How to Read a Wine Label: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re new to the scene or just curious about wine, understanding how to read a wine label can unlock a wealth of information about the bottle in your hands. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the various elements you’ll find on a wine label so that you can use this information to buy […]
What Cheese Goes with Merlot Wine? 9 Cheesy Choices
Whether you’re putting together DIY a Merlot and cheese gift basket, or preparing a Merlot wine tasting, you’ve got options when it comes to Merlot cheese pairing ideas. Merlot pairs well with many different kinds of cheese. Semi-hard cheeses with nutty, salty flavors are perfect, like Manchego and Parmesan. But Merlot also works with cheeses […]
Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc: What Will You Drink Tonight?
If you’re exploring white wines, then Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are an obvious starting point. These two French white wines couldn’t be more different. Chardonnay is richer with fuller body, while Sauvignon Blanc has medium body, intense fruit, and high acid. Chardonnay offers citrus, apple, peach, and pineapple flavors, while Sauvignon Blanc has gooseberry, passionfruit, […]
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, […]
Muscadet Wine: Quick Guide
As you continue your journey into wine, at some point you’re going to come across a bottle of Muscadet wine. Muscadet wine originates from the westernmost Loire Valley. It’s a French white wine made with the neutral Melon de Bourgogne grape. Aging it sur lie adds texture. Look for quality Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine with lemon, […]
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. […]
Chablis Wine
Wine naming conventions can be confusing, especially when the wine goes by a growing region and not a grape. Chablis (shah-blee) wines are made from 100% Chardonnay grapes in north-central France. Chablis is a dry white wine with high acid, green apple and citrus notes. Chablis is typically unoaked with a mineral quality making it […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]