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Chilling with Wine

Chilling with Wine

Warmer weather is approaching, and that means that more people will be turning to chilled white wines, rosés, and lighter-bodied reds for their summer wine consumption. The temperature of the wine either mutes or accentuates the characteristics of a wine.

The Differences Between Pét-Nat and Champagne

The Differences Between Pét-Nat and Champagne

“Pét-Nat,” or “pétillant naturel,” is the term given to sparkling wines made with a single fermentation. Fermentation is started in-tank, then the wine is put into a bottle and topped with a crown cap, like those on beer or glass soda bottles. The yeast in the bottle will continue to ferment the sugar in the grape juice, and the carbon dioxide that is a byproduct of fermentation has nowhere to go, except into the wine itself, yielding a sparkling wine.

Champagne Celebrations: Christening a Ship & A Shower for Race Winners

Champagne Celebrations: Christening a Ship & A Shower for Race Winners

Christening a ship for good luck before its first voyage dates way back. There were blessings in ancient cultures involving drinking of wine or even animal sacrifices, many of which had religious tones to them. Often, friars in the middle ages would board maiden British ships and pray while laying hands on the mast, and would sprinkle holy water on the deck or bow.

Virginia Wineries Go Virtual

Virginia Wineries Go Virtual

With the “Stay in Place” order across the state of Virginia in effect until June 10—unless we hear otherwise—restaurants, wine stores, and wineries have had to adapt their business models to still serve their customers as best they can, given the constraints of the official order. Businesses have ramped up their carry out, added or adapted curbside pick-up, and upped their shipping game, in order to keep their beloved business open so they can serve their loyal customers, both old and new.

Wine Tariffs! What is the Impact?

Wine Tariffs! What is the Impact?

In October of 2019, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on some European still (non-sparkling) wines. Importers, wholesalers and retailers have had to adjust pricing in order to keep bringing these wines to your national retailers and local store shelves so the effect on you as a consumer may have been small or not noticeable at all. Shortly, the US Trade Representative (USTR) is considering imposition of a 100% (on top of that 25% tariff from October) tariff on European wines (including still and sparkling), olive oils, cheeses, Scotch and Irish whiskies.