Owner's Notes Fall 2009

Similar to what I have been doing the last couple of months,  I like to add anything particular happening in the store or some wine tidbits.  This month I would like to provide information regarding health aspects in drinking wine.  This article ( www.winepros.org/wine101/wine-health.htm ) is a great read.  If you have any comments, please let me know.

Owner's Notes August 2009

Ok, so we haven't had much of a summer yet. There is still time to get some of your favourite BBQ wines on. They are saying we might get some summer weather in the coming months.

Whether you need wines as soon as possible or thinking of Christmas wines, we have what you need.

There has been lots of discussions on the benefits of red wine and your heart (goto Good for Heart ) This is only one example of literature on the subject. Live long....drink red wine.

Hope to see you soon

Owner's Notes July 2009

The Scoop on Sulphites;

Potassium Metabisulphite is a stable source of sulphur dioxide in winemaking. The use of sulphur compounds is not a recent innovation. The great Dutch shipping empire popularised the use of sulphur in the 16th century by refusing to ship any wines not treated. They insisted on sulphites because sulphite treated wines were the only ones that survived a long sea voyage without turning into vinegar.

Sulphites work by releasing free sulphur dioxide, which inhibits yeast, mould and bacteria. It does this in two ways: one, it kills some of the organisms outright, and two, it blocks the surviving organisms ability to reproduce. If your winemaking equipment is physically clean and you've rinsed it with a sulphite solution, nothing will grow on it.

Sulphites are also added directly to wine after fermentation, to help prevent oxidation. Oxidation in wine follows the same pattern that you see in the cut edge of an apple—the wine turns brown and takes on a flat 'cardboard' taste. Sulphur binds with the oxygen in the wine and prevents this damage.

Many people worry that they may be allergic to sulphites. True sulphite allergies are very rare. It's more likely that they have a histamine reaction to red wine, or that they have been over exposed to sulphites in the past. In the 1970's restaurants would douse their salad bars with 2000 PPM (parts per million) sulphite solutions in order to keep the produce fresh. Mixing with food acids, such as dressings or vinegar, would cause the salad to release clouds of sulphite gas, provoking unpleasant reactions.

Some facts that might clear up any misunderstanding about sulphites:

•  Sulphites are a recognised food additive. The federal government controls their use.

•  All commercially available wines in the province contain sulphites, even those labelled 'Kosher' or 'Organic. The legally allowable amount is 70 PPM.

•  Nearly all dried fruits and meats contain sulphites. Raisins, for instance, have up to 250 PPM.

•  The amount of sulphite provided in wine kits will result in a level of between 15 and 30 PPM in a finished wine.

•  All grape-based wines produce Sulphites naturally during fermentation, up to a level of about 10-PPM. Even with no addition of outside sulphites, wines will still contain them.

This is not to say that sulphites are totally benign. People with asthma or emphysema should avoid inhaling sulphite powder or the gas that comes off the prepared solution. It can act as a bronchial constrictor, aggravating any breathing problems. Also, adding extra sulphites to wine is of no benefit, as it can spoil the flavour, giving it a 'burnt match' smell. It's important to follow directions for sulphite additions.

The upshot of sulphite use is this: without sulphites you'd have to be very careful to keep all of your equipment sanitary and you'd still have to drink your wine quickly, before it spoiled, probably within one or two months.

Sale for the Month of July;

All wine kits in stock are 15% OFF, wheather you make the wine on premise or take home to make.

Owner's Notes May 2009

Parking;

As many of you know, Winehaven has been experiencing parking issues, since GoodLife opened. For the past 2 to 3 months, we have had a sign out front, reserving a parking spot for you. Our landlaord was not happy with this situation and asked to remove the sign. However they have addressed our issue by providing us with a LOADING ZONE spot out front of the store. This parking spot is for unloading and loading your bottles, however you must find another spot during the bottling appointment. We were after a dedicated spot for Winehaven, but this is a great compromise.

Wine Specials

The specials for this month are to get all customers trying the premium wines. First, for customers who are enjoying the 4 week winekits, there is a $20 Off insentive to try the new GrandCru International 5 week kits ( a small jump but, big taste difference and the reds come with grapeskins). I have been extremely impressed with this series of wines. ( go to wine-kits for more information). I also have 2 premium wines perfect for the summer (Cellar Classic: Cab/Merlot and Pinot Grigio, 6 week kits) with a $20 discount. Getting them started now and they are ready for the hot summer months.

For those who are looking for that huge taste in reds, Cellar Classic Winery series is also at $20 Off

see Specials

Wine Issues

I have had a few customers, over the last couple of months, come to me concerning sediment or white crystals in their wine. In both cases they have disposed of the wine. I recommend that you DO NOT throw out the wine. Consult with us first. If you end up with sediment in your wine, this will not harm the wine, however, it makes it a bit messy in the glass. I recommend that you decant the wine carefully to leave the sediment in the bottle ...and enjoy. Similarly with the white crystals.

By the way the white crystals or "Wine Diamonds" (tartaric acid crystals) are a sign of quality in the wine. Again, decant carefully and truly enjoy.....

Any other problems that you find, please call us first or bring in a bottle for us to test.

cheers.....Keith

Don't forget to check this month's specials

Specials

Copyright 2009 www.winehaven.com. All Rights Reserved.
Site Designed & Maintained by: John Smillie/Lasting Impressions