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In this episode we’ll learn why it matters what region your wine comes from, talk about the differences between wines from the US and Europe, all while slaying the dreaded wine snob and discover a really unique wine, Gewurtztraminer.

On a recent trip to Rome in between dodging scooters, watching my Italian friends gesture constantly with their hands and appreciating all things Italian, I decided to embark on a quest.  Not a normal quest, mind you, but quest to end all quests.  A quest to determine the differences between American and European wines. 

After about 16 seconds of careful planning, I decided the sojourn would begin the next morning.  As we headed north on the Autostrada and I approached 120 mph, I knew if the shaking Fiat wasn’t going to kill me, my now paralyzed with fear wife and daughter would do the trick. 

So I slowed down to a respectable 95 mph only to be passed by a Magnum like, red Ferrari going no less than 200 mph. 

He must have liked wine, too. 

But back to the quest. 

I was determined to talk to several winemakers to find out what the differences were and here’s what I found.

Weather has a large impact on how long the grapes are on the vine.  Typically the warmer the climate like California or Italy, the longer the growing season, the longer the grapes are on the vine, the more sugar is produced and the sweeter and more flavorful the wine.  Usually reds do better in warmer climates. 

But once you get to cooler climates like Germany or the American Northwest like Washington and Oregon, white wines are king.  The shorter growing season creates less sugar and makes a drier, more crisp and acidic wine. 

So quest answer 1.  Know your regions climate

OK, next, what about the soil or as our French friends would say “Terrior”  OK as regular viewers of the show you know my thoughts on the French so no need to insert joke here.  Europeans claim the variables of the soil and microclimate give the wine its unique flavors.  That’s the real reason they call the grape by the region. 

As a professional winemaker and one who plays one on TV, I believe ‘terrior” plays a little but not as much as my European friends.

So quest answer 2.  Believe in the Terrior or not

Last part of the quest.  The winemakers influence or the process in making the wine.  I toured several wineries and couldn’t find much difference in European winemaking techniques than in the US.  Both places use modern equipment and techniques.  The only difference is that many French wineries don’t filter their wine. 

They say filtering takes away the flavor, I say who wants to see wine cooties in their wine?  I think they just don’t want to go to the effort and expense of filtering.  But they are French, you can’t tell them anything….

So quest answer 3.  Wine production is very similar

The completed quest.   In 2009 wines are very similar, the biggest difference is the climate.  If you like flavorful wines with a touch of sweetness always go US, if you like drier wines that are usually better with food always go European.

For me I had so much fun I think I will change this from a quest to end all quests to a never ending quest so I can go back to Italy.  I think there’s a Ferrari with 200 mph with my name on it.

Now lets go to our question of the week

Shelia Bryant writes in, 

Dear Mark:  I’m going to a wine tasting party where we’re supposed to bring two similar wines, one from the US and one from Europe so we can compare the differences.  What should I do?  HELP!

BTW, my hostess is a borderline wine snob.

 helia, ah, a chance to impress Ms. Wine Snob.  For all of you who are watching, remember we don’t care for wine snobs of any kind.  So that’s prepare you to do wine battle.  Think iron chef here….

OK Shelia, here are a few quick tips.  In Europe the wine is named after the region, everywhere else the grape.  Here are a couple of comparisons.

In the US, its Pinot Noir, in Europe is burgundy.

In the US, its Chardonnay, in Europe its white burgundy.

In the US, its Cabernet Sauvignon, in Europe it’s Bordeaux.

In the US, its Sangiovese, in Europe its Chianti

In the Us, its sparkling wine, in Europe its Champagne

In the US, its Pinot Gris, in Europe its Pinto Grigio

Now that you know some differences, let choose.  I’m going to make some assumptions here about Ms. Wine Snob.  She probably prefers cabernet. (most wine snobs do) So I would suggest some type of Bordeaux and to play it safe a cab from the west coast.  Or, if you’re feeling good, try a cab from your local winery.  To me, local wineries are always more interesting than national brands.  Plus if you go local, you’ll have a great story to tell about the wine.  Or if you’re really want to be the big cheese give me a call and we can custom label something that will knock her wine snob lovin’ socks off.

Shelia, hope that helps.  Lets all help shelia out.  What wines would you recommend?   Leave your comments below and we can all help Sheila defeat the dreaded wine snob.

For having here question answered on the air, shelia wins a $25 gift certificate to Amber Crest Winery.  If you would like to have your question answered on the air click the ask Mark button below and type away.

If you would like more tips on wine follow us on twitter and facebook.  

Now its time for our wine of the week.

Gewurtztraminer…Say that three times in a row

Gew is a white wine originally from Germany.  Gew is actually one of those wines most people have never had, but once they do, they really like.  Gew actually mean spicy in German. 

This wine reminds me of Donnie and Marie Osmond, ya know, a little country, a little rock and roll.  Ok if you’re under 30 go ask your parents, they’ll laugh and then tell you what that means.  What I really mean is it’s a bit like a traditional white wine in flavor, but unlike most white wines has a bit of a spicy kick as well.  Ergo, a little country and rock and roll.  It’s the spice that endears it to most people. 

So heres the wine skinny on Gewurtz.

Originally a German wine

Gewurtz means spicy in German

Non Oaked

Great with spicy foods

So give ole Mr. vurtz a try, you’ll be glad you did.

That concludes our show for this week.  Please remember to sign up for show updates and leave your comments in the comments section.  Our next show we’ll talk about glassware and explore our first red, your soon to be best friend, Merlot.   So see you next time, same bat time, same bat channel.  Cheers!