Wine lovers, do not fear sulfur dioxide – it is a friend and our defender! I know that might strange coming from me, as I am a cheerleader for low intervention winemaking and a BIG fan of the natural wine movement. HOWEVER, I feel there is a strong need for someone to stick up for sulfur dioxide and debunk the myth that SO2 is our enemy. Most consumers have a misconception that Sulfur Dioxide is responsible for every unpleasant side effect that they experience after consuming wine. As a result, many wine drinkers then assume they have a sulfur allergy, but sulfites very rarely are the true culprit and oftentimes play the scapegoat to alcohol and histamines. Rather, wine drinkers around the world should THANK THEIR LUCKY STARS and rejoice in the glory of SO2 because without it, wine as we know it today would be near impossible. [Read more…]
Understanding French Wine Regions
French wine is known for being among the crème de la crème of the wine industry. In other words, French wine has left a strong impression on the world, and the region is known for producing some of the best tasting wines available. In fact more than 5 billion bottles of wine are produced in France each year, ranking the country as one of the largest wine producers worldwide. Across France there are seven distinct regions where the best French wines reside, they include: Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhône Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Champagne, and Alsace. [Read more…]
What You Need to Know About Rosé Wine
Rosé wine is often classified as a sophisticated wine that has a great taste. Rosé is unlike any other wine on the market, as it is neither a red or white wine, and instead it falls into a category of its own. The color of the wine is what distinguishes it from any other. It can vary from a slightly yellow-orange tint, to a vibrant pink, or even a purple, while its flavors can range from savory, sweet, and fruity. [Read more…]
Learning How to Taste Wine
While many may believe that it takes a wine expert to truly taste wine, that is simply not the case. The process of tasting wine is very easy, it is something that anyone can learn to do. [Read more…]
Burgundy Wine and Its Terroir
There’s an incredible irony that many only know Burgundy as a rich shade of dark red, when the color itself originally comes from the color of the wines of that region. For those in France and the fans of French wine, the very opposite could be true. The fame of the Burgundy region for its wine in a country known for wine has many sources, but one term in particular – one that shows up in vineyards the world over – might be the biggest reason: terroir. [Read more…]
Italy’s Veneto Wine Region
Our newest wine tasting series, “Liquid History” started up in January when we explored wines from Northern Italy’s Piemonte Region. In February we will be focusing yet again on another great Italian wine region – the Veneto.
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The Marietta Cellars Wine Family
For more than 30 years Marietta Cellars has been making bold, flavorful red wines featuring delicious local fruit. Over the past decades Marietta wines have been established as some of the best in the Sonoma area. They are known for their creative blends of different grape varietals and for simultaneously using multiple grape vintages. Though California wines are sometimes overhyped, Marietta Cellars is not one of those.
Portfolio Wine Tasting Preview
Ooh are we excited! On Friday, December 5, 2015 Julio’s Liquors will be having a Portfolio Wine Tasting event. So many great wineries will be bringing their best to Julio’s for your pleasure. This event will include wine from 90+, Humoldt, Charles River Wine Company, Ideal Wine & Spirits, and many more. So, without further ado, let’s learn about some of the great people that will bring their wines to Julio’s on December 5!
Sangiovese and The Super Tuscans
Ever dreamed of a romantic getaway traveling throughout Italy and visiting their finest wine regions? Italy’s breathtaking scenery and geographically different regions create a plethora of wines for our tasting pleasure. Next to France, Italy is the largest producer of wine filling Italy with many exquisite vineyards. As of late, Italy boasts 350 official wine varieties and over 1.5 million acres of land dedicated to growing grapes. [Read more…]
Great Summer Wine Ideas
Wine and summer, summer and wine. The two just go together. They both stand for relaxation, joy, and an enthusiasm for life. The craving for a relaxing bottle of wine can really kick in after a long week of work. But some wines go better with summer than others, and that is what we are here for: to help you sort through the wine jungle. Check out this list of six of the best wines as you enjoy the rest of your summer.