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Lets Do Wine Archive Page
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Happy Labor day-weekend friends!
Since we are having a few family and friends over for the holiday weekend...I thought I had better sample some wines to see what I would offer (like I need an excuse to sample!) I opened a bottle of the 2007 Limited Edition Pacific Quartet and as usual I'm kicking myself for not making more!! This wine, is about 5 months old and is absolutely fantastic! Keep in mind that the 2009 Limiteds will be announced shortly (probably October...if you haven't tried them, be sure to this year...you won't be sorry!) Happy Labor Day! by: Lets Do Wine  
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
 Q. It seems whenever I drink wine I get a headache. What causes this? A.It has been widely publicized that wine is beneficial for our health. In moderate amounts, a glass of wine can benefit our hearts as well as HDL cholesterol levels. However, some people have an adverse reaction and experience a migraine-type headache shortly after consuming a glass of wine. In general, most headaches are experienced after consuming red wine rather than white wines. Researchers still have not pinpointed an exact cause for the headaches but there are a few components in wine that may be the culprit. Tannin, a component in grapes, is the most likely cause of wine headaches. Tannins are found in grape skins and stems. The tannin gives some wine that dry, puckery sensation in your mouth while drinking. They’re not only found in wine, but also in cheese, nuts, chocolate and tea. The tea industry has been recently publicizing the health benefits of the antioxidants found from its tannins. Unlike white wines, red wines are in contact with their skins and stems during the fermentation process causing higher levels of tannin. Tannin consumption can affect serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical found in our brain. High levels of serotonin have been known to cause headaches A common belief is that the sulfites found in wine are the common reason for wine headaches. Sulfites are natural byproducts of fermentation and are also used by most winemakers for their antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. If sulfites can cause headaches, then why add it to wine? Sulphites are truly helpful in wine by keeping it bacteria-free and safe to drink. Without any sulphites, wine would turn to vinegar in a quick amount of time. One of the advantages of making your own wine is that you can add much less sulphites than commercially made wine. Histamines could be another cause of wine headaches. However, some researchers don't believe there are enough histamines to be considered problematic. Histamines are more common in red wines than in white wines. Over-the-counter non-drowsy allergy medication block histamines. Taking an allergy medication an hour prior to consuming wine, may help prevent a headache. The problem of the wine headache is far from being solved. If you are one of the lucky individuals that does not experience wine headaches, consider yourself lucky! If you do suffer from wine headaches, keep a journal and experiment. See how you react to white versus red wines. If red wines seem to trigger headaches more, try reds that have less tannins such as Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and French Reds from the Burgundy region also have less tannins. As always, moderation is the key. Written by: Wendy Kielar, Owner Let's Do Wine Labels: lets do wine, sulphites in wine, tannin in wine, wendy kielar, wine headaches, wine making by: Lets Do Wine
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Italian wine can be simplified with one word, intimidation. The vast array of wines from one of the worlds finest wine making countries can leave heads spinning before the lasagna is out of the oven. But, don’t be afraid. The process of choosing the right Italian wine has been ongoing for 2,000 years. You are not the first person to try and conquer this feat. Below, we will list some helpful hints and suggestions to help you enjoy one of the finest beverages available.
Generally speaking, Italian wines can be divided into two main categories: Table Wines and Higher End Italian Wines. First, lets investigate Table wines. Table wines are a mainstay on Italian dinner tables. They are usually your simple red or white wines, which are inexpensive. Table wines are enjoyed in casual, easygoing atmospheres. First time wine drinkers enjoy Table wines because of the sweeter, light-medium bodied flavor. Remember, Italian wines are typically enjoyed with food. Whether it is a simple shrimp cocktail, or a heavy pasta meal, the flavor of the wine should match the food you are enjoying. Our Higher end Italian Amarone 100% Wine Juice will dig deep into the most educated wine drinker. Unique to the Veneto region of Italy, our Amarone is packed with rich raspberry, blackberry and cassis flavors. Complete with sun-dried raisins, it is full-bodied, deep, dark and inviting with a tannic, fruity finish. Amarone is quite recent but produced by skilled and experienced winemakers, which is what is needed to drive to the right level of desiccation the grapes designed for this precious wine. Higher end Italian wines can be a serviceable addition to any dinner party. If you enjoy white wines, be sure to try our Italian Pinot Grigio Selection. The uniquely Italian version of the well known Pinot Gris grape, picked earlier in Italy than in all other regions and well before its characteristic loss of acidity at ripening, for a bright, crisp, dry white wine with a gentle perfume and a detectable spiciness. Fresh, fragrant and lively, its flavors include a certain flintiness with hints of citrus and almonds. Pinot Grigio, plantings can be found in the Lombardy region around Oltrepo Pavese and in Alto Adige, Italy's northern most wine region. The grape is also prominent in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. These Italian classics will brighten up your day or make you the wonderful dinner host that will have guests begging to return. We understand that it may seem like an overwhelming process to choose the Italian wine that is right for you. Through simple taste testing and research, you will find the right Italian classic that is best for you and your event. by: Lets Do Wine
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Congratuations to all of our customers who won medals at this year's Erie County Fair! It is always great to see that so many kit wines are winning awards.
For all our customers who won using kits, please contact us as the kit manufacturers award prizes for all award winners. Again...keep up the good work! by: Lets Do Wine
Monday, August 11, 2008
We are happy to announce that we are having a wine label contest. We always get a kick out of seeing how creative our customers are making their own labels. We would like to recognize all you creative folks by holding a wine label contest.
The contest will be held on October 4, 2008 and labels must be submitted by Sept 30, 2008. For more information click here for contest details by: Lets Do Wine
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Since so many of us are finding more ways to recylce, we thought we'd share one of our favorites...after your red wine has been oaked with either Oak Cubes or Oak Staves, use the used oak in your grill.
Trust me, nothing is better than a ribeye grilled over French oak soaked in Cabernet Sauvignon! Of course, serve with a glass of Cabernet. by: Lets Do Wine
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Being home wine makers, we've all had a batch or two that just turn out as well as we had hoped. Before you toss any wine here are a few suggestions:
by: Lets Do Wine
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