This weekend is the San Francisco Wine Competition, so to get in the mood for sipping, test your vino knowledge with my grape quiz. You may know your Chardonnay from your Merlot, but how about the less mainstream varieties? Tell me, red grape or white grape?
Source: Flickr User Nick Allen
Take the Quiz
While I wasn't surprised to sip amazing wine at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, I was not expecting to find an extraordinary nonalcoholic sparkler among the mix. However, the lovely ladies from Sonoma Sparkler were there pouring the bubbly juices. I tasted three of the refreshing sparklers and was highly impressed with the fizzy texture and fresh-fruit flavor. The juice is slightly sweet, easy to drink, and incredibly fruity. They come in six flavors: apple, pear, peach, raspberry, blood orange, and lemonade. With its vibrant pink hue, my favorite was the raspberry. I plan to stock up on Sonoma Sparkler.
It's the perfect option for those who are pregnant or don't drink. Have you tasted this nonalcoholic libation? What did you think?
While at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition, I chatted with one of the pourers about specific types of wine tastings. Both of us were confused on the exact meaning of vertical vs. horizontal tastings. To clarify, I decided to look them up and share the terminology with you.
A horizontal tasting compares wines from the same year but from multiple producers. Usually a boundary is set on the type of grape, region, and wine style. For example, 2001 Zinfandel from Napa Valley or 2006 Chardonnay from Washington state. A horizontal tasting highlights the difference between wine-making styles.
A vertical tasting involves wine from the same producer but from multiple years, for example 2005, 2006, 2007 Pinot Noir from Mark West. A vertical tasting illustrates the difference between vintages.
Participating in both types are a great way to learn about wine. Have you ever engaged in a horizontal or vertical wine tasting? Please share your experience with us below!
Last week I attended a huge wine tasting hosted by the San Francisco Chronicle. The event showcased wineries from over 25 states that competed in the nation's largest wine competition. After the judging takes place — at another location on an earlier date — the newspaper hosts an impressive, almost overwhelming, public tasting. Although I tried countless wines, here are the bottles I plan on seeking out in the future.
