Bonarda: A Comprensive Guide

Pronunciation: boh-NAR-dah Bonarda is a red wine grape originally from France (aka Douce Noir or Charbono). Today it’s widely planted in Argentina and makes a medium bodied dry red wine with cherry, plum, spice, and graphite. Here’s what you need to know about Bonarda wine. What Kind of Wine Is Bonarda? Bonarda is a medium-bodied […]
Gamay: A Comprehensive Guide

Pronunciation: gah-MAY Gamay, a red wine varietal, finds itself at home in the Beaujolais region. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this comprehensive guide introduces you to Gamay. What Kind of Wine Is Gamay? Gamay is a light-bodied red with moderate acidity, soft tannins, and moderate alcohol. It offers a style that […]
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 […]
Easiest Appetizers for Wine Tasting: 14 Great Picks

If you’re in the habit of hosting last-minute wine tastings, or just not that into cooking, then you’ll want super easy appetizer options. The easiest appetizers for wine tastings are pre-packaged, shelf-stable, or easy to grab and go. Foods like popcorn, chips, cheese, olives, and even sushi are great appetizer options that complement wine tastings. […]
Light Red Wines

If the thought of a teeth-staining, tannic Cabernet leaves you wanting to order iced tea instead of wine, then you’ll want to check out these lighter styles of vino. Light red wines have lower tannins, a lighter body, and usually less alcohol than fuller-bodied reds. Light styles of red wine include Pinot Noir, Gamay, Schiava, […]
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 […]
Best Red Wine for Casual Drinking

Confession. I drink wine. A lot of wine. Most of the wine I drink I’d consider ‘casual’… and also red. The best red wine for casual drinking is one that doesn’t need to be aged or decanted. These red wines need to be easy to find, affordable, and easy to pair. The best red wines […]
What Is So Special about Gamay and Beaujolais Nouveau?

The 3rd Thursday in November marks a time of drunken revelry in honor of the season’s first wines released to market – Beaujolais Nouveau! Check out this quirky backstory of the Gamay grape.