WELCOME TO WINESPEED
Today is World Champagne Day, although god knows, every day is Champagne Day around my house. See this week’s Wine to Know for the happy details. Our Wine Clip Video this week is with Michael Mondavi, an old friend, and someone who has been front and center when it comes to the evolution of the Napa Valley over the past 50 years. I hope you enjoy it. This week’s Deal is from an historic estate in Australia, a country that deserves to be better known for its top Pinot Noirs. I am just back from the country of Georgia (which I will write about soon); this week’s Verbatim by a Georgian vintner captures everything we all believe about wine. And finally, quizzards, just FYI, I had a great time creating this week’s Quiz.
—Oh, and don’t forget the Spotlight, Karen
A. St Emilion
B. St Estèphe
C. St Joseph
D. St Julien
For World Champagne Day (today), I thought you might like to know my “house” Champagne. The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.
93 points Karen MacNeil / WineSpeed
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Jeroboam
The name used in Burgundy and Champagne for a large bottle containing the equivalent of four standard bottles, or 3 liters of wine. (Jeroboams are also referred to as The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.
My Favorite Videos in Celebration of Come Over October with Michael Mondavi
All this month, I’m featuring interviews I’ve conducted with some of wine’s most compelling people, as we talk about wine’s ability to foster connection, sharing, and friendship.
I have known Michael Mondavi ever since I was a young journalist in New York, trying to break into wine. While his father Robert was always better known, Michael was the driving force behind the success of the Robert Mondavi Winery. Michael has played a key role in the California wine industry for the last half century. His wisdom and experiences show in this special video.
Renowned Author & Dynamic Speaker
With a reputation for captivating audiences and inspiring wine lovers around the world, Karen is available for keynote speeches, seminars, and custom events. Reach out to book Karen for your next event.
The Canelé’s Winemaking Roots
Instantly recognizable by its dark, caramelized crust and soft, custardy center, the canelé is Bordeaux’s iconic pastry. The pastry was born in the 18th century as a “byproduct” of winemaking. The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.
Dear Lauren,
If by decanting, you mean traditional decanting where you pour a wine off its sediment (as is often done with older—15+ years– Cabernet Sauvignon), then there’s no need. Because of its lightish color and generally low level of tannin, Pinot Noir doesn’t throw much of a sediment.
But if, by decanting, you mean simply pouring a wine into a carafe to aerate and “open it up” before you drink it, then the answer is mixed. Pinot Noir tends to be fragile and by aerating it vigorously, you could actually cause the wine to collapse a bit. Pouring a Pinot into a decanter can also cause the wine’s nuanced aromas to blow off. I don’t decant/aerate many Pinot Noirs for this reason.
On the other hand, there are many powerful Pinot Noirs—especially from California. These are fairly dark in color and have highish alcohol and tannin. I think these Pinots actually do benefit from being poured out a half hour or so ahead of drinking.
—Karen
By the Numbers
4.8
The average percentage increase in salary across all positions in the wine industry this year, The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.
13
The standard maximum percentage of alcohol percentage (ABV) allowed for Champagne. However, following an unprecedented season of spring frosts,The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.
37k
Approximate number of grocery items with large-font protein claims on the front of the item’s packaging, according to The New York Times. There are protein coffees, protein waters, protein chips, protein Mac & Cheese, protein brownie batter balls, even The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.
Each week, my team and I will bring you a fascinating and fun dose of wine intel. You’ll find my top wine recommendations (for every one wine we recommend to you, we taste 50 to 100 wines), plus great wine and food quizzes, my takes on happenings in the wine world, and my (hopefully thought-provoking and helpful) blogs. Plus, as always, lots more!
~ Karen MacNeil