International Wine Day

February is not just the month of romance but also the month for those who share the love and passion for wine from all over the world. Just four days after Valentine’s Day, on Friday 18 February,  it is International Wine Day and our resident wine sommelier, Danu, who knows and appreciates good wines and the stories behind them, is sharing one of his favourites from our wine cellar.

1. 1000 Stories Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel

Every 1000 Stories wine starts as grapes from California’s renowned vineyards, including some of the state’s most historic old-vine Zinfandel sites. This 1000 Stories Zinfandel red wine is aged in used American bourbon barrels which give the wine a depth of flavour and complexity unique to 1000 Stories Zinfandel.

1000 Stories Zinfandel is released in batches that reflect a unique mix of grape varieties, vineyards and bourbon barrels.  1000 Stories Zinfandel is enhanced by the residual alcohol from the bourbon barrel it has been stored in, so no batches are quite the same. This barrel-ageing contributes to the wine’s overall big, rich, jammy character and creates a tantalising taste of mature flavours.

2. Why is the wine aged in Bourbon Barrels?

There was a shortage of traditional wine barrels when winemaker Bob Blue first made this wine in 1983, so he purchased used bourbon barrels for storing his wine, with unexpected results.  As the wine aged in the old bourbon barrels it gained its final personality and complexity and this has championed its story over the years.

3. Meet the wine sommelier at Milaidhoo

If you enjoy good wine and want to learn more about it, book a private wine session with our resident sommelier during your holiday on Milaidhoo to experience the joy of tasting rare wines from around the world.