You Say Varietal, I Say Variety
Rummaging through the pages of a keepsake wine list of a long-forgotten Maltese restaurant with a three-colour charcoal drawing on the cover of a bottle of Pommard next to a pair of vermouth glasses, I realise how wine preferences have changed. Judging by the vintages and prices, the faded list must be about 50 years […]
Red Wine Molecules may Slow Down Alzheimer’s
Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in red wine, has been mentioned for years for its apparent powers to prolong life and protect against a range of ailments. Previously, clinical trials had found that resveratrol in tablet form, containing concentrated amounts to quantities found in 1000 bottles of red wine, slows down Alzheimer’s symptoms in patients […]
The Flavour of Barbie Pink
Tasting wine drawn from tank just days or weeks after the grapes were crushed to a juicy mush is pretty much like watching a football team warm up. At this early stage, the new wine has yet to become a truly united outfit. The fruit, tannin, acidity, flavour and aroma are still separate ingredients, acting […]
Viognier Go!
This year’s wine festivals in Malta and Gozo got caught up in an unusual fad. I’m not referring to Pokémania or the Pokémon Go players engrossed in their virtual phone game so lost in the real world of wine stalls that they remained oblivious to the vinous treasures up for tasting. Out in the parks […]
Support for Our Heritage Vines
Recently, Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes was quoted saying that the unusual prolonged dry weather this year has not only caused a smaller than average grape crop but unfortunately even ruined several grape vine plants. His announcement of future government assistance in the replanting of vines and in particular the indigenous Girgentina and Ġellewża varieties seems […]
