Monday, October 31, 2011

What's in a Sherry and How is it Made?

!±8± What's in a Sherry and How is it Made?

One of the oldest and most wonderful fortified wines made is a Sherry. Sherry comes from a corner of southwest Spain called Andalusia. The grapes are grown in the white, chalky soil characteristic to that region known as 'albariza'. This is a very porous soil that soaks up the brief rains and allows the grapes to survive the hot humid summers. Rain falls on average for only 75 days a year.

Palamino and pedro ximenez grapes are the two traditional grape varieties used in Sherry. When picked, the grapes will be left to dry for up to two weeks to concentrate the sugars before they are crushed. This gives a small quantity of juice with a very high sugar content. In a twist on the ancient method of crushing grapes by foot, the grape stompers of the finest Sherries wore boots with nails in the soles. The nails trap the pips and stalks and leave them undamaged enhancing the pure grape flavours.

The wine is fermented for several months before fortification. The final Sherry blend is produced by a 'solera' system using rows of barrels of wine drawing from 'criaderas' (smaller reserves of younger wines). As wine is drawn from the barrels of a solera it is replaced with wine from the first criadera. This criadera is now topped up from the second criadera and so on down the track. The finest Sherries may have wines over 200 years old in them. The barrels are only ever filled to about two thirds capacity. Generally, a white yeast called a Flor develops on the surface of the maturing Sherry and contributes to the unique Sherry flavour. It floats on top of the wine in the barrel. The flor forms a protective, foamy layer over the wine that seals off the air from the wine.

Fino, oloroso and amontillado are the three classifications used to very closely define the quality of Sherry.

A fino is left at around 15.5% alcohol by volume as the flor is a natural yeast and will die when the alcohol content exceeds this. A fino is allowed to develop for many years growing natural flor yeast. It will be pale straw in colour, dry and with a light fresh clean nose when ready to drink.

Oloroso is a Sherry that has never developed a natural flor or has had the natural flor growth stopped by fortification. Fortification is the process where pure grape spirit (alcohol) is added to the wine to stop the fermentation by killing the yeast and leaving some residual natural grape sugar in the wine. Oloroso matures earlier than fino and is richer and fuller to taste but not necessarily sweeter. Oloroso means 'fragrant' in Spanish and this describes very well the darker, richer oloroso Sherries. An oloroso Sherry will be fortified to over 17% alcohol to produce a richer and stronger wine. Some partial oxidation will have occurred in the process and this contributes to the natural golden colour.

Amontillado is a fino Sherry that's matured in the barrel for at least eight years. The flor yeast will have died and the wine will have partially oxidised. It will be a fuller and richer Sherry with nutty flavours and a strong nose with a dark gold colour.

And, the Australia Wine and Brand Corporation say that:

The Australian Traditional Expression "SHERRY" was entered in the Register of Protected Names on 1/2/1995 under the following conditions of use: "Except where the word "sherry" is used as a registered geographical indication, it may only be used to describe and present a fortified wine."

Wine has been made in Spain for many hundreds of years but it was only in the 18th century when the modern Sherry business began. The English were familiar with Sherry since the Middle Ages. 1340 is the first year we have a written English record of wine being imported from Spain. 1340 was also the year when Chaucer was born. He wrote in the Pardoner's Tale: "This wine of Spain creepeth subtilly Of which there riseth such fumositee." He was almost certainly writing about a rich Sherry. 1587 was the year when Sherry shot to prominence after Sir Francis Drake set alight the Spanish fleet in Cadiz and made off with 3,000 casks of Sherry. This helped start large scale Sherry drinking in England. During the next centuries, Sherry became a common drink that was found in every house. In 1873 some 68,500 casks were imported into England.

Sherry is usually served after dinner with fruit, cheese or desert. Usually it is served at room temperature in a small glass and if you're really lucky, in front of an open fire with wonderful company.


What's in a Sherry and How is it Made?

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Fashion Rain Boots - A Trendy Necessity For the Rainy Season

!±8± Fashion Rain Boots - A Trendy Necessity For the Rainy Season

Rain boots today are no longer the traditional black or yellow boots that were available years ago. Those boots were quite dull and women often avoided wearing them because they were clunky and awkward. Well, there is great news! In today's market, you can easily get stylish rain boots in any color or design you could imagine. You need only look online at some of the major shoe retailers to see the amazing selection that is available.

Rain footwear today matches the polished and trendy styles that people have come to expect from shoe designers. Indeed, rain boots have fused into the fashion's mainstream due to designers realizing that people wanted fashionable boots to put on that would not only keep their feet dry and protected from the elements but boots that would add to the overall look of their outfit.

Fashion rain boots are fun, colorful and very popular. You can pick out designs such as polka dots, plaids, stripes, flowers, or animal prints, just to give you a few examples of what is hot today. They can also be found with many of the same features that are found in leather boots, including styles that have lace up or side zipper closure, high heels, and styles that are trimmed with fake fur. Some of the higher end designers even make waterproof leather boots! As you can see, the design offerings of today's fashion rain boots are as varied as the people wearing them.

Rain footwear has also become popular among celebrities as famous faces in Tinseltown are often seen sporting rain boots that are both stylish and functional. They are getting attention whenever they are seen out on a rainy day. The old 'duck boot' was a very common style years ago, and even that style has gotten a fresh face-lift as it is being updated by shoe designers with plaids, stripes and other unique designs in a wide variety of colors that will match any ensemble.

Contrary to what many people may think, rain footwear is not just for women and kids. There is also a growing selection of stylish rain footwear for men. Men, after all, are no more fond of getting their feet wet in rainy weather any more than women. Rain boots for men are usually constructed of natural rubber or PVC and are typically available in one of two types. Ones that slip right over a shoe or ones that can be worn alone and removed once indoors. Top footwear manufacturers are making boots for men that are available in the traditional black or brown styles as well as in a large assortment of colors and fashionable styles for the man who wants to express his individual style.

A wonderful combination of fashion and function, rain boots are as much a necessity as they are a fashion statement. During the rainy season, it is advisable to have a pair or two to keep your feet dry and comfortable during inclement weather. Shopping for rain footwear can be fun given the wide variety of styles and colors from which to choose. You can easily get a great pair of stylish rain boots to match your personal style as well as your mood. Some popular brands include Hunter Boots, Chooka, Tretorn, Sperry, and Burberry. However, these are just a few of the many brands that are available.

Fashion rain boots are also very affordable. For quality boots that will not come apart at the seams over time, you can expect to pay anywhere from on up to 0 for the higher end designer rain footwear. Fun, funky, playful, outrageous, or simple- it is your choice. No matter what your tastes are and regardless of your budget, you are sure to find a great pair of rain boots out there that you will love!


Fashion Rain Boots - A Trendy Necessity For the Rainy Season

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Saturday, October 8, 2011

Fred Perry Men's Banks Twill Sneaker,Navy/Blood/Ecru,8 UK/9 M US

!±8±Fred Perry Men's Banks Twill Sneaker,Navy/Blood/Ecru,8 UK/9 M US

Brand : Fred Perry
Rate :
Price : $70.00
Post Date : Oct 08, 2011 23:16:57
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