Four Facts about Absinthe

Cheers!

For the last few years, absinthe has been all the rage among the young, hipster crowds of Korea, so here are four facts you probably didn't know about it.

1) Absinthe was invented at the end of the eighteenth century.  Absinthe was actually invented by a French doctor named Pierre Ordinaire.  He invented absinthe by distilling wormwood and several other herbs into an alcoholic base.  Although this may seem strange in today's modern world of medicine, at the time it was considered a viable remedy for patients with various ailments.

2) Although it contains special properties that other alcoholic drinks do not, absinthe actually contains an extremely high amount of alcohol.  To put it in perspective, most brands of gin, whiskey and vodka contain approximately forty percent alcohol.  Depending on the brand of absinthe, it can contain anywhere from fifty to seventy percent alcohol.  Therefore, although you should enjoy any absinthe experience you have to the fullest, make sure you enjoy it responsibly and do not attempt to drive a car after spending an extended amount of time with the Green Fairy.

3) Absinthe has been associated with the Green Fairy since the nineteenth century.  The French originally gave absinthe the nickname La Fee Verte, which the English later translated into the Green Fairy.  However, Green Fairy is not the only nickname that has been given to absinthe over the years.  Aleister Crowley gave absinthe the nickname Green Goddess, while many artists and poets coined the term Green Muse for absinthe.

4) Modern science has actually attempted to take a stab at explaining exactly how the Green Fairy works.  In 2000, scientists studied the effects of the wormwood herb on the human brain.  The study was conducted by a variety of researchers at Berkeley, the University of California and Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago.  After extensive research, the scientists found that wormwood (along with other components of absinthe) cause "CNS cholinergic receptor binding activity."  In laymen's terms, absinthe actually improves the cognitive functions of the brain!

Build Your Own Wine Rack

When it comes to household decorating, a new crop of do-it-yourselfers has emerged, eager to spackle, paint, measure, hammer, and hang. To keep pace, manufacturers of household products work diligently to provide the weekend warrior a bevy of projects. For wine enthusiasts who like to display their wine as well as drink it, a wine rack kit offers the perfect opportunity to build your own dynamic showcase.

A wine rack kit contains the essential parts for building your own wine rack. Just like a wine rack that you would purchase completely assembled, a wine rack kit comes in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes. So prior to choosing your wine rack kit you must first decide your preferences regarding its overall look.

First and foremost, you must consider your home's decor. If you prefer contemporary decor then clearly you should choose a wine rack kit that blends with this style; the same holds true for a home decorated in any other style such as country or eclectic. The materials that make up the wine rack kit range from solid wood of all varieties, to metal and wrought iron. While a wood wine rack would complement a home with country flair, a wrought iron wine rack may look better in a more eclectic home.

When considering a wine rack kit it is important to evaluate the space with which you have to work. For someone living in a smaller environment, a hanging wine rack may be best suited for this space; this particular model hangs from the ceiling in any area of your home, keeping wine bottles out of the way while making a beautiful showcase for your collection. If you have a larger living space, then you may want to consider a standing wine rack that fits into a corner or against a wall. Either design is available for assembly with a wine rack kit.

Also consider your wine collection when purchasing a wine rack kit. If you prefer to only display a few nice bottles of wine, then a smaller wine rack kit that offers a smaller space for bottles will make the most sense. For a larger collection, or for the ability to also store or display stemware and barware, then a larger, more comprehensive wine rack kit may be in order.

Find your wine rack kit at any home good store, including the larger retail outlets. Or shop online to find some great deals. In Korea, check out IKEA or Gmarket for possible solid options. Either way, the wine rack kit is an inexpensive design feature and an enjoyable do-it-yourself project.

Chardonnay: The Universal Wine

Almost everyone on the planet has heard of Chardonnay, in fact it is so popular that some people even name their children after it. Chardonnay is commonly ordered as a type of wine from bars and restaurants but it is in fact the name of the most popular and possibly the most versatile grape in the world. Almost all white Burgundy from Bourgogne Blanc to Chablis is made from 100% chardonnay grapes. The Chardonnay grape is also the mainstay in many types of champagne and is now even being used in Spain to make Cava.

The Chardonnay grape is so popular because it is easy to grow ñ that is probably why it is championed by so many grape producers. It can also be crafted into many different types of wines. Perhaps it is also so popular because it has little indigenous character of its own and instead displays the characteristics of the soil and climate where it is grown. Chardonnay has a propensity for acid and glycerine which is responsible for giving it a velvety texture ñ this is what is important in this type of grape. It is this texture which makes it so versatile when it comes to producing wine. It can be crafted into fresh lemony unoaked wine or aged in barrels to produce wine for a much richer palate. It is often seen as a cheap wine that is not worth trying but remember these grapes are used in top quality Chablis and Champagne, so don't dismiss this grape and wine out of hand.

Chardonnay now comes in a host of different styles; gone are the days when all the bottles were heavily oaked, there is a chardonnay suitable for every palate and pocket and because of the versatility of the grape from almost every wine producing country in the world. So which are the types of Chardonnay to look out for? What do they taste like? Here are a couple of generalisations to get you on your way. Of course the best way to find out which one is your favourite is to get your glass out and start tasting your way around a few of the bottles!

France produces a ream of different Chardonnays. For pure unoaked Chardonnay look for a Chablis labelled unoaked. This is great with fish as it is delicate and unobtrusive. For a clean flavoured wine with a subtle fruit aroma look to the Meursault and Montrachet regions. California produces wines that work well with grilled seasoned foods. The Napa valley produces great oaky fruity wines which are ideal for outdoor eating and drinking. For an even fruitier riper flavour try something from the Santa Barbara region, these highly flavoured wines will even taste great with grilled meats. For a Chardonnay that is intensely flavoured and almost best drunk without food head to Australia and try something from the Hunter Valley. This tropically flavoured wine is great chilled and shared with a friend.

There are so many different types of Chardonnay from so many different countries that you are bound to find something to suit your palate. So what are you waiting for? Go drink some now!

Buying Wine — Step 1: Pick A Wine Store

I'm not a wine connoisseur. I don't even own a decanter. (Some of my married friends own several.) But I like wine, especially trying different kinds. There are tons of resources out there to help you learn about wine. But I don't have time to read them. So I learn by doing, or . . . by drinking. My only problem is knowing which bottle to pick. If you put me in a wine store with over a thousand bottles, I either need a sommelier or a psychiatrist. I usually start by studying the notes that hang by the bottles. The ones with names attached to them like Wine Spectator or Robert Parker or Bill, the stocker. I contemplate the pictures and colors of the label. I analyze the pricing structure and weigh costs and benefits. Then after an hour or so, when I'm completely frustrated, I make a completely arbitrary decision. So I've come to this conclusion. I need help. And, since my shrink has his limits, I need to find a wine store with people who can help me through the process of buying a good bottle.

All wine stores are not created equal. Here are some of the factors to think about when choosing a wine store: 

1) Selection: Don't be fooled. Having thousands of bottles is not the same as having a good selection. Many large liquor stores stockpile wine with labels that are heavily advertised and sold with the largest discount. You may walk into a store and think you've got thousands of choices, but all you really have is same bottles repeated over and over. What makes a good selection? Look for a store: (1) with a knowledgeable wine buyer and (2) with a variety of tastes, regions, and prices. A good selection will offer both wines that are familiar and unique. Why is selection important? Think of it as playing the odds. You're much better off choosing from a few hundred wines tasted by a knowledgeable buyer than from several thousand that were trucked en masse.

2) Storage: If you walk into a store and start to sweat, turn around. Wine should not be stored at temperatures over 80 degrees, or it will lose its flavor. That's why wine is usually made and stored underground. Avoid large warehouses where the temperature may be hard to control. Seek out a wine store where the workers are happy wearing sweaters in the summer. It's likely that the wine will be well-cooled and happy too. 

3) Information: A good wine store is a good source of information. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions and seek out staff recommendations. Many stores in Kansas City offer wine tastings, which are a great opportunity to try before you buy. 

4) Price: Of course, wine prices vary widely, and I've never found one store that's consistently cheaper. Even the big discount shops are not always money savers. After you've found a store that you like based on the other three factors, you can save money by subscribing to that store's newsletters or joining its tasting club. Often, stores send out special deals and offerings to these customers first.

A special fifth category is convenience. This matters especially when you're buying in bulk, or if you are looking for a quick pick-up on the way home from work. It's good to know where several good stores are in town, so that you'll know which one to hit whenever the feeling strikes.