Merlot vs Cabernet Sauvignon vs Pinot Noir vs Shiraz
Characteristics Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Shiraz Hue Deep ruby red Deep ruby red Pale to medium ruby red Deep purple to black Color Red Red Red Red Aromas Plum, red berries, chocolate Blackcurrant, mint, cedar Red berries, floral, earth Blackberry, pepper, spice Tannins Soft to moderate Firm Soft Firm Acid Low to medium Medium […]
Viognier: A Comprehensive Guide
Pronunciation: vee-oh-NYAY Viognier is an aromatic, medium-bodied white wine. It’s lower acid than Sauvignon Blanc, and fruiter than Chardonnay. Pair Viognier with salads, seafoods, or summer sipping. Here’s what you need to know about Viognier wine. What Kind of Wine is Viognier? Viognier is a medium-bodied white wine with a moderate level of acidity, balancing […]
Petite Sirah: A Comprehensive Guide
Pronunciation: puh-TEET see-RAH or peh-TEET si-RAW Petite Sirah is a red wine grape that makes tannic, full-bodied red wines. It’s not the same as Syrah. The grape’s used as a blending partner to deepen the color of other wines. Pair Petite Sirah with rich stews and BBQ. Here’s what you need to know about Petite […]
Syrah: A Comprehensive Guide
Pronunciation: SEER-ah, SI-raw, or shih-RAHZ Syrah, also known as Shiraz in some regions, is a dark-skinned wine grape from the Rhône Valley, France. Now grown around the world it makes deep, black fruited red wines. Here’s what you need to know about Syrah wine. What Kind of Wine Is Syrah? Syrah is a full-bodied red […]
Grenache: A Comprehensive Guide
Pronunciation: gruh-nosh Grenache, a red wine varietal, embodies rustic charm. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this comprehensive guide introduces you to Grenache. What Kind of Wine Is Grenache? Grenache is a medium-bodied red wine with medium acid, medium to pronounced tannins, and medium alcohol. It often falls between Pinot Noir and […]
Touriga Nacional: Quick Guide
Pronounced: tore-ee-gah naw-see-oh-nahl If you’re holding a bottle of Touriga Nacional right now, please invite me over. Seriously. Touriga Nacional is a black wine grape native to Northern Portugal. Winemakers use Touriga Nacional as a main blending grape in age-worthy sweet fortified Port wines, as well as fine dry red table wines. Touriga Nacional wines […]
11 Strong Red Wines to Try Tonight!
So, you’re looking for a red wine with a little brawn to it? Something that will bite back with your BBQ brisket? Climate and grape variety both play a role in crafting strong red wines. Widely available good strong red wines with high alcohol include Zinfandel, warm climate Cabernet Sauvignon, and new world Syrah (Shiraz). […]
Wine Flights: Everything You Need to Know
If you hang around wine people long enough, you’re going to run across the term “wine flight”. A wine flight is not, in fact, an airplane full of wine nerds – though I’d be up for that! A wine flight is a set of different but related servings of wine. Typically a wine flight is […]
What’s the Bitter Taste After Wine?
It’s an unpleasant surprise to sniff a rich bouquet of fruits in your glass of wine and take a confident sip that delivers an intensive burst of flavor, only to have a nasty bitterness settle in your mouth. What’s going on? Why’s your wine bitter? If you taste bitterness after you swallow a sip of […]
How Does Wine Taste Like Chocolate?
If you’ve found this post, I’m willing to bet you’re drinking a red wine that tastes like chocolate. But is it milk chocolate or dark chocolate? The chocolate and mocha flavors common in wine come from oak. There’s no real chocolate in your wine. Winemakers use toasted French or American oak to give your wine […]