The Road to 100
The Wine Century Club

DISCOVER - September 2, 2009

Today, Wine Country Minute 00:60 takes its 100th step along a path of discovery of wine and its lifestyle begun in January, 2009. We hope you enjoy reading our Minutes as much as we enjoy publishing them. Keep commenting. We continue to improve Minutes based on your feedback.

Our spirit of adventure is shared by Steve and Deborah De Long, authors of De Long's Wine Grape Varietal Table, which you may have seen on tasting room walls. From his London office, Steve talked about the challenges of choosing among the 600 or so grape varieties used in commercial winemaking.

We like the crisp, clean taste of Sauvignon Blanc, but what does Seyval Blanc taste like? The movie, Sideways, made Pinot Noir famous, but did you know Pinot Meunier is an essential ingredient in some Champagnes? Tasting beaucoup grape varieties is the mission of The Wine Century Club, founded, not surprisingly, by Steve and Deborah. For the Club's 4th anniversary, members around the world tasted 159 varieties in one night!

You must sample at least 100 varieties to be eligible for membership in the Club, but you may count all grapes used in blended wines. Just browsing the 175 or so grape varieties on its score card is an eye-opener. Beware though, the curse of Bacchus awaits those who breach the honor counting system.

Follow in the footsteps of Odysseus; next time you're in Athens try Xynomavro, an excellent dark black, Greek variety.

The Wine Century Club
www.WineCentury.com

Are You a Wine Enjoyer?
Check out the options we have for wine lifestyle and
travel ideas delivered in small bites via email.

[ Read More Discover Minutes ]

Print this page