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Earth & Wine

Tannat vs Tempranillo

Comparing Tannat vs Tempranillo is a fun exercise. These two wines are very different. Tannat has more tannin than Tempranillo. Tannat is black-fruited; Tempranillo has red fruit. Both are full-bodied red wines. TL;DR: If you like Tempranillo, you may or may not like Tannat. Tannat Basics: A Powerful Red Tannat, from the Madiran region of […]

Alvarinho vs Albarino: What’s the Difference?

Key Differences Between Alvarinho and Albariño Aspect Alvarinho Albariño Flavor Profile Stone, Citrus Stone fruit, saline undertones Aroma Characteristics Intense aromas, citrus, melon, stonefruit Intense aromas, citrus, tree fruit, sea breeze Growing Regions Vinho Verde region, Portugal Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain, California Climates Coastal, cooler climates Coastal, cooler climates Wine Styles Produced Crisp and refreshing […]

Muscat Wine: A Comprehensive Guide

Pronunciation: MUHS-kat Muscat is an ancient family of over 200 aromatic grape cultivars. Muscat wine makes dry, sweet, sparkling, and even fortified styles. Muscat delivers aromas of orange blossom, citrus, and grape. Here’s what you need to know about Muscat wine. What Kind of Wine Is Muscat? Muscat is a versatile white wine with a […]

Tempranillo Food Pairing: 19 Perfect Matches

Tempranillo Food Pairing: Foods that Pair Well Tempranillo, the main red grape grown in Spain and Portugal, is the perfect food wine. As the saying aptly goes, “like vines intertwined, the perfect pairing you’ll find.” Tempranillo’s rich heritage on the Iberian Peninsula naturally positions it as an ideal wine for the region’s classic dishes. But […]

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, […]

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 […]

Buy the Best Grocery Store Wines: 11 Proven Strategies

I just can’t help myself. Whenever I go into a store, I must stroll through the wine aisle to see what wines they carry – whether it’s Costco, Trader Joe’s, CVS, Walgreens, or Safeway. But how do you pick out a decent wine at a grocery store? To pick good wine at a grocery store, […]

How to Read a Wine Label: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re new to the scene or just curious about wine, understanding how to read a wine label can unlock a wealth of information about the bottle in your hands.  In this guide, I’ll walk you through the various elements you’ll find on a wine label so that you can use this information to buy […]

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 […]