Tempranillo: A Comprehensive Guide

Pronunciation: tem-prah-NEE-yo Tempranillo, a red wine varietal, finds itself at home in some of the world’s most renowned Spanish wines. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this comprehensive guide introduces you to the world of Tempranillo. What Kind of Wine is Tempranillo? Tempranillo is a medium-bodied red wine with moderate acidity, balanced […]
Affordable Wines for Beginners

Affordable Wines for Beginners Wine Color Descriptors Pinot Grigio White Light, Crisp, Citrusy, Refreshing Chardonnay White Buttery, Oaky, Tropical, Full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc White Zesty, Herbaceous, Citrus, Grassy Pinot Noir Red Silky, Red Berry, Earthy, Light-bodied Malbec Red Rich, Dark Fruit, Spicy, Velvety Cabernet Sauvignon Red Firm, Black Currant, Cedar, Structured Shiraz Red Bold, Blackberry, Peppery, […]
What Flavors Does Oak Add to Wine?

Using oak barrels in the winemaking process can have a profound impact on the flavors and character of a wine. Different oak types impart different wine flavors, including spice, vanilla, mocha, and even chocolate. Winemakers use oak barrels for aging red and white wines. French, American, and Hungarian oak are common. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot […]
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. […]
21 Winning Wine Tasting Food Ideas For Your Next Event

Looking for food ideas for your next wine tasting? The best foods for wine tasting have protein, salt, and fat. These elements help keep your palate fresh while you sip. Great foods to eat with wine tasting include olives, charcuterie, cheeses, and even french fries. Helpful Tip: If you’re doing a red wine tasting specifically, […]
Fortified vs Unfortified Wine: What’s the Difference?

You’ve heard of fortified wines before, but just how are they different from regular table wines? Fortified wines have distilled spirits added during the winemaking process and are higher in alcohol than unfortified wines, often 17%+ versus 11%-15% abv for traditional wine. No additional alcohol is added to unfortified wines. Both fortified and unfortified wines […]
What Wine Tastes Like Fruit? 10 Great Options

I love fruity wines. Pungent, strong, unabashed fruity powerhouses. Five delicious, fruity white wines are Moscato d’Asti, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Torrontes, and Riesling. Five fruity red wines are Lambrusco, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Beaujolais Nouveau, and Sangiovese (Chianti). Fruity aromas come from the grape and winemaking process, making some wines fruitier than others. Here’s what you […]
What’s a Good Merlot Wine Price?

Merlot Price Ranges Merlot Price Ranges Merlot Category Price Range (USD) Entry-Level $4-$10 Mid-Priced $10-$15 Premium $15-$20 Super-Premium $20-$30 Shopping tip: Look for wine sales to discover higher-quality Merlots that fit within your budget. If you’re shopping for Merlot wine, good for you! Merlot’s a personal favorite and Merlot wine price is, for the most […]
Rosé Wine Price

Rosé Wine Price Chart Price Range Category Under $5 USD Cheap, entry-level $9 – $15 USD Decent, mid-priced $15 – $25 USD More nuanced, greater fruit concentration Fun Fact: Of the 700 rosé wines on wine.com, 350 bottles were $20 USD or less, and 450 bottles were $25 or less. You should never have to […]