Verdicchio: A Comprehensive Guide

Pronunciation: vur-DEE-kee-oh Verdicchio is a white wine grape from Italy. It’s used both in blends and as a single varietal wine. Known for its versatility, Verdicchio produces a crisp, medium-bodied dry white wine with notes of green apple, citrus, and almond. What Kind of Wine is Verdicchio? Verdicchio is a medium-bodied white wine with a […]
Tannat vs Cabernet Sauvignon

Comparing Tannat vs Cabernet Sauvignon is a fun experiment. We think of Cab Sav as the king of red wines, but Tannat is a worthy competitor. Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon both have high tannins and a firm structure. Cabernet Sauvignon has a green note, and Tannat has lower acid, licorice, and smoke. Both are big […]
Tempranillo vs Cabernet Sauvignon

Tempranillo vs Cabernet Sauvignon is an interesting comparison if tasted separately. These are wines you’ll want to taste side-by-side to tease out the differences. Tempranillo has red fruit and savory notes; Cabernet Sauvignon has black fruit and green notes. Cabernet Sauvignon is higher in alcohol, tannin, and body than most Tempranillos. Comparing Tempranillo vs Cabernet […]
Pinotage vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Big Red Wines

Characteristics Pinotage Cabernet Sauvignon Hue Deep red to black Deep red to purple Color Red Red Aromas Dark fruit, coffee, smoky Black currant, plum, cedar Tannins High High Acid Medium (-) to Medium Medium (+) to High Alcohol (%) 13-15% 13-15% Body Full Full Intensity Pronounced Pronounced Key Growing Regions South Africa France, California, Australia […]
Pinotage vs Merlot: Very Different Red Wines

When it comes to red wines, some are more mainstream, like Merlot, and others take you by surprise, like Pinotage. Pinotage showcases a robust body and distinctive notes of dark berries, coffee, and a hint of smokiness, differing from the softer and fruit-forward nature of Merlot. Merlot is more common and available at all price […]
Chewy Red Wines: What It Means and Wines to Try

Chewy red wines are known for their rich and full-bodied nature. They offer a unique tasting experience due to their specific characteristics. What Makes Chewy Red Wine Unique? Tannin Discover the Richness and Body When you hear someone describe a wine as “chewy”, they are almost always talking about a red wine and almost always […]
Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon vs Pinot Noir

Characteristics Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Hue Deep ruby red Deep ruby red Pale to medium ruby red Color Red Red Red Aromas Plum, red berries, chocolate Blackcurrant, mint, cedar Red berries, floral, earth Tannins Soft to moderate Firm Soft Acid Low to medium Medium to high Medium Alcohol (%) 13-14.5% 13.5-15% 12-15% Body Medium […]
Sangiovese vs Cabernet Sauvignon

If you’re just getting into wine, you will be faced with a choice: Cabernet Sauvignon or Sangiovese? Which will you choose? Sangiovese has a medium body, high acid and tannins, and crunchy cherry and herbal notes. Cabernet Sauvignon has a heavier body, firmer tannins, black fruit, mint, and spice. Both are used in blends and […]
Viognier: A Comprehensive Guide

Pronunciation: vee-oh-NYAY Viognier is an aromatic, medium-bodied white wine. It’s lower acid than Sauvignon Blanc, and fruiter than Chardonnay. Pair Viognier with salads, seafoods, or summer sipping. Here’s what you need to know about Viognier wine. What Kind of Wine is Viognier? Viognier is a medium-bodied white wine with a moderate level of acidity, balancing […]
Petite Sirah: A Comprehensive Guide

Pronunciation: puh-TEET see-RAH or peh-TEET si-RAW Petite Sirah is a red wine grape that makes tannic, full-bodied red wines. It’s not the same as Syrah. The grape’s used as a blending partner to deepen the color of other wines. Pair Petite Sirah with rich stews and BBQ. Here’s what you need to know about Petite […]