What makes a good red wine… a good red wine? The answer is simplicity itself… “terroir.” Originating from the French word “terre” – meaning “land” – terroir is that essence that gives a wine its personality. If wine were a person, you might say that a wine’s terroir is its soul. Wine regions tend to impart a particular grape and, subsequently, the wine made from that grape, with the same basic taste and aroma. The subtleties from region to region are what make a wine worth drinking.
California, the hub of the New World wine growing and wine making, has a number of truly spectacular wine regions with equally spectacular wine terroir. For a number of good red wines one might recommend Santa Ynez Valley, a viticulture region in Santa Barbara County, California.
good red wine
It is located near the coastline of California about one hundred twenty five miles north of Los Angeles. Santa Ynez had this great reputation even before Alexander Payne chose to showcase the valley in his 2004 film, Sideways. But, of course, media exposure like that Academy Award winning film doesn’t hurt sales a bit.
Of the many unique wineries one can choose from the Santa Ynez Valley is a gem of a winery called Sobriquet Winery. It is owned and maintained by, Chris Stanton, a wine maker with a wealth of viticulture experience. He got his start in northern California’s Napa Valley and now lives and works in Santa Ynez Valley. Chris brings that great “terroir” of the region to every bottle he makes.
Chris Stanton not only makes some of the best red wines, he also makes one of the best Chardonnay wines that the valley has to offer with his 2009. This sample of his work won the “Double Gold” at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and also received 90 Points from the wine press publication, Wine Enthusiast.
Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator
- Easily and conveniently enhances the flavor, bouquet, and finish of any wine
- Patent-pending design speeds up breathing process by instantly aerating in the time it takes to pour a glass of wine
- Hold aerator over glass and pour wine through for instant aeration; mixes proper amount of air in right amount of time
- Made of acrylic, the aerator comes with a no-drip stand
- Measures 6 inches high by 2 inches wide; safe to clean in the dishwasher
Red wine needs to breathe to allow it to open up, release its intended aromas, and of course, make it taste better. Vinturi’s patent pending design speeds up this process by instantly aerating with ease and convenience. It delivers recognizable improvements immediately: better bouquet, enhanced flavors and smoother finish. Perfect aeration in the time it takes to pour a glass. It couldn’t be easier. Comes with a no-drip stand. Made of acrylic. Aerator and stand are dishwasher safe. The glossy, clear acrylic is elegant and clean. But do note that there are two slight fold lines that extend upward from each air hole. These are normal. During manufacturing, material folds around rods and wraps back, and this causes the fold lines.
List Price: $ 39.95
Price: $ 23.98
Riedel Ouverture Magnum Red Wine Glass, Set of 6 plus 2 Bonus Glasses
- Set of 8 for the price of 6; Ouverture Magnum glasses; 18-5/8 ounces
- Designed by Riedel to enhance enjoyment of full-bodied red wines
- Machine-made from lead-free glass with exceptional clarity and brilliance
- Styling combines elongated bowl, generous sizing, and comfortable stem
- Dishwasher-safe; additional Ouverture wine and spirits glasses also available
Perfect for everyday use and an amazing value at 8 glasses for the price of 6, the eight extra-large red-wine glasses in this set are part of the moderately priced Ouverture series offered by world-renowned wineglass maker Riedel Crystal. Made of lead-free crystal and machine blown, these glasses are dishwasher-safe. Their thin rims are cut and polished to Riedel’s exacting standards, so wine flows easily onto the palate. Each glass stands 7-7/8 inches high, and their large bowls help release the wine’s aroma for full enjoyment. Though glasses shaped and sized for different types of wine seem a tradition today, Riedel was the pioneer of this revolutionary concept, which has created a lasting effect on the globe’s wine culture.
List Price: $ 72.00
Price: $ 58.95
Libbey Vina 16-3/4-Ounce Stemless Red-Wine Glasses, Set of 4
- Set of 4 wine glasses measuring 3 by 3 by 4 inches and holding 16-3/4 ounces each
- Crystal-clear, unadorned glass construction beautifully showcases contents
- Rounded bowls taper at the top to allow for gently swirling a variety of red wines
- Dishwasher-safe for thorough cleanup; made in the USA
- Contemporary, stemless bases provide stability and aesthetic appeal
Stemless wine glasses are soaring in popularity. Libbey worked with designers to create a wine glass that best intensified the aroma and flavor of wine, while being affordable. This red wine stemless glass features a 16 3/4 ounce capacity.
List Price: $ 17.99
Price: $ 11.99