Dolcetto vs Barbera: Comparison Chart
Characteristics Barbera Dolcetto Hue Deep purple to ruby red Deep purple to ruby red Color Red Red Aromas Red and black fruits, cherry, plum Blackberry, violet, licorice Sweetness Dry Dry Acid High Medium minus to medium Alcohol (%) 13-15% 12-14% Body Light to medium Medium plus to full Intensity Moderate to pronounced Moderate to pronounced […]
DOC vs DOCG: Quick Guide
Italian DOCG wines have the highest quality standards and go through a tasting panel. DOC wines are good but below DOCG. DOC wines are less expensive than DOCG wines. Here’s a quick guide on how Italian wine classifications and the difference between DOC and DOCG Italian wines. Side-By-Side Comparison: DOC vs DOCG Key Points on […]
Barolo vs Brunello: Big Italian Reds
Barolo and Brunello are Italian red wines. Barolo, made from 100% Nebbiolo, is robust with cherry, clay, rose, tar, and higher tannins. Brunello is 100% Sangiovese with bright red fruit and higher acid. Here’s what you need to know about Barolo vs. Brunello. Where Are Barolo and Brunello Wines Made? Barolo and Brunello are both […]
Gamay vs Nebbiolo
Characteristics Gamay Nebbiolo Hue Bright ruby to violet Pale ruby to garnet Color Red Red Aromas Red berries, banana, floral Red cherry, clay, leather, tar, rose Sweetness Dry Dry Acid Medium to high Very high Alcohol (%) 12-13% 12%-14% Tannin Low High – grippy Body Light to medium Medium plus to full Intensity Medium Pronounced […]
Nebbiolo vs Barbera
Two Italian red wines, Nebbiolo and Barbera, grow in the same region of Northwestern Italy, but just how are they different? Barbera is a red Italian wine with a lighter body, medium tannins, higher acid, deep color, and intense cherry and blackberries. Nebbiolo, a paler Italian red, has high acid, rasping tannins with rose and […]
Sangiovese vs Nebbiolo
Two classic, Italian red wines, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, need to be in your wine closet, but what’s the difference between them? Sangiovese is a red Italian wine with a medium body, chalky firm tannins, and subtle cherry and herbal notes. Nebbiolo, a paler Italian red, has screaming high acid, rasping tannins with rose and tar […]
Barbera: A Comprehensive Guide
Pronunciation: bar-BEHR-uh Barbera, a red wine varietal, finds itself at home in the vineyards of northwestern Italy. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this comprehensive Baraber guide will introduce you to this delicious red wine. What Kind of Wine Is Barbera? Barbera is a medium-bodied red wine with medium to high acidity, […]
Alcohol’s Influence on Wine Aging Potential
You’re right to think that alcohol has something to do with a wine’s aging potential. Wines with higher alcohol levels (+14%) can usually age longer than lower-alcohol wines (under 14%). Alcohol acts as a natural preservative and antioxidant in wine. Examples include Amarone, Port, Madeira, and Shiraz. Some lower-alcohol wines can also age, though, like […]
What’s Better? DOCG, DOC, IGT, and VdT Italian Wines
Reading Italian wine labels can feel a little cryptic, especially if you’re standing in the wine aisle of your local store and holding two bottles that look essentially the same. If you want the highest quality Italian wines, then choose a DOCG Italian wine, sometimes written out as Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. DOC […]
Uncorking Nebbiolo Wines of Northern Italy
Nebbiolo, at home in northwestern Italy, is a classic grape first referenced all the way back in the 1200s! Today, this red grape crafts some of the world’s greatest food-friendly wines. Here’s what you need to know about this dry red wine of Italy.