I still remember the first time I stood frozen in a wine aisle. Dozens of labels. French names I couldn’t pronounce. Bottles ranging from $9.99 to “why is this locked in glass?” If you’ve ever felt that quiet panic, relax. Choosing wine at the store doesn’t require a sommelier certification. It requires a few practical … Read more
If you drink wine on occasion, you’re probably familiar with the types of wine you like, say red wines vs. white wines. You’ve likely also determined your preferred varietal/s, such as Pinot Noir over Cabernet Sauvignon, and perhaps you’ve even mastered your favorite styles, such as dry white wines or bold, tannic red wines. However, … Read more
Whether you are a wine collector or not, here are some tips on storing wine for aging. Remember that poor storage of wine can flaw even the world’s best wine. Tip number 1: Buy 6 bottles of the same wine. Try to taste a bottle every year as this will indicate to you when the wine … Read more
A cozy sweater. A crackling fire. And a cold glass of white? We love wine, but we also love staying warm. While a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio certainly brings the flavor, it also brings the cold inside. Luckily, there’s a way to enjoy a warming, winter-friendly wine — introducing mulled wine. Sangrias might reign … Read more
One thing that sets wine apart from everything else we eat and drink is that it can get better with age. There are also quite a few health benefits of drinking wine. That’s usually the opposite for other stuff. But if you have ideal wine cellar lighting, an optimal wine storage temperature, the right wine storage furniture, and … Read more
For many who want to bring a little pop and fizz to their celebratory spread, a bottle of Champagne might be the obvious choice. But sparkling wine? Well, it’s often pegged as the lesser-than option. The backup plan. A bottle you might open after you’ve enjoyed that almighty Champagne. However, insiders argue the reality of sparkling wines couldn’t be further … Read more
You have just received a prized case of wine, perhaps from an auction or a direct shipment from a favorite vineyard. You open a bottle, anticipating the complex aromas and flavors you know and love, only to find it muted, disjointed, and disappointingly flat. The fruit seems suppressed, the structure is gone, and the wine … Read more
I’ve just returned from a trip to France which included a stop in Champagne. I was there for about three-and-a-half days, which is about a half-day more than you need in the quiet, farming region, 150 kilometers north-west of Paris. This is not a slight against it. Not by a long shot. I love quiet, … Read more
If France is known worldwide for producing the best wines in the world, the United States is not to be outdone, and produces some of the best white and red wines every year. Let’s find out how this country with such diverse states stands out in the world of wine and what are the characteristics … Read more
Ask most people to name a premier wine region in the United States, and they’ll likely mention Napa Valley or Sonoma County. These California destinations have earned their reputation through decades of exceptional winemaking. However, there are many lesser-known wine regions in the US that produce outstanding wines also deserving of recognition. These hidden gems … Read more