Category Archives: All Natural Wines

The History Of Bottle Closures: Lead

All Natural Wines, Blog, New Wines, No Headache Wines

Have you ever seen your waiter wipe the lip of a bottle of wine before pouring you a glass? This isn’t because it’s dirty, but is actually a tradition dating back to when lead – yes, lead – was used to seal the bottle over the cork. 

The mining of lead dates back to at least 6500 BCE and was one of the first metals to be smelted and used. A dense and malleable material resistant to corrosion, it has been implemented throughout history for a variety of uses including cookware, cosmetics, and decorations. Its versatility was intriguing for winemakers, who reasoned its ability to form a tight seal was ideal for forming a capsule around the lip and cork of a bottle. As the years passed and technology improved, led foil was also developed as a means for creating an air-tight seal on the bottle and was a sign that the wine inside was of high quality. 

Since then, our society has become privy to the potential and dangers of lead poisoning. In a 1991 lawsuit, it was ruled that advertisements must be made, demonstrating how to appropriately wipe down the bottle to remove as much residue as possible. This is because even after the removal of the led seal, small deposits on the lip of the bottle could mix with the wine during pouring and thus ingested by the drinker. Furthermore, the settlement called for winemakers using led in their bottling process to inform consumers of its presence, warning that prolonged exposure to the metal could have devastating effects.

Still, it wasn’t until early 1996 that tin-coated lead capsules were outlawed by the Food and Drug Administration. So, why do waiters still wipe the bottle even when we know that there isn’t any lead present? Simply put, tradition. Though the action today is needless, it is a gesture indicating prestige, quality, and respect for the patron. 

What Is A Decanter? What Purpose Do They Serve?

All Natural Wines, Blog, German Wines, , , , ,

When enjoying a good wine, we oftentimes opt for the easiest method of serving: from bottle to glass. In following these means, however, it is possible for sediments to also enter the drinking vessel. Sediments, it should be noted, are not harmful, but can result in unpleasant tastes that detract from enjoyment. Furthermore, in moving the wine straight from the bottle to the glass, we eliminate an opportunity for its contents to properly aerate, which ultimately deprives us of many flavors and aromas. 

So, how do we resolve these challenges? A rather simple solution can be found in a decanter.

Decanters are vessels often made of glass, can be found in a variety of shapes, and have easy-to-pour spouts. While most wines can be decanted, “strong red wines particularly need to be decanted because their tannins are more intense” (Masterclass). According to Masterclass, the varietals that most benefit from decanting are Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. Older, full bodied red wines are also excellent for decanting because they contain the most sediment. In order to properly decant a wine, patience is paramount, but can be successfully achieved by following these steps:

  1. 1. Prior to decanting, make sure your bottle has been standing vertically for at least one day. This will ensure that the sediment has settled at the bottom of the bottle.
  2. 2. Open your bottle of wine.
  3. 3. Carefully aim the neck of the bottle toward the decanter while making sure that the bottom of the bottle does not exceed an angle of 45 degrees. This will stop the wine from rushing towards the lip and stirring up the sediment at the bottom.
  4. 4. Steadily pour the wine into the decanter, all the while keeping an eye out for any sediments nearing the opening. If you see any sediment approaching, stop pouring and set the bottle down in the upright position. Continue to carefully pour. 
  5. 5. You are finished pouring when there is approximately one ounce let in the bottle. This liquid will contain all of the unpleasant sediment you wish to leave out.

As previously mentioned, decanters are primarily used for filtering out sediments prior to drinking the wine, but they are also excellent for aeration. Through the process of pouring the wine from the bottle into the vessel, oxygen is introduced to the liquid. Decanters are specifically designed to increase the wine’s surface area, which in turn allows for greater oxidization. This softens the tannins, allows the wine to breathe and develop its flavors, and accelerates its “[coming] to life” (Smithsonian). 

While decanters are proven to mitigate the threat of unwanted sediments, there is a debate over whether these vessels actually improve the taste of wine. Of course, this is entirely up to personal preference, and the only opinion that matters is your own. What we recommend, here at King Frosch, is for you to choose your favorite wine and try it both undecanted and decanted. Who knows, maybe you’re favorite will end up tasting even better than you thought possible!

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/is-decanting-wine-worth-doing-103432638/
When Should You Decant Wine?
Choosing the Right Wine Decanter For Your Needs

The History Of Bottle Closures: Screw Caps

All Natural Wines, Blog, German Wine Specialists, German Wines, New Wines, No Headache Wines

There is a common misconception that wines that are sealed with corks are of higher quality than those crafted with screw caps. There is something romantic about levying a cork and hearing it pop when it leaves the mouth of the bottle. A millennia-old practice, it invokes visions of class, elegance, and ceremony. It’s an experience lost on us when we simply unscrew a cap, an act that is just as easy as opening a bottle of water. 

Compared to the natural cork, which has roots traceable all the way to Antiquity, screw caps are a relatively new practice. First introduced in the 1950s, they were developed to combat the quality-related struggles of the traditional cork. In using aluminum with a polyethylene or tin coating, the screw cap is able to create an extremely tight seal, which prevents unwanted oxidization. The omission of a cork also removes the potential for cork taint and makes the bottle more resistant to extreme temperatures, since the screw cap will not expand or contract with the climate. Screw caps, according to a study conducted by Hogue Cellars, are the best method for preserving the bouquet, fruitiness, and character of the wine. Furthermore, the bottles with screw caps can be stored in any position, unlike the corked bottles, which need to be laid horizontally with a slight tilt forward so that the cork is always in contact with the liquid. If corked bottles are improperly stored, the cork can become weak, leading to air seepage and ultimately, bad wine. This situation is completely avoidable with screw cap bottles, which offer a better experience for both crafters and consumers alike. 

Despite the pros associated with screw caps, countries known for their wine snobbery (the United States) are resistant to making a widespread change by ditching the cork (perhaps due to the aforementioned stigma.) Only about 30% of wines in the US are closed with a screw cap, a shockingly low number.

Still, as time progresses, the perks of using a screw cap are infiltrating the wine-making industry. The ability to maintain a higher amount of control over the product is attractive to wine crafters, and an increased, quality lifespan following their purchase is a large incentive for consumers. 

Here at King Frosch, we like to embrace technology that allows us to continually provide you with the best wines we are able to offer. Though we love the romance of the cork, our market research and subsequent feedback indicated that there is a desire for the ease of opening a bottle without tools. We listened and switched approximately 50% of our wines to bottles with screw tops.

So, the next time you pass judgment on a wine based on the means of its closure, remember: even a century’s old industry is able to change for the better!

What Glasses Should I Serve My Wine In?

All Natural Wines, Blog, Dessert Wines, Eiswein, German Wine Specialists, German Wines, No Headache Wines, Red Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine

Just as there seem to be an infinite number of varietals of wine, all of which have their own distinct characteristics, there too seem to be just as many types of glasses. This week, we’re answering the question, what kind of glasses should you use when serving red, white, and sparkling wine.

(Photo: Novitech/Shutterstock)

Red Wine: Red wines are typically served in glasses that have larger bowls. These larger glasses mean the wine has a greater amount of surface area which comes into contact with the air. As a result, the wine is able to breathe, or “open up,” which facilitates flavor development. Larger glasses also encourage the drinker to smell their wine. This is important for enjoyment, as the senses taste and smell are closely linked.

White Wine: White wine is usually served in comparatively smaller glasses, which feature U-shaped bowls. Their unique shape and smaller openings decrease the wine’s surface area, which better preserves its cooler temperature for a longer amount of time. The glass’s smaller opening, according to food.com, also channels the wine’s more subtle aromas more directly to the drinker’s nose.

Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wines are best suited for flutes with narrow, thin bowls. By minimizing the wine’s surface area and exposure to oxygen, the flute helps to preserve the fizz and channel its flavors into the mouth instead of up to the nose.

Dessert Wine: Dessert wines are traditionally served in sippers or glasses characterized by their smaller, more compact shape. This helps to accentuate the aromas and flavors of the wine as well. It also reinforces the fact that these types of wines are intended to be enjoyed in smaller quantities, due to their rarity.

What about glasses with stems versus those without stems? This is primarily up to preference, though in general, though by holding the stem instead of the bowl, you can avoid transmitting your hand’s natural heat through the glass and preserve the wine’s cooler temperature.

If aeration prior to enjoyment, yet without having to wait, is something that is important to you, we also recommend looking into self-aerating glasses. Glasses with internal cells that funnel the wine into the larger bowl, or micro cuts which, during a swirl, help to agitate the wine and expose more of it to oxygen, minimize an otherwise sometimes tedious process of decanting and aeration.

At the end of the day, which glass you drink you wine in comes down to personal preference, though if you want to get the most out of your wine drinking experience we would recommend making sure that you have a larger glass to enjoy red wines, and a smaller one to enjoy white wines with.

Enjoy and let us know what you think!

Because red and white wines Lastly, if you enjoy reds and whites and want to optimize your enjoyment of both, it is recommended that you purchase two sets of glasses.

Which glass do I serve which wine in?
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/guide/580/types-of-wine-glasses.html
How to Select the Right Wine Glass
The 4 Basic Types of Wine Glasses
https://patch.com/us/dealtown/these-self-aerating-wine-glasses-are-our-new-obsession

What Are Wine Diamonds?

All Natural Wines, Blog, German Wines, No Headache Wines, Red Wine, White Wine

Imagine: 

You open a bottle of wine and pour yourself a glass, enjoying the occasion for a celebration. You swirl the contents of your glass appreciatively, and- there! At the bottom of the glass, something glitters. You look at the bottom of the cork and find… diamonds. Wine diamonds.

Wine diamonds are naturally occurring and in fact, harmless. They are made from potassium acid tartrate, a potassium salt commonly found in fruits—especially grapes—and can form in your wine during cold storage. 

Image from https://sorrynowine.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/cork_tartrates.jpg

As it turns out, wine diamonds signify quality wine. The longer grapes are left to mature on the vine (which is a precursor for crafting a quality wine,) the more acid builds and accumulates, forming the starter of the diamonds. 

The presence of wine diamonds is also a suggestion of the wine’s production process. Many manufactured wines go through “cold stabilization.” This is when the wine is intentionally cooled and left at a low temperature for an extended period of time, after which inclusions are removed. The appearance of wine diamonds in your bottle means your wine’s production process did not include this stage. This is a good thing, because it means it was “crafted” with less manipulation.

Why do manufacturers do this? Years of retail business and millions of bottles distributed, manufacturers and distributors received many bottles back from retail stores and had to credit (goodwill) for those bottles, consumers brought back or refused to enjoy a bottle because of the presence of wine diamonds. Many retail store clerks not knowing what it is or unable to explain are afraid of losing a customer or the customer is always right, prematurely offering exchanges or credits, which are passed on to the distributor and they to the manufacturer. A big accounting and customer service nightmare. 

We believe in transparency and education. KingFrosch fans know for years if they open a bottle and find a wine diamond, they know that this is how we roll, all natural and we are doing it right, all the time.

So, if you find wine diamonds in your next bottle, consider yourself rich in both quality and experience!

https://www.winc.com/blog/wine-diamonds
https://vintnerscellarbedford.ca/wine-diamonds
https://www.burntbridgecellars.com/wine-blog/2016/5/11/ask-the-winemaker-what-are-wine-diamonds
https://www.winc.com/blog/wine-diamonds
https://vintnerscellarbedford.ca/wine-diamonds
https://www.burntbridgecellars.com/wine-blog/2016/5/11/ask-the-winemaker-what-are-wine-diamonds

What Makes Wine Age Well?

All Natural Wines, Blog, Eiswein, German Wines, No Headache Wines, Red Wine, Uncategorized, White Wine, ,

Cheese, balsamic vinegar, and wine are examples of just a few items in a human’s diet that get better with age. 

We have to ask, though, what makes wine age well?

First, it’s important to note that because of the production process, all wine is aged to a certain extent. While certain red wines progress through the fermentation stage for years, white wines typically do not need as much time before they are bottled and sold. 

So, how can you determine which wines will age well?

One way to determine this, according to Binwise, is to pay attention to the wine’s sugar content. The higher the sugar content, the better wine will do with time. Ports and dessert wines tend to have much higher sugar levels and can age well for up to 100 years!

Higher levels of acidity can also help a wine age better and last longer. The longer a wine ages, the more it loses its acidity and “flattens,” so starting with higher levels will help it last for the long haul. 

After the wine is bottled, certain chemical reactions occur through aging and result in the formation of phenolic compounds. Tannins, the most popular for these compounds, alter the character of the wine, including mouth feel, flavor profile, color, and aroma. Wines with higher levels of tannins that are also well-balanced will smooth out over time. 

In non-fortified wines, alcohol levels can cause the wine to turn vinegary at a much faster rate. In general, the lower the alcohol level (13.5% or below) in non-fortified wines will age the best, while an ABV percentage of 17-20% in fortified wines will last the longest.

If you’re looking for varietals to age in a collection, we recommend the following from King Frosch:

Specialty Wines:

Reds:

Whites: 

We would like to note, King Frosch wines age in their bottles. While our red wines mature, our whites may change in color and flavor as time passes. As a result, we recommend our white wines be enjoyed within one to two years.

Sources:

How to Age Wine & the Best Wines to Age | Aged Wine Guide

4 Traits of Wines That Age Well

The 2020 Wrap Up

All Natural Wines, Blog, Eiswein, German Wine Specialists, German Wines, Red Wine, Riesling, Sweet Red Wines, ,

Now that 2020 is behind us (and we have 2020 vision!) it’s time for a year-end wrap up.

Overall, the 2020 vintage produced a very high quality throughout Germany. The country experienced a warm and sunny spring, but a frost in mid-May, which unfortunately resulted in damage and yield loss in some regions.

The main grape harvest began at the end of August, which is approximately 8 to 10 days earlier than average. Good weather continued throughout the summer into September. According to the German Wine Institute, “the red varieties in particular benefited from the warm weather… [and] will get even better as they further ripen in the cellar.” The vintage was crowned on November 30th with a successful harvest of frozen grapes for ice wine.

In total, the harvest volume of 2020 is two percent lower than the 10-year average due to the aforementioned frost. The pricing is also rather stable without including the impacted regions.

Prost und zum Wohl!

What Is Spätburgunder? Hint: Think Pinot!

All Natural Wines, Blog, German Wines

What Is Pinot Noir?

We’ve all heard of Pinot Noir, but what exactly do these fancy words mean? Pinot Noir is derived from the French terms Pinot for pine and Noir for black. It’s actually one of the oldest grape varieties in the world- its history related to winemaking dates back to the first century AD. Pinot refers to the cone-like shape of the grapes’ clusters, which grow tightly together in pinecone-like shapes. Due to it’s tight growth structure and thin skin, the Pinot Noir grape is actually rather difficult to grow as it is more susceptible to rot1. 

What Is Spätburgunder?

In Germany, they call Pinot Noir Spätburgunder (spät meaning late ripening, and burgunder referring to Burgundy). Though it was first documented in the 14th century, there is evidence that the varietal has been in Germany as early as the 4th century2. Due to Germany’s climate, the traditional Spätburgunder is typically lighter in color, body, and tannins, than its counterparts2. However, due to climate change, Germany’s summers are getting hotter and lately, Germany has been producing bigger and bolder Pinot than ever before. 

How do you pair Pinot Noir/Spätburgunder?

Pinot Noir is considered one of the most food-friendly red wines because of its higher acid profile and bright, sheer tasting flavors3. So, if you’re pondering which bottle of wine to take when visiting friends, hosting a dinner gathering, or just unsure which wine will go best with dinner, we recommend a Pinot!


Shop our Pinot Noir/Spätburgunder

#400 Spätburgunder Classic, Dry

#475 12 Month Barrel Aged

#499 Barrique Reserve:

  1.  Why is it so difficult to grow Pinot Noir grapes?. (2020). Retrieved 28 November 2020, from https://www.winespectator.com/articles/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-grow-pinot-noir-grapes-47336

2. Spätburgunder. (2020). Retrieved 28 November 2020, from     https://www.germanwines.de/knowledge/grape-varieties/red-grapes/spaetburgunder/

  1. Winetraveler, L. (2020). What Are Some of the Best Pinot Noir Food Pairings?. Retrieved 28 November 2020, from https://www.winetraveler.com/wine-pairing/best-pinot-noir-food-pairing/

What Is Gewürztraminer Wine?

All Natural Wines, Blog, , ,

Origin and History

The Gewürztraminer grape is one of 18 classic noble grapes. It is a mutation of either the traminer grape from the village of Tramin in South Tyrol, or the savagnin, the parent grape of sauvignon blanc. Sources are a bit fuzzy on this point, but what we do know is that it is one of the oldest grapes in the wine world. The grape is white with pink skins and is commonly grown in Alsace, a region on the border of France and Germany.2 Because it needs a cool climate in order to develop aromas and the vine is particularly susceptible to disease, Gewürztraminer is difficult to grow. Scientists have even attempted to cross the grape with other varietals to strengthen it, but none have been successful thus far.3

Flavors

Gewürztraminer gets its name from the term Gewürz, which in German means “herb.” The wine is famous for its traditionally high alcohol content and strong, tropical aromas including lychee, pineapple, melon, ginger, rose petals, and even smoke.

Pairings

When pairing the wine with foods, you can try a wide variety of cuisines and flavors, from sweet, to spicy, to salty because of its low acidity and sweet or off-dry taste.2 This means that these wines are perfect for just about any occasion, from brunch to your Thanksgiving dinner!

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

1 Gewurztraminer Wine. (2020). Retrieved 21 November 2020, from https://www.wine-searcher.com/grape-187-gewurztraminer

2 Meyer, T. (2020). What Gewurztraminer tastes like: Wines to change your mind. Retrieved 21 November 2020, from https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews-tastings/what-is-gewurztraminer-like-300561/

3 Suckling, J. (2020). Gewürztraminer Wine: History, Tasting Notes, and Pairings. Retrieved 21 November 2020, from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/gewurztramine-wine-history-tasting-notes-and-pairings#what-is-gewrztraminer

4 Gewürztraminer Wine Guide. (2020). Retrieved 21 November 2020, from https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/gewurztraminer-wine-guide/

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#610 Gewürztraminer, Dry

#611 Gewürztraminer, Semi Dry

#612 Gewürztraminer Semi Sweet

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Chances Are, You’re Drinking Your Wine At The Wrong Temperature

All Natural Wines, Blog, German Wine Specialists, German Wines, New Wines, No Headache Wines, , , ,

We’ve all heard the old adage that we should drink red wines at room temperature, while drinking white wines chilled. 

Why do we drink different wines at different temperatures?

Why is that? Chemistry! Red wines, especially those that are bigger and bolder, have tannins that provide nuance to flavor. If a red wine is chilled, the flavor may lose some of the lighter, more enjoyable nuances. Conversely, white wines have higher acidity, which, at warmer temperatures, can introduce unwanted tasting “noise.” By chilling the white wines, the flavor profile tightens, effectively muting some of that noise so that we may better enjoy the lighter, fruitier elements1 of the beverage. 

What are these recommended temperatures?

But what is “room temperature,” and what is “chilled”? Many wine experts share the opinion that Americans actually drink their red wine too warm, and their white wines too cold. Part of this issue stems from the fact that “room temperature” in Europe really means cellar temperature, which tends to be around 55F to 65F. Room temperature in the United States, however, is approximately 72F 2 . Furthermore, refrigerators typically chill food to 37F, but experts state that white wine should be enjoyed between 45F and 50F1.  This means that red wine is typically drunk 7 to 17 degrees warmer than intended, while white wine is drunk 8 to 13 degrees colder than what is recommended.

How do we reach the recommended temperatures?

So, how should we get wine to its intended temperature? Like many things, good planning plays an important role. If you have red wine at room temperature, just place it in the fridge about 45 minutes before you plan on enjoying it. If you have white wine at room temperature, place it in the fridge about two hours before you wish to drink it. You can also keep both red and white wine in the refrigerator, and then take the red out about half an hour before you wish to enjoy it3, and take the white out approximately 15 minutes before enjoyment. As a rule of thumb, the lighter the wine, the longer it should be in the fridge, and the heavier the wine, the shorter amount of time it needs to be chilled. 

As always, recommendations are purely guidelines. Wine is for your enjoyment, so feel free to experiment with temperatures and stick with your own personal preference!

1 The Do’s and Don’ts of Chilling Wine. (2020). Retrieved 15 November 2020, from https://www.winemag.com/2018/08/13/chill-wine/

2 Helmenstine, A. (2020). What Is Room Temperature?. Retrieved 15 November 2020, from https://sciencenotes.org/what-is-room-temperature/

3  Schultz, E. (2020). PSA: Your Red Wine Is Probably Way Too Warm. Retrieved 15 November 2020, from https://www.bonappetit.com/story/red-wine-temperature-cooler-than-you-think

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