Let’s start off by agreeing that serving wine is not complicated. Most guests will just be happy to enjoy the wine with you - and are not going to worry if you err on some of the finer points. But there are a few simple things to keep in mind that … [Read more...]
Making Wine Last- Aging, Temperature, and Storage
One question that often comes from new wine connoisseurs is whether they should be aging their wine collection. The answer is probably no. Unless you are investing in high-end, expensive, collectible wines, it’s generally not necessary to age them. … [Read more...]
Zinfandel – Beyond the Curse of White Zin
Zinfandel is a dry red wine made from black-skinned grapes. Today, it is primarily produced in California, where some of the oldest vineyards in the region grow Zinfandel grapes. But it is also produced in lesser amounts in the Apulia region of … [Read more...]
Syrah – A Hermit’s Gift to the World
The wines that made Syrah famous were from Hermitage, in the Rhone Valley region of France. According to legend, the Knight Gaspard de Stérimberg returned home from battle wounded in 1224 and was given permission by the Queen to build a refuge to … [Read more...]
Pinot Noir – Taste, History, and Origins
Pinot Noir, made famous in the US by the cult movie Sideways, produces some of the finest wines in the world. The grape is also notoriously difficult to cultivate and produce with. It is very sensitive to climate changes, soil quality, and even … [Read more...]
Merlot – Cabernet’s Underrated Cousin
The name “Merlot” means little blackbird. And it is often thought of as the little brother of cabernet sauvignon, as it is the second most widely planted grape in the world and originates from the same region of France. Merlot tends to be a softer … [Read more...]