This is a handy guide full of statistics on some of the world's most common white grape varietals. This is meant to be a fast reference with links out to the different regional guides. Below you will find facts about the growing conditions for each variety - conditions in growing areas vary, so flavors under ideal conditions are listed, as well as underripe and overripe conditions. Desired styles can vary from place to place, so keep this in mind as you review the grape varie

This is a handy guide full of statistics on some of the world's most common red grape varietals. This is meant to be a fast reference with links out to the different regional guides. Below you will find statistics about the growing conditions for each variety - conditions in growing areas vary, so flavors under ideal conditions are listed, as well as underripe and overripe conditions. Desired styles can vary from place to place, so keep this in mind as you review the grape va

Just to the south-east of Burgundy is the small wine appellation of Jura in the eastern French province of Franche-Comte, that produces...

If you have followed along thus far, you know that understanding the big picture here is important. The sections of the tasting method are written below in traditional order, but don’t feel obligated to do them in this order. All of the steps lend clues as to what makes a wine unique, especially when you begin to try more and more wines. Each of these steps is designed to give hints to indicate varietal, place, vineyard and find the right method that works for you.

It’s time to take a look at the glass and observe the tears - sometimes called legs - these are the streaking watercolors running down the glass that are made of glycerin leftover from the winemaking process. One long unabridged downward streak can often indicate that a wine has a fuller-body - especially if there are streaks of color. Tear-like streaks can indicate lighter bodied wine, especially if those streaks are fast-moving. This can mean indicate the presence of acid,

Fascinatingly enough, we really can’t taste a whole lot of anything at all without the use of our noses. Sensations we can, however, recognize are sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, and some acid. We can also recognize hot and cold beverages, and cooling flavor. That’s why the best way to enjoy a wine is to smell first, then taste, add and elaborate what you’re noticing.

As silly as it may sound, smells are ninety percent of what we remember about a wine. The smell is essentially the flavor. The only information our brains are lacking when it comes to smells is essentially texture, and some bitterness, and acidity. Essentially, any formidable affectation sensed by our actual taste buds.

Here’s a list of the most commonly purchased, and widely available wines in the United States. Perhaps you enjoy one of these wines, or purchase it on a regular basis - this guide makes comparing these wines easier and faster.

Chocolate is a tough thing to pair, especially milk chocolate. The sweet affects of the chocolate and lingering creaminess make these...

Several months back, I delved headfirst into the Right Bank of Bordeaux, and got to pontificating about Pomerol and St.-Emilion . Soil discourse has become a new favorite attribute of mine and I’m very much looking forward to sharing some info about the classifications of Left Bank Bordeaux wine, specifically those that fall into the 2me Cru category of the 1855 Cru Classé .

Michigan is one of the foremost grape-growing states in the America, coming in at number four for overall production, and has been for...

Manchego may be my favorite cheese for a charcuterie board. It sings wonderfully next to the salty flavors of Serrano, the sweet richness...

Looming within the easternmost embankment of the Andes, high above the cloud-cover lies a small Mecca of white wine, in a country known...

Several months back, we looked at the intricacies of Sicily’s most adored, and dutiful reds, those from the Etna region, and how altitude...

Australia has a lot to offer to the world of wine. The country’s overall production is the sixth largest in the world, and wines made...

There’s nothing more hedonistic and folklorish in the world of wine than fine Napa Cabernet and Ribeye steak. The pairing is practically...

For one of the oldest and most exciting winemaking areas in the new world, we have none other than French Protestants to thank. The...

Biodynamic winemaking has been all the rage in Burgundy and the Loire Valley , areas that produce some of Europe’s most stunning wine. Most of the greatest wineries in both regions have adopted some Biodynamic practices into their viticultural philosophy, including the famous Domaine de La Romanée-Conti. For some, Biodynamic principles are just those of traditional farming: abstaining the use of pesticides, and committing to more sustainable methods of farming, such as sourc

Nestled between the culinary towns of Dijon and Lyon lies the winemaking region of Burgundy known as the Côte D'Or, with its street signs...

A few weeks ago I wrote a column about pairing Port with Stilton, and suggested a plethora of related dry wine pairings on different...