Albariño vs Sauvignon Blanc

Albariño vs Sauvignon Blanc are logical wines to compare. Both Albariño and Sauvignon Blanc are high acid, citrus-driven white wines. Sauvignon Blanc is more aromatic with green to tropical fruit. Entry-level Sauvignon Blanc is more widely available than Albariño, but you’ll find both wines delicious at $15-$20 USD. TL;DR: If you love Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll […]

Pinotage vs Shiraz: What You Need to Know

Characteristics Pinotage Shiraz Hue Deep red Deep red to purple Color Red Red Aromas Dark fruit, coffee, smoky Blackberry, plum, peppery Tannins High Medium to high Acid Medium (-) Medium Alcohol (%) 13-15% 13-15% Body Full Full Intensity Pronounced Pronounced Key Growing Regions South Africa Australia, Rhône Valley Classic Pairings Grilled meats, spicy dishes Barbecue, […]

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 […]

Pinotage vs Primitivo: Both Big Red Wines

It’s logical to think about a side-by-side comparison of Pinotage vs Primitivo; these two wines are very similar. Both Pinotage and Primitivo are full-bodied red wines. Pinotage has distinctive notes of dark berries, coffee, and a hint of smokiness. Primitivo has black fruit, raisin, and a jammy quality. Both Pinotage and Primitivo pair well with […]

Pinotage vs Zinfandel: What You Need to Know

It’s logical to think about a side-by-side comparison of Pinotage vs Zinfandel; these two wines are very similar. Both Pinotage and Zinfandel are full-bodied red wines. Pinotage has distinctive notes of dark berries, coffee, and a hint of smokiness. Zinfandel has more black fruit, raisin, and a jammy quality to it. Both Pinotage and Zinfandel […]

Pinotage vs Pinot Noir: Very Different Wines

Characteristics Pinotage Pinot Noir Hue Deep purple to garnet Pale to medium ruby Color Red Red Aromas Dark berries, smoke, meat, earthy Red berries, cherry, floral Sweetness Dry Dry Tannin Medium + to high Low to Medium Acid Medium Medium to high Alcohol (%) 13-15% 12-14.5% Body Full Light to medium Intensity Pronounced Medium to […]

Chalone AVA in Winter – Chalone Sleeps

Day trips spark the spirit of possibilities. We imagine alternative lives lived in neighboring towns just down the road. Curiosity – even if just for a few hours – renews. Here’s a Chalone AVA Field Trip and what you need to know about this beautiful AVA. Where Is Chalone AVA? In pandemic-fueled “have-to-get-out-of-the-house” road-trip fashion, […]