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Earth & Wine

Why Is Brunello More Expensive than Chianti?

Factors: Brunello vs. Chianti Factors Brunello Chianti Grape Growing Montalcino region, optimal terroir. Various vineyards, broader Chianti region. Aging Minimum 4 years, 2 in oak, some longer. Shorter periods based on classification. Production & Regulations Tightly regulated, limited yield. Produced in larger volumes with flexibility. Reputation & Demand Prestigious, high market demand. Popular with varying […]

Brunello vs Chianti: Chart

When it comes to red wines, many can appear similar, like Brunello vs Chianti, unless you know what you’re looking for. Brunello is 100% Sangiovese, has a fuller body, along with robust notes of cherry, leather, and spice. Chianti can be a blend, is lighter bodied with vibrant acidity, and has bright red fruit flavors. […]

DOCG Wine Meaning: Quick Guide

Italian DOCG wines, or Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, come from specific geographical regions made with specific grapes, and viticultural and winemaking practices with a tasting panel. Here’s a quick guide to DOCG wine meaning. What’s Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita– DOCG  The Italian DOCG wine classification is the highest classification for wine […]

DOC Wine Meaning: Quick Guide

Italian DOC wines, or Denominazione di Origine Controllata, come from specific geographical regions made with specific grapes, and viticultural and winemaking practices. Here’s a quick guide to DOC wine meaning. What’s Denominazione di Origine Controllata – DOC  DOC Italian wines are the second highest quality level. Denominazione di Origine Controllata, or “designation of controlled origin” […]

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 […]

IGT Wine Meaning: Quick Guide

If you see IGT on an Italian wine, it means that the wine came from a specific region but used non-traditional winemaking. It has nothing to do with the wine’s quality. There are no other production regulations governing these wines.  Italy offers a huge array of wine styles and quality categories; here’s what IGT wine […]

Gamay vs Sangiovese

Characteristics Gamay Sangiovese Hue Bright ruby to violet Medium ruby to garnet Color Red Red Aromas Red berries, banana, floral Red cherry, strawberry, orange peel, leather Sweetness Dry Dry Acid Medium to high Medium to high Alcohol (%) 12-13% 13%-15% Tannin Low Medium to High Body Light to medium Medium to full Intensity Medium Medium […]

Tempranillo vs Sangiovese

If you’re comparing Tempranillo vs Sangiovese, you’ve discovered two bright food-friendly wines. Tempranillo and Sangiovese have similar tannin, alcohol, and body. Sangiovese has higher acid with earthy aromas. Tempranillo has savory notes. Comparing Tempranillo vs Sangiovese is a perfect way to learn about these two common red wines. Tempranillo Basics: Spain’s Red Wine Tempranillo, a […]

Sangiovese vs Chianti: Not the Same Thing

So you’ve made it to Italian red wines. Good for you. But could they be any more confusing? Chianti is a specific type of wine that is primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, while Sangiovese refers to the red grape variety itself. While Sangiovese is a versatile grape used in various wines, Chianti is a renowned […]

Sangiovese vs Merlot

What’s the difference between Sangiovese and Merlot? Italy’s Sangiovese boasts a medium body, biting acidity, high tannins, and crunchy cherry and herbal notes. Merlot tends to have a smoother, rounder body, softer, velvety tannins, and showcases warm plum notes. Both wines are commonly found in the price range of $10 to $20 USD. Here’s what […]