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Noble Grapes

Noble Grapes

We have encountered a number of folks inquiring about the Noble grapes:

– What is a Noble grape?
– Can I make Noble grape wines at Wines By Design (WBD)?

There are varying views on what makes up a Noble Grape. The purist’s view allows that there are only 6 Noble Grapes (as detailed on VinePair.com):

Primarily originating in France (with the exception of Riesling from Germany), they are probably the most prolific grapes. They all produce phenomenal wines and are able to grow all around the world (with varying degrees of success).

(dramatic pause)

Alternatively, there is another view point which expands that list of Noble grapes, up to 18! This “newer” view states that Noble grapes are “International Varieties” which are grape varieties that are planted in the most major wine producing regions and have wide spread appeal. Wine Folly has a great article about the 18 Noble Grapes. These include 9 Red and 9 White:

There’s a great graphic from the fine folks at Wine Folly that shows all 18 of the “New” Noble Grapes.

After reviewing the graphic, we can finally answer ONE of those questions, YES: You CAN make wine at WBD with all of the Noble Grapes!

(caveat: SOMETIMES it’s not a wine from a single grape though. They might be included in one of our blends… ex: Sémillon)

Original Source: THE 6 NOBLE GRAPES: THEIR HISTORY & INFLUENCE ON WINE

Original Source: The 18 Noble Grapes Wine Challenge

Recipe: Poached Pears (Instant Pot)

Recipe: Poached Pears (Instant Pot)

Red Wine Poached Pears (Instant Pot)
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 6 pears firm and pealed
  2. 1 bottle red wine a dry tarty, tannic red wine like Sangiovese or Barbera
  3. 1 bay leaf
  4. 4 cloves
  5. 1 stick cinnamon or one teaspoon cinnamon
  6. 1 piece Ginger fresh
  7. 1 1/3 cups sugar
  8. herbs for decoration, optional like mint or basil
Instructions
  1. Peel the pears but leave the stems attached. Pour the bottle of wine in the pressure cooker.
  2. Add the bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and sugar. Mix well to dissolve. Add the pears into the Instant Pot.
  3. Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Press [Pressure Cook] and then use the [+] or [ - ] button to set 9 minutes of pressure cooking time .
  4. When time is up, open the cooker using Quick Pressure Release.
  5. Take out the pears carefully using tongs and picking up from their stems. Set the pears aside and put the pressure cooker on [Sauté], without the top, to reduce the cooking liquid to about half. Filter and then drizzle spiced wine syrup on pears, decorate with herbs and serve room temperature or chilled.
Notes
  1. We like the Winexpert Selection Sangiovese or the Cellar Craft Sterling Barbera for this.
Adapted from Instant Pot Recipes
Adapted from Instant Pot Recipes
Wines By Design https://www.winesbydesign.biz/
Sign of the Times – 10

Sign of the Times – 10

Awesome
Sign of the Times – 10

It’s our next “Sign of the Times” entry!

This month: Benjamin Franklin

(WBD Translation: Poor Richard was always a wise guy.)

Check out some of our other graphics.

Note: A number of these are created on Canva and/or using Avery label software. You can check out our post on creating your own labels.

Got a “sign” you’d like to suggest or one you’ve created and don’t mind us sharing? Drop us a note on our Contact page.

Sign of the Times – 9

Sign of the Times – 9

Awesome
Sign of the Times – 9

It’s our next “Sign of the Times” entry!

This month: I’ve got wine!

(WBD Translation: With the upcoming holidays, making wine is a gift that keeps on giving.)

A special shout out to Christina for all her help creating some of our signs, thanks Christina!!

Check out some of our other graphics.

Note: A number of these are created on Canva and/or using Avery label software. You can check out our post on creating your own labels .

Got a “sign” you’d like to suggest or one you’ve created and don’t mind us sharing? Drop us a note on our Contact page.