Today’s question was sent in from Charles from lower Manhattan who asks about Chateauneuf du Pape.
“In 1989 and 2004 was the percentages of the different varieties in Chateauneuf du Pape:
Variety
% 1989
% 2004
Grenache
79,25
72,00
Syrah
5,66
10,50
Mourvedre
4,76
7,00
Cinsault
3,33
2,50
Clairette
2,34
2,50
Grenache Blanc
2,02
2,00
Bourboulenc
1,02
1,00
Roussanne
0,50
1,20
Counoise
0,43
0,50
Muscardin
0,33
0,40
Vaccarese
0,13
0,15
Picpoul
0,11
0,15
Picardan
0,10
0,05
Terret Noir
0,02
0,05
It’s always mentioned that 13 different grapes are used in Chateauneuf du Pape. In the table above you can count 14. In the rules Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc are only counted as one variety. Picpoul can be found as a red variety.
In the rules about pruning is mentioned Grenache Blanc an Picpoul Noir – totally 15 varieties.”
Today’s question was sent in from Matthieu from Mount Kisco who asks “What is the difference between Shiraz and Syrah?”.
Video sum up: Shiraz and Syrah
Actually Syrah and Shiraz are the same grapes. They are refered diffrently either side of the equator:
Syrah North of the equator
Shiraz South of the equator
Syrah is a very important grape in certain parts of the world like Australia or France. It makes a fairly dark, spicy, fragrant wine which can be fairly simple to extraordinary complex and long lived.
Today’s question was sent in from Brad from Australia who asks “How to become a Sommelier?”.
Video sum up: How to become a Sommelier?
A sommelier is that individual in a restaurant who is responsible to work with you on your wine drinking decision for the evening and help you navigate through the wine list.
Cru and Veritas in New York have thousands of wines on their list.
There are two ways to become a Sommelier:
take a course but it takes time and money. You can attain a certain stature that is rare in the world (Master of Wine, Court of Master Sommelier).
you can work at a very good restaurants during your off hours. It will be a good experience to be taste good or great wines and learn from people who know a lot about wine.
