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Earth & Wine

Viognier vs Chenin Blanc: What You Need to Know

Characteristics Viognier Chenin Blanc Hue Pale Lemon to gold Pale lemon to deep gold Color White White Aromas Apricot, peach, floral Green apple, pear, honey Sweetness Dry to off-dry Dry to sweet Acid Low to Medium Medium to High Alcohol (%) 12-14% 12-14% Body Full Light to medium Intensity Moderate to pronounced Moderate Key Growing […]

Pinot Grigio vs Vermentino: Contrasting Two Delightful Whites

When it comes to white wines, comparing Vermentino vs Pinot Grigio makes sense. Pinot Grigio exhibits a lighter body, along with subtle notes of stone fruit and citrus.Vermentino offers more body, intensified flavor, and vibrant acidity. While Pinot Grigio is widely available at entry-level prices, both wines can be enjoyed within the $15-$20 USD range. […]

Alcohol Content in Wine: Just How Much?

If you’re trying to figure out just the alcohol content in wine, then you’re in the right place. I’ve put together this general overview to get you started with alcohol content in different wines. Step 1: Grab a bottle of wine and find the ABV or alcohol by volume. Step 2: Grab another bottle and […]

How Does Alcohol Affect Wine: Exploring Your Glass of Vino

Alcohol’s Role in Wine Key Points Alcohol acts as a solvent, extracting flavors from grape skins. Alcohol influences wine’s body, mouthfeel, and perceived sweetness. Excessive alcohol can overpower flavors and make the wine taste “hot.” Alcohol enhances the perception of sweetness, making the wine fruitier. Alcohol carries volatile aromatic compounds contributing to the wine’s bouquet. […]

16 Wine Label Terms (You Must Know)

Navigating wine bottle labels can be as confusing as navigating the wine aisle. Some terms are regulated, and some aren’t. Knowing what different wine label terms mean can help you choose a wine that you’ll enjoy.  Check out this quick and easy wine label terminology glossary of 16 common wine label terms that you’ll run […]

Chenin Blanc vs Chardonnay: Which Is Better?

Both Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are classic French white wines, but just what sets them apart? Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay produce dry white wines. Chenin Blanc is versatile, offering off-dry and dessert options, with higher acid, lighter body, and intense aromas of pear, melon, and quince. Chardonnay, softer in acid and heavier-bodied, exhibits citrus, apple, […]

Touriga Nacional: Quick Guide

Pronounced: tore-ee-gah naw-see-oh-nahl If you’re holding a bottle of Touriga Nacional right now, please invite me over. Seriously.  Touriga Nacional is a black wine grape native to Northern Portugal. Winemakers use Touriga Nacional as a main blending grape in age-worthy sweet fortified Port wines, as well as fine dry red table wines. Touriga Nacional wines […]

What’s the Bitter Taste After Wine?

It’s an unpleasant surprise to sniff a rich bouquet of fruits in your glass of wine and take a confident sip that delivers an intensive burst of flavor, only to have a nasty bitterness settle in your mouth. What’s going on? Why’s your wine bitter? If you taste bitterness after you swallow a sip of […]

15 Fun Champagne Facts

Whether you’re getting ready to host your next wine trivia night, or are just curious about the sparkles in your glass, here are 15 fun Champagne facts to pair with your next bottle of bubbles. 1. Champagne wine can only come from Champagne, France The European Union takes its trademarks seriously, and Champagne is a […]