Affordable Wines for Beginners

Affordable Wines for Beginners Wine Color Descriptors Pinot Grigio White Light, Crisp, Citrusy, Refreshing Chardonnay White Buttery, Oaky, Tropical, Full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc White Zesty, Herbaceous, Citrus, Grassy Pinot Noir Red Silky, Red Berry, Earthy, Light-bodied Malbec Red Rich, Dark Fruit, Spicy, Velvety Cabernet Sauvignon Red Firm, Black Currant, Cedar, Structured Shiraz Red Bold, Blackberry, Peppery, […]

What’s the Aging Potential of Merlot Wines: Cellaring Secrets

Merlot Aging Guidelines Merlot Category Aging Recommendation Inexpensive Merlots (Under $10 USD) Enjoy within a year of purchase Standard Merlots ($10-$20 USD) Best consumed within the first 3 to 5 years after release Premium Merlots ($20+ USD) May be able to age for 5-7 years Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is known […]

Buying Great Wine Under $50: Discovering Quality for Value

Looking to uncork a special bottle of wine without breaking the bank? Whether it’s for a celebration, gift, or simply indulging in a delightful sip, buying great wine under $50 gives you lots of options. For the best $50 bottles of wine, look for $50 bottles from Chile, Argentina, or South Africa. These regions give […]

Merlot Wine Regions: Why It’s So Darn Delicious

Merlot Styles in Different Regions Region Merlot Style Bordeaux Structured, elegant, with plum and cedar notes. California Ripe, fruit-forward, often with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Washington Rich and full-bodied, showcasing dark fruit and firm tannins. Tuscany Smooth, medium to full-bodied, with cherry and herbal tones. Australia Bold, with ripe fruit flavors and a touch […]

What Meat Dishes Go With Merlot?

Merlot’s a classic red wine grape from Bordeaux, so you know that Merlot will pair well with your favorite meat dishes. Meat dishes that pair with Merlot wine include savory beef dishes, like beef stew and meatloaf, and lighter dishes, like roasted chicken or chicken tacos. Heavier Merlot wines Merlot (e.g. Paso Robles) work well […]

Merlot versus Malbec

Both Merlot and Malbec make approachable, food-friendly red wines. But what’s the difference between them? Merlot, a Bordeaux grape, produces soft, elegant wines with red berries and plum. Malbec, Argentina’s signature grape, creates deeper, fuller-bodied wines with blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry notes. Both pair well with hearty dishes, but Malbec’s fuller body and firm […]

A Good Red Wine for Beginners

Red wines are a little intimidating. They come in such a divergent range of profiles and flavors, that it’s no wonder you can stand in front of an isle of 100 different wines and decide it’s better to walk away empty handed.  A good red wine for beginners helps you learn about different grape profiles. […]

11 Strong Red Wines to Try Tonight!

So, you’re looking for a red wine with a little brawn to it? Something that will bite back with your BBQ brisket? Climate and grape variety both play a role in crafting strong red wines. Widely available good strong red wines with high alcohol include Zinfandel, warm climate Cabernet Sauvignon, and new world Syrah (Shiraz). […]

Is Malbec the Same as Cabernet Franc? Malbec vs Cabernet Franc

Characteristics Malbec Cabernet Franc Hue Deep purple to black Ruby red to deep purple Color Red to black Red Aromas Blue fruits, plum, cocoa Red berries, violets, peppery Tannins Medium to Medium +, smooth Firm, grippy Acid Moderate Moderate to high Alcohol (%) 13-15% 12-15% Body Medium to full Medium to full Intensity Pronounced Moderate […]

Malbec Wine: A Comprehensive Guide

Everyone loves the story of an underdog. An endurance trial to come back against all odds, winning favor and acclaim. Malbec (pronounced Mal-beck) is the underdog of wine. Once a widely-planted grape throughout France, this grape suffered catastrophic losses in the mid-20th century due to frost damage and was left by the wayside. But across […]