What Does Chateau Mean in Wine?

To become a wine connoisseur, it is key that you learn about the industry. Over the years, winemakers have developed their own language, so you need to familiarise yourself with the key terms of viticulture.

French connection

‘Chateau’ is commonly associated with French winemaking. If you browse Ideal Wine company’s Bordeaux wine list, for example, you’ll see that many of the vintages produced in this iconic French winemaking region are chateaus e.g. Chateau Margaux. Basically ‘chateau’ is the French word for ‘country house’ or even ‘castle,’ but it has a much more complex meaning in the world of winemaking.

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Global Consumers Are Flocking to Premium Drinks

Consumers worldwide are flocking to purchase niche premium drinks, according to the results of a new study. The Ideal Wine Company investigates.

Global Trends Report

London-based market research organisation IWSR has recently released its latest Global Trends Report. Compiled every year, this paper utilises drinks sectors research from over 118 nations, in order to provide key insights on both emerging and continuing industry trends across the planet.

IWSR found that across major markets, consumers are trading-up to higher value products. Here at the Ideal Wine Company we specialise in providing fine wines, so we understand that when you purchase high-end bottles, you’re in for an amazing drinking experience. Browse the Ideal Wine Company’s Champagne list today if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury drink!

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How to make a Coq Au Vin

You can create a tonne of amazing dishes with wine. If you want to impress guests at your next dinner party, try whipping up Coq Au Vin. This famous French chicken-based dish is absolutely delightful when done right. Ideal Wine Company explains how.

Get experimental

If you’re not the best of cooks, stick to this recipe so you can create a good Coq Au Vin. But if you’re a natural in the kitchen, you could always try getting experimental. Although Coq Au Vin is traditionally made with Burgundy red wine, it can also be made with other French reds, or even Champagne. Ideal Wine Company sells a range of Champagnes that you could use to take this classic chicken-based dish to new levels!

Find out the ingredients you'll need on the Ideal Wine Company blog site!

Is Wine the Key to a Happy Marriage?

Over the years, various studies have indicated that wine holds a range of health benefits. New research has suggested that it could also hold the key to a happy marriage. Surely this is too good to be true? The Ideal Wine Company investigates.

Study methodology

The long-term health survey, which was recently published in the Journals of Gerontology, examined drinking patterns among older, married, American heterosexual couples. With 2,767 couples taking part, those included in the study had already been married, on average, for 33 years. Meanwhile, two thirds of those included in the research were in their first marriage.

Read this article in full at the Ideal Wine Company WordPress site. 

Am I holding my wine glass correctly?

Drinking wine is an art form.  Even the simplest of things, such as the way you cradle your wine glass in your hands, can have a dramatic impact on the way the product tastes. Drawing on recent expert commentary, Ideal Wine Company explains how to hold your wine glass properly.

Glass shape matters

In 2015, a study conducted at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan determine that the shape a wine glass really does matter. This is because the glass acts as a filter, siphoning off the ethanol in wine so you can enjoy its rich flavours more easily. Of course, different types of wine hold different levels of ethanol, so you’ll need a different glass depending on the wine.

The Antinori Tignanello Toscana IGT 1990, a gorgeous Italian red wine, from Ideal Wine Company would work best in a wide-brimmed, traditional wine glass, just like any other red wine. But for something like Champagne, a flute would work better, because its shape is more effective for bringing the best out of this signature French sparkling wine.

Read in full at the Ideal Wine Company WordPress site.

What is the Difference Between Champagne and Prosecco?

Italian Prosecco is fast-becoming French Champagne’s main rival in the global luxury sparkling wine market. So which should you buy the next time you celebrate a special occasion? Ideal Wine Company considers the difference between Champagne and Prosecco.

Grapes varietals

Champagnes and Proseccos are created from different grapes. Champagnes are made and blended only from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Proseccos can be produced and blended from a wider variety of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Verdiso Bianchetta and Perara.

However, the little-known Glera grape, a highly-aromatic variety which dates back to Italy’s Roman period, tends to dominate Prosecco-making.

Production methods

By law, companies can only label their products ‘Champagne’ or ‘Prosecco’ if they use specific production methods. Champagne production is characterised by two fermentation processes; the first in an oak barrel, the second in a bottle.

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Five Faux Pas YOU could be making with Champagne

Champagne is synonymous with luxury, making it the perfect celebratory drink. But you need to follow certain rules when consuming Champagne, to make the most of this decadent product. Ideal Wine Company reveals five faux pas’ to avoid when serving and drinking Champagne at your next celebration.

Storing in freezers

Chill your bottle before drinking Champagne, as this wine tastes best when served at around 6-8 degrees. If you’re pressed for time, you may be tempted to store your botte in the freezer to get it really cold, really quickly. This works for dry whites but if you leave Champagne in the freezer too long, the bottle could explode due to its high bubble-content.  Instead, chill in the fridge and serve with ice.

Opening quickly

It is vital that you learn how to open a bottle of Champagne properly. Many people feel tempted to open bottles quickly, so they can see the cork ‘pop’ out like it often does in movies. Unfortunately if you take this approach, the cork could zoom across the room and injure someone, with the drink shooting out of the bottle. Always open gently!

Read the full blog on the Ideal Wine Company Blog site.