Michael Lavelle Wines’ Post

If you're a wine collector, you know that there are so many exceptional wines available on the market. From France to California to Australia, the options can be overwhelming. But amidst all the choices, there are two wines that have often been overlooked: Petite Sirah and Syrah. However, that is starting to change as these wines are finally getting the mainstream recognition they deserve. In our latest post, we'll explore the difference between Petite Sirah and Syrah, and even touch on the variant known as Shiraz. So, if you've ever been curious about these wines and how they compare, read on to satisfy your curiosity. https://lnkd.in/gdGhVgJz #PetiteSirah #Syrah #WineComparison #Shiraz #WineCollectors #FrenchWine #CaliforniaWine #AustralianWine #WineDiscovery #MainstreamRecognition #WineVariants #ExploringWines #WineCuriosity

Wondering about natural versus micro-granulated cork stoppers?   Natural cork stoppers are extracted directly from the bark of the cork oak tree, being ideal for aging wines. Their compressibility and elasticity ensure an excellent fit, maintaining a perfect closure over time.   Micro-granulated cork stoppers are designed for wines with shorter aging periods or high-rotation wines. They offer reliable sealing at a lower cost and provide sensorial neutrality, preserving the integrity of the wine.   Both options have their unique advantages, answering to different needs and preferences. Which one suits better your wine? 🍷   #portocorkamerica #corkstoppers #cork #wine

International Viognier Day celebrates the Viognier grape varietal, renowned for its aromatic and full-bodied white wines, featuring flavors of stone fruit, floral notes, and a touch of spice. Let's raise a glass to this versatile grape, cultivated in wine regions worldwide, from the Rhône Valley in France to California, Australia, and South America. Here are 3 facts about Viognier: 1️⃣ Viognier is believed to have originated in the Rhône Valley of France, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Once relatively obscure, it has surged in popularity in recent decades. 2️⃣ In the 1960s, Viognier faced extinction, with only a few acres of vines remaining worldwide. However, dedicated efforts by winemakers and enthusiasts revived interest in this grape. 3️⃣ While often enjoyed as a varietal wine, Viognier also shines as a blending component, adding aromatic complexity to wines like Syrah blends. The more you know... 🌈🌟 Bonus fact: There is an app designed specifically for planning and forecasting in the Beverage Alcohol industry. Discover Claret, and achieve Supply Chain Clarity: https://claret.la/4aNik7C #ViognierDay #BevAlc #BeverageBusiness #ClaretSolutions

According to a recent study carried out by the Cork Center laboratory of the Catalan Cork Institute, 96% of the 100 best rated wines in the Peñin Guide 2023 are sealed with cork stoppers. The impact of cork stoppers is not limited to their oenological role, but also to the average cost per bottle, since wines sealed with natural cork stoppers cost around 15% more than wines sealed with other closures. This study thus reaffirms the economic value of cork stoppers and their impact on consumer perception, while demonstrating that winemakers trust the active role that cork plays in the evolution of their wines. More information here: https://lnkd.in/dz8Cr2H8 #amorimcorkstoppers #wine #corkstoppers

What makes us so amazed by very old #bottles? Considering we have stored them properly (as well as prior guardians), we can only be in awe when they still taste delicious and please our #palates. The age of the relics in this video defies any old #finewine bottle contest. These were part of a jaw dropping historical, and certainly -once in a lifetime for a happy few - tasting which happened a month ago in Provence. There are so many things we can respect in old bottles that it’s hard to list them all here. For me the main 3 things I’m passionate about them are: - nature: how wine is a living and changing thing which can live for centuries and still taste awesome. - human artistry: how the winemaker intended the wine to become in the future. - palate delight: old wines have unique smells and taste and can express incredible secondary aromas and new balances impossible to find in new wines, expressing a mix of terroir and winemaking decisions. Only problem is to get invited to such tastings… Courtesy of François Audouze, founder of the “Academie des vins anciens”, who shared this video and whom you can follow on his Instagram account where he pops amazing old bottles.

Wines that rival La Rioja’s in Spain. Olive oils with a bolder flavor than those bottled in Tuscany. Rare white truffles that give Piedmont’s a run for their money. Wines that rival La Rioja’s in Spain. Olive oils with a bolder flavor than those bottled in Tuscany. Rare white truffles that give Piedmont’s a run for their money. https://wix.to/ozRvGep

🍇 Merci Le Bologne ! Continuing our series of socialising over some nice bottles with dinner at a real Geneva institution this week. Challenging our guests to tasting completely blind (apart from colour), we discussed the importance of trusting our first instincts in tasting, and forming our own judgments before the possibility of influence from others. Evaluating wine can be daunting, but remember that perfection doesn't exist in wine appreciation. The first and most important aspect is to decide whether you like it or not. From there, you can progress to identifying specific tastes and/or smells, and eventually guessing where the liquid could be from, as well as its age. Just as we expected / hoped, our final wine of the night – Montrose 1995 – defied gravity thanks to its pristine condition as an ex-château bottle, stored at 12°C (and 75% humidity) ever since. Tasters guessed that the wine was perhaps as much as 15 years old, but were surprised when we revealed it was actually twice that age! We should be kind to ourselves when tasting wines – it takes a lot of practice to guess correctly, and when all is said and done, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey through the world of wine. 🍷 #winelovers #finedining #vintagewine #blindtasting #geneva

Today, we're exploring the delightful world of pet-nat wines. Short for "pétillant naturel," pet-nat wines are sparkling wines made using the ancient méthode ancestrale, which involves bottling the wine before the primary fermentation is complete, allowing it to finish fermenting in the bottle. The result? A naturally sparkling wine with a unique, lively character. Join us for a tasting session and discover the refreshing, effervescent charm of pet-nat wines. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or new to the world of natural wines, there's something wonderfully surprising in every sip. Cheers to new experiences and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Have you tried pet-nat wines before? Share your thoughts with us below! 🥂🍾 #PetNat #TraynorTasting #PatioSeason #NaturalWines

To select a red wine to pair with a non-meat dish, I would recommend choosing a medium to lighter-bodied red wine. You want to avoid wines with intense flavors or high tannins that might overpower the dish. For vegetarian or non-meat dishes, opt for wines that are lighter and more delicate to complement the flavors. Red wines like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Dolcetto from Piedmont, Nero d'Avola, or Frappato from Sicily can be great choices. These wines are fruit-forward and not overly tannic, making them suitable for pairing with non-meat dishes. https://lnkd.in/eGfXSZu4

Happy Friday folks! Its that strange weekend when the 6 nations seems like its just started and they get a week off. What are we to do? At some point I'll be trying these two wines that I bought from the latest Lidl Wine Tour. For the uninitiated Lidl have a small selection of wines they change every two months, although they do run out earlier sometimes. The wines are usually good examples of the style or region and very good value for money. Both of these were under £10. A South African Chenin Blanc. Dashbosch 2021. There are great wines coming out of South Africa and it has always been known for its Chenin Blancs. Usually stone fruits with honey and some floral notes balanced with good acidity. Tasty! The red an Australian Cabernet, Shiraz Merlot blend from the McLaren Vale. Wirra Wirra vineyards has been in existence since 1894. This blend first produced in 1972. This should be a big fruity mouthful of wine. What will be in your glass this weekend? #thewinecru #winelovers #weekendvibes #southafricanwine #australianwine