temperature

June 15 – “Chillin’”

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by Grape Stomper Todd on June 15, 2011

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Hello everyone and today is June 15th.

On this day, in 1969, American rapper and actor, Ice Cube was born.

Okay, you’re probably not into rap music and I’ll admit I don’t know much about it either.  But for those who dig their rhymes cold-hearted and with a lot of attitude, Ice Cube is your man.

That brings us to our Wine Word of the Day: “Chillin’”

I often get asked how to chill a white wine quickly.  I usually throw my bottles in the freezer for 20 minutes to get the temps down and that usually does it.  But some people can’t wait that long.

For you impatient types, try this:  The next time you have some left over white wine (yeah, like that’s ever gonna happen), put the remaining amount in ice trays and place in your freezer.

Then later, when you need to chill a white wine fast, just pop some wine ice cubes in your glass of warm white wine.

Does it work?  I have no idea. Frankly, I’m scared to try.  This was just a crazy idea I found on a random blog.  Besides, I never have any leftover wine.

Have you ever tried this?  If so, report back here.  I gotta know if this is feasible.  Perhaps I might also suggest you not have any leftover trout or  liver and onions  in your ice box while your wine ice cubes are in there.

For transcripts, links and more podcasts go to: moonstonecellars.com/wwd.  If you have any suggestions for more words or tips on how to make wine popsicles for hyperactive children, please send your emails to wwd@moonstonecellars.com.

And until next time, cheers to you!

Also Recommended By Grape Stomper Todd
White Ice (TM) Reusable Ice Cubes for your Drinks Fred & Friends Freeze Handgun-Shaped Ice-Cube Tray
Bullet AK47 Ice Cube Tray Ice Cube’s Greatest Hits (Explicit)

Tagged as: temperature, white wine

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September 30 – “Cool”

by Grape Stomper Todd on September 30, 2010

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Too fast to live, too young to die, bye, bye.

Right click to download MP3 file.

On this day in 1955, celebrated actor James Dean died in a car crash just outside of Paso Robles wine country on Highway 46. After only three films, including Giant and Rebel Without A Cause, Dean was considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. His untimely death at the age of 24, catapulted him into cultural icon status, where he remains to this day.

Which brings us to our Wine Word of the Day: Cool

How cool is your wine? And when I say cool, I mean there is wine storage cool and wine serving cool.

For storage, you can’t go wrong storing the wine at 55 degrees. That’s what most wineries strive for in their barrel rooms for long term aging. By keeping the wine at this temp you’ll be most closely mimicking the ideal conditions.

If you can’t keep it at that temperature, try to find a place in the house where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate dramatically. Basements are best, but here in California, we might have to settle for a hall closet. Usually, the middle of the house has the smallest temperature swings…and perhaps your bother-in-law won’t think to look there when he’s trying to raid your stash.

But what temperature should you serve the wine? I will tell you this: most people drink white wines too cold and red wines too warm.

The colder the wine, the less you can smell it. So, if it’s a cheap bottle of white, by all means drink it straight out of the refrigerator. But more complex white wines like Viognier and oaked Chardonnays are best served around 50 to even 60 degrees F. in order to fully appreciate their delicate aromas.

I know they say, “serve reds at room temperature” but the adage goes back to cellar rooms in old European castles, not family rooms in Bakersfield in August. Stronger, more complex reds are best served in the 60-65 degree range, and the lighter reds (such as Pinot Noir) could be served even cooler. But never as cool as James Dean…

Curse of the James Dean Car:

Tagged as: chardonnay, cool, pinot noir, serving, storage, temperature, viognier

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