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Friends, today we will not touch on the splendor of wine bouquets, or a variety of flavors, hold the tips on the correct choice of good drink and just enjoy the impressive architecture of wineries in Italy. Some of them like “got away” with paintings of surrealist artist, intricate forms of other – reminiscent of the modern art museums, some were absorbed by the landscape and vineyards. Enough words, see for yourself.

The best wineries of Italy

Tenuta Castelbuono, Umbria.

Winery-shell was awarded the UNESCO in the category “industrial scale”. It was built in 2012 by architect Arnaldo Pomodoro. The idea of the family Lunelli, the building was supposed to be a box for storage of valuables (in our case – an excellent wine).

Cascina Adelaide.

The creators of the winery tried harmoniously “fit” the facility into the local land and agree that they succeeded. Transparent walls allow employees to enjoy the vineyards, and for visitors to the winery the whole process of production is open at a glance. Built in 2004.

The winery of Domenico Clerico Piedmont.

Minimalism, freedom and style characterize this modern winery. The building was completed in 2011.

The winery cantina Nuova Antinor.

All the main buildings are hidden under the ground. Yes, you have correctly submitted. Looking at the “top of the hill” are not even aware of what awaits inside: the endless corridors, tasting rooms and incredible staircases. Chianti Classico was built in 2012 (the construction lasted 7 years).

Winery Ceretto (translated from the Italian.- grapes).

This large and transparent, “berry” stands majestically over the vineyards of Piedmont. Was open in 2009.

Winery Tramin.

Building 2010. Winery workers called her “a home for Gewurztraminer” (technical kind of grapes used to make white wine). Green design symbolizes the vine.

Winery Cubo.

Another winery with a symbolic meaning. At this time, the transparent cube symbolizes Barollo acquiring the greatness and diversity over time. The project was implemented in 2000.

The air was filled with the heady aromas of wines, in every corner of the city sounds catchy music, and a good mood for a long time does not sleep. Want to enjoy this kind of atmosphere? Go to a wine festival. Moreover, it is very simple – almost all wine regions of the world, and sometimes even major wine farms, to spend their celebration. For example, in the German Moselle valley from April to November does not abate the fun: the baton of the festival is being passed from farm to farm.

For connoisseurs and lovers of wines such festivals help to expand horizons and knowledge about the drink, meet the producers and learn the secrets of cooking. For the wine – this is a great opportunity to attract customers and find business partners. For tourists – a unique opportunity to enjoy an amazing atmosphere, and a new look for may already be familiar places, but through the prism of a glass of good wine.

Best wine festivals in the world.

1. Wine festival in Bandol (Provence).

Despite the cold weather (November-December), on the Cote d’azur again hundreds of people: Bandol invites you to a celebration honouring the young French wine. Bandol is the ideal place for growing grapes: a sufficient number of Sunny days and rainfall combined with a mild climate can produce vibrant and memorable wine. Tasting drink is completely free, it is enough to arm a special souvenir glass and manage to substitute it under a stream of wine, which is bottled directly from the barrels. After the tasting you can take part in street entertainment.

2. The festival of Jerez, Spain.

Spain in September is replete with a variety of festivals devoted to the grape harvest gathering, but the biggest and brightest festival of Jerez. The celebration takes place in Jerez de La Frontera – the home of the best sherry and dancing flamenco style. Three weeks is a river of wine, and some colorful performances are replaced by others. Here you can enjoy tasting many brands of Spanish sherry and marvel at the flamenco performed by various groups. The day ends with a magnificent procession, in which will be chosen Queen of the festival.

3. “Cellar door”, Australia.

About 30 wineries in the state of South Australia annually in January open the doors of their wineries and generously treated everyone your best wines. At the festival you can not only taste wine but also to participate in its manufacturing process, crush berries. The festival is a contest that determines the best drinks of Australia. “Cellar door” – superb scenery of Adelaide hills, live music and the best wines of Australia.

4. Madeira Wine Festival / Festa do Vinho da Madeira, Portugal.

Portuguese wine festival is considered one of the most colorful and vibrant celebrations of autumn. On the origin of the symbol of Madeira — the elixir that we call “Madera” — walks a lot of legends. The best known is the story of the merchant carrying his wine to the continent. Of the barrels do not fit in the hold and was left “languishing” under the burning rays of the sun. “To trouble” ship caught still and storm but to the surprise of the merchant, after these trials, the product not only deteriorated, but also acquired a unique taste. The end of summer is not a reason to be sad, in August Madeira wine festival begins and winemakers. Every corner of the city absorbed in the celebration: costumed show, a procession of winemakers, catchy music, exhibitions, fairs and rides, acquaintance with the history of winemaking in the region and the opportunity to participate in the process of making the drink of the gods. The wine cellar is ready to open its doors to visitors, and in the streets set wine-tasting tables.

5. Wine festival in Argentina.

Mendoza, the world – famous wine region of Argentina, and this is the greatest wine festival in the country. For more than 70 years for one week in March, the Argentine vineyards become a platform for the festivities. After the selection of the Queen of the festival starts, countless tastings, parades, contests and theatrical performances.

6. Wine festival in Limassol, Cyprus.

Since 1961, when the summer heat gradually receding, Cyprus Limassol kicks off a 10-day Wine Festival. Cyprus wine is still treated as a sacred drink, and the recipe of local wines are still kept secret. The entire holiday is filled with a national flavor: the accompaniment of bouzouki music, popular songs with clapping and dancing. From morning till evening everyone can taste dozens of the best Cypriot wines, and take part in the crush of the grapes.

7. The Jerusalem festival, Israel.

Every year in late July – early August in the Jerusalem wine festival is held, where the best drinks of Israel. Although winemaking craft of the country is now only at the dawn of its development (after many years of neglect in the 19th century ancient wine traditions again began to recover), at the festival you can enjoy dozens of different wine brands. Especially popular here are the kosher wines, which can enjoy religious Jews. The wine kosher wine are required to obey many rules, for example, every 7th year the berries are not collected.

8. Wine festival in Marlborough.

It is the biggest festival in New Zealand, which takes place in the outstanding wine region in the North-East of the South island. Every year the second weekend in February the door of the winery, Montana Brancott Estate open to all comers. Under the roof of this winery going about 50 representatives of various wineries that offer visitors to the festival more than 200 variations of the drink. Tasting accompanied by local food, live music, dancing and outstanding performances.

9. Sicilian Blues &Wine Soul Festival

Travel to Sicily – is always a memorable event: original flavor, which permeates every corner, incredible views and the beautiful Mediterranean. In late July, among the indisputable advantages of the region added the wine festival and the Blues. The celebration takes place on several sites of Sicily. In the list of the cultural program of concerts, acquaintance with the best wines of Sicily and Italy, tours to wineries and cellars. Over the years, the event can last from several weeks to a month.

10. International celebration of Pinot Noir in Oregon, USA.

The majority of tourists and wine experts focus their attention on the visits to wine celebrations of the Old world, quite needlessly dropping from the accounts of other representatives. Of course, the main wine-growing region of the United States is California, but Oregon, with its Pinot Noir, is steadily gaining popularity. International wine festival takes place in the middle of summer in the valley famous vineyards Willamette. Although the celebration only lasts three days, the organizers managed to fit into the program tasting in the local vineyards, culinary delights, seminars, excursions. Every year it attracts more and more visitors from all corners of the planet.

Most of the wine events held annually, so don’t worry if this year did not have time to enjoy the holiday, will catch up next season. Dates from year to year can change, often start trying to coincide with the weekends, and the start of prolonged celebrations “fixed” for a certain month or week (for example, the last week of October). Information about the date and scheduled events can be found on the official websites of the organizers. Hopefully, our calendar of wine festivals will help to plan for future journeys into the world of wine.

Sun in my eyes, reigns in the air heady aroma of the wine, and the hospitality you just want to dissolve. Yes, it’s racy, Georgia.

Kakhetian technology of wine-making

This country is famous for its rich history, beautiful nature and, of course, wine. To imagine Georgia without wine is simply impossible, and the winemaking without Georgia too. Think it is produced here always. And this is almost true.

The history of Georgian winemaking is estimated not in tens, not even hundreds of years. Already eight thousand years here doing unique wine. Georgian wine is unique in every way: character, taste, which is difficult to confuse with wine from other countries, the method of production. Today, as many centuries ago, for the production of wine the Georgians use qvevri (clay vessels). The application of this technology is not only a tradition or an attempt to “be different”, qvevri wine has a very amazing, dry flavor and a high tannin content.

Based or traditional Kakhetian technology lies in two main rules.

The first is a special fermentation. The must and the pomace (the skin of berries, bones, joints) fold in qvevri and tightly closed lid, further “sealing” clay. The process of fermentation of the wort should be held in the qvevri, which has been buried in the ground cellar (the Marani). The land that envelops the vessel, provides temperature stability.

The second is the pulp, or rather contact with her. Pulp or chacha, as it is called in Georgia gives the structure of the finished wine is full-bodied, aroma and rich taste.

The Georgians called the pulp and mother to the wort, in fact it “makes” the taste and color of wine. Winemakers believe that to get a balanced drink, childhood wine should be happy, i.e. held together with mom.

The use of pulp and eliminates the need for filtration of the wine: after the fermentation process, chacha is lowered to the bottom of the qvevri, forming a dense layer that holds all the “extra”. The human influence on the course of “production” is minimal, nature will do everything herself.

In taste, this drink does not have analogues in the world. High acidity and richness of the tannins allow the wine to combine with a variety of meat dishes and snacks.

The use of traditional techniques of wine making does not speak about the identity of taste. For example, in Imereti and Kartli winemakers do not use the ridges of the grapes to the aging process that allows to obtain wines with a milder taste. The differences are achieved through the use of indigenous grape varieties, which in Georgia there are about 500.

If the wine was made in the traditional Kakhetian method, then this will be indicated on the label (the word “Qvevris”, “Kakhetian dry” or the image of Kvevri).

Astrology has always been a subject of heated debate. Some consider it a serious science and move through life based on “recommendations of the stars”, others categorically reject such knowledge. But even skeptics are not able to resist the temptation to check the veracity of predrazene. Astrologers claim that the ideal wine you can pick up, armed with only the knowledge about the date of birth.

Wine and zodiac signs

Aries — Viala Lambrusco Rosato

Aries appreciate originality in everything, therefore, among white and red wines, choose pink. Refined and fruity, Italian Lambrusco will definitely have you in mind.

Taurus — Pirasso Tomassi Valpolicella Classico Superiore Doc

Taurus is one of the most “practical” signs of the Zodiac, preferring to obtain pleasure from real things. For such people, the ideal choice would be classics, such as red wine brand Tomassi. Taurus with age comes the wisdom to Pirasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore Doc taste.

Gemini – Trivento Aires Dulces Sweet Blanco

Routine definitely not suited to Gemini. New day – new challenges. The best option would be a white wine with a refreshing fruity taste, which are ideal for any events and celebrations active sign.

Cancer – Akhasheni.

Although the first impression about Cancer can be hard on nature, with more detailed acquaintance Cancerians are vulnerable and empathetic personalities. Akhasheni has similar properties: the discreet taste fades into a long fruity aftertaste.

Leo — Laurent-Perrier Brut

Lions sure know how to turn life into a holiday, so a more suitable drink than champagne hard to find. Beer will be a great addition to your sparkling personality. If the price of champagne is too high, pay attention to Spanish sparkling wine Hoya de Cadenas Cava Brut Nature

Virgo — Calvet Cabernet Sauvignon

Virgo is known for its meticulous attitude to detail, and that’s what made Calvet Cabernet Sauvignon. Here everything is perfect: the multifaceted taste, exquisite aroma and a long aftertaste.

Libra — Tommasi Giulietta

Libra can find common language with anyone, the same versatility together with Tommasi Giulietta. This wine can emphasize the best side of almost any dish.

Scorpio — Tall Horse Cabernet Sauvignon

Tall Horse Cabernet Sauvignon – full-bodied taste, color and aroma, like a passionate and self-confident Scorpion.

Sagittarius — Hoya de Cadenas Merlot Tinto

Sagittarians are very sociable sign, and the taste of Spanish dry wine Merlot Tinto is conducive to interesting conversations. Harmonious, soft and delicate taste is exactly what you were looking for.

Capricorn — Charton Blanc

Capricorns value stability and quality throughout. Charton Blanc is perfectly suited for the high demands of this sign. Apple aroma and balanced taste will always be relevant.

Aquarius — Don Melchor

Aquarians are famous for the progressiveness of his views. These signs will not limit yourself only wines of the Old world. New impressions they can give the Chilean Don Melchor: the aroma of BlackBerry and currant combined with a balanced taste.

Fish — Viala Blanc Lambrusco

For Fish the main “contents” and not appearance. In the drink do not appreciate the cost and a pretty label, but the quality and taste. Viala sweet Lambrusco Blanc – perfectly accentuate the freedom-loving mood of the Fish.

Calvet is an affordable luxury French wine. Today wines Calvet (over 40 types) can be purchased in 100 countries, including in Kazakhstan. 70% of the total production of wine, and this year, 10 million bottles are exported. Worldwide wines Calvet appreciate a decent quality and versatile taste, combined with the affordable price.

Wine brand Calvet

And began the history of creating successful companies “Calvet” in 1818 in the valley of the Rhone, when a parent work in the vineyards in the town of Tain L’hermitage is taken, the future “father” of the brand Jean-Marie Calvet (Jean-Marie Calvet). Winemaking for it was not just a job, but passion and inspiration, so success was not long in coming.

In 1823, Central district of Bordeaux, a trading center of wine brand to the main bus station, and after a few years of the prestigious wine region of France could boast such a center.

Own attraction.

1870, Octave Calvet is taken for the construction of a large-scale project – castle “Calvet” in the Medoc region. The building was impressive not only outside but inside under the wine cellar was given a 16 thousand sq. m. by the Way, territory cellars in the development process, the company repeatedly expanded.

1920, Calvet Jean proposes to add a bottle of wine personal character that would speak about quality of products, and the design of the bottle will make recognizable. So in 1920 there were “sign” of the company – the eagle, symbolizing strength, perseverance and desire to new heights. Jean cared not only about appearance but also about its contents. In 1930, he opens the lab, the purpose of which was to study beverage and its manufacturing processes from a scientific point of view. With the opening of the laboratory at all plants of the company maintained strict quality control.

In 1882, the company was part of the Whitbread Group, and after belonged to the Corporation Allied Domecq. In 2007, “Calvet” became a part of financial giant Les Grands Chais de France.

Each winery has its own laws, traditions and secrets, “Calvet” is no exception. Is strictly observe a certain set of rules, by the way, it’s 40 substantive provisions regulating the key stages of production. For example, blending and aging the drink is produced only in the immediate location of the company. For exposure that lasts at least six months (usually 1 year), can be used French oak barrels. Future fine wines Calvet must pass a test tasting (up to 11 times). Perhaps this is difficult, but these rules allow you to create masterpieces.

The story of the company would not be complete if not mentioning about the leading oenologist of the House to the main bus station – the Spaniard Paz Espejo. She is a real fan of his case, a biologist, with not only a degree from the University of Bordeaux, but also an incredible intuition. It is under the control of Pas was made by the best wines of the brand. Critics and experts call Pass modern French winemaking. The cooperation of the House to the main bus station Espejo breaks “wine” stereotype: good wine can be inexpensive.

For its rich and long history of wine of this brand was awarded numerous awards, including the “gold” Wine and Spirit Competition 2003 wine Calvet XF Sauvignon Blanc. About the wines Calvet is a mark of the best wine guide France – Hachette.

Another pride of the company is the range of fine beverages Calvet Varietals. This single malt wine with a soft taste, fresh aroma and affordable price: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which today can be enjoyed in Kazakhstan.

Wine auctions or bottle of wine for the price of a luxury car. For “hunters” for Antiques auction is a great opportunity to purchase desirable lot (painting, jewelry, cars), for wine collectors is the opportunity to buy a bottle or the whole collection of elite wines.

Wine auctions

At auctions worldwide fame (Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Zachys, Acker Merrall & Condit, Hart Davis) price for one bottle sometimes reaches several hundred thousand dollars.

Previously, auctions were conducted only in countries where there was a well established culture of winemaking (France, Germany), today in organizations is not the last role played by demand. So a modern centre of Commerce luxury wine is considered to be Hong Kong, and certainly not the Old world, where the demand for “auction lots” has declined significantly.

Why collectors sell their stocks?

The bulk of our wine auctions are private wine collection or a small percentage of accounts at the wine house. Sometimes conceive why the collectors who with such awe, bit by bit, if I may say so on the bottles, filled the shelves of their basements tomorrow “let them with a hammer.” Such questions are asked only of those in whose cellars wines yet. In fact, the reason of sale is quite clear and simple. Collection are so great that to store new acquisitions have no place, and the auction gives you the opportunity to free up space and earn money for new wines. Maybe the collector decided to completely change direction: to sell a collection of wines from the champagne region, to all his strength to focus on the wines of Burgundy.

By the way, the most titled wines of the world (France) and at the auctions is set at the leadership level: Bordeaux, Burgundy, champagne and Rhone valley. This “Quartet” hunt by many experts.

Trading in different countries.

One of the features of wine auctions is territorial affiliation, i.e. in Germany is dominated by German wine production in the United States is leading samples of American winemaking.

German auctions are characterized not only by the abundance of local lots, but also the way their conduct. First, here are sold directly from manufacturer, not from the cellar of a private collector. And, secondly, here selling is not one bottle, but entire batches.

Among the lots on Spanish wine auction no particular affluence brands, main economy, Alvaro Palacios, Dominio de Pingus and Artadi. But sometimes there put valuable samples of Australian (Penfold”s Grange) and South African wine (Nederburg Edelkeur Noble Late Harvest, Vergelegen).

Wine fever in Asia.

Over the past years in Asia the demand for wine collection is growing exponentially, the Chinese Nouveau riche want to own not only luxury cars, but also wines, over which time not imperiously. Every year at auction in China all put new records of sales, laying out for a wine collection worth millions of dollars. Since 2008, when Acker Merrall & Condit held its first wine auction in Hong Kong, a passion for elite guilt does not subside.

The wine, despite its venerable age, continues to grow: keeping traditions, technologies are improved, new recipes, terms. All this contributed to the emergence of new professions “in winemaking”. One of these is the sommelier.

But few know who is a sommelier, really?

The French Union of Sommeliers gives the following definition of the profession: it is a man, whose duties included serving drinks to customers, advice on the selection, and even the table setting. But not think that a sommelier is just a waiter, after all, serve the wine, even if properly and nicely, this is not all. High-class sommelier is the embodiment of the best qualities of the consultant (during communication with the client),

businessman (in the process of purchasing drinks for the restaurant) and the master tasting (picking up new combinations of wine and food).

Historical note.

Although this profession is not known to all “new” to call it quite difficult. The word sommelier (from the old French saumalier) means a rider of a beast of burden. And really, originated this profession (10th century) away from the fault. Former sommelier was responsible for transportation and safety of the Luggage of famous masters. Later, their duties included control over the economy, as well as checking the security of dishes and drinks, served to the table. By the way, isn’t the safest thing. The establishment of the profession has lasted long enough. Sommelier managed and cellars, and were ushers at the vineyards, and picked up the wine to the Royal table. And only to the 19th century, the post has established that the value of that guide until now.

But back in our day.

Today, few possess wine knowledge, you need to have flair, because the sommelier should recommend not what he likes, and try to predict the taste preferences of the client. Another important aspect is the price of a drink: it is necessary to accurately assess the creditworthiness of the customer and to offer the best in “his” price range. A good sommelier knows how clear and professional language, tell the customer about advantages of the selected drinks.

It should also be noted that the responsibilities of this profession is much wider dining room. A qualified specialist is engaged and filling the wine cellar. What is important to not only maintain the quantity but also to make purchases so that collection every year become only more expensive.

This position requires constant work on yourself, your knowledge and skills, making the sommelier of one of the most laborious and at the same time the most interesting professions in the wine industry.