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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 […]

What’s the Aging Potential of Merlot Wines: Cellaring Secrets

Merlot Aging Guidelines Merlot Category Aging Recommendation Inexpensive Merlots (Under $10 USD) Enjoy within a year of purchase Standard Merlots ($10-$20 USD) Best consumed within the first 3 to 5 years after release Premium Merlots ($20+ USD) May be able to age for 5-7 years Merlot is a red wine grape variety that is known […]

Does Wine Go Up In Value?

Wines That Have Increased in Value Wine Initial Price Current Price (Varies) Château Lafite Rothschild (1982) $50 per bottle (approximate) $5,000 to $15,000 per bottle Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (1999) $500 per bottle (approximate) $10,000 to $25,000 per bottle Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (1992) $80 per bottle (approximate) $10,000 to $25,000 per bottle Penfolds Grange […]

Merlot Wine Regions: Why It’s So Darn Delicious

Merlot Styles in Different Regions Region Merlot Style Bordeaux Structured, elegant, with plum and cedar notes. California Ripe, fruit-forward, often with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Washington Rich and full-bodied, showcasing dark fruit and firm tannins. Tuscany Smooth, medium to full-bodied, with cherry and herbal tones. Australia Bold, with ripe fruit flavors and a touch […]

What Meat Dishes Go With Merlot?

Merlot’s a classic red wine grape from Bordeaux, so you know that Merlot will pair well with your favorite meat dishes. Meat dishes that pair with Merlot wine include savory beef dishes, like beef stew and meatloaf, and lighter dishes, like roasted chicken or chicken tacos. Heavier Merlot wines Merlot (e.g. Paso Robles) work well […]

Is Malbec the Same as Cabernet Franc? Malbec vs Cabernet Franc

Characteristics Malbec Cabernet Franc Hue Deep purple to black Ruby red to deep purple Color Red to black Red Aromas Blue fruits, plum, cocoa Red berries, violets, peppery Tannins Medium to Medium +, smooth Firm, grippy Acid Moderate Moderate to high Alcohol (%) 13-15% 12-15% Body Medium to full Medium to full Intensity Pronounced Moderate […]

What’s Better? DOCG, DOC, IGT, and VdT Italian Wines

Reading Italian wine labels can feel a little cryptic, especially if you’re standing in the wine aisle of your local store and holding two bottles that look essentially the same.  If you want the highest quality Italian wines, then choose a DOCG Italian wine, sometimes written out as Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. DOC […]

What Makes a Chianti Wine? 7 Quick Chianti Facts

What’s not to love? At home in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Chianti is the perfect wine for spaghetti night. Uncork these 7 fun facts about this Italian grape and pick a great bottle of Chianti every time.