted resulting in higher prices for these whiskies. The new blends, on the other hand, have a more favourable price point. These new blended whiskies can also become the base for a variety of nice whisky cocktails.

Sláinte mhaith

String Wine

August 24, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

While dining in a restaurant in Paris earlier this year I came across something that I had never seen before – being able to purchase wine by the portion of the bottle that you consume. The server provides you with your choice of a bottle of French red or white. The bottle comes with a string tied around the neck that then drapes down the length of the bottle. There are knots in the string to indicate 12, 25, 37, 50, 62 and 75 centilitres of wine.

This is referred to as, “à la ficelle”. It is a very practical approach to purchasing wine when you don’t want to consume a whole bottle but desire more than a single glass.

Although the concept of ficelle wine has only started to become popular in restaurants in recent years, the concept dates all the way back to the 15th century. According to legend, it was an Auvergne innkeeper by the name of Gaultier who, in the 1400s, used a piece of string to determine how much wine his customers drank.

During that time wine was served in earthenware or pewter pitchers. The innkeeper used an evenly spaced knotted rope to determine the quantity of wine his patrons had consumed. The distance between each knot represented 25 centilitres of wine.

With the current trend where people are reducing their wine consumption, the concept of string wine is becoming more popular. Less restaurant patrons are purchasing wine by the bottle and instead 20% now favour wine by the glass while 12% now prefer the wine by string concept.

Sláinte mhaith

A Lost Appetite

August 17, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

Many of the world’s wine regions are facing problems resulting from an oversupply of grapes. For example, last year the French government spent 200 million euros to dispose of surplus wine. In addition to that, Bordeaux region vintners received 57 million euros to destroy 9,500 hectares of grape vines.

In Australia, millions of vines are being destroyed and tens of millions more must be removed to control overproduction. Drastically reduced grape prices are threatening the incomes of growers and wine makers.

Falling consumption of wine worldwide has hit Australia particularly hard as demand shrinks fastest for the cheaper reds that are its biggest product. It had relied on the Chinese market for growth until recent years. Last year there was more than two billion litres of surplus wine in Australia.

Oversupply is not a new phenomenon. In the past the industry has always been able to readjust but going forward it may not be as easy. Past declines were triggered by economic factors such as market crashes, the tech boom, new tax laws and other more specific events that impacted the amount of money people spent and how they prioritized their consumption of wine.

Today the reduction in wine consumption is the result of a change in attitude and lifestyle resulting in people consuming less wine. Campaigns such a “Dry January” and “Sober October” are becoming more and more popular, leading to less wine consumption in the other ten months of the year. As a result, wine drinking has been declining year over year since 2017.

In France, wine consumption has declined significantly, from 150 litres per person per year in 1950, to 40 litres per person in 2022. The French people are no longer insular with just their own culture. Instead, they have adopted influences from other parts of the world and as a result, have substituted some of their wine consumption with other beverage options, such as beer, whiskey and cocktails.

Cuisine is changing as well, which has altered drinking habits. Lighter food choices and finger foods are often replacing traditional multi-course meals. Also, people have been reducing the amount of red meat in their diet. This has resulted in consumers wanting lighter, lower-alcohol wines. The Bordeaux region in particular has been greatly impacted by this, having reduced demand for their full-bodied red wines.

The U.S. market is being impacted as well due to a focus on wellness and a change in lifestyle. Non-alcoholic beverages sales there have increased 20.6 percent from 2021 to 2022.

People are drinking less wine but better wine. Over the past seven years, the U.S. wine industry is seeing growth rates sag in the under $12 category but wines in higher-priced tiers continue to see growth.

This change has also impacted wine sales in Australia where for the first time since the mid-1990s there is an oversupply based on a lack of consumer demand. A main driver of the decline is due to the lack of demand for Australin wine in the U.S.

There are other factors as well affecting Australian wine sales. In March 2021, China imposed a 218 percent tariff on Australian wine in response to Australia requesting an independent investigation as to the origins of COVID-19. China’s decision wreaked havoc on Australia’s wine industry.

The world is also still feeling the effects of the pandemic. From supply chain issues to how people purchase and consume wine was severely impacted. The good news is that there are indications that the wine industry is heading toward a return to normalcy, at least in this regard. Wine consumption remains lower than in 2015 but above what it was in 2021. This is largely due to the reopening of bars and restaurants. The long-term effects remain to be seen.

Depending on soil conditions, some French vintners are now investigating switching to other crops such as corn or wheat. Others are changing vineyards into livestock pastures. Australia is focusing on market expansion and providing wineries with market data so they can determine their best course of action. Not waiting for new markets to open, some growers are turning to citrus and nut trees instead.

One thing for certain is there is currently much uncertainty in the wine industry.

Sláinte mhaith

Canadian Wine Trends

August 10, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

Here is what the organizers and judges were seeing, hearing and thinking at this year’s WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC). Their narrative has been separated by each judging category and presented below.

Sparkling Wine

While global wine consumption has decreased over the past two years. Sparkling wine, except for costly Champagne, has progressed upwards. In Canada, the Sparkling category burst during the pandemic, especially with accessible and affordable selections. The quality of Canadian sparkling wine continues to improve.

Red Blends

Red blends are abundant in both British Columbia and Ontario, making it the second largest category at the National Wine Awards. There is a variety of styles and grape varieties.

Bordeaux blends and Rhone blends continue to be important, but winemakers are increasingly evolving beyond the traditional French classic style. The next frontier is beginning to appear where blends consisting of Malbec, Carménère and Syrah are part of a new wave of Okanagan red blends.

White Blends

Winemakers continually mix and match with several varietal combinations. There are many permutations made with traditional varietals, as well as hybrid grapes.

There are no firm rules other than those set out by VQA which says that all the grapes in a labeled bottle must come from the province, an appellation and sub-appellation. Beyond this, the choices are endless, allowing white blends to vary from the traditional to the eclectic. Concepts include the Bordeaux combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, Rhône blends that may include Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, but also Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc. This year, British Columbia has continued to set the trends for blending and styles.

Rosé

There is a great deal of flexibility with respect to producing Rosé wine. Extraction levels and pigmentation can vary, many red or combination of red and white grape varietals can be used and there are no rules overseeing sweetness levels or oak aging.

Most Rosés are not meant for extended aging and are often best consumed in the year in which they are made. In Canada, most Rosés are bottled from March to June and make it to the stores between April and July.

Pinot Gris/Grigio

This white wine grape is a mutation clone of the black Pinot Noir grape. The skin colour varies greatly, and the wines produced from Pinot Gris also vary in hue from palest yellow to deep golden to blushing salmon. Pinot Gris also goes by its Italian name, Pinot Grigio. Wines made in the fresh, crisp and unoaked style of Italy’s Veneto region are called Grigio, while those in a richer, riper version go by Gris.

Orange

Orange wines are skiin contact white wines. There is no rule as to the length of the contact period or the grape varietals used. These wines range widely in colour and style.

Niagara’s popular Vidal grape responded well to skin contact, bringing texture and complexity to its tropical fruit profile. However, aromatic Gewürztraminer, with its subtly oily mouthfeel and subtle tannic framework, also showed well.

Gamay

Things change each year as there are new entries from newer wineries making Gamay. Some things also remain the same as many long-time advocates and committed Gamay producers continue to make excellent wines.

Pinot Noir

No other grape causes more of a stir. For many, there is no other grape variety. Pinot Noir has found enormous global success and Canadian soils are largely responsible for that. From agile, transparent, high-toned, red berry charmers to darker, seriously ripe and often tannic iterations, Pinot Noir succeeds with harmony and balance.

Chardonnay

This is always one of the largest categories in the competition. Chardonnay always leads or equals the greatest number of medals from platinum to bronze. Prices ranged from $87 for the most expensive medal winner to $11.95 for the least costly.

While the most expensive wine was not a platinum winner, there is a correlation between price and medal earned, establishing that top quality wine sells for more money. The average price for the platinum winners came in at just over $45, $40 for gold, $39 for silver and $33 for Bronze.

Malbec and other Red Single Varieties

Malbec represented 18 of the 41 medal winners in this category and accounted for 7 of 8 of the gold medals. It accounted for just 1.4% of entries in the competition but earned 4.1% of all gold medals.

This trend is almost entirely driven by British Columbia. There is something special about Okanagan Malbec. Much like Syrah, it does well up and down the valley.

Other White Single Varieties

Chardonnay and Riesling are often singled out as the signature grapes when it comes to top quality Canadian white wine. There are many other white varieties producing spectacular results including Grüner Veltliner wines from British Columbia.

Chenin Blanc is another consistent performer in BC and Ontario, making vibrant, fruit- forward wines.

Sleek, elegant Sémillon wines are also cropping up with increased frequency from coast to coast, as single variety wines and in classic Sauvignon blends.

Pinot Blanc proved its merit for good value, easy drinking white wine.

Gewürztraminer and Viognier

Viognier and Gewürztraminer remain minor varieties on the Canadian wine scene. Both grapes are particularly unreliable in Ontario, where Gewürztraminer accounted for just 2% of total production in 2023. Viognier is so rare that it is in the “other” category in the VQA’s annual report. In B.C. Gewürztraminer places a respectable 4th among white varieties in 2023, behind Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling. Viognier sits in ninth position alongside other Rhône varieties suitable to the West Coast’s unique conditions.

Sauvignon Blanc

At this year’s competition, Sauvignon Blanc took great strides and gained increased favour from judges and wine lovers. There were 32 medals awarded, with 20 going to Ontario and 12 to British Columbia. Of impressive interest is the average price of the 16 Silver Medal winners. These are wines that scored 90 points with an average cost of $23.40.

Syrah

“Syrah” above “Shiraz” is the key style in Canada. Reflective of a French Rhône style “Syrah”, as opposed to “Shiraz”, wines labelled as such tend to be distinctively peppery, with more sharp tannins, lower alcohol and exhibit more freshness than “Shiraz”. Yet in Canada, there is no enforcement over the use of these terms. Vintage variation and place do play a deterministic role, but the style of Syrah in Canada is heavily influenced by winegrowing and winemaking decisions that vary from producer to producer.

Ontario can produce excellent Syrah, but the category has forever been dominated by British Columbia.

Riesling

Canada has many great and quality examples of Riesling. It is a variety that truly expresses the place where it is grown. Riesling also counts among some of Canada’s oldest planted vinifera varieties, with plantings dating back to the mid 1970’s and early 1980’s in both Niagara and the Okanagan Valley.

Icewine & Late Harvest

Icewine, is the most important wine export. Now more than ever, due to erratic weather patterns, production is being threatened. Since the start of Icewine production in the 1970’s, a harvest has never been missed despite coming close a few times because of a mild winter in Ontario.

VQA regulations require the grapes to be naturally frozen on the vine, harvested, and pressed while the air temperature remains at or below -8 degrees Celsius. Recurrent periods of freezing and thawing can cause grapes to split, increasing unpredictable acidity in the wine. Production is a physically demanding task for both for the vines, that must bear their fruit into the cold of winter, as well as for the winemaker, who often harvests on the coldest of winter nights.

Cabernet Sauvignon

The number of gold medals has dropped from 13 in 2022 to 10 in 2023 to 7 this year. Despite the results, it is the category that has the most potential.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape in the world, but such is not the case in Canada. It is the third most planted red variety in British Columbia, with 7.7% of total grapes grown. In Ontario, Cabernet Sauvignon represents only 5.9% of the grape harvest. There’s been a consistent downward trend, as a percentage of tonnage, over the last five years.

Cabernet Franc

Ontario has historically had a slight edge over the Okanagan Valley, given Ontario’s generally cooler and wetter climate, which suits the lighter, aromatic style that the judges tend to favour. However, the margin of difference has always been slim.

This year Ontario captured 38 out of 53 medals in total. However, British Columbia’s representation was impacted by the wildfires that severely impacted the Okanagan Valley in 2021, which resulted in smoke-tainted wines from some parts of the valley. Since these wineries did not submit any smoke-tainted wines, the number of submissions from B.C. was reduced significantly.

Merlot

Merlot remains the number one red planted grape in British Columbia.

There you have it; and that’s a wrap on the 2024 National Wine Awards.

Sláinte mhaith

2024 National Wine Awards

August 2, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

The WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada (NWAC) is the country’s largest competition, involving only 100 percent Canadian-grown and produced wines. The judging involves a select group of Canadian wine writers, educators, sommeliers and two international judges who spend a week assessing some 2000 wines and ciders. This year’s competition took place near Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Double Honour

The Winery of the Year and Small Winery of the Year is Kelowna British Columbia’s SpearHead Winery. In addition to the twin honours this year, they also had unprecedented success in an individual category (Pinot Noir), winning a total of seven medals for their Pinots, including three platinum, one gold, three silvers and a bronze. In total they earned a total of twelve medals.

Top 10 Wineries

Six of the top ten wineries this year are from British Columbia, with the remaining four from Ontario. The top ten are:

SpearHead Winery, British Columbia
Meyer Family Vineyards, British Columbia
Henry of Pelham, Ontario
Black Hills Estate Winery, British Columbia
Thirty Bench Wine Makers, Ontario
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, British Columbia
Nostalgia Wines, British Columbia
Peller Estates Niagara-on-the Lake, Ontario
Lake Breeze Vineyards, British Columbia
Vieni Estates, Ontario

The Top 10 Small Wineries

Seven of the top ten small wineries are from British Columbia, with the remainder from Ontario. The top ten are:

SpearHead Winery, British Columbia
Meyer Family Vineyards, British Columbia
Nostalgia Wines, British Columbia
Lake Breeze Vineyards, British Columbia
The Organized Crime Winery, Ontario
Corcelettes Estate Winery, British Columbia
Black Bank Hill, Ontario
Kismet Estate Winery, British Columbia
Fort Berens Estate Winery, British Columbia
Lailey Winery, Ontario

Regional Top 10 Winners

British Columbia

SpearHead Winery
Meyer Family Vineyards
Black Hills Estate Winery
Quails’ Gate Estate Winery
Nostalgia Wines
Lake Breeze Vineyards
Corcelettes Estate Winery
Nk’Mip Cellars
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
Kismet Estate Winery

Ontario

Henry of Pelham
Thirty Bench Wine Makers
Peller Estates Niagara-on-the-Lake
Vieni Estates
The Organized Crime Winery
Black Bank Hill
Two Sisters Vineyards
Lailey Winery
Hidden Bench Estate Winery
Marynissen Estates

Platinum and Gold Medal Winners

Only 1% of the wines entered earn a Platinum Medal. This year, 18 out of 1,800 wines received this recognition. Every Platinum winner has passed through a minimum of two tastings and a review by a minimum of five judges. These wines must be put forward by at least three judges in the first round and re-considered by at least five judges in the second round.

Earning a Platinum Medal greatly increases a winery’s performance score based on the mathematical degree of difficulty in reaching Platinum. This helps to decide the Winery of the Year and the Top 25 list.

Platinum and Gold medals were awarded in the following categories, presented alphabetically below:

Cabernet Franc

Platinum Medal

Black Bank Hill 2020 Cabernet Franc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Vieni Estates 2022 Cabernet Franc, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

Bordertown 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Domaine Queylus 2022 Cabernet Franc Réserve du Domaine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Fielding 2022 Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Megalomaniac Wines 2020 To Be Frank Cabernet Franc, Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Organized Crime 2020 Cabernet Franc Unfiltered, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Stonebridge 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc Single Vineyard, Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Thirty Bench 2022 Winemaker’s Blend Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Vieni Estates 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Watchful Eye Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Cabernet Sauvignon

Platinum Medal

Peller Estates 2020 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

Chaberton Estate Winery 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, British Columbia
Colio Estate Wines 2020 Small Lot Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Corcelettes 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Hillside Winery 2020 Howe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Kismet 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Nk’Mip Cellars 2020 Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Sprucewood Shores 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Ha

Chardonnay

Platinum Medal

Henry of Pelham 2022 Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Meyer 2022 Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Quails’ Gate 2021 Rosemary’s Block Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

CedarCreek 2022 Platinum Jagged Rock Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
CedarCreek 2022 Platinum Lake Country Chardonnay, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Cloudsley Cellars 2021 Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Domaine Queylus 2020 Chardonnay Tradition, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Fort Berens 2022 White Gold Chardonnay Reserve, Lillooet, British Columbia
Gray Monk 2022 Odyssey Chardonnay, British Columbia
Konzelmann 2022 Reserve Series Chardonnay Barrel Aged, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Le Clos Jordanne 2021 Le Grand Clos Chardonnay, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Meyer 2022 Chardonnay Old Main Rd Vineyard, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Meyer 2022 Dekleva Clone Chardonnay Anarchist Mountain Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Monte Creek 2022 Living Land Chardonnay, British Columbia
O’Rourke Family Estate 2022 Twisted Pine Chardonnay, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Organized Crime 2022 Sacred Series Cuvée Krystyna Chardonnay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Quails’ Gate 2021 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Redstone Winery 2021 Chardonnay Limestone Vineyard, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Solvero 2022 Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Tawse 2021 Quarry Road Chardonnay, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
The Good Earth 2021 Chardonnay, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Chardonnay Extended Barrel Aged, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Trius 2022 Showcase Chardonnay Wild Ferment Watching Tree Vineyard, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Westcott 2021 Block 76 Chardonnay, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gamay

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

13th Street Winery 2023 Gamay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Deep Roots 2022 Reserve Gamay Noir, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Malivoire 2023 Gamay, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Malivoire 2023 Le Coeur Gamay, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Stratus 2022 Gamay, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Three Sisters Winery 2022 Gamay, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gewürztraminer and Viognier

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

Hillside Winery 2023 Gewürztraminer, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Magnotta 2022 Gewürztraminer Venture Series, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Meyer 2022 Gewürztraminer McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Icewine & Late Harvest

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

Inniskillin Niagara 2022 Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Jackson-Triggs Niagara 2022 Reserve Vidal Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Two Sisters Vineyards 2023 Riesling Icewine, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Malbec and other Red Single Varieties

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

Blasted Church 2022 Small Blessings Grenache, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Corcelettes 2021 Malbec Micro Lot Series Estate Vineyard, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Fox & Archer 2021 Malbec, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Lailey Winery 2021 Wild Ferment Malbec Lailey Vineyard, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Rainmaker Wines 2020 Malbec The Risk Taker Rattlesnake Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Road 13 2021 John Oliver Selection Malbec, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Valley Commons 2021 Malbec Single Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Van Westen 2021 Violeta, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Merlot

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

Black Sage Vineyard 2020 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Marynissen Estates 2020 Platinum Merlot, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Nk’Mip Cellars 2021 Qwam Qwmt Merlot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Nostalgia Wines 2020 Merlot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Pinot Gris/Grigio

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

EastDell 2023 Pinot Grigio, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Henry of Pelham 2023 Pinot Grigio, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Inniskillin Niagara 2022 Reserve Pinot Gris, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Marynissen Estates 2023 Pinot Grigio, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Mayhem 2023 Pinot Gris, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Unsworth Vineyards 2023 Saison Vineyard Pinot Gris, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Pinot Noir

Platinum Medal

Meyer 2022 B Field Blend McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
SpearHead 2022 Club Consensus Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
SpearHead 2022 Saddle Block Pinot Noir, East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

1 Mill Road Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Black Pine, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
1 Mill Road Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Home Block, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Blue Grouse Estate Winery 2021 Pinot Noir, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
CedarCreek 2022 Estate Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Domaine Queylus 2020 Pinot Noir La Grande Réserve , Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Fort Berens 2022 Pinot Noir, British Columbia
Hidden Bench 2021 Pinot Noir Unfiltered Felseck Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Hidden Bench 2021 Pinot Noir Unfiltered Locust Lane Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Meyer 2020 Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Meyer 2022 Micro Cuvee Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir McLean Creek Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Monte Creek 2022 Living Land Pinot Noir, British Columbia
Organized Crime 2020 Sacred Series Tara Block Pinot Noir Unfiltered, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Riverview Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Rosehall Run 2022 Pinot Noir, Ontario
SpearHead 2021 Golden Retreat Pinot Noir, Summerland Lakefront, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Tightrope 2022 Pinot Noir Rubis, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Unsworth Vineyards 2022 Cowichan Valley Pinot Noir, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Red Blends

Platinum Medal

Black Hills 2022 Bona Fide, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Burrowing Owl 2021 Athene, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Hester Creek 2022 GSM, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Nostalgia Wines 2020 Malbec Petit Verdot, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

Black Hills 2022 Ipso Facto, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Black Hills 2022 Addendum, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Colio Estate Wines 2020 Small Lot Series Meritage, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Corcelettes 2020 Talus, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Foolish Wine 2020 Hooligan Meritage, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Henry of Pelham 2020 Speck Family Reserve Cabernet-Merlot, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Hidden Bench 2020 La Brunante Unfiltered, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Kismet 2020 Moksha, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Magnotta Pzazz N/V Merlot Cab Limited Edition, Ontario
Mt. Boucherie 2020 Summit, British Columbia
Nk’Mip Cellars 2021 Winemakers Talon
Nostalgia Wines 2020 Meritage, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Nostalgia Wines 2022 Rockabilly Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Organized Crime 2020 Pipe Down, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Peller Estates 2021 Signature Series Estate Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Pentâge Winery 2018 GSM Dirty Dozen Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Road 13 2022 Honest John’s Bold Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Stag’s Hollow 2020 Renaissance Meritage Stag’s Hollow Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Stratus 2020 White Label Red, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Tawse 2021 Meritage, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Three Sisters Winery 2022 Bench Red, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Two Sisters Vineyards 2020 Eleventh Post, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Wayne Gretzky 2022 Signature Series Cabernet Merlot, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Riesling

Platinum Medal

Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Riesling Wood Post Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

Henry of Pelham 2023 Speck Family Reserve Riesling, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Inniskillin Niagara 2022 Discovery Series Susse Reserve Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
La Frenz Winery 2022 Riesling 21B Freedom 75 Vineyard, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Lailey Winery 2022 Off-Dry Riesling Lailey Vineyard, Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Lake Breeze 2023 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Megalomaniac Wines 2021 Narcissist Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Organized Crime 2023 Riesling, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Peak Cellars 2022 Estate Grown Block 11 Riesling, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 49 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Quails’ Gate 2023 Clone 49 Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Storm Haven 2022 Riesling Boulders, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Synchromesh 2023 Dry Riesling Storm Haven Vineyard White Label, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Tantalus Vineyards 2021 Old Vines Riesling, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Thirty Bench 2021 Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Two Sisters Vineyards 2021 Riesling , Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Van Westen 2022 Viscous, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Rosé

Platinum Medal

Fresh N/V Rosé, Ontario

Gold Medal

Culmina 2023 Saignée, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Fox&Archer 2022 Unfiltered Saignée, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Mercator Vineyards 2023 Compass Rosé, Nova Scotia
Tinhorn Creek 2023 Reserve Rosé, Okanagan Valley, British Colu

Sauvignon Blanc

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

Peller Estates 2022 Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc, Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Sparkling Wine

Platinum Medal

Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Brut Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Gold Medal

Huff Estates 2021 Cuvée Peter F. Huff, Prince Edward County, Ontario
La Frenz Winery 2020 Aster Estate Grown Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Lightning Rock 2021 Elysia Vineyard Blanc de Noirs, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Liquidity Wines N/V Reserve Sparkling Brut, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Marynissen Estates 2020 Blanc de Blancs, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Noble Ridge 2018 Noble Knights McEachnie Vintage Blanc de Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Noble Ridge 2019 The Pink One, Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Queenston Mile Vineyard 2018 Blanc De Blanc, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Ravine Vineyard N/V Brut, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Redstone Winery 2022 Sparkling Rosé, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Road 13 2019 Select Harvest Old Vines Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Thirty Bench N/V Sparkling Riesling, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Township 7 2020 Seven Stars Polaris, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Two Sisters Vineyards 2021 Lush Sparkling Rosé, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

Syrah

Platinum Medal

Lake Breeze 2020 Cellar Series Mistral, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Gold Medal

Black Hills 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Corcelettes 2021 Syrah , Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
Creekside 2020 Broken Press Syrah Reserve Queenston Road Vineyard, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Fielding 2020 Syrah Lowrey Vineyard, St. David’s Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
JoiRyde Winery 2022 Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Kismet 2021 Family Select Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Konzelmann 2022 Syrah Barrel Aged Reserve, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Laughing Stock 2021 Syrah , Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Le Vieux Pin 2022 Syrah Cuvee Violette, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Phantom Creek 2020 Kobau Vineyard Syrah, Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Roche Wines 2021 Amulet Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Tantalus Vineyards 2022 Syrah, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia
The Wine Umbrella 2020 Co-Syrah
Tinhorn Creek 2021 Reserve Syrah, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

White Blends

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

Lake Breeze 2022 Roussanne Viognier, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Terravista Vineyards 2022 Figaro, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Terravista Vineyards 2023 Fandango, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Other White Single Varieties

Platinum Medal

No medal awarded

Gold Medal

Black Hills 2022 Roussanne, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Fort Berens 2023 Small Lot Grüner Veltliner Red Rock Vineyard, British Columbia
Peak Cellars 2022 Gruner Veltliner, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Quails’ Gate 2022 Clone 220 Chenin Blanc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Terravista Vineyards 2023 Albariño, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

The complete list of this year’s results can be found at winealign.com/awards.

Sláinte mhaith

The Potential Benefits of Whiskey

July 27, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

I am not sure how much credence I am willing to put in this, but there are those who say there is evidence to prove that there are health benefits to be gained from moderate whiskey or other alcohol consumption. I am a true whiskey fan but I am skeptical of at least several of the claimed health benefits.

I think everyone will agree that too much of anything can be bad for you. It is argued that alcohol can be both a tonic and a poison. The difference seems to depend on the amount consumed. It is debated that moderate drinking can be good for the heart and circulatory system, and possibly protects against Type 2 diabetes and gallstones.

On the other hand, heavy drinking is a major cause of preventable death. Heavy drinking can damage the liver and heart, harm an unborn child, increase the chances of developing some cancers, and can lead to depression amongst other things.

The active ingredient in alcohol, ethanol, affects the body in many ways. It directly influences the stomach, brain, heart, gallbladder, and liver. It affects the level of cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin in the blood, as well as causing inflammation and coagulation. It also alters mood, concentration, and coordination.

All the various studies base their research on what the researchers refer to as moderate alcohol consumption. However, the definition of moderate consumption is not consistent throughout the scientific community. In some studies, the term “moderate drinking” refers to less than 1 drink per day, while in others it means 3 to 4 drinks per day, a significant difference. Exactly what constitutes “a drink” also varies. In fact, even among alcohol researchers, there’s no universally accepted standard drink definition. Many consider a drink as consisting of 1½ ounces of alcohol, but even then, the alcohol level by volume can vary from whiskey to whiskey.

Even moderate drinking is known to have some risks. Alcohol can disrupt sleep, as well as may interact in potentially dangerous ways with a variety of medications, including acetaminophen, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, painkillers and sedatives. It is also addictive, especially for people with a family history of alcoholism.

One serving of alcohol on average contains 100 to 150 calories, so even a moderate amount of 2 drinks a day can contribute 200 to 300 calories to your daily caloric intake. Mixed drinks that add juice, tonic, soft drinks or syrups will increase the calorie intake even further, increasing the risk of weight gain over time.

So what are the potential health benefits to be gained from whiskey or other forms of alcohol consumption? To start with, there are more than 100 prospective studies that suggest an inverse association between light to moderate drinking and risk of heart attack, ischemic (clot-caused) stroke, peripheral vascular disease, sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular related death.

Research indicates that there is a relationship between moderate drinking and lower risk of cardiovascular disease in both men and women. It applies to people who do not have heart disease, and also to those at high risk for having a heart attack or stroke or dying of cardiovascular disease, including those with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and existing cardiovascular disease.

Moderate amounts of alcohol raise levels of the “good cholesterol”, high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Higher levels of HDL are considered to provide greater protection against heart disease. Moderate alcohol consumption is also linked to better sensitivity to insulin and improvements in factors that influence blood clotting. Such changes would tend to prevent the formation of small blood clots that can block arteries in the heart, neck, and brain, the ultimate cause of many heart attacks and ischemic strokes.

Other claimed health benefits include helping to maintain body weight, using as an antibiotic on scrapes and cuts, protection against dementia, reduction of high levels of uric acid, which in turn lowers the frequency and risk of gout attacks, and lastly it is gluten free.

This is all well and good but there are some essential factors to keep in mind. Having 7 drinks on a single day and then not drinking the rest of the week is not considered the same as having 1 drink a day. The weekly total may be the same, but the health implications are not.

The potential social and psychological benefits of alcohol cannot be easily quantified. A drink before a meal can improve digestion or offer a soothing reprieve at the end of a stressful day and an occasional drink with friends can be a social refresher.

There is one more caveat to add to this debate and that is, given the complexity of alcohol’s effects on the body and the complexity of the people who drink it, all-encompassing statements about the benefits of whiskey consumption cannot be made. Because each of us has unique personal and family histories, alcohol offers each of us a unique variety of benefits and risks. So, are there health benefits to be gained from whiskey consumption? Maybe.

Sláinte mhaith

Aging and Wine Vintage

July 20, 2024 / A Layman's Wine Musings / Leave a comment

Before I begin let’s be clear on what ‘vintage wines’ are. Vintage wines are wines that are produced from grapes harvested during a single growing season as opposed to non-vintage wines, which can be produced from grapes grown in two or more growing seasons.

Vintage wines that are cellared go through ongoing chemical effects that will continue until a bottle is uncorked. These outcomes are the result of continuous interactions between the wine’s alcohol, sugar and acid compounds, which combine in the bottle to create new complex flavours, textures and aromas. However, these results are not random. Skilled winemakers understand the chemistry behind aging wine and will manipulate the cellar environment to encourage various flavours and aromas that result in an appealing good vintage.

During cellaring the varietal’s natural flavours do not significantly change. A wine’s primary flavours will always be preserved regardless of cellaring timelines. These flavours are a result of the grape varietal and the conditions the grapes grew in.

However, aging a vintage varietal will affect the secondary and tertiary flavours and aromas. Both notes result from the winemaker’s techniques as well as the chemical interactions between a wine’s natural compounds. These activities define an aging wine.

White wines, especially dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, tend to become oily, heavy and stickier over time. Red wines, particularly those with naturally high tannin levels such as Nebbiolo, Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, tend to soften with time. This creates sediment that collects at the bottom of a bottle. As a result, the wine becomes smoother and less sharp, resulting in a gentler drinking experience.

The final characteristic affected by aging wine is colour. To see if a red wine has been properly aged, first look at the outer edge where the poured wine meets the glass. At that meeting point, which is referred to as the rim, the wine will appear lighter in colour. A young red wine, on the other hand, will have a rim that appears murky or opaque.

As red wines oxidize with age, their colours often change to deep shades of ruby-purple to softened mauves and then finally to tawny, deep browns. As white wine ages it tends to move from paler, straw-yellow shades to deeper golden hues. White vintages aged three or more years can eventually darken to the point of turning a golden amber color.

These changes in colour are the result of oxidation. When a wine bottle is properly sealed the only oxygen in a bottle will be the small amount trapped in the bottle’s neck, as well as what little oxygen passes through the cork or seal. Most cellared red and white vintages will be sealed with a traditional cork, which allows minimal oxygen to permeate. However, given that cork is itself a natural non-uniform product, oxygen permeation will vary significantly even between bottles cellared and cased at the same time.

Not all wines are created with the ability to be aged. The wine maker’s notes are often a good indication of a wine’s aging capability. Red wines that generally age well include:

Bordeaux and Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, aged 2 to 4 years
Chianti Riserva, aged 2 to 4 years
Petite Syrah, aged 2 to 5 years
New World Nebbiolo, aged 2 to 6 years
Australian and Californian Grenache, aged 2 to 10 years
Italian or Californian Cabernet Sauvignons, aged 3 to 15 years
Italian Barolo, aged 3 to 15 years

White wines with aging capability include:

Dry White Bordeaux, aged 2 to 3 years
Alsace Pinot Gris, 2 to 5 years
White Rioja, aged 2 to 5 years
Alsace Gewürztraminer, aged 2 to 10 years
Californian Fume Blanc, aged 2 to 10 years
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, aged 3 to 10 years
Australian Chardonnay, 3 to 10 years
German Riesling, 3 to 15 years

These lists are only a suggested guideline, not an exclusive list.

Sláinte mhaith

A Layman's Wine Musings

Exploring the mystical world of wine

Author: A Layman's Wine Musings

Varietal Wine Glasses

Wine Glasses

The Napa Valley

The Future of Scotch Whisky

String Wine

A Lost Appetite

Canadian Wine Trends

2024 National Wine Awards

The Potential Benefits of Whiskey

Aging and Wine Vintage