Pinotage vs Pinot Noir: Very Different Wines

Characteristics Pinotage Pinot Noir Hue Deep purple to garnet Pale to medium ruby Color Red Red Aromas Dark berries, smoke, meat, earthy Red berries, cherry, floral Sweetness Dry Dry Tannin Medium + to high Low to Medium Acid Medium Medium to high Alcohol (%) 13-15% 12-14.5% Body Full Light to medium Intensity Pronounced Medium to […]

12 Must-Try Wines Similar to Merlot

If you’re a fan of the velvety allure of Merlot, but want to try something new, then you have options. Red wines like Merlot but not Merlot include: Malbec, Grenache, Gamay, Cinsault, Barbera, Dolcetto, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Carignan, Counoise, Bonarda, and Dornfelder. Merlot’s soft, medium body and velvet texture profile make it an approachable red wine […]

Rosé Wine Grapes

I’m always curious to know exactly what’s in my glass, and rosé is a perfect example of a wine where no one bottle seems to be the same. Technically, winemakers can use any red grape to make a rose wine. Some rose wine grapes are more popular for making pink wines thanks to their flavor […]

What Wines Are Made in Languedoc France?

Southern France offers a dizzying number of wines to sort through, so it’s logical to ask: What wines are made in Languedoc? A warm climate and generous soils make it a go-to destination for tourists and wine producers alike. Here are the basics of what you need to know about Languedoc wines. The Languedoc region […]