Nelly Ward Wine Tastings’ Post

✊️ The Amber Revolution is not dead yet! 🍊 It's been 10 years now that Orange Wines took over the wine lists all over the World: 🎷 A funky mix between traditional winemaking methods and the new wave of byodinamic philosophy, Orange Wines became a must between wine -lovers and wine-hipsters! 🍇 The freshness of white wine with the body of a red, and a lot of personality: sometimes elegant, sometimes rough, but unusual and unforgettable for sure. 🇬🇪 From Georgia to 🇮🇹 Carso and Collio, from 🇬🇷 Greece to the inner Mediterranean, this style is widely produced and appreciated. 🗺 There are quite few wineries specialized in Orange Wines only, with more then 40 years of experience: most of them are now a real cult for the wine lovers (and the wine traders), and their bottles are very hard to purchase due to the low quantities (and high prices sometimes). 🌟 But, despite been loved and having a well deserved place in a lot of starred restaurants, it's very hard to find them in the classic fine dining venues around the World, included a lot of 3stars awarded temples of cuisine, excluded and snobbed by the luxurious world of wines. 🤔 What are the reasons, for you? 🍊 Do you like Orange Wines? ✊️ Is it just a trend, or the Amber Revolution is still on? 📸 Nur, La Distesa, Cupramontana, Italy. #sommelier #winelovers #sommlife #orangewines #finedining #wine #expectations #wondering #Revolution

4 Ideas for the Perfect Wine Tour in Chile – For True Wine Enthusiasts Imagine this: Endless vineyards swaying gently in the wind. A glass of Carménère in your hand. And the Andes towering in the background. Chile, the slender land at the end of the world, is a paradise for wine lovers. 1. Explore the diversity: From the crisp whites of the Casablanca Valley to the bold reds of Colchagua – there's a favorite for everyone. 2. Experience wineries up close: Many offer guided tours where you can not only taste their finest vintages but also learn about winemaking and viticulture. 3. Visit boutique wineries: A highlight is visiting a winery that still produces wine by hand – a true treat for connoisseurs. 4. Pair wine with local cuisine: Try regional specialties like empanadas or seafood, perfectly paired with the wines of the area. For wine enthusiasts, Chile is more than just a destination. It's a passion. PS: Which wine can you not live without? Carménère, Syrah, or perhaps Sauvignon Blanc? Andes Viva can help you organize the perfect itinerary to Chile. Talk to us: https://lnkd.in/gGBff-Kd

🍷✨ Discovering Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico 🌄🍇 Our journey through the world of wine brings us to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico—a region that’s rapidly becoming a must-visit for wine lovers and enthusiasts alike. 🌍🍷 1. Rising Star of Wine: Valle de Guadalupe is often called the “Napa of Mexico,” but it’s much more than that. It’s a wine region with a unique soul, producing wines that reflect the bold, vibrant character of Mexico. 2. Diverse Terroir: The region’s diverse microclimates and soil types make it perfect for growing a variety of grapes. From robust reds like Nebbiolo and Tempranillo to crisp whites like Chenin Blanc, Valle de Guadalupe has something for every palate. 3. Artisanal Winemaking: Many of the wineries here are boutique and family-run, emphasizing sustainable practices and artisanal craftsmanship. Each bottle tells a story of tradition, innovation, and passion. 4. Culinary Haven: Wine isn’t the only star here. Valle de Guadalupe’s burgeoning food scene is a paradise for gourmets. Pair your wine with local cuisine that celebrates the region’s bounty, from fresh seafood to farm-to-table fare. 5. Stunning Landscapes: With its rolling vineyards, dramatic mountain backdrops, and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Valle de Guadalupe offers stunning vistas that are as intoxicating as the wines themselves. Raise a glass to Valle de Guadalupe—a region where tradition meets innovation, and where every sip is an invitation to discover something new. 🍷🇲🇽 #WineExploration #WineLovers #DiscoverWine #ValledeGuadalupe #MexicanWine #VineyardViews #WineAdventure #Cheers

Part Five Wine Regions and Appellations Wine is produced in various regions around the world, each with its own unique climate, soil, and grape varieties. Appellations are specific geographical areas within a wine region that produce wines with distinctive characteristics. Some famous wine regions include: Bordeaux, France: Known for its high-quality red and white wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Tuscany, Italy: Home to Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, renowned red wines made from Sangiovese grapes. Napa Valley, California: A world-class wine region producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Barossa Valley, Australia: Famous for Shiraz-based red wines with bold flavors.

🍷✨ Exploring the Douro Valley, Portugal 🌄🍇 Our wine exploration series continues in the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley, Portugal—a region steeped in history, tradition, and some of the world’s most iconic wines. 🌍🍷 1. Birthplace of Port: The Douro Valley is the heart and soul of Port wine, a fortified wine known for its rich, sweet, and complex flavors. The steep, terraced vineyards along the Douro River produce grapes that create these legendary wines, aged in historic cellars. 2. Oldest Wine Region: The Douro Valley is not just a beautiful destination; it’s also recognized as one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. The region’s winemaking tradition goes back centuries, and every bottle reflects this deep heritage. 3. Terraced Vineyards: The Douro’s dramatic landscape, with its steep, terraced vineyards carved into the mountainsides, is a sight to behold. These terraces, built by hand over generations, are a testament to the region’s dedication to viticulture. 4. Diverse Grape Varieties: While Port is the most famous, the Douro also produces outstanding red and white table wines. Indigenous grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Rabigato give these wines their distinctive character and depth. 5. Savor the Tradition: Tasting wines from the Douro Valley is like sipping history. Whether enjoying a glass of vintage Port or a robust red, you’re experiencing the essence of a region that has mastered the art of winemaking over centuries. Exploring the Douro Valley isn’t just about wine—it’s about immersing yourself in a landscape where nature, history, and culture blend seamlessly into every glass. Let’s raise a toast to this enchanting region! 🍷🇵🇹 #WineExploration #WineLovers #DiscoverWine #DouroValley #PortWine #VineyardViews #WineAdventure #Cheers

RIOJA – SPAIN’S MOST FAMOUS RED WINE REGION Rioja is arguably Spain’s most famous wine worldwide, but the region is finding its feet when it comes to attracting international visitors. Rioja’s greatest assets is that there is plenty to see and do beyond visiting wineries or drinking wine. For history lovers, the region boasts a rich past, with pretty medieval villages, and ancient neolithic tombs and stone lagares dotted across the Sierra de Cantabria foothills. Along with wine, food is one of the main draws of Rioja, with countless tapas bars in Logroño. A winery tour might not be the most appealing activity for wine lovers with young children, but with a bit of planning, it can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. The Vivanco museum in Briones contains a huge collection of wine- related artifacts as well as interactive exhibits and workshops to keep children entertained. Wine is a key part of life here, but food does not lag far behind. Marqués de Riscal is an old winery and operates a hotel that is worth visiting. Logroño is an essential stop for visitors to Rioja, and eating out does not have to be expensive. The local lamb roasted in clay ovens fuelled with vine cuttings is an experience you won’t forget soon. Be aware that Spaniards eat very late by western standards. (about eight or nine o'clock). If you are used to eating dinner at six you will be hard pressed to find a restaurant. Rioja produces red, white, and rose wines. Red wines are more famous than whites and roses. Red wines are mostly full bodied, deeply flavoured, well balanced and most suitable with light meats. The L C B O carries several brands and features frequently Rioja wines on its bi-weekly releases. All are competitively priced and highly recommended. Logrono, the biggest city is home to eight wineries, and all of them are open to visitors, as well as some imposing churches such as the cathedral. While in Rioja you will be surprised how many wineries outside of Logrono receive visitors with great enthusiasm and hospitality. They will gladly open older vintages for you to taste and enjoy. Rioja is close to Bordeaux, and many techniques still used here originate from there. After phylloxera struck Bordeaux many growers and wineries left for Rioja and established themselves there.

Finally it has arrived! 3 glasses, the highest recognition from the Australian Wine List Of The Year for the wine list I designed for Olive Restaurant via MKW Consulting. This marks my 4th 3 glasses wine list for 4 venues at first submission, yet it was probably the most challenging! How so? First, the theme is Mediterranean grapes, lots of unknown varieties, from lots of unknown regions, so wanted to build the list with inviting education at the core. Second, it is a short list with only 77 wines, which makes it one of the shortest wine lists in Australia to receive 3 glasses in history! I find creating something unique yet comprehensive without hundreds of bottles is more difficult than having the luxury to fill pages with the different villages and Grands and Premier Crus of Burgundy. I also designed this list from a small budget with systems around low stock holding capacity, an important consideration in the current state of the hospitality industry. Huge thanks to the passionate team at Olive, who were eager to learn about new varieties and regions and deliver exceptional dining experiences day in and day out! The wine list is designed to celebrate Mediterranean flavours and culture in a truly global context, from Portugal to Armenia, along with locally crafted examples. It is a curious selection of grape varieties you may not heard of and wine regions you may never knew made wine, organised by styles and grapes you are familiar with. They share a sense of purity, drive and minerality, which makes them delicious with food. While our focus is on Mediterranean wines, we also highlight the diversity of Australian wine regions by connecting our local winemaking tradition to the wider world. You will find up-and-coming producers and established names who share the same values of sustainability and excellence in the vineyard and winery. They use both conventional and experimental methods, their wines are unique expressions of regional and varietal typicity, and all have a story to share. Stop by for a drink at Olive and sample one of Australia's top wine list by the glass or bottle. #winelistconsulting #wineeducation #winelistmanagement #hospitality

"Embark on a sensory journey through the vineyards of Rioja, where every sip tells a tale of tradition, terroir, and timeless craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of Spain, Rioja's wines are not just beverages; they're an embodiment of centuries-old heritage and modern oenological innovation. Picture this: as the sun sets over the rolling hills of Rioja, casting a golden hue over the lush vineyards, winemakers meticulously tend to their vines, ensuring each grape ripens to perfection. From the velvety Tempranillo to the crisp Viura, Rioja offers a diverse array of varietals, each with its own unique character and charm. But what truly sets Rioja apart is its aging process. Unlike any other wine region in the world, Rioja boasts a classification system based on aging, where wines are labeled as Joven, Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva depending on their time spent aging in oak barrels and bottles. This meticulous aging imbues Rioja wines with complexity, depth, and a distinct sense of place. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or an adventurous enthusiast, a journey through Rioja's wineries promises unforgettable experiences. From intimate tastings in historic bodegas to vineyard picnics overlooking breathtaking vistas, Rioja invites you to savor the moment and indulge in the art of winemaking. So, uncork a bottle of Rioja, pour yourself a glass, and let the essence of Spain's most celebrated wine region transport you to a world of unparalleled taste and tradition. Salud! 🍷🥂

The Bordeaux wine region in the Medoc area is renowned for producing world-class wines with exceptional quality and distinct characteristics. A typical Bordeaux wine from Medoc often embodies a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. These wines are known for their deep ruby color, complex aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries, cedar, and hints of tobacco and leather. On the palate, Medoc wines are rich and full-bodied, with well-structured tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, elegant finish. The terroir of the Medoc, with its gravelly soil, maritime climate, and proximity to the Gironde estuary, plays a significant role in shaping the unique flavor profile of these wines. They often exhibit a sense of minerality, earthiness, and a subtle hint of spice, making them ideal for aging and developing complex flavors over time. Overall, a typical Bordeaux wine from the Medoc area is a sophisticated and refined expression of the region's winemaking tradition, offering a harmonious balance of fruit, tannins, and terroir-drive nuances.

🍇 Dive into the vineyard landscapes with Lunch and Dinner! 🌱✨ Did you know that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most commonly planted grape variety worldwide? Explore the details of its prolific presence: Global Dominance: Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in diverse wine regions globally, including Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Tuscany, and beyond. Preferred Climates: Thriving in warm climates, Cabernet Sauvignon vines produce bold, robust wines with rich flavors and structured tannins. Versatile Soil: These vines adapt well to various soil types, showcasing the grape's versatility and resilience. Frequent Pairing: Winemakers favor Cabernet Sauvignon for its potential to age gracefully, making it a popular choice for both young and aged wines. Common Blends: Often blended with other varietals, such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc, to create complex and well-balanced wines. Embark on a journey through Cabernet Sauvignon's global vineyards and savor the richness in every pour! 🍷🌐🍇 #CabernetChronicles #VineyardVistas #CulinaryClassic #GloballyGrownGrapes #LANDD #WinesdayWonders #GastronomicVineyards #SipAndExplore #Winesday