Cryoextraction

Ah Icewine! That unctuous nectar of the Gods produced in cool climates from grapes that have been naturally frozen on the vine. However, there are some countries today producing this style that lack cold winters so natural freezing can’t happen. Instead, ripe or late harvest grapes are picked and artificially frozen until they’re solid. Known as “cryoextraction” the frozen grapes are then crushed and fermented. Much cheaper to produce than the “real thing”, this freezer wine in California, is called “vin de glace”. Although similar in character, purists would argue that true Icewine is strictly a product that Mother Nature creates and any other form is a lackluster imitation.

Picking a Wine Critic to Follow

Following a wine writer’s advise on what to buy and sip can be tedious, and frankly, a gamble. Just because a critic gave a wine 90/100, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like it. It’s not a “one size fits all” concept. Although objectivity about quality in wine is important, subjectivity is more so. As we all differ with respect to our likes, dislikes and palates, the key is to find and follow someone who mirrors your palate and likes the most. No one will be exactly like you, but by simply buying and trying different writers’ suggestions on what they think is good, you’ll quickly discover who’s palate and tastes are closest to yours and would make the best one to take advice from. Good luck!

Bubbly Prevents Hangovers

If you occasionally find yourself waking up with a hangover the next morning, there is hope. Scientists have found that a few glasses of bubbly might prevent this. Research at a university in Korea found that infusing alcohol with oxygen allowed drinkers to sober up quicker. By boosting the oxygen levels in drinks actually cut the time it took to clear the alcohol from subjects’ systems by 10% – 20%. The oxygen-enriched versions reduced plasma alcohol concentrations faster, thus speeding up the trip back to normality with less side effects. It’s not yet certain how exactly this added oxygen would affect the taste of typical drinks but they figure it can easily be done. Alright!