Swirl Sip Slurp - Wine Stories by the Glass

Spitting Not Recommended

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Nicholas Joly is a revolutionary winemaker from the Loire Valley in France. He is a supreme advocate of biodynamic farming, a method of organic farming originally that follows a holistic understanding of agricultural processes by treating animals, crops, and the earth as a single living thing.

Biodynamic farming encompasses the scientific practices of organic farming including the use of natural pesticides, but it adds an additional spiritual element. It is common to see planting of vines timed with the phases of the moon and burying of crystals in the fields. With all of this additional care, the wines are undeniably special and hold a great deal of respect from those who enjoy them for the hard work that they require.

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Icewine or Eiswein

Icewine, the anglicized version of the German eiswein, is sweet wine produced from grapes left on the vine past the normal harvest through December and sometimes into January or February. Acids, sugars and fruit flavors concentrate as the grapes shrivel and freeze. The best ice wines are made in Germany and Canada under strict rules that guarantee a high level of quality.

By leaving the grapes on the vine long past the harvest for normal table wines, they bear the elements of Mother Nature, risk being eaten by birds, and reach freezing temperatures - by law at least 18˚F in Germany and Canada.

It's this gamble that results in extremely low yields and concentrated flavors, which is why ice wine is so very expensive and considered to be some of the best dessert wine in the world.

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The Best Wine Stories of 2013

Wine Spectator just came out with their top wine stories of 2013. Here are some great stories that did not make their list.

Moscato sales grew over 25% this past year and found a special place in the glasses of famous hip hop artists.

The Master Sommelier exam proved again to be one of the most difficult tests in the world. Experts need to know every wine type, region, village, and district in addition to being able to identify correct vintages.

There is going to be a global shortage of wine and it is largely due to the rate at which a really thirsty China is drinking the world's wine.

Happy New Year!