Setting the Scene
The Côte de Nuits is the northerly half of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or (the southerly half is the Côte de Beaune). Together, these two areas comprise the famous limestone-based ridge from which a great deal of Burgundy’s wines are produced. The Côte de Nuits runs from Dijon to Nuits-Saint -Georges and is planted mostly to Pinot Noir, though small amounts of Chardonnay (and miniscule amounts of other varieties) can also be found here.
A Bit of History
Naturally, the history of the Côte de Nuits is tied with that of the Côte d’Or. Vines were first planted in this area around the 3rd century AD, when the Romans occupied what was then Gaul. Fast forward quite a few centuries, and Burgundy became very important during the Middle Ages, particularly when Benedictine and Cisterian monks became very present in the area. It was during this time that the monks began walling-off vineyards based on climate and soil conditions—in other words, establishing the concept of terroir as we know it today.
By the 18th century, top-tier wines were being made from single-vineyard sites. This was also when longer macerations and fermentations became preferred, as they led to bolder, more ageworthy wines. Inspired by the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux, Dr. Jules Lavalle came up with a similar designation system for Burgundy just seven years later. This helped create the early stages for the well-known appellation d’origine controlée system that is still used today.
How Big Is the Côte de Nuits?
The Côte de Nuits is about 15 miles long, two miles wide, and covers approximately 1,700 hectares.
What Are the Main Villages of the Côte de Nuits?
From north to south, the most famous villages of the Côte de Nuits are Marsannay, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin (home to more grands crus than any other of the Côte de Nuits’ villages), Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Flagey, and Vosne-Romanée.
The southern part is comprised of the lesser-known villages of Nuits-Saint-Georges, Prémeaux-Prissey, Comblanchien, and Corgoloin, the latter three of which are bottled under the Côte de Nuits-Villages appellation (wines from Prémeaux-Prissey can also be bottled under the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation).
How Many Premier and Grands Crus Are in the Côte de Nuits?
The Côte de Nuits is home to 24 grands crus and over 100 premiers crus. In total, Burgundy has 33 grands crus—meaning that ⅔ of them are found in this very special area.
What Are the Main Grapes and Winemaking Styles of the Côte de Nuits?
While Chardonnay and other varieties are planted in small quantities, Pinot Noir accounts for approximately 95% of the Côte de Nuits’ plantings. Most of the region’s Pinot Noir is vinified into still red wines, though a small amount of rosé—particularly in Marsannay—is also crafted here. Most red wines from the Côte de Nuits are aged for at least two winters in oak barrels, generally in a portion of new oak. Additionally, many winemakers often choose to add a percentage of whole bunches into their Pinot Noir fermentations, as this vinification technique is known for adding freshness and a touch of spice to final wines.
What Is the Terroir of the Côte de Nuits?
Burgundy is deemed the birthplace of the concept of terroir, thanks to the many mini micro-terroirs that exist throughout the region. Despite this intricate mosaic of growing conditions, the Côte de Nuits is generally known for its limestone and clay-limestone soils, as well as a semi-continental climate. The Côte de Nuits is also regarded for its many sloping hillsides, which offer prime conditions (slope, aspect, and drainage) for cultivating vines.
Who are the Main Producers in the Côte de Nuits?
While Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC), Domaine Leroy, Domaine Dujac, and Rousseau generally garner the most attention, there are tons of talented estates to be discovered in the Côte de Nuits. Our in-house Somm Team particularly loves Lignier-Michelot, Domaine Faiveley, Domaine Pierre Gelin, and more.
Are Wines from the Côte de Nuits Ageworthy?
Absolutely. While cellar-worthy and “immediate consumption” wines are crafted in every region, Burgundy is known for its high number of talented producers and cellar-worthy bottles. For those looking for bottles to lay down for the long haul, we recommend sticking with producers who farm responsibly, as well as referencing a vintage chart to learn more about the specific conditions from a variety of years.
]]>Whether red, white, or rosé is more your crowd’s jam, our comprehensive list has something for every preference (and budget) out there. Check it out below—and don’t forget to grab a few extra bottles for the long holiday weekend ahead!
Raymond Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Nothing screams love like a silky, full-bodied glass of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This bold expression from Raymond is perfect for pairing with a variety of hearty meats and cheeses—AKA, it’s the perfect “romantic dinner” wine. Best of all, the wine’s red velvet label symbolized the texture, emotion, and overall feeling captured in this top-tier wine. Need we say more?
Winery Notes: "A dark purple in the glass, this Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a beautiful nose of blue and black fruits. Expressive flavors of raspberry and blackberries are met with blackcurrant and warm plum. The wine has a lovely freshness and vibrancy with a medium bodied midpalate. Textured with plush tannins, the finish is smooth and velvety."
Shop Raymond Reserve (Sale Price: $46.99)
Silk & Spice 2020
Silk & Spice’s name is actually a double entendre, in that yes, the wine is both silky and spicy, but it also pays homage to the 16th century trade route between Europe and Asia, which was pioneered by Portuguese explorers during the late 15th century. This flavor-packed red blend from Portugal’s Douro Valley is laden with flavors of ripe red fruits, earth, and woodsy spice. Fans of full-bodied blends from California, we can’t recommend this budget-friendly bottle enough.
Winery Notes: "A red-ruby colored red wine blend characterized by intense aromas of ripe red fruit combined with hints of vanilla, mocha and spices. A full-bodied wine with a balanced taste, very soft tannins and a long and persistent finish."
Shop Silk & Spice ($14.99)
Venus la Universal Dido Montsant Rosa 2019
Who says that rosé is destined for summer sipping? Contrary to popular belief, these food-friendly wines are perfect for sipping year round, especially on chilly weather evenings where cheese-heavy dishes are on the menu. Produced in Catalonia, this well-structured rosé packs a serious punch. We recommend buying two—drink one now, lay one down, and thank us in a few years.
Winery Notes: "A wine made with different types of Garnatxa (Grey, Red and White) to add volume and density but also with Macabeu and Carinyena to provide acidity and Ull de Llebre balance alcohol.A pale and aged rosé following the tendency of the great rosés of the world. A Mediterranean, from the South, well-structured and aging potential wine."
Shop Venus Rosé (Sale Price: $26.99)
Domaine Sigalas PGI Cyclades 'A/M' 2020
Looking to relive your romantic getaway to Greece? There’s no better wine to do so with than Sigalas’ A/M. Produced on the island of Santorini, this salty, sun-kissed wine promises to evoke unforgettable summer memories with every sip. Expect an elegant and citrus-driven wine laden with flavors of green apple, nuts, lime leaf, and smoky undertones.
Winery Notes: “Responding to the upward price pressure inherent to the island of Santorini, Paris and team have begun sourcing Monemvasia (not genetically related to Malvasia, despite the name) from the nearby Cycladic island of Paros and blending it 50/50 with the press-juice Assyrtiko that used to go into ‘A/a’ (now discontinued). The result, while not appellation Santorini, is a gloriously drinkable new expression of the southern Aegean from the acknowledged master of Santorini.”
Shop Sigalas Cyclades ($23.99)
Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Forget the generic Sauvignon Blanc you may have been used to—this unique bottling from Merry Edwards promises to go the limits. The estate notes that a key component behind the singularity of this wine is the Sauvignon Musqué clone used, which was sourced directly from Sancerre. Expect a more herbal, incredibly zesty wine that comes to life with fresh seafood, oysters, and salads of all kinds.
Winery Notes: “On the palate, vibrant acidity is finely balanced with a rich, creamy mouthfeel creating a unique textural experience — reminiscent of a refreshing blood orange sorbet. The finish is broad and lingers with sweet pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon zest."
Shop Merry Edwards (Sale Price: $52.99)
Marziano Abbona San Luigi Dogliani Dolcetto 2020
Celebrating with an Italian night in? This budget-friendly, easy-drinking Dolcetto has your back. Contrary to the big-boned wines of Barolo and Barbaresco (which we certainly love, of course), this beloved “daily drinker” is what the locals actually pop the cork on regularly. Grab your favorite dried meats, cut up some Grana Padano, and bring the best of Piedmont straight to your casual night in. (Pro tip: Forget the fancy aperitivo snacks—ordering pizza in works just as well here, too.)
90 Points, Antonio Galloni's Vinous: "The 2020 Dogliani San Luigi is a very pretty, delicate wine laced with ink dark red/purplish fruit, sage, spice and violets. This mid-weight, class Dogliani is an absolute pleasure to taste today. Drinking window: 2021-2025."
Shop Marziano Dolcetto (Sale Price: $15.99)
Lohr Seven Oaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Bold, velvety, and perfect for sipping with a variety of foods—what more could you want from a Valentine’s Day red? Whether pizza, pasta, or juicy steaks are on the menu, you really can’t go wrong with this bottle. Expect notes of black cherry, roast coffee, and sweet barrel spice to lead to a structured and palate-coating finish.
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast: Designated Editors' Choice. "Aromas of shaved cocoa and red cherry jam meet with a bit of smoke on the nose of this widely available yet reliable bottling. There is ample tension on the sip, giving the big-boned flavors of black cherry, incense and smoke the tannic edges to cling to."
Shop J. Lohr (Sale Price: $19.99)
]]>What Are Tannins?
Tannins are bitter, polyphenolic compounds that are naturally occurring in the skins, stems, and seeds of grapes. Outside of grapes / wine, tannins are also found in a variety of foods, including the skins of many fruits, nuts, and legumes.
What Do Tannins Feel Like?
Scientifically speaking, tannins combine with other proteins—including those present in saliva—to create an astringent, drying sensation on the palate. Historically, the main role of tannins in nature was to prevent humans and animals from eating unripe fruits and plants.
However, not all tannins are created equal. Tannins vary from wine to wine, and can often present different textures on the palate. Some tannins feel satiny and silky, whereas others can feel grainy and harsh. You know the drying sensation in your mouth that comes from eating an underripe peach or over brewed cup of tea? These feelings are both caused by tannins!
Which Wines Are High in Tannins?
Similar to the fruit and tea examples above, wines high in tannins can create a drying sensation on the tongue, cheeks, and gums. Because tannins are generally present in the skins, stems, and seeds of grapes, their presence is most commonly felt in red and skin-contact (orange) wines. Examples of high-tannin grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Tempranillo.
Do Tannins Help Wine Age?
Yes. A high presence of tannins in wine will provide it with the structure to age gracefully over time. However, in addition to the presence of tannins, the wine must also be well made and balanced in other facets, specifically with regards to acidity.
Does Decanting Wine Help Soften Tannins?
Yes. When tannins come into contact with oxygen, the combining of these two molecules actually causes the tannins to soften. However, decanting a tannic wine won’t soften its tannins as much as aging well—as they say, patience is a virtue!
Which Foods Pair Best with Tannic Wines?
Similar to the reaction that takes place with oxygen, tannins will also soften when combined with fat. This is why wines higher in tannins often pair well with heavy, fattier foods. Think of your classic Cabernet Sauvignon pairings—steak, roasted meats, rustic stews, fatty cheeses, and more. The fat in these foods will combine with tannins in wine to bring the best out of the other: the fat will soften the tannins, while the tannins will bring out savory flavor in the food. A true win-win!
]]>Organic
While organic may appear to be the easiest of the terms to understand, there’s actually still some confusion around the term, namely because the United States and Europe have different rules for obtaining certification. While both are in agreement that organic farming eschews the use of pesticides, chemicals, and herbicides, the USDA requires that winemakers do not add any sulfur dioxide during winemaking so as to be organic. (Note: Sulfur dioxide has been used to preserve wine since ancient times, and is actually a naturally occurring byproduct of fermentation—hence, there is no such thing as a sulfur-free wine. Most winemakers worldwide see no issue with using this natural preservative, even many die-hard organic / biodynamic farmers.) This major difference surrounding sulfur permittence is why you’ll see a lot more European wines over US wines labeled as organic.
Biodynamic
The principles of biodynamics come from the writings of philosopher Rudolf Steiner, and are rooted in looking at a vineyard as a part of a whole ecosystem, rather than a singular entity—that’s to say, beyond just the vines, the soils, living organisms, and other plants are all taken into consideration. In addition to following the principles of organic farming, biodynamic farming follows other strict principles, including farming in accordance to the lunar calendar, burying cow manure in cow horns during the winter and using the fertilizer to enrich the vineyard in the spring, and beyond. In 1985, the organization Demeter was created and became the benchmark certifier of biodynamics; today, it is used in over 45 countries, amongst which its rules do not differ. Due to the stringent rules of being certified biodynamic, many winemakers will simply choose to implement biodynamic principles in their farming regimen, so as to provide flexibility within their cultivation.
Natural
The term natural wine is a bit of an anomaly in itself, in that there is really no set definition of what it means for a wine to be “natural.” However, most purists will agree that in addition to farming (at minimum) organically, natural wines are produced with minimal intervention in the cellar, meaning native yeast fermentations, no fining or filtering, and little to no sulfur used during the vinification process. Note: A number of professionals believe that for a wine to be natural, no added sulfur may be used whatsoever, though this point is largely debated upon.
Sustainable
Of all of the responsible farming-related terms, sustainable is perhaps the loosest of them all, as there are no set guidelines as to what it means to be sustainable. While many would argue that this word is simply used as a marketing ploy (and in quite a few instances, it is), the term sustainable also allows for regional flexibility, meaning that certain areas of the world can cater their regionally-specific sustainable designations to support the particular conditions that they individually face. For example, on a broad scale, many will argue that the excessive use of copper permitted in organic certifications is not sustainable, rendering it not suitable for certain regions. However, these regions may use harsh chemicals that damage plants and soil, which other designating boards wouldn’t deem fit.
Summary: It’s not all as clear—or transparent—as it may seem. The nuances of which farming choices are best for certain regions are very specific to the conditions at hand, though above all, steering away from damaging chemicals and pesticides is generally the way to go. Above all, the best means to figure out the farming and winemaking behind what you’re drinking is to shop with trusted retailers and sommeliers who know the wines / winemakers personally, or should the time and resources allow for it, simply do the research yourself. Our future planet will thank you!
]]>Ensure Proper Storage Conditions
First and foremost, aging wine for long periods of time requires specific conditions, so as to ensure that the wine does not become flawed over time. These conditions include keeping wine at cellar temperature, away from light, and at 50-70 percent humidity.
For those with houses, these conditions can often be found / created in basements, garages, and other underground spaces. No house? No problem. Simply purchase a wine fridge that best fits your space / collection needs. Wine fridges range in size from six bottles all the way up to 200+, meaning there’s a wine-storage unit for residences of all sizes.
(Note: With regards to temperature, while many sources state that cellar temperature ranges from 45 to 65 degrees F, we tend to keep our temperature-regulated units between 50-60 degrees.)
Browse Our Fine & Rare Collection
Start With the Classics…
As much as we love exploring the unknown, when starting your collection, sticking to the classics is a great place to start. For our in-house Somm Team, this means Bordeaux, Burgundy, Northern Rhône, Piedmont, Tuscany, Napa, and other reputable regions. Don’t get us wrong – ageworthy wines are produced in basically every viticultural region around the globe, it’s just usually easier to find information on well-known producers and vintages from well-established “ageworthy” regions versus those which are newer.
…Yet Seek Out the Underdogs
However, sticking to the classic regions can often cost a pretty penny – that is, unless you seek out the underdogs. When looking for wines to collect from the regions listed above, we recommend seeking out budget-friendly options from up-and-coming producers from well-established regions, whose bottles may not garner the prices as those of their neighbors (that is, yet).
Reference Vintage Charts
While vintage charts certainly don’t have the final word, they generally provide a great point of reference for overall conditions. However, there are always regional and producer-based exceptions. For example, a vintage chart may give a certain number to the Côte de Beaune, though Volnay may have fared better than Pommard that year. Seek out the nuances and intricacies for a more accurate description; great information can also often be found on producers’ websites. (Note: Vintage charts are generally put in place for bottles meant for long-term aging, as the conditions speak to the wines’ structure / how they will evolve over time. For drinking in the short term, these charts will be less important.)
Browse Our Fine & Rare Collection
Consult a Trusted Sommelier / Wine Expert!
As always, seeking out expert advice from a seasoned sommelier or retailer is the best tool to keep in your back pocket. Have a question? Simply use the chat function on our homepage to get started. One of our in-house experts will get back to you in no time!
]]>Chris Struck - Beverage Director at Ilili and Instructor at the Sommelier Society of America
1. What are some of your go-to wine regions?
While countries and not regions, Lebanon, Georgia, Greece, Portugal, Austria, and New Zealand offer a great balance of history, innovation, value at multiple price points, and, in the case of the first five, interesting autochthonous varieties. I try to facilitate a greater curiosity of these places in ilili’s dining room and in CUNY and the Sommelier Society of America’s classrooms.
2. What are you looking forward to drinking in 2023?
Cinsault from all over (I think it’s poised to be the world’s next Pinot Noir in the coming decades, helped in part by its heartiness in the vineyard and deliciousness in the glass), still and sparkling Meunier, Australian wines of all types and from all across their diverse wine regions, and compelling German reds.
3. Wired for Wine Bottle Recommandation: Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Clos Michet Montlouis-sur-Loire 2020
I’m a sucker for Chenin Blanc and its ability to express terroir in an often more interesting way than Chardonnay. Chenin is a unique canvas for exemplary wines that showcase balanced acidity and sweetness across the spectrum in both still and bubbly bottlings in a range perhaps only rivaled only by Riesling. Old vines on sandy soil, with a vibrancy and aromatic vocabulary that speaks to the variety’s compelling nature; it is a wine to think about and a wine to celebrate with food.
Nicole Muscari - Wine Advisor at Vivant, Brand Ambassador, and Content Creator
1. What are some of your go-to wine regions?
My three go-to regions would be Champagne, Beaujolais, and Chianti Classico.
I love the versatility of Champagne and how it can take me through an entire meal from start to finish. You can enjoy them while fine dining, but also at home with a fried chicken sandwich and french fries. Beyond its complexities and pleasing texture on the palate, these wines continually spark joy every time the cork is popped!
Beaujolais (Cru Beaujololais in particular) has really come into the spotlight in the past few years, and it's easy to see why. These wines made from Gamay are bright, juicy, and downright crushable. Whenever I open a Cru Beaujolais while hosting, I know it will be a hit. I also love the region's diversity, as you can find age-worthy styles for the cellar beyond the "drink-now" options.
Chianti Classico always transports me to the rolling hills of Tuscany upon first sip. These wines are unapologetically a direct product of their terroir. Growing up in an Italian-American household, we ate many tomato-based meals that I still cook today, and I couldn't think of a better partner than Chianti Classico. These wines are mouth-watering, with tart red fruit flavors laced with dried herbs and flowers.
2. What are you looking forward to drinking in 2023?
I look forward to exploring more out of my wheelhouse. Being from Upstate NY, I've always enjoyed Riesling from the Finger Lakes, but in 2023 I want to dive deeper into Riesling from Germany and Austria. Riesling is such an incredible grape, and the styles of wine it can produce are endless.
After a 12-day trip to Argentina, I also look forward to drinking more Malbec from small producers, creating more elegant and fresher styles.
3. Wired for Wine Bottle Recommendation: Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Saint-Anne Brut Champagne
This is my go-to Champagne when I'm ordering at a restaurant or hosting friends, as the value is unmatched. This wine is fresh and well-balanced, with a round, creamy texture that is impressively consistent every time.
]]>Drinking Bubbly on the Daily
Okay… maybe not on the daily, but the point here is that in 2023, sparking wine is certain to reign king. While bubbly has long been set aside for celebrations and parties, our in-house Somm Team is predicting a lot of sparkling wine in our future. Not only are these bottles some of the most food friendly wines on the planet, they also provide a great way to add a touch of luxury to your average weeknight happy hour.
Deeper Exploration into the Unknown
As much as we love the classics—think Napa, Tuscany, and Burgundy—there are so many great wines to be discovered in lesser-frequented corners of the world. From South Africa to Australia to Greece and beyond, our in-house Somm Team predicts a greater curiosity for the unknown (and in turn, a much greater palate expansion in the year 2023!)
Emphasis on the Swag
We’ll be the first to admit that a good chunk of wine gadgets on the market are pretty useless – however, when it comes to great glassware, special decanters, and a solid stash of great wine books to read, you can most definitely count our in-house Somm Team in. This year, we predict that wine lovers everywhere will lose the subpar glassware and swap them out for something a bit higher end – because every wine drinking moment should feel like an elevated experience.
For Baller Bottles, the Time Is Now
When it comes to fine and rare wines, our in-house Somm Team fully believes in letting the bottles reach their full potential—that is, allowing them to lay down for the proper amount of time in the cellar. However, as the demand for high-end wine continues to grow, we believe that there’s no time like the present to be enjoying the best of what you’ve got in your cellar (that is, so long as the wines are ready to shine). After all, wine is meant to be enjoyed!
A Continued Desire to Level Up
Here at Wired for Wine, we believe that understanding what you’re drinking makes the experience a whole lot more special – and while the world of wine can be an endless rabbit hole to navigate, that’s also what makes it so exciting. As we enter into 2023, our in-house Somm Team foresees an emphasis on continuing to learn the ins and outs of what makes the wine world so special, from viticulture to producer history to vintage conditions and beyond.
From our Wired for Wine family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy, and wine-filled New Year!
]]>This week, we’re sharing 10 go-to wine facts to keep on hand to look like a pro this holiday season. From grape variety trivia to producer history, keep these ten facts in your back pocket for when the conversation goes dry. You’ll look like a badass and also likely strike up some interesting conversation along the way!
1. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape variety in the world.
It’s true – with over 340,000 hectares (840,000 acres) planted across the globe, Cabernet Sauvignon clocks in as the world’s most planted grape variety, followed by Merlot at 266,000 hectares (657,300 acres).
2. Veuve Clicquot is named after the famous widow, Madame Clicquot, the first woman to ever run a Champagne house. She is also credited with creating the first vintage Champagne, as well as a number of other major breakthroughs!
To say that Madame Clicquot was a force would be a serious understatement. Not only was she the first woman to run a Champagne house, she’s credited with crafting the first vintage Champagne (1810), as well as nailing down the riddling process to clarify the wines six years later.
3. Although Malbec is synonymous with Argentina today, the grape actually finds its origins in South West France.
Malbec and Mendoza go hand in hand today, though the grape originally hails from South West France, located not too far from Bordeaux. Bonus fact: In France, the grape is referred to as Cot (pronounced ‘koh’), not Malbec.
4. Not all Riesling is sweet – in fact, most of it is dry, and checking a bottle’s ABV is a pretty solid way to figure out what’s inside the bottle
Despite the stereotypes, the majority of Riesling is actually vinified bone dry. Bottles with an ABV of 12% or higher are almost guaranteed to be dry, whereas those with 10% or lower ABV are bound to have some residual sugar in them.
5. All red wines from Rioja with a Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva labeling must age for a minimum of one year in oak.
Generic Rioja without any designation is not required to be aged in oak, though according to the governing board, all wines with the above designations must spend at least one year in wood (and one year in bottle) prior to aging. Full-bodied red lovers, these wines are for you!
6. All (white) Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc, though not all Sauvignon Blanc is Sancerre.
Think of it like how all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares. According to AOC regulations, all white wines labeled Sancerre must be vinified from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, though wines made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc wines are crafted all across the globe.
7. Rosé is produced via directly pressing juice from red grapes or via the ‘saignée’ method, which involves “bleeding off” a portion of juice from fermenting red wine.
Don’t worry, ‘bleeding off’ is not nearly as violent as it sounds! In short, the saignée method is used to concentrate the currently fermenting red wine, and the ‘bled off’ juice is bottled as rosé. Bonus fact: The only region in the world that allows for the mixing of still red and white wine to make rosé is Champagne!
8. Chardonnay is frequently deemed as a “chameleon” grape, thanks to its relatively neutral flavor profile.
Prior to any form of vinification or aging, the juice pressed from Chardonnay is actually quite neutral tasting. Because of this, wines produced from the grape can be extremely reflective of the place they come (when produced at the right hands, of course), as well as are very sensitive to the winemaking choices (oak vinification / aging, lees contact, etc.) imparted on them.
9, Pinot Noir gets its name from the French words for “pine” and “black.”
It’s true! Pinot is the word for pine, which pays homage to the pine cone shape in which the grape clusters grow, and noir is black, which refers to the color of the grapes’ skins.
10. Tenuta San Guido is credited with creating the first ever Super Tuscan, Sassicaia, in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany.
Inspired by the great blends of Bordeaux, Tenuta San Guido commercially produced its first ‘Super Tuscan’ back in 1968, ultimately releasing it to the market in 1971. Shortly after, Marchesi Antinori’s Tignanello followed.
]]>
Choose Reputable Producers
As much as we love diving into the unknown, looking to producers that we know and love always feels like a warm comfort blanket. When gifting wines to friends and loved ones, we recommend sticking with producers you know and love, as your recipients will likely also enjoy them, too (plus, the fact that the gift speaks to your palate also makes it that much more personal). While we totally condone exploration and palate expansion, saving the discovery for non-gifting circumstances will likely be a way less stressful situation.
Give the Gift That Keeps on Giving…
Wine truly is the gift that keeps on giving – especially if the time of the gift is quite literally elongated. When searching for a gift that promises to deliver cheer down the line, look for a bottle that will age well in the cellar. Not only will your recipient be thrilled upon opening the gift, they’ll also have an additional moment of cheer upon opening it down the line. For a wine gift that keeps on giving with a shorter wait time, consider gifting a wine club membership to the vino lover in your life—think of it like multiple gifts per year wrapped all in one!
Reference Vintage Charts
For our in-house Somm Team, the general rule of thumb is that vintage charts matter more in the long term than the short term—that’s to say, should you be shopping for wines to pop open and drink on the fly, vintage charts aren’t necessarily make or break. However, for those looking to gift bottles to lay down in the cellar, consider referencing a vintage chart to see which bottles are destined to age better over time.
Food Friendliness Factor
While food friendliness isn’t always a criteria for rendering a wine delicious, it certainly amplifies a bottle’s convivial factor. Here at Wired for Wine, we believe that wine is best enjoyed when shared with loved ones, especially around a table laden with food and laughter. When choosing a wine gift for the recipient on your list, consider the wine’s ability to pair well on the table. That way, when your recipient chooses to pop it, they’ll likely do so with a group of close friends or family (which will ultimately deliver just as much joy as the moment they opened your gift!)
Somm Team Approved!
At the end of the day, shopping with a retailer you trust will generally always lead to a satisfactory gifting experience. Our holiday e-Shop was crafted by the expert members of our in-house Somm Team, who have used their combined decades of experience to craft a versatile, world-class selection for a variety of preferences and price points. Rest assured, when gifting with Wired for Wine, we’ll always lead you to the bottle(s) that best suit your needs!
]]>
Get your bottles in time for Thanksgiving Day! Select 2-day or overnight shipping at checkout to ensure your bottles arrive on time.
Shop Our Thanksgiving Collection
Step 1: Set Up Tasting Stations
Prior to guests’ arrival, set up one tasting station per guest around a table. We recommend using a white tablecloth to provide a neutral background for looking at the wine, and if possible, use the same glass for each person for uniformity’s sake. Place a Deductive Tasting Grid and a pen at each station, a glass of water, and an empty cup for spitting.
Step 2: Bottle Prep
For the most diverse—and potentially interesting—set of blind tasting wines, we recommend asking each guest to bring one to two bottles of covered wine (this can be done with tin foil, in a sleeve, or a paper bag) to the gathering, depending on how many rounds you’d like to host. To ensure that the fewest number of people see the wines as possible, we recommend having each person pour the wine that they brought, so as to also give everyone a chance to participate.
Step 3: Get Your Timer Ready
To ensure that everyone gets a fair amount of time with the wine, we recommend setting a timer and beginning / ending as a group. For beginners, set the timer at five minutes per wine; more seasoned tasters, you can trim it down to three or four.
Step 4: Final Calls & The Big Reveal
Each guest must have their final conclusions written down prior to the timer going off. Once all pens are down, each person around the table states their final guess. Upon all conclusions being shared, the pourer will reveal the wine from its covering. The correct guess (or closest to it) wins the round!
Helpful Tips:
- Print tasting note charts and/or the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Deductive Tasting Grid in advance so as to have helpful materials on hand.
- For beginner levels, we recommend sticking to ‘testable’ grape varieties and regions—AKA, the classics (Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, Riesling from Germany, etc.) to get started. Sure, blind tasting Sangiovese from California will certainly open up some fun discussions, but it could also be quite confusing!
- Alternate the blind tasting “host” each round so as to give everyone a chance to partake.
- Once you’ve got the hang of things, throw an old vintage or two into the mix and see whose guess is the closest!
Reminder: This is the last week to ship your Thanksgiving Day wine in time for the big day! Select 2-day or overnight shipping at checkout to ensure your bottles arrive on time.
Shop Our Thanksgiving Collection
From our Wired for Wine family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy, and wine-soaked holiday season!
]]>What Is Sweet Wine?
By definition, sweet wine is wine with the presence of residual sugar. While many wine drinkers tend to use the word sweet when tasting dry wines, they often mean fruit-forward or juicy. Sweet wine technically must show a presence of residual sugar to be classified as such.
How Is Sweet Wine Made?
Sweet wines are made in a variety of ways, though the most common are through late-harvesting grapes, botrytis, straw or mat drying, and fortification. First, late harvest wines are produced exactly how they sound. Fruit is left longer on the vine so as to allow it to ripen further, which creates more sugars in the berries. In some cases, late-harvested fruit will develop botrytis, otherwise known as noble rot. This rare yet coveted rot is most commonly found in Sauternes and sucks the water from grapes, therefore dehydrating them and concentrating their sugars.
Straw or mat drying grapes is a practice commonly used across Italy, particularly in the Veneto and Tuscany regions of the country. Fruit is left to raisinate on straw mats or in special rooms while hanging for a number of months, which dehydrates them and concentrates their sugars. The juice then used to create the wine in question is much sweeter due to the lack of water.
What Is Fortified Wine?
Fortified wines are produced by adding neutral distillate to an already fermenting wine. This addition kills yeasts, which in turn, halts fermentation and leaves a high amount of residual sugar in the wine. However, due to the distillate’s presence, the alcohol level of these wines is boosted to around 18% to 22%. The most popular styles of fortified wines are Port, Sherry, Madeira, and Marsala.
Where Is Sweet Wine Made?
Sweet wines are made all over the world, though certain regions are more synonymous with specific styles. Fortified wine production is popular in Portugal (Port, Madeira), Spain (Jerez / Sherry), and Sicily (Marsala), whereas late harvest and botrytis-affected wines are most commonly produced in Germany and France’s Loire Valley / Bordeaux regions. Straw and mat drying are popular across Italy, and in regions where the weather is cold enough—think Germany and Canada—ice wine is also a popular style (this method requires hand-harvesting frozen grapes at night, cracking the ice off of them, and vinifying the small amounts of concentrated juice inside!)
What Are the Key Rules to Pairing Sweet Wine with Dessert?
The most important rule of thumb when pairing sweet wine with dessert is that what’s in the glass should always be sweeter than what’s on the plate—meaning that the wine should always be sweeter than the dessert. While less strict, another solid rule to follow is match the color of sweet wine with dessert; that’s to say that lighter-hued sweet wines will generally pair better with pies, pastry doughs, and fruit, whereas darker sweet wines will often pair better with Ruby and Tawny ports, fortified wines, and more.
Can You Pair Savory Food with Sweet Wine?
Definitely! Sweet wine and savory food pairings offer some of the most exquisite gastronomical marriages on the planet. For quintessential go-tos that promise to blow your mind, reach for a sweet white wine (Sauternes, late-harvest Chenin Blanc, or Vin Santo) and pair it with blue cheese or foie gras – you’ll thank us later!
What Are Some of the Top Sweet Wine Pairings for Thanksgiving?
Late-harvest Chenin from the Loire Valley and Sauternes / Barsac from Bordeaux are no-brainers with a variety of fruit pies and tartlets, whereas Tawny Ports and sweet Sherries are perfect with chocolate-based desserts. For pumpkin pie, reach for anything – you really can’t go wrong here!
From our Wired for Wine family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
]]>Shop Our Thanksgiving Wine Selection
Bubbles
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – when it comes to finding wine to pair with food, sparkling wine is hands-down the most versatile option out there. The texture, acidity, and absence of tannins found in bubbles pair with basically every dish out there, both white and rosé bottles included. However, the key to sparkling wine’s immense food pairing success is its ample amount of natural acidity, which cuts through fat, complements salt, and refreshes the palate with every sip. Serve pre-dinner to stimulate your guests’ appetite, drink throughout the meal, or both – you really can’t go wrong here.
Riesling
Contrary to popular belief, not all Riesling is sweet—though both dry and off-dry expressions belong on your Thanksgiving table. Here’s why. Similar to bubbles, the high levels of natural acidity found in Riesling are ideal for simultaneously cutting through fat and quenching thirst, and when a little bit of residual sugar is in there, the food pairings go even further. Pair bone dry expressions with stuffing and savory sides, then serve your off-dry expressions with a variety of fruit-based desserts.
Shop Our Thanksgiving Wine Selection
Pinot Noir
When in doubt, Pinot Noir it out (especially for fall-focused food and wine pairings). The high acidity, low tannins, and savory, earth-driven nature of Pinot Noir are delightful with dark meat, roasted root veggies, carrots, and all things butternut squash. Pro tip: For more structured and savory expressions look to Old World examples from Burgundy; for juicier, more fruit-forward bottles, check out expressions from California or New Zealand. We also recommend serving Pinot Noir—and all Thanksgiving Day reds—slightly chilled for an extra refreshing, palate-cleansing hit.
Chardonnay
When it comes to the Thanksgiving Day table, you really can’t go wrong with a bottle of Chardonnay. The acid-forward, slightly rich nature of these wines bring a variety of the holiday’s signature flavors to life – especially recipes with copious amounts of butter. Sip your Chard with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roast turkey for an out-of-this-world pairing. While White Burgundy is always a go-to choice for our in-house Somm Team, reaching for a domestic expression also works here.
Shop Our Thanksgiving Wine Selection
Gamay
In the world of food and red wine pairing, Gamay is the grape that keeps on giving. High in acidity, low in tannins, and bursting with fruit-forward flavors, these light-on-their-feet wines are simply delightful with a variety of Thanksgiving Day favorites, especially turkey, mushrooms, root vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Best of all, the floral, savory undertones in the wine are perfect for matching with a variety of “hard-to-pair” vegetables, including the holiday’s green bean casserole.
Dessert Wine
Although often overlooked, dessert wine and sweet treats offer some of the most exquisite food and wine pairings out there. When pairing wine with dessert, the general rule of thumb is that the pour in your glass should always be slightly sweeter than the serving on the plate. For our in-house Somm Team, luscious dessert wines from Bordeaux (Sauternes, Barsac) and semi-sweet Rieslings make for some of the most opulent Thanksgiving Day dessert pairings, especially when sipped alongside pumpkin pie, apple crumble, and other seasonal delights. No matter what your preference is, don’t skip the sweet wine!
Shop Our Thanksgiving Wine Selection
From our Wired for Wine family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season ahead!
]]>Finger Lakes
East Coasters, you’re in luck. Did you know that a slew of breathtaking wine regions are located right in our very own backyards? While vineyards are planted across most eastern US states, the Finger Lakes is undoubtedly one of the most pristine regions to visit. Here, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc thrive in the area’s cooler climates. Pro tip: Book you trip during the first half of November for peak leaf-peeping opportunities, and don’t forget to allot ample time for orchard, cidery, and brewery visits between wine tasting.
Champagne
Here at Wired for Wine, we believe that there’s nothing a bottle of sparkling wine (especially Champagne) can’t fix. For Paris-bound travelers, booking a trip to Champagne has never been easier. Simply hop the fast train from Gare de l’Est and arrive in Reims in around 45 minutes. Best of all, most of the big names have tasting rooms right in the city center, making the need to rent a car obsolete. However, for those looking to venture out to smaller producers, grabbing a rental car will be necessary. While in Reims, don’t forget to stop by The Glue Pot and Au Bon Manger to experience the city’s best places to drink bubbly – as well as rub shoulders with local winemakers.
Napa
When in doubt, Napa is always a good time. For our West Coast-based friends, we recommend renting a car and driving around both Napa and Sonoma to experience their vast differences. Take in the cooler-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs from Sonoma, then head over to California’s unofficial wine capital for some big-boned Cabs and seriously delicious red blends. Hitting tasting rooms in downtown Napa is as easy as walking in the door, though for smaller (or more sought after) Napa estates, we advise booking tastings online in advance to secure your spot.
Tuscany
Fall in Tuscany? Sign us up. There’s a reason why novices and industry professionals alike flock year after year to this stunning Italian region – it’s simply a classic. Known for its rolling green hillsides, savory cuisine, and breathtaking views, a trip to Tuscany always promises an unforgettable time. Start your trip in Florence or Siena, make a pit stop in San Gimignano, and then dive into the Chianti Classico or Montalcino areas for some serious Sangiovese tastings. As with Napa, we recommend booking your appointments in advance when possible – and worry not, many of the more popular estates will generally have an English speaker to help along the way.
Columbia Valley
For West Coast bound travelers looking to get a bit more off the beaten path, Washington State is where it’s at. While most wine lovers flock to the more popular regions of the Golden State, tasting through the Columbia Valley’s diverse wineries offers a highly underrated alternative – especially for fans of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and savory Syrah. For a few of our in-house Somm Team’s favorite wineries, check out Mullan Road, Long Shadows, or Borne of Fire.
Mendoza
Have at least a week of vacation time left on your hands? We can’t recommend a trip to Argentina enough. While the weather is approaching peak cold season here, the summer’s just getting started in the southern hemisphere, making late November / early December an optimal time to venture down that way. Start your trip in Buenos Aires for an unforgettable city venture, then head out to the wild west of Mendoza for the trip of a lifetime. Although Malbec is the region’s claim to fame, Argentina also excels in a variety of other grapes and wine styles, including Cabernet-based red blends, single-varietal Chardonnay, and much more.
]]>What Are Tannins?
Tannins are bitter components found in a variety of plants, wood, and fruits. Their main purpose in the wild is to keep animals (and humans) at bay, for the sake of allowing the plant / fruit to reach optimal ripeness. Think of the feeling of
What Do Tannins Taste / Feel Like?
While tannins themselves don’t necessarily have a taste, the feeling that they leave on the palate is quite powerful. Tannins are best known for creating dry sensations within the mouth, particularly on the tongue, sides of cheeks, and gums. Think of the feeling of sipping an oversteeped tea or biting into an underripe plum. The drying sensation left on the palate is due to tannins.
Where Do Tannins Come From?
In wine, tannins come from grape skins, seeds, stems, and barrels, the latter of which are often used during a wine’s aging process. As skins are the common source of tannins, red wines and orange (skin-contact) wines are where you’ll find them most frequently.
Which Wines Are the Most Tannic?
Red wines and orange wines are where you’ll most obviously encounter tannins, though within those categories, certain wines tend to be more tannic than others. This is due to the fact that every grape variety has a different level of skin thickness. Wines made from grapes with thicker skins—and that see longer periods of skin contact / maceration prior to vinification—will generally be more tannic than others.
Examples of grapes with high levels of tannins include Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Mourvèdre. On the contrary, grapes with very low levels of tannins include Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Grenache.
How Can Tannic Wines Become More Approachable?
Tannins in wine are not a bad thing at all. While they can render certain wines a bit astringent and hard to drink in their youth, the solution lies in pairing said wines with food, specifically those with fat and protein. When tannins and fat / protein collide on the palate, a chemical reaction actually takes place within your mouth. In turn, the tannins become softer and more approachable, and the food consumed along with them often becomes more savory and flavorful – a true win-win!
Which Words Are Best Suited to Describe Tannins?
When very drying and present, tannins are often described as green, bitter, astringent, harsh, or at times, even aggressive. Wines with a more balanced presence of tannins well generally be described as silky, well-integrated, or smooth (same goes for older wines whose tannins have had time to soften).
Do Tannins Help Wine Age?
Tannins most certainly can help a wine age, and even become better, should the wine have been a bit aggressive or astringent in its youth. However, tannins aren’t the only indicator of a red wine suitable for aging. Overall structure, balance, and acidity are also key components.
Over time, tannins begin to combine and form chains through the process of polymerization. Once the chains reach a certain length, they ultimately fall to the bottom of the bottle and create sediment, which is one of the many reasons why decanting aged red wine is advised. In turn, the older wine will likely taste silkier and smoother than it did in its youth. However, a key thing to remember is that if the wine was out of balance to begin with, no presence of tannins—or aging, for that matter—will make it better with time.
]]>Take Your Time
Although your sommelier or server may ask you for a drink order within minutes of receiving the list, it’s only out of courtesy. Don’t feel pressured to make your bottle selection on the fly! Simply take all of the time that you need to look over the menu’s offerings – and even better, grab a cocktail or glass of bubbles to sip while scanning the establishment’s selections. A thought-out bottle choice is generally always better than a random quick pick.
Choose Bottle Over Glass to Save
A great way to ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck is to go bottle over glass. Generally speaking, a standard bottle of wine generally holds five glasses of wine (four if the pours are generous), so multiplying a by-the-glass price by five will almost always be more expensive than the per bottle price. Should the evening call for more than one drink per person, choosing a bottle over by-the-glass pours will always offer more return financially, especially if you’re with a larger group of people.
Learn the Layout of the List
When sitting down with a list, take a moment to figure out how the beverage director curated the program. While most lists are organized by wine color followed by region, some more eclectic lists will feature their wines by body or style. We recommend figuring out what you’re going to eat first, then reverting back to the list to find a solid selection. Grabbing roast poultry or something with mushrooms? Burgundy or Piedmont are great places to start. Savoring raw bar bar favorites or fresh salads? Champagne, the Loire Valley, or coastal Italian regions offer great white wine options.
Know that Price Doesn’t Always Equal Quality
Above all, this is the golden rule of navigating restaurant wine lists: price doesn’t always equal quality! Sure, big-hitting wines from top producers / regions will certainly run more than other bottles, but for more approachable selections, this isn’t always a solid indicator. For example, many restaurants / lists will mark up well-known grape varieties and producers in knowing that customers will simply order them out of comfort… which leads us to our next point…
Venture Off the Beaten Path
This is why exploring is key! Go-to regions, producers, and grape varieties can often be sold at a premium, as clients will gravitate towards them as a safe choice. However, there’s so much value to be found in off-the-beaten-path grape varieties and appellations. Love Sancerre? Opt for a crisp Assyrtiko from Santorini or an acid-laden Vermentino from Italy. Can’t get enough Red Burgundy in your life? Seek out Gamay from Beaujolais, Schiava from Trentino-Alto Adige, or Zweigelt from Austria for interesting alternatives.
Utilize the Sommelier
When in doubt—or even when not in doubt—chat with one of the restaurant or wine bar’s sommeliers. An establishment’s beverage team is there to help, not intimidate—and if you express an interest in wine, a good sommelier will likely lead you down a rabbit hole to something you’ve never tried (and will most likely really enjoy). Don’t be shy, strike up a conversation. You never know where you’ll end up!
]]>Note: When considering “what grows together, goes together” pairings, we recommend keeping the standard food-and-wine-pairing guidelines in mind, too. In addition to thinking about regional similarities, don’t forget to consider the acid, tannins, and overall structure of a given wine when putting your pairings together.
Pinot Noir and Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
Pinot Noir finds its roots in Burgundy, and the region’s eponymous, beef-based stew is simply a match made in heaven with its local wines. The bright acidity, soft tannins, and earthy flavor profile of Pinot Noir is a perfect match for boeuf bourguignon, though really any hearty stews laden with meats or mushrooms (vegetarian included!) will work just fine here. Crockpot dinner, anyone?
Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese
In the realm of regional wine pairings, Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese is one of the most obvious – and truthfully, one of the best. While the most common iteration of this pairing is Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, or Touraine Sauvignon Blanc with zesty Loire Valley goat cheese, this world-class marriage can equally be executed with New Zealand cheese and wine, too. The bright, herbaceous nature of Sauvignon Blanc emphasizes the tanginess found in pungent goat cheese; serve on salads, crostini, or simply enjoy on its own to taste one of the best examples of “grows together, goes together” pairings.
Malbec and Barbecued Meats (hello, Asado!)
Although Malbec finds its origins in France’s Bordeaux / South West areas, the grape has made a solid home for itself in Argentina’s Mendoza region – which is why flavor-packed meats, veggies, and fixins from regional asados make for an ideal pairing with Malbec from the surrounding area. From smoky, barbecued meats to hearty peppers, sausages, and beyond, the well-integrated tannins and plush, dark-fruited flavors of Malbec promise an impeccable food-and-wine pairing experience.
Champagne and Brie de Meaux (and Other Soft Cheeses)
Champagne is truly a jack of all trades, meaning that there’s really nothing that the wine won’t pair well with. However, for a regional pairing to go the limits, look no further than Brie de Meaux cheese. The mushroomy, earth-driven flavors of the cheese are amplified by the bright acidity and warming, slightly toasty flavors to be found in local regional bubbles. The wine’s zesty acid also cuts through the fatty nature of the cheese, both amplifying its flavors while quenching the palate all at once. Should Brie not be your thing, other soft-rind cheeses and triple creams work just as well.
Nebbiolo and Truffles / Mushroom Risotto
For food and wine lovers, Piedmont is one of the best regions in the game. Home to signature pastas, earth-driven truffles, and complex, ageworthy bottles produced from the area’s indigenous Nebbiolo grape, the “grows together, goes together” pairings to be found in this region are nothing short of magnificent. The high acid, prominent tannins, and floral-driven nature of Nebbiolo-based wines are a no brainer with the region’s signature hearty cuisine; whether vitello tonnato, melt-in-your-mouth agnolotti, or sumptuous white truffles are more your thing, sipping a glass of regional Barolo, Barbaresco, or Langhe Nebbiolo promises to overdeliver.
Sauternes and Foie Gras
For the most luxurious “grows together, goes together” pairing of them all, look no further than Sauternes and foie gras. Frequently referred to as liquid gold, these unctuous, sweet French wines offer some of the most opulent tasting experiences out there – and who says their food pairings have to be sweet? Contrary to popular belief, some of the best food pairings for sweet wines are actually savory – think foie gras, pungent blue cheese, and more. Don’t worry, we were once skeptical of this pairing too, but we promise it’s absolutely one of the best there is.
Sangiovese and All Things Tomato
Tuscany and tomato-based recipes go hand in hand. From panzanella salad to tomato-forward pasta sauces to Pappa al Pomodoro (Tuscan Tomato Soup), there’s no better wine pairing for these tangy, flavorful recipes than a pour of local Sangiovese. The vibrant acidity, solid structure, and underlying tomato leaf notes found in the wines of Chianti, Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano promise to bring out the best of the region’s local fare. While we may not be able to get you on the next flight to the region, these “grows together, goes together” pairings are a great place to begin your mental transport.
]]>Pinot Noir
No red grape variety embodies fall better than Pinot Noir. Savory, earthy, and unbelievably easy to drink, this thin-skinned variety is the backbone to some of the wine world’ most delicious and site-specific wines, with France’s Burgundy region as the foundation of it all. Next time roast chicken, mushroom-based stews, or hearty crockpot recipes are on the menu, reach for a bottle of lightly chilled Pinot Noir for an out-of-this-world experience.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc and fall flavors go hand in hand. The wines’ signature flavors of apple, honey, and crushed stones pair perfectly with a number of autumnal dishes, including pork chops with apple sauce, roasted root vegetables, and butternut squash ravioli. Our favorite expressions come from France’s Loire Valley – and if you’re feeling adventurous, grab a sweet iteration of the grape for an unforgettable dessert wine pairing. Apple crumble, anyone?
Sangiovese
Sangiovese and Italian fare are one of the industry’s most quintessential pairing duos – think all things with red sauce, including pizza, pasta, and a variety of parmigianas. Known for their naturally high acidity and signature tomatoey undertones, Sangiovese-based wines are perfect for ushering in the fall season. Grab a bottle (or few) for your next Sunday Supper and instantly become everyone’s favorite host. (Pro tip: In addition to Chianti / Chianti Classico wines, look to Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano for equally thought-provoking expressions.)
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is truly the grape that can do it all. Deemed a “chameleon” variety by winemakers worldwide, this neutral grape variety impeccably reflects the place and vinification techniques imparted on it – meaning that the flavor profile spectrum of Chardonnay-based wines is essentially limitless. From White Burgundy to Chardonnay to Australia and beyond, diving into a bottle of Chardonnay promises to pair well with a variety of fall foods, from roasted poultry to mashed potatoes to pan-seared fish and beyond.
Barbera
Similar to Sangiovese, Barbera is a solid pairing for all things red sauce, roasted meats and veggies, and more. Although Nebbiolo-based wines from Piedmont tend to get all of the praise, it’s affordable, well-made Barbera that the locals tend to gravitate towards on the regular. Barbera’s signature flavors of red fruit, dried herbs, leather, and sweet spice pair beautifully with a number of go-to fall dishes, from pasta bolognese to shepard’s pie and more. Pro tip: For something equally thought-provoking (and beloved by the locals), spring for a bottle of Pelaverga – we promise you won't’ regret it.
Syrah / Shiraz
Love full-bodied reds? Then Syrah / Shiraz is what you should be reaching for. Smoky, flavor packed, and acid laden, these warming red wines are perfect for pairing with roasted meats of all sorts, as well as vegan stews, portobello mushroom burgers, and more. Best of all, the tannic structure and solid backbones found in these wines make them ideal candidates for the cellar. Our recommendation? Grab a few to lay down, as well as a few to pop now and enjoy. Savor their evolution over time for maximum enjoyment!
]]>Bordeaux
Bordeaux is truly the region that keeps on giving. From budget-friendly daily drinkers or to some of the world’s most collectible bottles, this versatile French wine region has something to offer every style of wine drinker. Best of all, accessing the Bordeaux wine region has never been easier, thanks to the newly opened (2017) high-speed TGV train route from Paris. Simply hop a train from Montparnasse (or quick flight from CDG) and post up in the region’s eponymous city center. Home to world-class restaurants, bustling wine bars, and a beautiful river-side path that’s perfect for enjoying a breath of fresh air, planning a visit to this world-renowned wine region is simply delightful. Be sure to visit the city’s interactive Cité du Vin museum, as well as plan some day trips to the nearby villages (Saint-Emilion is always a hit).
Napa
Who says you have to leave the continental US to experience an unforgettable jaunt to wine country? With Napa and Sonoma situated in the North Coast of California, planning your domestic wine-soaked getaway has never been easier. Simply hop a flight to San Francisco, rent a car, and you’re well on your way to experiencing some of the best wineries that the United States has to offer. Post up in downtown Napa or Healdsburg (Sonoma) as your home base, then plan your winery visits accordingly – be sure to make reservations in advance, and of course, always have a designated driver. Pop into PRESS for a tasty local meal, and be sure to grab a glass at Compline – and for a meal to remember, The French Laundry is where it’s at.
Etna
While many wine lovers flock to Piedmont, Tuscany, or the Veneto—and rightfully so—exploring off-the-beaten regions in Sicily is nothing short of a memorable experience. Contrary to northerly Italian wine regions, setting off for Sicily offers a sun-drenched, seafood-laden experience packed with days at the sea, nights on the sand, and breathtaking views of some of the world’s most extreme topographical features. For an unforgettable road trip, fly into Palermo and traverse the island by car, or simply fly into Catania for easier access to the viticultural region of Etna.
Rioja
Although often overshadowed by France and Italy’s big-hitting names, planning a trip to Spain’s Rioja region is nothing short of incredible – especially if rowdy nights, flavor-packed tapas, and live music are your thing. For a fun and flavorful experience, we recommend flying into Madrid, enjoying the capital’s museums and restaurants for a few days, then commuting up to the town of Logroño and making it your home base. From there, you’ll be within driving distance to some of the region’s top wineries and subregions, as well as have a great place to eat, drink, and lay your head at night – though we imagine you probably won’t be getting much rest if partying with the Spaniards.
Burgundy
For many wine lovers, Burgundy is the holy grail. Home to some of the world’s most hallowed growing sites and talented producers, this small corner of the world is simply the cream of the crop for collectors, industry folk, and new wine consumers alike. Best of all, the region itself is relatively small, so accessing the entire thing from top to bottom is certainly doable within one trip. We recommend posting up in Dijon or Beaune as home base, then planning your visits from there. Be sure to drive through the sacred villages of Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vosne-Romanée to snap copious amounts of album-worthy shots. For those looking to explore the Côte Chalonnaise and more southerly Mâcon area, posting up in Lyon as your home base is never a bad idea – especially for those with an affinity for hearty bouchon-inspired fare.
Champagne
Can’t get enough bubbly in your life? Then a visit to Champagne offers the trip of a lifetime. Kick off your getaway with a food-and-wine-soaked visit to the City of Lights, then hop a quick hour-long train to the city of Reims to begin your sparkling wine-soaked venture. For those looking to visit smaller producers, we recommend renting a car (or hiring a driver) and venturing out to smaller villages around the region – as a general rule of thumb with smaller producers in all wine regions, making reservations in advance is highly recommended, if not mandatory. However, for those not looking to drive, worry not. One of the many great things about visiting Champagne is that sipping your way through city-based tasting rooms has never been easier, though of course you’ll sacrifice the beauty of seeing the vineyards first hand for convenience. Either way, you really can’t go wrong here. Even a simple day trip from Paris is worth the adventure!
Use Solid Glassware
When it comes to tasting wine like a pro, grabbing a great glass to pour your wine into is a great place to start – and while many will bypass this first step, we find it to be crucial. Well-made glassware both feels better in the hand (and therefore provides an overall more aesthetically pleasing tasting experience), as well as is designed to help pronounce and showcase aromas and flavors in the best way possible. Cheap glassware not only feels uncomfortable to hold, but it also won’t convey aromatics and flavors as precisely as a well-made stem. Though worry not – not all great glassware is expensive. For some of our go-to picks, click the link below.
Add a Little Air
Beyond looking baller, there’s a reason why the pros swirl wine before tasting it, and it all comes down to oxygen. By swirling your glass, oxygen is introduced to the wine, which chemically combines with the wine on a molecular level and “opens” it up – in other words, makes it more aromatic. Giving your glass a swirl prior to tasting will allow all of the juice’s unique nuances and aromatics to exude from the glass. Just be sure not to take too deep of an inhale post swirling, as you’ll likely get a nose full of ethanol.
Follow the ‘5 S’ Rule
Most wine professionals follow the simple ‘5 S’ rule for tasting wine, not just because it’s easy to remember, but also due to how wildly effective it is. Check out a breakdown of the steps below.
The ‘5 S’ Tasting Method
Spit, Then Savor
After sipping, both spitting and savoring (that is, swallowing the wine) offer key insights to a wine. Spitting will allow you to assess the wine’s flavors and structure without becoming intoxicated, whereas savoring / swallowing will give you a better look into how the wine finishes. Is it persistent? Dry? Acid-driven? These are all common adjectives used to describe a wine’s finish.
Think & Enjoy
Last but not least, take a moment to think about the wine you just tasted. Beyond simply enjoying or not enjoying it, what did you take away about its structure, flavor profile, and finish? How does it compare to other wines produced from the same grape / region / producer? For those really looking to sharpen their tasting skills, we recommend writing these observations down for both memory and vocabulary building’s sake – and if you love the wine you just tasted, by all means, continue to throw back some more!
Quick Bordeaux Facts
A Bit of Regional History
Bordeaux’s rich viticultural history dates back to the 1st century, when the Romans introduced wine (and winemaking) to the locals. The popularity of regional wines skyrocketed during the 12th century, when England’s Henry Plantagenet married Eleanor of Aquitaine, as this marked the beginning of Bordeaux wines’ export to England. The region’s red wines, referred to in England as claret, were an immediate hit. A few centuries later, Dutch traders helped revive the grounds of Médoc to expand the region’s viticultural potential, as claret production had long been centered around Graves. At this time, Malbec was the more preferred grape variety, though this shifted to Cabernet Sauvignon around the 19th century.
In 1855, the Classification of Bordeaux Wines earned the region global recognition for the quality of wine being produced within the region. However, two decades later, phylloxera ravaged the region (as it did most of Europe). The region’s vines were grafted with American rootstock and quickly bounced back. Today, Bordeaux is home to over 120,000 hectares of vineyards. The region produces over 700 million bottles of wine annually, ranging from daily drinkers to world-renowned collector items. There are currently 54 appellations within Bordeaux.
Where Is Bordeaux?
The Bordeaux wine region is located in southwest France, centered around the city of Bordeaux. It is located along the Dordogne, Garonne, and Gironde rivers, which help moderate the region’s overall climate conditions.
What Is the 1855 Bordeaux Classification?
The 1855 Bordeaux Classification was a direct result of the Exposition Universelle de Paris. Seeking to delineate the region’s best wines, Napoleon III requested the creation of a classification system based on the quality of a château’s wines. Bordeaux’s top châteaux were organized based on merit and quality from first to fifth growths.
What Are First Growth Estates?
There are five First Growth estates in Bordeaux. These are the top châteaux that garnered the highest ranking from the 1855 Classification system. All of the estates are located on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, and four of the five are found in the Médoc. They are Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion, Château Latour, Château Margaux, and Château Mouton Rothschild, the last of which was added in 1973.
What Is the Difference Between Left Bank and Right Bank?
Bordeaux’s two main wine regions, the Left Bank and the Right Bank, are separated by the Gironde estuary. The Left Bank of Bordeaux is home to all five of the region’s First Growth estates. Here, Cabernet Sauvignon reigns king, as it thrives in the region’s gravelly soils. The Right Bank, on the other hand, is known for Merlot-dominant blends, as the soils here are more clay-based. Wines from both Banks have their positive sides; while Left Bank wines are more rustic and often boast longer life spans in the cellar, Right Bank wines tend to be silkier, smoother, and more approachable in their youth.
What Are the Other Subregions of Bordeaux?
In addition to Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks, the region is also home to the Entre-Deux-Mers region, which lies between the two. Bordeaux is also highly regarded for its Sauternes and Barsac areas, which are known for their world-class sweet wines.
What Is the Terroir of Bordeaux?
The terroir of Bordeaux is greatly varied, which is why the region is home to so many renowned styles of wine. The Left Bank’s soils are more gravel rich, whereas the Right Bank boasts more gravelly soils. Sauternes’ soils are a combination of limestone and gravel, and Entre-Deux-Mers are a clay-limestone hybrid. Overall, Bordeaux experiences an oceanic climate, dominated by warm summer days and mild, rainy winters.
Which Grape Varieties Are Grown in Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the key red varieties, and blends are often rounded out with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. In white and sweet wine production, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle are the region’s key players.
Who Are Some of Our Somm Team’s Go-To Bordeaux Producers?
Ensure the Provenance of Your Wine
While it may sound obvious, ensuring that the bottle of wine you’re about to pop is in tip-top condition is the first foundational step to getting the most out of your wine. Start by shopping with a trusty retailer that goes to great lengths to ensure the quality of the wine before it ends up at your doorstep, which begins with careful sourcing of your bottles from thoughtful distributors, to properly storing in temperature-controlled facilities, to then only shipping during weather-appropriate conditions. Extreme temperatures—both cold and warm—can very quickly damage a bottle of perfectly good wine!
For those pulling from at-home cellars, be sure that your wine is aging in perfect cellar conditions. To ensure that your at-home aging regimen is spot on, check out our wine aging guide here.
Serve Your Wine at the Proper Temperature
Did you know that the majority of wine drinkers actually sip their wine at less-than-ideal temperatures? It’s true – most of us are pouring our whites too cold and our reds too warm. While white wines are definitely best enjoyed with a chill, straight from the fridge (or even worse, straight from a long period of time in an ice bucket) can actually render them too cold, which masks flavors, aromas, and nuances to be found in the juice. We recommend pulling white / rosé wine from the fridge or ice bucket and letting it sit for a few minutes prior to pouring.
On the contrary, red wines are generally served too warm. Most wine drinkers follow the “room temperature” guideline, though this phrase actually came about prior to central heating and air conditioning – meaning that room temperature was actually more similar to cellar temperature, which hovers around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Pro tip: Nearly every red wine will be more enjoyable when served with a very slight chill. The more you know!
(Loosely) Follow Food & Wine Pairing Tips
Here at Wired for Wine, we’re huge advocates of drinking what you love with food you love – however, there is a science to food and wine pairing. When enjoyed together, certain components in food and wine actually interact on a molecular level in your mouth, meaning that specific foods and wines will bring the best out of one another.
A prime example of this would be tannins and fat. If a juicy steak or burger is on the menu, you’ll most likely enjoy it with a hearty red wine, as the tannins found in the juice will combine with the fat in the meat, softening the former and bringing out flavor in the latter. Another example would be a complementary food and wine pairing, such as salt and acid. Take briny, saline-tinged oysters, for example. The tannins found in red wine will render the sea-inspired flavors metallic and unpleasant, whereas an acid-laden white promises to allow the brine to shine.
Check Out Our Food & Wine Pairing Guide
Further Explore Wines from Producers You Love (Then, Branch Out and Try New Things)
By now, you’ve likely got a few go-to wines that always hit the spot. Our recommendation? Explore these producers’ lineups further, as it’s a rather safe bet – if you already really enjoy something that they make, chances are that you’ll likely be into some of their other wines, too. Once you’ve made your way through familiar producers’ lineups, we recommend branching out into similar producers / varieties. Can’t get enough Sauvignon Blanc in your life? Albariño or Gruner Veltliner are likely to satisfy your acid craving. Love Pinot Noir? Then Gamay will probably do the trick.
Great Glassware Is Key!
It’s true – glassware actually plays a huge role in how a wine shows itself on the palate. Not only is elegant glassware a more pleasant experience aesthetically and tactically—that is, how it looks to the eye and feels in the hand—it also accentuates nuances and brings out the complexity found in great wines. Contrary to popular belief, great glassware also doesn’t have to be expensive! Check out some of our favorite Riedel glasses, available in 2-pack and 4-pack options, below.
Keep Good Company
Sure, great wine can absolutely be enjoyable alone, but we tend to believe that great wine becomes even better when shared amongst equally passionate wine-loving family members and friends. There’s nothing better than popping a cork on a delicious bottle, taking a sip, and sharing in the delight of its journey with someone who also enjoys wine as much as you do. For a perfect night in, we recommend getting a small group of friends together, bringing your favorite bottle to present, and grabbing a go-to pairing to share. Think of it like potluck happy hour in one of its most casual and enjoyable formats.
Take an Expert Rec!
Shameless plug, but there’s nothing our team loves more than introducing wine lovers to new brand new bottles to fall in love with. We’re constantly on the hunt for hidden gems scattered throughout the wine world, and turns out, there’s always something to be discovered. Curious to hear what we’ve found recently? Shoot us an email with producers / varieties that you tend to love here and our team will get back to you ASAP!
Sparkling Wine Quick Facts
As much as we love all types of sparkling wine—Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and beyond—understanding the differences amongst the world’s leading bubbly wine categories is the first step to finding the perfect bottle to fit your needs. Curious to learn more? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the wine world’s most beloved bubbles here.
Champagne
Champagne really needs no introduction. Deemed the unofficial king of sparkling wine, these highly sought after bubbles are produced in their eponymous region of northern France. Crafted mostly from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and / or Pinot Meunier, these luxurious bubbles are some of the most sought-after sparkling wines on the market. Contrary to Prosecco, Champagne is produced via the méthode traditionelle (otherwise known as the méthode champenoise), meaning that secondary fermentation takes place in bottle. Wines from Champagne are also required to age for a minimum of 12 months on the lees prior to release, though many are aged for much longer.
Within the Champagne region, two major styles of producers exist: houses and growers. Houses—think Moët, Veuve Clicquot, and more— produce a large number of bottles per year from estate-grown and purchased fruit. Growers, on the other hand, tend to produce much smaller quantities of wine and use only estate-grown fruit.
Prosecco
In terms of volume, Italy is responsible for making more sparkling wine per year than any other country (around 27% of the world’s total production). The majority of said 27% percent is Prosecco. Produced in the northeastern part of the country from the Glera grape, these youthful, easy-drinking bubbles generally cost a lot less than their Champenoise counterparts, though tend to be less complex in style. Rather than using the traditional method, Prosecco is crafted via the tank (Charmat) method, meaning that secondary fermentation takes place in large pressurized tanks. The wines are also generally released with minimal age on them, rendering them ideal for casual, easy-drinking consumption.
Cava
For the best Spanish sparkles in the biz, look no further than Cava. Produced in the Catalonia region of Spain, these unique bubbles are crafted via the traditional method—that is, the same process used to make Champagne—though from the local varieties of Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. We tend to think of these wines as the sweet spot between Prosecco and Champagne – they’re not exactly alike to either category, but in terms of taste, quality, and price ratio, their happy-medium solution is always just right. Best of all, the DO of Cava (that is, the regional board that creates the standards and regulations for the wine) has officially decided that as of 2025, all wines bearing the Cava name must be completely organic.
Crémant
The category of crémant bubbles is quite vast, as this overarching term is simply used to designate French bubbles that are vinified using the traditional method / produced in the same way as Champagne, though grape varieties and aging requirements are flexible. Crémant is produced in nearly very wine-producing region in France, though the most popular tend to be Crémant d’Alsace, Crémant du Jura, Crémant de Bourgogne, and Crémant de Loire.
Sekt
Like France, Italy, and Spain, Germany also has its own designation for sparkling wine – enter Sekt, one of the bubbly world’s best-kept secrets. Similar to crémant, Sekt is a rather flexible term. Wines designated as Sekt can be produced via the traditional method (Champagne) or tank method (Prosecco), and while the classic Champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier are permitted, so are locally common grapes Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and more. Sekt is also produced all over the dryness-sweetness spectrum, rendering these bubbles true Jacks of all trades.
Other Types of Sparkling Wine
While the above five categories are some of the most popular, a plethora of other bubbles are just waiting to be discovered. For traditional method sparklers made in Italy’s Lombardy region, look to the wines of Franciacorta. For fresh, fizzy, and (generally) low-ABV bubbly, check out pét-nat wines, which are produced via the méthode ancestrale (one fermentation that finishes in bottle). For traditional method bubbles from the south of France, look to Blanquette or Crémant wines from Limoux… and for domestically-produced bubbles, seek out some American-made wines crafted right in our very own backyard.
]]>Quick Napa Valley Facts
A Bit of Regional History
Sonoma County native George Yount is credited with cultivating the first grapes int he Napa Valley during the mid-1800s. However, it was ultimately the arrival of Charles Krug that caused the industry to boom. By the early 20th century, the Napa Valley’s wine industry was thriving, and large wineries continued to establish themselves within the region.
However, the arrival of phylloxera, Prohibition, two World Wars, and the Great Depression caused the industry to plummet. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Napa began to see a revival. Much of this reborn success is credited to forward-thinking vignerons such as Robert Mondavi, who brought an entrepreneurial mentality and significant viticultural expansions / advancements to the land.
Where Is the Napa Valley?
The Napa Valley is located in northern California, approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco. It is arguably the most famous and highly regarded wine-producing region in all of the United States. The viticultural zone of Napa Valley is centered around the eponymous town of Napa. Together with Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Solano counties, Napa makes up the North Coast AVA. In terms of size, the Napa Valley is approximately 30 miles long and just five miles wide.
What Did the Judgment of Paris Do for Napa Wine?
The Judgement of Paris tasting in 1976 was a pivotal moment for Napa Valley wine. This was the year that Napa wines beat their French counterparts in a blind tasting competition for the very first time. From this moment on, Napa was globally regarded as a high-quality wine region. By 1980, over 100 wineries were producing wine in Napa County; the following year, AVA status was officially granted. (Note: The wines that stole the show were Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon and Château Montelena Chardonnay.)
What Are the Subregions of the Napa Valley?
The Napa Valley is home to 16 sub-regions. They are the following AVAs: Atlas Peak, Calistoga, Chiles Valley, Coombsville, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Los Carneros, Mt. Veeder, Oak Knoll, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District, Yountville and Wild Horse Valley. The overarching Napa Valley AVA received its official designation in 1981.
What Is the Terroir of the Napa Valley?
Like many of the world’s great wine regions, the Napa Valley is characterized by sloping hillsides and a mosaic of soil types. The region is bordered by the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mayacamas to the west. Overall, the Napa Valley is dominated by volcanic soils. In terms of climate, the region generally experiences a dry, Mediterranean climate, though countless microclimates exist within the overarching area. Summers are long and warm, while winters are short and cold. The Valley’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean helps moderate temperature and creates a blanket of fog, which keeps vineyard sites cool.
Which Grape Varieties Are Grown in the Napa Valley?
With regards to Napa Valley wine production, Cabernet Sauvignon reigns king. However, a good amount of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir, are also cultivated. For white wines, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the key players.
Who Are Some of the Benchmark Producers of the Napa Valley?
Curious to get started / learn more? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about aging wine here.
Shop Our Favorite Wines to Age
How Do I Know Which Wines to Age?
The majority of wines are meant to be consumed in the near future, meaning within the first few years of their release. In fact, only about 5-10% of wines will get better with more than five years of age on them, and only 1% of wines will benefit from 10+ years of age.
To figure out which wines will benefit from more than a few years of age on them, there are a few things to consider, the first being price. If the wine cost less than $30, it’s almost definite that the wine will best be enjoyed in its youth. Beyond that, looking to benchmark producers within various regions is a great place to start (and quickly referencing a vintage report or two won’t hurt!) The most important factor that determines a wine’s ageworthy potential is its structure, which we’ll get to in the next question.
What Makes a Wine Ageworthy?
Whether red, white, or sparkling, a wine’s structure is its basis to cellar-worthy potential. When we talk about a wine’s structure, this mostly refers to its acid and tannins (if red). Wines with higher acidity will generally age better than those with lower acidity. With regards to tannins, more isn’t always better, but moreover the quality and integration of these components.
Shop Our Favorite Wines to Age
What Happens to Wine As It Ages?
Wine is a living product, meaning that it is in constant evolution. In terms of color, white wines will get darker with time, whereas red wines will lose their pigment. Regardless of color, acidity will continue to drop over time, which is why starting with a solid base is key. Tannins in red wine combine over time, which is one of the reasons that youthfully tannic wines become softer and easier to drink with age, as well as why sediment exists in older bottles – though not to worry, these loose particles are absolutely harmless to drink.
Much of this evolution is due to slow oxidation of the wine, which takes place via the wine’s cork. Over time, some bottles will lose a small percentage of their quantity due to evaporation. This is called ullage.
What Is the Best Way to Age Wine?
While the majority of wine drinkers don’t have an at-home cave or external cellar space, there are plenty of other solutions to be found. At-home wine cellars (sold in the form of refrigerator-type units) are excellent choices, as well as underground / temperature-controlled spaces. The most important factors to aging wine are temperature, humidity, darkness, and lack of vibration or movement. Ideally, wine cellars should hover around the 55-60 degree fahrenheit (12.5-15.5 degree celsius) mark. Wine bottles should always be stored on their sides horizontally, so as to keep the wine in contact with the cork.
Humidity is also a key factor in aging wine, as this desired moisture helps keep the cork from drying out and becoming brittle. When corks become brittle, more oxygen seeps into the bottle and causes higher amounts of evaporation. In addition to keeping the cork moist through wine contact by laying bottles on their side, ambient moisture is also key. This is the reason why many cellars develop mold, mushrooms, and dank smells – which in this case, are a great sign.
Absence of light and movement are also key, as both of these factors can disrupt—and even destroy—aging wine. This is also the reason why many wines are bottled in green bottles versus clear ones, so as to further protect the wine from light over time.
When Should I Open an Aged Wine?
Knowing when to open an aged wine is a very subjective experience. Peak drinking windows are greatly dependent on producer and vintage. Referencing a vintage report or few is always a good idea, and if you have numerous bottles of a specific wine, check in on them over time (and take notes!) to note the evolution for yourself. You’ll be surprised just how much a wine’s flavor profile changes over time!
]]>While great for sipping at parks, picnic hangs, and casual gatherings everywhere, rosé wines are actually some of the most versatile and food-friendly bottles on the market (and when produced at the right hands, they can withstand serious bouts of aging in the cellar). Curious to learn more? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this beloved style of wine here.
What Is Rosé?
Rosé is a pink-hued style of wine made all over the world. It is known—and widely enjoyed—for its bright acidity, absent tannins, and fruit-driven flavor profiles, which render it easy to drink and food friendly.
How Is Rosé Made?
The direct press / skin contact method and saignée methods are the two main ways to produce rosé. Direct press / skin contact involves harvesting red grapes and immediately pressing the juice out of them, then letting the juice macerate with the skins for a certain period of time. The longer the juice spends in contact with the skins, the darker the final hue of the wine will generally be. (Note: French rosé that is produced from direct-pressed fruit with zero to minimal skin contact is often referred to as Vin Gris.)
The saignée method is used during red wine production. During red wine vinification, some producers will choose to “bleed off” (saignée) some juice from their red wine must. This process leads to a darker, more concentrated red wine, as less juice remains in contact with the skins. The bled-off juice is then bottled and sold as rosé.
Simply blending red wine and white wine together for the purpose of making rosé is not permitted in most viticultural regions, save for Champagne, where the majority of rosé wines from the region get their hue from the addition of small amounts of still Pinot Noir.
Where Is Rosé Made?
Rosé is made in nearly every wine-producing region in the world, though its most famous home is in the south of France, particularly within the region of Provence. Elsewhere, rosé wine is quite popular in Champagne, the Loire Valley, Spain (Navarro, Rioja), Italy, California, and beyond.
What Does Rosé Taste Like?
The exact flavor profile of rosé wines is highly dependent on the grape varieties and vinification / aging vessels used, as well as the region from which the wine comes. In general, most dry rosés are fruit-forward, approachable, and easy to drink, thanks to their high amounts of natural acidity and fruit-driven flavor profiles.
Which Foods Pair Best With Rosé?
Because of their high acidity and absence of tannins, rosé pairs well with a plethora of cuisines and dishes. From fresh seafood and salads to Mediterranean-inspired mezze and various appetizers to heartier Asian, Indian, and Mexican cuisines (and don’t forget the classic American barbecue favorites), there’s really not a dish that won’t come to life when enjoyed alongside a glass of rosé.
Can Rosé Age?
Contrary to popular belief, yes! When produced at the hands of stellar producers, structured rosé wines are incredibly suited for aging. While the majority of rosé is meant to be consumed within the first one to three years of the vintage date, benchmark rosés from top Provençal producers (Domaine Tempier, Terrebrune, Clos Cibonne, Clos Ste. Magdeleine), as well as examples from Lopez de Heredia (Rioja, Spain) and top Champagne producers take on a whole new level of complexity after extended time in the cellar.
Is Rosé Enjoyable Beyond the Summer Season?
Yes! Although synonymous with summer, because of their versatility, acid-forward flavor profiles, and food-friendly nature, rosé is simply delightful to enjoy all year long.
]]>When it comes to the world’s best wines, Burgundy is the cream of the crop. However, navigating the complex world of this somewhat complicated wine region can be difficult – that is, until now. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the prestigious region of Burgundy here.
]]>Quick Facts:
A Bit of Regional History
Viticulture in Burgundy dates back to as early as the second century AD, though many believe that the Celts were producing wine within the regino 250 years prior. Both monks and monasteries from the Catholic Church played a huge role in the region’s history, particularly the Benedictines and the Cisterians (it was ultimately the latter who created the famed wall around Clos de Vougeot back in 1336). This attention to plot differentiation is the first recorded evidence of the foundation of Burgundy’s famed cru system.
Despite its rich history, wines from Burgundy didn’t truly become famous until the 14th century, when the papacy moved to France (Avignon) from Rome. It was during this time that wines from Beaune were deemed the most prestigious in France. Burgundy’s prestige continued to rise during the following two centuries, and although Pinot Noir’s first mention dates back to 1370, other grapes—which are not permitted in the region today—were likely used.
By the 18th century, the first négociant houses were established in Burgundy, meaning that local growers sold their fruit to larger companies to produce wine. Most of the wines from Burgundy were sold to Paris, with Champagne being the region’s biggest competition. Post-French Revolution, many of Burgundy’s larger vineyards were portioned up and sold, which is a big reason why many producers have small amounts of vineyard rows scattered around different areas in the overarching region. This also created a push towards smaller, family-owned wineries.
Burgundy in the 20th Century
After the devastations of the depression and two World Wars, Burgundy’s vines were in pretty bad shape. Many producers sprayed potassium and chemical fertilizers on the land to encourage growth, though by the 1980s, a pivot towards reducing chemicals and lessening yields occurred. Wines from the past three to four decades have benefitted from this shift, and today, some of the region’s best (and most coveted) bottles hail from this time period. Now 20 years into the new millennium, Burgundy is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, with responsible farming and meticulous winemaking at the forefront of most producers’ agendas.
Where Is Burgundy?
Burgundy is located in eastern central France. It is part of the overarching administrative region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and is regarded as one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.
What Are the Main Regions in Burgundy?
Burgundy is broken down into five main regions: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais. The Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune are often referred to as the Côte d’Or, which translates to the Golden Slope.
What Kind of Wine is Made in Burgundy?
The vast majority of wine made in Burgundy is still, dry, and either white or red. White Burgundy is generally produced from Chardonnay, whereas Red Burgundy is made from Pinot Noir. Small amounts of Aligoté and Gamay are also planted in the region, though on a much smaller scale.
Sparkling wine is also made in Burgundy and is known as Crémant de Bourgogne. A miniscule amount of rosé is made, and its production is centered around the Marsannay appellation.
How Are Burgundian Wines Classified?
Burgundy wines are classified by region, appellation and designation. Within the five sub-regions listed above, there are 84 protected appellations in Burgundy, which is higher than any other wine-producing region in France. Further classification is broken down by where exactly the vines are planted.
Breakdown of Burgundian Wine Classification:
Regional - (example: AOC Bourgogne)
Village - (example: Vosne-Romanée)
Premier Cru - (example: Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru ‘Les Malconsorts’)
Grand Cru - (example: La Tâche Grand Cru, located within the village of Vosne-Romanée)
Why Is Burgundy So Special?
In addition to its rich history, Burgundy is often credited as being the birthplace of terroir, a foundational concept in the world of wine. Terroir is a term used to describe the environment in which a wine is made. Factors that play into a given place’s terroir are its climate, topography, soil types, and more. While every region of course has its own distinct terroir, Burgundy is credited with being the first region to actually respect—and therefore, farm according to—the unique differences between various vineyard sites, even down to the nuances of different rows within a single vineyard.
Who Are Some of the Top Producers in Burgundy?
Burgundy is home to countless talented producers. Here is a short list of some of its benchmark winemakers:
Chablis - Christian Moreau, Vincent Dauvissat
Côte de Nuits - Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine JF Mugnier, Domaine Lignier-Michelot
Côte de Beaune - Camille Giroud, Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Domaine Roulot
Côte Chalonnaise - Olivier Leflaive, Domaine Dureuil-Janthial
Mâconnais - Domaine de Villaine, Héritiers du Comte Lafon
]]>We’re breaking down everything you need to know about tannins: what they are, the words to describe them, and just exactly how they make their way into your favorite wines. Red wine lovers, this one’s for you.
In short, tannins are the naturally occurring compounds in wine that leave a drying sensation in your mouth. This drying sensation can be felt on the tongue, cheeks, and / or gums, depending on how tannic a wine is.
Tannins are naturally occurring compounds that are found in grape seeds, skins, and stems. Tannins are also frequently referred to as polyphenols. The intensity of a wine’s tannins is generally determined by how much contact the juice spends with its skins, seeds, and stems. Certain grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo, are naturally high in tannins.
Tannins in wine can also come from certain oak vessels, though these tannins are much less noticeable than those imparted from direct contact with grapes’ stems and skins.
Tannins in wine are experienced in any wine that undergoes extensive skin contact. Generally speaking, tannins are most often associated with red wines, though skin-contact orange wines can also be quite tannic.
Certain grapes are naturally much higher in tannins than others. Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, and Syrah are three grapes most commonly associated with producing tannic wines. On the other hand, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Schiava are three varieties known for their low to near-absent levels of tannins.
Tannins in wine contain antioxidants, so technically yes, tannins bring some health benefits to the table. Whether these are outweighed by the alcohol present in wine is up for debate!
When thinking about tannins, using adjectives that describe texture are generally best. Tannins can be approachable, light, silky, and well-integrated, as well as robust, prominent, gritty, and firm.
A great experiment for understanding tannins outside of wine is to oversteep black tea. Like wine, tea is also high in naturally occurring tannins, though oversteeping will bring out their presence. Taking a sip of oversteeped brew will create a similar sensation on the palate to that of a tannic red wine.
There are a few ways to tame tannins in wine. Highly tannic wines generally make for great cellar candidates, as tannins are part of the backbone to ageworthy bottles. Letting your tannic wines age in cellar-appropriate conditions for a few years will ensure that they soften nicely.
In the short term, pairing tannic wines with fatty foods—think red meats, rich cheeses, and more—will also render them more approachable. When consumed together, tannins and fat actually undergo a chemical reaction on the palate. As tannins become more approachable, they also bring out the flavor in fatty foods – a true win-win situation!
But whatever your situation calls for, there's nothing worse than not having the right wine on hand, or in the fridge. Which is why buying wine online through our store is a great way to make sure you're always prepared for any occasion.
And at Wired for Wine, online wine shopping has never been easier.
We're your one-stop shop for amazing deals on your favorite wines, beer, and liquor. Simply browse and buy the perfect bottle or wine gift from our online wine store, and to make life even easier, you can have your wine shipments delivered right to your door.
If you're a newbie wine connoisseur, it's worth noting that there's a few simple rules to follow.
We believe that there should be no more stress in choosing a wine than there is in choosing what to have for lunch. Otherwise, what's the point? Keep it simple and learn what kinds of grapes and wines you like, consider what food you'll be pairing it with, set your budget, make a shortlist of options, then go for it!
Most people choose wine by going with a brand they're familiar with, and therefore less risk. Which is fine if you only ever want a ham and cheese sandwich, but get adventurous! Part of the fun is exploring wine produced from different grapes from all over the world.
Learn which varieties you like; for example cabernet sauvignon, and learn which regions are best at producing those varieties, then you've got a pretty good chance of getting your choice right. The point is to discover your likes - find your grape if you will.
Next, think about what food you'll be having with your wine. The old, go-to rule is white wine goes with fish, and red wine is the perfect complement to steak. Or you can go into more detail. Sure, you could spend hours learning about tannins and acid, or you can just remember these few simple things:
Then next time you go out for dinner with family or friends, you'll be able to unleash your wine awesomeness.
If you’re not having the wine with food, then all you’ve got to think about is what you like, what you’re in the mood for, and what your budget is. That's it!
There's no hard and fast rule here. You’re either looking for a $15 bottle of wine or one for $30, or you’re happy to go up to $80 in a restaurant and maybe even a few bottles. But remember, before you make a final decision, filter the choices using rules #2 and #3.
No matter what anyone tells you, nothing matters beyond whether you like a particular wine or not. Simple!
So don’t sit there wondering whether you’re supposed to like a wine, or whether you're supposed to be tasting berry or woody undertones. If it tastes good, have another sip! It's always a good idea to buy a few bottles of the ones you like too.
You're the alpha in your group. The boss. The big cheese. If you're loud and proud then you need an equally strong wine to match your presence. Enter cabernet sauvignon the boss of grapes. Because a big, ballsy personality needs a big, ballsy wine to match.
Turn the lights down low, because you're all about romance. With depth and soul, kindness is at your very core. Being a mediator and trusted friend, the wine for you is pinot noir, a tricky grape that takes confidence and skill to grow into a complex drop.
Fancy tangoing in Buenos Aires? Life isn't a dress rehearsal, so go and explore! Exotic wine varieties from all over the world are your thing. Perhaps you could be best suited to a slow-ripened malbec, or maybe you're more the French rose type?
Yoga at dawn, meditation at midday? If you're all about plant-based diets and herbal remedies, natural wines are the best fit for you. Because you want the grapes in your wine to be farmed and harvested organically, with minimal intervention from winemakers.
You, my friend, like to mix things up. No two days are ever the same. One day you’re bungee jumping; the next you’re playing scrabble with your niece. You’re never afraid to try something new, but you're just as happy with an old faithful like a shiraz, too.
Your friends know you're like a tried and true white wine that will never fail them. As one of the world’s most popular and widely grown grapes, you're like a chardonnay - that good old reliable friend that never lets you down.
Cool, calm and collected, you're as refreshing as an icy cold drink on a hot day. Any sticky situation or spicy problem can be solved with you around and you're ready for it. Like a good riesling, you can be sweet or dry and everything in between.
People think you're straightforward, but it's not until they get to know you that they'll discover your curiosity and be blown away by your intelligence. You're smart, and you can't resist a deep and meaningful conversation. The world needs more you, sauvignon blanc!
Light and refreshing, people just love spending time in your company, and it's not surprising given how charming you are. It's amazing that anything ever gets done with you around, and the party can be heard all the way down the street. Pinot Grigio is your first choice, but you're spontaneous, so anything can happen.
You’re sweet like Moscato, and everyone knows it. You're sociable, caring and always ready to deliver a lighter view of life to your friends. They say butter wouldn't melt in your mouth, but don't underestimate the fun that starts when you're invited.
Does your love language scream big and ballsy? Or are you more of a delicate, bubbles type? No matter how romance appears in your life, there's a wine to suit.
This one's a no-brainer because nothing says romance more than bubbles! So pop that cork, pour that drop, and let the bubbles do their thing. Sure, you could go with champagne or prosecco, but to really ramp up the romance, go for Dom Perignon.
One day you might like a chardonnay, the next day, it's riesling, and the day after that, it's sauvignon blanc. But like any good romance, finding your perfect wine match is about blending the different personalities and characteristics.
Love isn’t always sparkles and unicorns; it can also be big, bold, and lusty, and for this kind of romance, cabernet sauvignon is the perfect choice. But this wine can't be rushed. It's all about slowing down the pace, perfect for a cosy night in by the fire with a cheese platter.
No more running to the grocery store and having to buy whatever inferior wine varietals they have in stock and at whatever price. Order wine online with shipping included and always have your favorite wines on hand for any occasion.
When you buy wine online, you'll have great wines delivered right to your doorstep. And if you need your wines in a gift box for someone special, we can arrange that too.
If you're not 100% satisfied, we'll happily accept a full refund within 30 days of delivery. Just make sure the bottles of wine are sent back in the same condition you received them.
So you're looking to buy wine online? That's why you're here. But you don't want just any wine bottles; you want the best wines, the top-rated wines, and you want to know what the popular brands are. Just like when you browse online for a new partner, you want to see what you're going to get and read their ratings.
We get it. So we'll find the best price for your bottles of wine, and make your shopping experience with us a breeze.
Well, of course, you know we're going to say yes. But let's stop for a moment and think about it seriously. Buying from your local wine shop gives you access to one, maybe two people's opinions. Shopping with Wired For Wine will give you access to our expertise and suggestions, and sure you could search it yourself online, but who has the time?
Using online wine merchants makes just as much sense as any other online shopping - it's fast, it's easy and you can be confident you're getting a great deal (unlike the future partner shopping!)
When you're new to it, choosing the perfect wine can be a challenge, but we've got it all laid out for you on our site. If you want your wine quickly what you choose might vary depending on what's available.
When you find the wine you like on our website, check its availability, and that way, you know for sure that the bottle is in stock, which means it'll ship out to you straight away and be delivered fast.
All the wines on our site are rated 90+ by wine critics. We know that's not the only criteria that's important, but when you buy wine online, it's really handy to have experts on your side.
You can be confident that there really isn't a bad choice on our website, and you're unlikely to find many of them in the grocery stores.
We spend a lot of time researching which region of the world makes the best wines, and you'll notice the wines we feature on our site are varied.
We've got wines from Bordeaux in France all the way over to the Barossa Valley in South Australia and, of course, a fine selection from California. We do the hard work to get you the best price, so your job is just to enjoy the best wines.
A simple way to get the best prices and always have wine on hand for that last-minute invite to a party is to join our wine club. You'll receive 12 wines every three months, and the only choice you have to make is red, white or mixed!
Use our expertise and membership program to get the most popular wines at the lowest price, with free delivery and simplicity. We always discount below suggested retail prices for the wines we choose, and we'll never send you bulk wines.
We think we're quite simply one of the best places to buy your wine online.
We curate the wines we ship to you based on the seasons, so you can pair them perfectly with your meals. We're not only about wines; we're basically a bunch of foodies who sell a few acclaimed wines we spend time curating and with great discounts, so you get the best price.
Along with your wine case, you'll receive tasting notes on the wine you've bought, detailed food pairing ideas, and the suggested temperature for serving the wine.
Our online wine shop is uber-simple, features something for everyone and you'll pay the best price for all our wines. And best of all, you'll get free shipping on your order if you buy six bottles or more, or spend $175.
Buy more wine! If you're not ready to commit to a full case, you're still going to get free ground shipping to continental U.S. when you buy six bottles or spend $175, so it makes perfect sense to shop for more.
It's such a simple and easy way to shop, and you don't have to carry those heavy wine bottles when you shop with us. Just checkout and you're done.
We also have reasonable shipping fees for orders below 6 bottles and when you're on the checkout page of your account, the shipping will be calculated so you know the total price you'll be paying for your grapes.
Of course! We don't mind where you're going to be shipping it. There just has to be an adult aged 21 years or over to sign for it; same as you must be 21 years of age or older to purchase wine from us. All packages sent by Wired for Wine require a signature upon delivery.
When you checkout let us know where you want it sent, and as long as it's continental U.S. we'll arrange the shipping.
Sure thing. If you're not 100% satisfied with your wines and it's within 30 days of purchase, we'll be happy to accept the wines back for a full refund with no shipping charges to you. To be eligible, the wines must be unused and in the same condition you received them or with only one re-corked bottle with the rest of the contents inside (we can't take back any empty bottles).
Unlike that date you're trying to forget that makes you wince every time you think of them, we promise to be reliable and partner with you to make life better. We've been wired for wine since 2009, and we want you to come and join in the fun!
]]>