02/14/05 Monday`s question - Geography

Welcome to Vine to Wine, this is your host Linda Moran and, on today's program we are answering questions from our email. Recently, a listener wrote to ask, "Do I really have to memorize the names of all of the vineyards and places in order to buy a good wine?" We'll answer that question when we return. Geography is important to make an educated wine purchase, it is not necessary to memorize places and names, but definitely take note of the information on the label. For example: let's take a Burgundy label. When only the village is identified on the label, then it is a simple village wine. If only the vineyard is identified, it is a Grand Cru wine. By this you know that it is a wine of greater value and most likely quality than the village wine. If the village and the vineyard are identified on the label, then you will know that it is a Premier Cru, and is of higher quality yet. Often understanding the basics will help you to recognize a wine of greater depth or character. For most domestic wines, if the bottle specifies a vineyard that the wine is from, then there is an indication of pride. If the vineyard is not indicated on other wines from that same producer, then when it does appear, it is identifying character and most likely greater quality. Do not rely heavily on the term Reserve used to describe the wine. It is overused and not necessarily identifying quality. Look for details as to the origins of the wine and never be afraid to ask for help. Send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's From Vine to Wine.