Tawny Port vs Port: What’s the Difference?
In the world of wine, you’ve come across the terms “Port” and “Tawny Port” a few times, but how are they different? Port is a broad category of Portuguese fortified wines. Tawny Port is a subcategory – or style – of Port. Named for its reddish-brown color, Tawnies are sweet, high alcohol wines with nuts, […]
What Is a Good Fortified Wine?
Just like regular table wines, fortified wines come in a range of styles that you’ll want to explore. A good fortified wine delivers a complex flavor profile that can range from nutty and caramel to fruity and floral. Port, Sherry, and Madeira are three popular fortified wines, with unique styles, aging processes, and food pairings. […]
Best Halloween Wines: From Mulled to Bloody Bottles
As the grapevine leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crisp chill, the time for Halloween festivities draws near. While ghouls and goblins prepare their costumes, wine enthusiasts embark on a quest for the best Halloween wines to delight their guests. The best Halloween wines are Port for chocolate lovers, fortified sweet dessert […]
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 […]
Beginner’s Wine Terminology Guide
Understanding wine terminology will help you pick wines you love. Wine terms cover structure, flavors, winemaking, and vineyard vocabulary. Here’s a quick wine terminology guide to get you started. Wine Tasting Terminology If you head out for an afternoon of wine tasting, or swirl and sip with enough wine lovers, you’ll start to pick up […]
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 […]
How Does Alcohol Affect Wine: Exploring Your Glass of Vino
Alcohol’s Role in Wine Key Points Alcohol acts as a solvent, extracting flavors from grape skins. Alcohol influences wine’s body, mouthfeel, and perceived sweetness. Excessive alcohol can overpower flavors and make the wine taste “hot.” Alcohol enhances the perception of sweetness, making the wine fruitier. Alcohol carries volatile aromatic compounds contributing to the wine’s bouquet. […]
11 Popular Wine Regions and Their Signature Wines
Whether you’re a budding wine enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, anyone can explore top wine regions, famous wine appellations, and iconic wines. From Bordeaux to Napa Valley, uncover the top destinations, wine styles, and notable appellations in this quick guide to popular wine regions. Indulge in the flavors and embrace the allure of […]
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 […]
Vintage Port Wine: What You Need to Know
Dive deep in the Duoro Valley of Portugal and you’ll discover a delectable nectar: Vintage Port wine. But what is it? Vintage Port is a Portuguese fortified red wine made from a single, exceptional year. Made from a blend of red grapes, the wine spends no more than 2 years in barrel before bottling. Vintage […]