Online Communities

Everyone involved in the service of alcohol should have a RSA Certificate.  But, who wants to take the time away from work or, heaven forbid, from your precious free time to go to classes?  I found a better way to get a RSA Certificate recently – completely online.  Check it out at www.qldrsa.com.au. It is, quite simply, the easiest way to get your RSA, and I should know, I did it myself!  Not only is it easy but a portion of the fee goes to the Australian Marine Conservation Society as well.  So, it’s a “feelgood” RSA.

Here’s the skinny:

RSA Training Certificates!

We can help you get your RSA Certificates 100% Online for Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory & the ACT!

SO WHY TRAIN WITH US?

• Train to Gain is a Registered Training Organisation (# 22361) with over 20 years training & hospitality experience 
  

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• We answer the phone on weekends, public holidays and even during Masterchef!
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• We use Geo Trust & Eway to securely process your transaction
• Part of your course fee will be donated to the Australian Marine Conservation Society, so thank you for helping such a great cause!
• Click here to go to the website.

Category : Online Communities

New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay Wine Country

The Hawke’s Bay area in NZ is an area with a great variety of attractions, and has a pleasant climate in all seasons, all year round.  This temperate climate is known for being one of the premier wine areas, growing some of the best NZ wine in the world.

Publish Date: 07/22/2010 5:05

http://www.centralparknz.com/activities/new-zealands-wine-country-hawkes-bay/

Hawke’s Bay Wine Country TVC 1

National TVC promoting Hawke’s Bay during winter

Category : Online Communities

Buy CJ Pask Wine Onlinefrom Wine Melbourne

CJ Pask Winery in New Zealand is one of only four NZ wine Hawkes Bay wine makers and wineries to be awarded a world first – the ISO:14001 group accreditation. The NZ Wines award winning winery also employs several environmentally sound management practices, which include composting, mulching, waste minimization, and…

Publish Date: 07/09/2010 23:56

http://ourgreenhome.ca/2010/07/09/c-j-pask/

CJ Pask Winery Great Long Lunch 2010

Category : Online Communities

By Caley Walsh

Coming upon the long wall of wines at your local grocery store can be an intimidating experience. With so many different choices within so many different wine categories, how can you possibly choose the perfect wine to serve with your meal? Perhaps more importantly, without knowing what all these wine terms mean, how do you choose a wine that you and possibly others will enjoy? To be quite frank, unless you sit down with every bottle and taste it with the meal (not recommended), you will never know exactly what wines will go perfectly with that meal. Wine and food pairing is not a perfect science that you can learn. Instead, Recipe4Living would like to offer some general guidelines for success in pairing wine with food and several do’s and don’t for the beginner’s enjoyment of wine. This article will outline the most popular wine varieties and how they differ. In no time, you’ll feel comfortable schmoozing with the biggest wine snobs.

Enjoying Wine

* Let go of your wine assumptions, especially the belief that wine is expensive. You can easily get a great bottle of wine for under $10. As with cooking, the key to good wine is all about balance and not necessarily the rarest grapes.

* Have fun! Experiment! Enjoying wine is about what you like, not about what you are supposed to like according to the experts. When you find a wine you really like, simply note the winery and the variety. As you gain more experience with wine, you can include descriptions of different elements in the wine. Better yet, act the sophisticate and host wine tasting parties with friends and discuss different wines.

* Look for the increasingly popular screw-cap, as opposed to the cork. The problem with natural corks is that a moldy spoilage can occur in the wine (in 3-5% of natural corked bottles!) because of a reaction that sometimes occurs in the cork. Synthetic corks have attempted to solve this problem, but they are much harder to remove and cannot be used to re-seal the bottles. Old habits die hard, but more and more wineries are switching to the screw-cap.

* Certain wines are better at certain temperatures. For example, a freezing cold Chardonnay will lose much of its taste. Keep these guidelines in mind:

- Whites should be served cold between 43°F and 53°F. This can be done by chilling the bottle in ice for an hour before serving. You do not want to keep a glass of white wine in the refrigerator for long periods of time.

- Sparkling wines and champagnes should be served cooler, around 45°F.

- Although room temperature is ok, red wines should really be served between 55°F and 65°F, or cellar temperature.

* Despite its reputation for pretension, invest in some quality stemware if you want to truly enjoy wine. The right glass will truly enhance the flavor of the wine and your appreciation of it. Wine glasses need to have a large cup or “bowl” to allow the wine to breathe, because the interaction with the air releases all the wines aromas and flavors.

Removing Red Wine Stains- Truly essential information in the enjoyment of wine.

* White wine- Ironically the best stain-fighter for red wine, white wine will neutralize the wine and make it easier to remove. Simply pour some on the stain and blot gently with a rag. Don’t rub or you will force the stain deeper into the clothing or carpet fibers. After blotting up most of the wine, simply clean with your favorite carpet cleaner or stain-fighter as normal.

* Club Soda- The carbonation in club soda helps to lift the wine from the fibers.

* Salt- Salt acts as a buffer to keep the stain from setting while you look for other cleaning options.

White Wines

Chardonnay- A very drinkable white wine differentiated from other varieties by a special aging and fermentation process in oak barrels. The special oak barrels give the wine its unique aromas ranging from nutty to creamy. This wine can include tastes of vanilla, pear, lemon, pineapple, peach and more. Chardonnay is usually regarded as the white table wine.

Muscat/Moscato- This low-alcohol wine has an intensely perfumed aroma and a distinctive musky taste, and is often used as a dessert wine. The aroma of the wine can include gardenia and honey and the taste includes elements of citrus and tropical fruits.

Pinot Grigio- More colorful than other white wines, Pinot Grigio is soft and delicately perfumed. The acidity of the wine gives it a nice crispness. The wine’s elements can include flowers, subtle spices, pear, and citrus.

Riesling- This lower-alcohol wine comes from the most famous of German grapes and is characterized by a unique fruit and acid balance. Unlike many other wines, Riesling is rarely prepared in oak barrels, making it more adaptable to many types of food, including hot and spicy choices. Riesling is usually a dry wine, with sweet elements of peach and honeysuckle.

Sauvignon Blanc- One of the most aromatic wines with fragrances of grass and citrus, Sauvignon Blanc is spicier than the Chardonnay varieties. The taste can have hints of melon, gooseberry, and black currant. New Zealand produces some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc.

Red Wines

Barberra- This deep red wine comes most successfully from the Piedmont of Italy, and is heavily planted in the Central Valley of California because of its ability to withstand high temperatures. A full body, luscious berry flavors and crispness from the high acidity characterize this wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon- These full bodied, intensely flavored red wines tend to improve with aging, often spending 15 to 30 months aging in oak barrels. Such aging gives the wine toasted vanilla and cedar tastes, while the wine also features plum, black cherry, and spice elements. Now the most widely planted grape in the world, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape actually come from a cross between two French varieties: Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Merlot- A softer and much less intense red wine than cabernet that is ready to drink sooner. The dry smoothness of the wine makes it a popular choice in restaurants. Merlot is often mixed with cabernet to soften its acidity. Descriptions of the wine’s tastes include many of the same as cabernet and green olive, herbs, and chocolate. The Merlot grape responds well to cooler climates making it very versatile.

Pinot Noir- Widely regarded as the most difficult grape to grow, this delicate wine is logically one of the most sought after varieties of wine, originating in the Burgundy region of France. This elegant wine can include elements of raisin, black cherry, and strawberry.

Sangiovese- This dry red wine is characterized by a smooth texture, medium-bodied spice flavors, and an earthy aroma. Made from a grape native to Northern Italy, Sangiovese is often used for Italian Chianti wines.

Syrah- This flavorful wine originates in the Rhone region in France and has many raspberry, pepper and spice aromas and flavors. In addition to France, the grape for Syrah is now also very successful in Australia.

Zinfandel- Although much of Zinfandel is turned into a sweet blush wine called White Zinfandel, Zinfandel is a red wine made from the most popularly grown grape in California. The hearty grape is very adaptable to a producer’s manipulation, making it very versatile. Zinfandel is very fruity, with raspberry, cherry, and plum tastes.

Blush Wines- Blush wines or rosé wine, which have a lighter pink color, are made by removing the skins of red grapes early in the fermentation process. This technique also lightens the flavor of the red grapes, creating a more delicate wine. White Zinfandel is actually produced as the product of “bleeding” regular Zinfandel, or removing some of the juice to heighten certain flavors and color in the wine. The juice is then fermented separately.

Sparking Wine & Champagne- Carbon dioxide resulting from natural fermentation of the grapes makes these wines bubbly. Although often used interchangeable, laws in many countries dictate that champagne can only refer to wine produce in the Champagne region of France. The major varietals used to make French champagne include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. American producers of sparkling wine use the same nomenclature as European producers. Ironically, on a scale from driest to sweetest, sparking wine or champagne is labeled thus:

Natural (Brut Nature)- Driest
Brut
Extra Dry
Dry (Sec)
Semi-Dry (Demi-Sec)
Sweet (Doux)

Wine and Food Pairings- Traditional wisdom on pairing wine with food dictates that white wine pairs well with white meats and red wine with red meats. In recent years, more creative sommeliers (the person in charge of wines at a restaurant) have shown that this rule is not always necessary or even correct. The sauce and the preparation of the food are most important to wine pairing, and many different wines may work well with a certain dish. In general though, the best rule of thumb is to try and match more delicate flavors with lighter wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, hearty cream flavors with medium bodied wines like Chardonnay and Merlot, and thicker meaty or spicy flavors with fuller wines like Syrah. When reading through these suggestions of wine and food pairings, keep in mind that there are no set rules.

Zinfandel- roast beefs

Syrah- beef stews, barbecue

Cabernet Sauvignon- steak

CheeseRiesling- most cheeses

Sauvignon Blanc- earthier cheeses

Chocolate

Cabernet Sauvignon- dark chocolate

Dessert

Muscat/Moscato- sweeter desserts

Riesling- most desserts

Fish and Seafood

Pinot Grigio

Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay- Richer seafood dishes and most shellfish

Lamb

Cabernet Sauvignon- roast lamb

Syrah- stews

Pinot Noir- chops

Pasta

Sangiovese- great for most pasta dishes

Barberra- especially good with lasagna

Pizza

Barberra- most tomato sauces

Syrah- spiced meats and sausages on pizza

Poultry

Chardonnay- grilled chicken and cream sauce chickens

Pinot Grigio- turkey

Merlot- grilled chicken, barbecue

Syrah- Duck or other fowl

Pork

Merlot- chops

Pinot Noir- tenderloin, sausage

Zinfandel- roast pork and garlicky dishes

Salads/Vegetables

Sauvignon Blanc

White Zinfandel

Pinot Grigio- for salads and vegetables with creamy sauces or dressings

Copyright © 2006 Ampere Media LLC

Recipe4Living.com features more than 10,000 user submitted recipes, ideas and recipes from Wolfgang Puck, reference guides, healthy living advice, tips for kids, and much more. All of the recipes mentioned in this article can be found at [http://www.recipe4living.com]www.recipe4living.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Guide-to-Wine&id=346625] A Guide to Wine

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Wine Melbourne’s favourite guide to Wine Tasting!

Category : Online Communities

By Andrew Roberts

New Zealand wine is a wine unlike any other due to its climate, soil, and water. New Zealand vineyards are grown in a maritime climate. The sea controls the climate creating cooler winters and hotter summers; this also means that there are warmer clearer days and cooler nights from the sea breeze, creating slow ripening environments which create unique tastes. Also most of New Zealand’s vineyards are located in free draining alluvial valleys. These deposits make up most of New Zealand’s mountains. These deposits create the different quality characteristics in the wine, and these are often mentioned on the wine label.

New Zealand wines production started as late as 1970, as before this there were hardly any grapes planted on the island. New Zealand now has ten main wine growing regions. These are scatted throughout New Zealand and each has their own variety in climate and environment. The difference in the environment and climate means that the different types of the same wine can be harvested throughout a variation of 8 weeks throughout the country. The main winery regions are Northland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Auckland, Waikato, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury/Waipara Valley, and Central Otago.

Northland was the first place in New Zealand where vines were planted in 1820. However it is still New Zealand’s smallest wine producing area, as winemaking nearly died out here until a bigger interest within winemaking which has developed in the recent years. Northland is now expanding rapidly with three grape growing areas Kaitaia, around the bay of the islands, and near Northlands biggest city Whangarei. The high popularity for the regions wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, come from the fact it offers New Zealand’s warmest ripening conditions, therefore these are the most planted grapes within this area. Vineyards within Northland are mainly planted upon flat and slight slowing topography. The soils within Northland vary from shallow clay soils over sandy-clay soils.

Gisborne offers vineries the world’s most easterly vineyard planting point. These vineyards are the first to see the sun each morning and this region receives a high amount of sunshine hours accompanied by shelter from New Zealand’s range of mountains to the west. Chardonnay makes up about half of the regions vineyards and Gisborne has been renamed the Chardonnay capital of the world by its wine makers. The vineyards here are mainly planted on flat land and the soils include alluvial loams over sandy and volcanic subsoil.

Hawkes Bay is the second largest vinery region in New Zealand. This region offers a large range of soil types from fertile silty loams to free draining sand, and stones to heavy silts. Ripening dates within this area for one wine can vary by 4 weeks, from the hot soils of the lower areas, to a higher cooler altitude of central Hawkes Bay. Chardonnay again here is the most planted grape, but Hawkes Bays lengthy sunshine hours mean that later ripening red grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, are also popular here.

Auckland is New Zealand’s more traditional winemaking area. Here Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are the most planted grapes. The Auckland regions soils are mainly shallow clays over hard silty-clay subsoil.

Waikato south of Auckland offers smaller vineyards that are scattered among farmland. Wine production here is mainly of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The soils here are of heavy loams over clay subsoil. The climate here is moderately warm, as Waikato is situated highly north within New Zealand.

Pinot Noir is Wairarapa’s most planted grape. This is the regions most acclaimed grape. The success of this grape comes from the development, the quality, and the focus which the regions wine makers have put in. Although this region is small in terms of wine production, the quality of the wines produced keeps New Zealand’s wine quality reputation very high.

In the hot days, and the cooler night climate and free-draining alluvial loams over gravely subsoils provides Marlborough’s vineyards, which produce great fruit flavours. The world has been exposed to its brand new style and taste of Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling are also widely planted within this region. Marlborough wines have earned a great reputation from Sauvignon Blanc, and have also become New Zealand’s largest and most known wine growing region. Sparkling wines, and a wide range of white and red wine is also produced here.

Nelsons vineyards consist of the grape varieties which are best grown in cooler temperatures. Situated on the west cost the mountains, the west to this region provides a rain shadow effect, and also the coastline helps moderate the temperatures. Here Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir are mainly produced in this area.

In Canterbury there are two main areas for the wine production. These are around the city of Christchurch, and the newer development of Waipara. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc make up most of the vineyards, and Canterbury is NZs fourth largest wine region.

Central Otago is the world’s most southerly wine growing region. It has a continental climate with more extreme seasons than any of New Zealand’s regions. The soils have heavy deposits of mica minerals and schists in silt loams. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are mainly grown here. Central Otago is a beautiful region, with pure fresh air, and vibrant views. The wine of Central Otago is said to reflect the stunning area.

For more information on New Zealand Wine, check out the website Wine Wire for New Zealand Wine Reviews. Furthermore, you can buy New Zealand Red Wine from Good Wine Online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Roberts
http://EzineArticles.com/?New-Zealand-Wine&id=2437320

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Types of Wine: Pick Your Grape

By Jennifer Jordan

I will admit that I’m rather picky. I will only eat certain kinds of food, rarely ingesting dishes entitled with words I can’t pronounce or made up of animals I think are cute. And, I will only date certain types of men, limiting myself to those who are good looking, charming, successful, or, at the very least, breathing. But, my pickiness doesn’t stop there. Transcending many categories, I tend to be picky when it comes to everything from what kind of clothes I wear to what kind of soap I use. However, oddly enough, when it comes to wine, my pickiness subsides: I’ve never met a type of wine I didn’t like or wouldn’t drink.

Despite my willingness to form a loving relationship with any type of wine that seeps into my life, you may not be as much as a booze flooze as myself: some of you may prefer certain types over others. Because of this, it’s important to understand the different types of wine that exist: the more aware you are of all the varieties, the more likely you will find a wine you really like.

However, I can’t discuss all the types of wine – listing each vintage and flavor and mentioning every grape under the sun. Doing so would take forever and by the time I finished, I, myself, would start to ferment. But, I can provide an overview to help you, the loyal drinker, find something to quench your thirst, a type of wine you’ll want to invite over to fill your glass at dinner.

Apéritif: Known as appetizer wines, these are the chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks of the wine world. They are flavored wines typically meant to stimulate the appetite before eating a large meal. They can include sherry, and Madeira.

Barley Wine: Though in possession of the word “wine,” Barley Wine isn’t really wine, masquerading as such because of a high alcohol content that reaches up to 12 percent by volume. Made from grain instead of fruit, Barley Wine is simply strong beer, like an ale that regularly works out. While it originated in England, Barley Wine is available world wide. However, when sold in the US, Barley Wines are required to be sold with the label, “barely wine-style ales,” thus avoiding confusion for the wine-seeking consumer.

Cooking Wines: Wine of extremely poor quality is usually labeled “Cooking Wine,” as if being poured into a pan is one step up from being poured down the drain. Typically containing a large amount of salt, Cooking Wine isn’t made to be consumed by itself. Instead, it is meant to be used as a way to enhance a dish, bringing out certain flavors and seasonings.

Country Wine: It may seem like Country Wines are wines in possession of a laidback lifestyle and a southern drawl. But, in actuality, they are simply wines that are made from a fruit other than a grape and supplemented with sugar and honey. However, because the word “wine” legally insinuates a drink made from grapes, Country Wines are often fruit-specific in their definitions. They include types such as “plum wine” and “apple wine.”

Dessert Wines: Known for being served beside a piece of carrot cake or a slice of apple pie, Dessert Wines are wines that range between medium sweet to extremely sweet on the spectrum of sugar. They typically include wines such as Port Wine, Tokay, and Sweet Sherry. Aside from baked goods and fruity creations, dessert wines also go very well with many types of cheese.

Red Wine and White Wine: It may seem like Red Wine and White Wine are always in competition with each other, with bottles of each snapping in unison as the other approaches. But, the truth is that Red Wine and White Wine are so different in flavor, and go best with such different dishes, that the two don’t need to compete. While Red Wines are typically good at enhancing meals made of red meat or tomato sauce, White Wines are typically good at enhancing meals made of white meat or white sauces. They are also different in taste because Red Wines are made with grape skins during the fermentation process, causing them to carry “tannin,” a sensation you get that makes your tongue feel as though liquid is evaporating off of it. White Wines, however, are made without grape skin and never carry “tannin.”

Rose Wine: Rose Wines are also called “Pink Wines” and, because they are often refreshing in mid-summer heat, “Summer Wines.” Like a beverage that can’t quite make up its mind, Rose Wines aren’t really red and aren’t really white. Instead, they possess attributes of both true red wines and true white wines. They are often best served with seafood, salad, cold cuts, and pork.

Rice Wine: Just like Barely Wine, Rice Wine is a bit of an imposter, an ale that wishes it was a wine. Made from rice instead of grapes, Rice Wine possesses a higher alcohol content than most beer and wines combined weighing in between 18 and 25 percent. Rice Wine is known as Sake to the Japanese.

Sparkling Wines: Probably the most famous member of the Sparkling Wine family is Champagne, a drink that routinely fills the glasses at wedding receptions and banquet halls. But, Champagne can’t hog all the sparkling spotlight, Sparkling Wines can be any type of wine infused with Carbon Dioxide. Because Sparkling Wines do not usually pair well with meals, they are best served alone or with appetizers.

Table Wine: Table Wine is wine that is not fortified and not sparkling, making it erroneously seem like the most plain of wines. By technical definition, Table Wines contain at least 7 percent alcohol and no more than 14 percent. While many people equate Table Wine with poor tasting, cheap wine, many Table Wines aren’t cheap, and certainly don’t taste like it either.

Whether your favorite type of wine is Red or you, having misplaced your salt lick, actually do like to consume Cooking Wine, wine has a variety of flavors. This makes it one of the most versatile alcohols, possessing the ability to adapt to everything from cocktail hours to State dinners and enabling you, no matter your type or your level of pickiness, to always find something with which to fill your glass.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com. With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Jordan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Types-of-Wine:-Pick-Your-Grape&id=326527

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