What’s the Aging Potential of Merlot Wines: Cellaring Secrets
Merlot Aging Guidelines Merlot Category Aging Recommendation Inexpensive Merlots (Under $10 USD) Enjoy within a year of purchase Standard Merlots ($10-$20 USD) Best consumed within the first 3 to 5 years after release Premium Merlots ($20+ USD) May be able to age for 5-7 years Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is known […]
Buying Great Wine Under $50: Discovering Quality for Value
Looking to uncork a special bottle of wine without breaking the bank? Whether it’s for a celebration, gift, or simply indulging in a delightful sip, buying great wine under $50 gives you lots of options. For the best $50 bottles of wine, look for $50 bottles from Chile, Argentina, or South Africa. These regions give […]
Does Wine Go Up In Value?
Wines That Have Increased in Value Wine Initial Price Current Price (Varies) Château Lafite Rothschild (1982) $50 per bottle (approximate) $5,000 to $15,000 per bottle Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (1999) $500 per bottle (approximate) $10,000 to $25,000 per bottle Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (1992) $80 per bottle (approximate) $10,000 to $25,000 per bottle Penfolds Grange […]
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 […]
Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc: What Will You Drink Tonight?
If you’re exploring white wines, then Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are an obvious starting point. These two French white wines couldn’t be more different. Chardonnay is richer with fuller body, while Sauvignon Blanc has medium body, intense fruit, and high acid. Chardonnay offers citrus, apple, peach, and pineapple flavors, while Sauvignon Blanc has gooseberry, passionfruit, […]
Chenin Blanc vs Chardonnay: Which Is Better?
Both Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are classic French white wines, but just what sets them apart? Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay produce dry white wines. Chenin Blanc is versatile, offering off-dry and dessert options, with higher acid, lighter body, and intense aromas of pear, melon, and quince. Chardonnay, softer in acid and heavier-bodied, exhibits citrus, apple, […]
A Good Red Wine for Beginners
Red wines are a little intimidating. They come in such a divergent range of profiles and flavors, that it’s no wonder you can stand in front of an isle of 100 different wines and decide it’s better to walk away empty handed. A good red wine for beginners helps you learn about different grape profiles. […]
Is Wine Tasting Expensive? What It Costs
Wine tasting may seem like a pretentious pastime for the well-to-do, but it’s really quite affordable. Contrary to what you might think, wine tasting isn’t that expensive. Wine tasting costs differ depending on the region. In the famous Napa Valley, the average tasting fee is $49 a person. In Finger Lakes, wine tasting is less […]