Chinon Rosé (photo by bloggyboulga)
On June 8 the European Union decided to keep a rule in place that bans the blending of white and red wines to make rosé. Several months earlier the EU began to consider changing that rule to allow a more flexible definition of rosé wine. But loud protests from traditional rosé makers and the French government persuaded the EU to change its mind.
In this podcast, we look at how rosé wine is made in both the traditional and non-traditional ways. We also look more closely at the background to this Battle for Rosé!
As you listen, think about these questions:
- In what ways is rosé like a red wine; in what ways is it like a white?
- Where does red wine get its color?
- Why is rosé light red or pink?
- What grapes are used in rosé?
- Which countries produce rosé?
- Do rosé wines have a good reputation?
- Are there any wines made by blending red and white wine together?
- Why are some producers against blending?
- Why are some people for blending?
Download the transcript and study guide. Read along! There are definitions and some pictures, too! The Battle over Rose
For Further Reading! Here is an article on the issue in the Washington Post.
Here is an article on rose wines in the Wine Enthusiast.
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Charles Shaw "California" Cabernet Sauvignon (photo by Gerald)
Would you buy a wine for just $2.00? A lot of people have decided that Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon (a.k.a. “Two Buck Chuck”) is a good value for their money. In this podcast we look at the label to learn more about how California wineries label their wines and what you should know in order to evaluate and purchase cheaper wines.
Download the transcript and study guide: #5. Another California Wine Label
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Grapevine, Napa Valley (photo by Gerald)
A large number of words you might use when talking about growing grapes and making wine are all related to one word: vitis vinifera. Find out what they are and how they are all related.
Download the transcript: #4 Wine Words with Deep Roots
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1993 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain Napa Valley. Photo by Gerald
In this podcast, I take a close look at a California wine label. It’s a good way to learn and get used to listening to a number of words that come up a lot in wine conversations:
- producer
- varietal
- single varietal vs. blend
- terroir
- American Viticultural Area (AVA)
- regular vs. reserve release.
Download the transcript: wine_3_california_wine_label
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A Wine Bug at Work!
In this podcast, we find out if you are a wine bug.
- Are you beyond simply choosing “red or white?”
- Do the smells in a glass of wine ever leave you speechless?
- Do you read books, magazines and blogs on wine?
- Do you spend too much time browsing through wine shops?
- Do you think carefully about what wine to drink with your dinner?
Maybe you have the wine bug!
Download the transcript: Transcript: #2 The Wine Bug
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Welcome to Wine in Easy English!
Did you know that your interest in wine can lead you toward better fluency in English? In this podcast I explain how I will discuss wine in such a way so that you can comprehend easily and learn more about wine in the process. Are you interested in listening to information about wine, wines from around the world, winemaking and wine tasting? Then continue to download these podcasts!
Download the transcript: Transcript: Introduction to Wine in Easy English
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