Month: September 2020


Sep
2020

DipWSET Theory: Tasting Loire Valley, Touraine

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

We shall continue our tour of Middle Earth, I mean Middle Loire, moving further east into Touraine. If you haven’t read about Middle Loire’s Anjou-Saumur region(s), make sure to take a pitstop there first.

Touraine, Loire Valley, France; Fernando Beteta
Touraine, Loire Valley, France; Fernando Beteta

Again, I find a compelling quote to introduce this region from the Oxford Companion to Wine: “This is ‘the garden of France,’ and Loire chateau country par excellence.” Let’s find out what makes this particular piece of wine country so excellent…

Note: For a simplified look at the Loire Valley, please see Loire Valley Regional Round-Up and Wine Review and Pop Quiz(es): Loire Valley. (More appropriate for those studying for their Level 3 exams.)

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Sep
2020

DipWSET Theory: Tasting Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

Anjou-Saumur, together with Touraine, make up the Middle Loire. (I feel like there’s a joke here about Middle Earth.) But, again for the benefit of my poor brain, I’m going to further separate these three regions (Anjou and Saumur really being two regions that are lumped together) into two separate posts.

Anjou, Loire Valley; Fernando Beteta
Anjou, Loire Valley; Fernando Beteta

Let’s jump right in and start with Anjou-Saumur.

Note: For a simplified look at the Loire Valley, please see Loire Valley Regional Round-Up and Wine Review and Pop Quiz(es): Loire Valley. (More appropriate for those studying for their Level 3 exams.)

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Sep
2020

DipWSET Theory: Tasting Loire Valley, Pays Nantais

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

The Loire Valley is going to be a multi-series event. Rather than tackle the whole large thing at once, I’m taking little nibbles, breaking up my studies into four regions and including one associated tastings for each. For a simplified look at the Loire Valley, please see Loire Valley Regional Round-Up and Wine Review and Pop Quiz(es): Loire Valley.

This series will follow the flow of the Loire River, France’s longest river at 629 miles. Today, we begin our travels as we flow upriver from the Atlantic and step off the boat to discover Pays Nantais and its star grape Melon.

Loire Valley Overview; Fernando Beteta
Loire Valley Overview; Fernando Beteta

 

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Sep
2020

This Week’s Latest Wine Headlines: September 12—18

categories: News, Wine

EDIT Saturday September 19: I prepared this post previous to the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Suffice it to say her passing has affected me greatly. As such, I wanted to add a nod to this wonderful woman who, though not related to wine or the wine industry, has been and will continue to be a great role model to women who wish to pursue their passion in any career field, make a difference in their community, and stand up for what is right and just no matter what their adversaries throw at them.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an historic figure. She changed the way the world is for American women. She was an example of a woman who defied stereotypes.
She’s a role model and an example of what a “nasty woman” can achieve. She’s left a gaping hole in my heart that I hope I and fellow women can fill by following her example.
“My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed,” she said.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 1933—2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 1933—2020

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