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As wine
steward of the Milwaukee ChopHouse, Hutch Renk plans and
structures the wine list, provides wine training for waitstaff
and serves as an expert for guests.
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It’s easy to feel inadequate when
wine enthusiasts start talking about their drinkable passions.
Varietals. Regions. Appellations. It can make you more dizzy than
drinking a bottle of Pinot. But once you know the basics, you’ll
have a working knowledge to carry on intelligent wine conversation.
Types of wines Varietals are wines
named after their grape variety rather than the region where the
grapes are grown. In Europe, wines are usually named after the region
in which the grapes are grown (Bordeaux, Chianti, Champagne). In most
of the rest of the world, wines are generally labeled with the name of
the grape variety the wine is made from (Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir). Europeans often have regulations controlling
their labeling. For example, Pinot Noir is the only red grape allowed
to be grown in most of the Burgundy region. As non-European countries
establish reputations for the wines of certain regions, they often add
the region’s name to the varietal name; for example, Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon or Columbia Valley Merlot.
Appellation appreciation Appellation
refers to the region where the variety of a wine’s grape is grown.
The term "appellation" is French; it refers to a
viticultural region distinguished by geographical features, which
produce wines with shared characteristics. The idea is the soil,
climate, sun, water quality and contour of a region combine to produce
a style of wine that can’t be duplicated. Wine tasting is the study
of how geographical features affect varieties of grapes, and how those
factors manifest in wine. The next time you enjoy a robust Zinfandel,
pay attention to where it comes from. Later, you’ll be able to
select another label from the same appellation, and you’ll notice
subtle characteristics the two wines share. With this understanding,
you’ll be able to try wines from the same appellation with
confidence they’ll suit your taste.
Know your wineries It’s smart to
learn about the winery that produces your favorite wines — find
little-known facts about the history of their vineyards or some
anecdote about the proprietor or winemaker. A Milwaukee ChopHouse
guest recently wondered aloud about the portraits gracing the
Adelsheim winery labels. They’re portraits of friends created by one
of the founders. Read the back of labels; you may find interesting
tidbits about your favorite wine.
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