Alcohol’s Influence on Wine Aging Potential
You’re right to think that alcohol has something to do with a wine’s aging potential. Wines with higher alcohol levels (+14%) can usually age longer than lower-alcohol wines (under 14%). Alcohol acts as a natural preservative and antioxidant in wine. Examples include Amarone, Port, Madeira, and Shiraz. Some lower-alcohol wines can also age, though, like […]
Buy the Best Grocery Store Wines: 11 Proven Strategies
I just can’t help myself. Whenever I go into a store, I must stroll through the wine aisle to see what wines they carry – whether it’s Costco, Trader Joe’s, CVS, Walgreens, or Safeway. But how do you pick out a decent wine at a grocery store? To pick good wine at a grocery store, […]
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 […]
Chenin Blanc vs Riesling: Which Is Better?
Both Chenin Blanc and Riesling make delicious white wines, but they’re definitely distinctive Riesling is more aromatic than Chenin Blanc, with peach, citrus, and maybe even petrol. Chenin Blanc has pear, tropical fruit, flowers, honey, and a waxy note. Both Riesling and Chenin Blanc make dry, off-dry, sweet, and sparkling wines. Riesling has the ability […]
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 […]
How Old Does Wine Have to Be to Be a Vintage?
One of the biggest challenges the wine industry has is its web of complicated terms. Like the term “vintage”, which has nothing to do with a wine’s age. This is unhelpful. A vintage wine isn’t a certain age. A “Vintage Wine” is a wine where the grapes used to make it all came from the […]
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 Vegetarian Food Paring: 10 Great Options
Merlot is one of my all-time favorite wines, which is a good thing because I make Merlot every year and have a lot to drink! The best vegetarian dishes to pair with Merlot don’t have to be difficult. Food pairings that have earthy flavors and rich fat cheese or oil will compliment Merlot’s plump, plummy […]
11 Delicious Merlot Food Pairings
Merlot is one of my all-time favorite wines, which is a good thing because I make Merlot every year and have a lot to drink! The best dishes to pair with Merlot don’t have to be difficult. Food pairings that have earthy flavors and rich fat will compliment Merlot’s plush, plummy profile. Mushroom, roasted meat, […]