Burgundy! What else?...

Burgundy is a region in the North East of France famous throughout the world for its great wines. It covers six large vineyards from North to South :

• Chablis, Chardonnay only with the exception of Saint Bris-le-Vineux, only AOC in Burgundy made from the Sauvignon blanc, which give it that extraordinary floral, exotic fruit flavor 

• Cotes de Nuits 

• Cotes de Beaune 

• Cote Chalonnaise 

• Cote Maconnaise



• Beaujolais 


With an annual harvest of about 200 million bottles, the Burgundy vineyard accounts for roughly 5% of the French production of “Appellation d’Origine Controlee” wines (also known as AOC), but less than 1% of the world wine production.  In terms of size it might well be small but it is huge when it comes to its reputation.

To understand Burgundy better, the concept of “Terroir” has to be understood. The wine’s originality and typical character are due to the largely calcareous soil of Burgundy. For more than 1000 years now, these soils have been enhanced by the know-how of the people of Burgundy.  The “terroir” and the two great Burgundy varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir create a perfect harmony, without equal anywhere in the world.

Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir express their full character alone, without being blended with other varietals. This original characteristic means they are exceptionally pure with specific and recognizable personalities.

Bitter Valentine

A few notes about this rare seasonal craft beer:

Williamsburg Alewerks:
Bitter Valentine (Double India Pale Ale)
Format: 22 oz bomber
Served: 45F // 20 oz Tulip Pint Glass
Enjoyed: 25 Feb 2012

No Bottle Date – Obtained 25 Feb 2012

Other Technical Information:
ABV: 9.00%
SRM: ???
°Plato: ???


Appearance:

Pours rich gold, almost the color of a light copper, and is clean and
transparent.  Head develops moderately, forming loose and porous.
Dissipates quickly, leaves minimal foam on the surface and minimal
lace on the glass. As this beer was enjoyed, the lacing was more
impressive than I originally predicted.

What On Earth Is Terroir?

You may have heard wine junkies throw around the term “terroir” before.  Maybe you just smile and nod as you wonder what on earth terroir means.  Well, you are not alone!  When I was just first getting into wines I heard the same term as well, yet I was way too proud to ask what the term meant.  I think the first time that I heard the term was when I lived in the San Francisco area.  My friend and I would frequently drink and talk about wine with the occasional trip to Napa or Sonoma.  It turns out that the term “terroir” is quite important in the Napa Valley region (and all regions for  that matter!).

Terroir is a French word that came from another French word, terre, meaning “land.”  This term refers to the special characteristics that make a particular parcel of land unique.  Terroir can refer to anything from the soil to the micro-climate to the topography.  It can almost be translated to mean the “sense of place” of a region.

For Pinot Noir Fans Only…

I stumbled upon St. Innocent quite accidentally years ago.  When I used to live in Eugene, Oregon years ago, I would frequent a market in the south of Eugene called Sundance Market.  Well, one day, I left the market and walked around the back through the alley and lo and behold I found Sundance Wine Cellars!  I walked in and was amazed!  To this day, I think this is probably one of the best wine shops I have ever been to.  Anyway, so there was a lady there from St. Innocent and she was doing a tasting and that is where I fell in love with St. Innocent.  They tend to specialize in Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and especially Pinot Noir.