Carbonic Maceration

In red winemaking there is a procedure where grapes are not crushed. The process is called “Carbonic Maceration”, sometimes known as “whole bunch fermentation”. Whole grapes are put into a fermenter and covered with a blanket of CO2. The lack of oxygen forces the cell walls within the grape to break down, diffusing the colour from the skins into the juice and “intra-cellular” fermentation takes place. Because the skins, which usually give red wine its colour, are not crushed, none of the bitter components (tannins) are transferred into the finished wine. This process, used to make wines that are easier drinking and consumable earlier, has been around for hundreds of years and often used to make Beaujolais.

Upside Down Wine Glass

Hey folks, there’s a new wine glass on the market that may have you baffled. It looks pretty much like any other glass with a stem, bowl and base, but this one’s different. The bowl fills up with wine, but you don’t sip it from there. You sip through the base instead. Not exactly sure where you actually pour the wine in, but the concept seems ridiculous! Have to wonder who or why people come up with ideas like this! Too much imbibing get’s the crazy juices flowing? Besides who would buy this thing and actually use it? I suppose if you’re looking to confound, mystify and entertain friends at your next dinner party and look like a magician of sorts, then maybe, but doesn’t look like it would do anything for the vino!

Wine/Beer in Bookstores

American bookstore giant Barnes & Noble may start selling wine and beer in their outlets along with existing coffee and vinyl records. In an attempt to give them an edge and be more profitable, the national chain has just applied for a wine and beer license from the New York State Liquor Authority. A New Hartford location will be the first test store for this concept. This would certainly be an added perk for special store events and author book signings. Include some music and you have a party. One has to wonder though if adding alcohol to the menu will turn the place into a hangout more than it already is with coffee. I can see many folks enjoying a drink or two and nodding off while perusing a potential, new read.