Riesling = sweet
Chardonnay = oak
Merlot = sucky.Nope. Professor Szczesny put many wine myths to rest in our class last Friday.

Looking for a dry white? A tip that works well with whites that vary in sweetness, like Riesling and Chenin Blanc, if you look for an alcohol content in the wine of 11% or higher, the wine won’t be sweet – fruity yes, but not sugary. Why look at alcohol content? Because during fermentation, the yeast have eaten the sugar in the juice leaving more byproduct… alcohol!

Here are our five myth-busting wines and their reviews.Peter Lehmann 2008 Riesling
Eden Valley, Australia
11.0% alcohol
Est. Price: $15.99
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Winery says… Aromatic fruit, with peach honeysuckle and jasmine notes.

Critics say… 90 pts., Wine Spectator; 89 pts. Wine Advocate

FSW students say… “D-” (ouch!)

Trimbach 2008 Riesling
Alsace, France
12.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $17.99
Cork

Winery says… Our wine offers flavors of white peach, quince, grapefruit, lemon and minerals. Enjoy this young and/or it will age well for five or more years.

Critics say… 88 pts., Wine Advocate

FSW students say… “A-”

Ceago Vinegarden 2008 Chardonnay
Clear Lake, California
13.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $12.99
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Winery says… This is a 100% estate-grown chardonnay that is certified biodynamic, aged in stainless steel and left on the lees for four months.
Miss Fox says… Biodynamic = Organic on steroids. Where “organic” is trying to be one with the earth, “biodynamic” is trying to connect with the entire universe. For example, grapes are harvested in conjunction with phases of the moon.
Lees = Dead yeast cells, often giving a toasty, nutty complexity to wines.

FSW students say… “B”

Morgan “Metallico” 2010 Chardonnay
Monterray, California
14.1% alcohol
Est. Price: $17.99
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Winery says… The aromas of our wine offer intense green apple and Juicyfruit gum aromas. The flavors are crisp, ripe tangerine, nectarine, banana and pink grapefruit. A perfect match for shellfish, Asian or any spicy dishes.

FSW students say… “B-”

Frog’s Leap 2007 Merlot
Rutherford, California
13.4% alcohol
Est.price: $24.99
Cork

Winery says… Aromas are of fresh cherry and currant with subtle notes of chocolate. The flavors are ripe – cherry, cassis and plum laced with hints of dried herbs and cigar box. This wine displays the classic “Rutherford dust” earthiness.

FSW students say… “B+”