Terroir Tastings

Terroir Tastings is a field guide to edible place, where flavor meets landscape in vineyards, markets, and kitchens.

  • Selected Notes on the Wines of Washington State

    by Nicolette L. Cagle, October 25, 2018In the United States, Washington State is a top producer of powerfully structured, berry-driven Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (MacNeil 2001). Its wine tradition began in the late 1800s with the arrival of German and Italian immigrants. By the 1960s, Washington vineyards were commercially producing northern white grapes, especially Riesling,…

  • My Understanding of the Influence of Oak Barrels on Wine

    by Nicolette L. Cagle, July 12, 2015 — written in Iguazu, Argentina Three major species of oak are used in wine production worldwide: Quercus petraea (France & Eastern Europe), Quercus robur (France), and Quercus alba (United States of America). Barrels made from these species impart different characteristics in wine due to the 1) growth rate…