Love It and Drink It Blog

The Loire Valley is one of the largest wine regions in France, producing quality wines in many different varietals. Learn all about the fantastic wines and interesting history stemming from one of France’s most picturesque wine regions.

What is the Loire Valley? 

The Loire Valley is one of France’s many wine regions. It’s also one of its largest as it runs along the banks of the Loire, the longest river in France. Running from the Massif Central in the East all the way to the Atlantic at Saint-Nazaire, The banks of the Loire and its tributaries are dotted with vineyards along the way. Due to its immense size, this wine region is home to 87 different appellations that are each also known for their distinct qualities. 

Loire Valley Wine History

The Loire Valley boasts wine history dating back

The region of Rioja has a long and storied history, one that is thoroughly intertwined with wine production in the area. Whether you are planning a trip to Rioja or simply looking to experience the region through the wine produced there, our guide to Rioja wine covers everything you need to know about the region and the wine produced there. 

What is Rioja Wine?

Rioja is both the name of a wine region and the name given to the wine itself.  These wines are primarily red, though they can also be white or pink. They are most commonly made using Tempranillo grapes, though this is only one of many varieties grown in the region, and almost all wines produced here are blends. 

The name Rioja is derived from the name of a river in the region, the Oja River (Rio Oja). The name was established as a designation of origin for the prestigious wines

While less popular than varietals such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay, Malbec wine is still loved worldwide. Known for its easy-drinking characteristics and high alcohol content, good Malbecs can be found around the globe, each providing a unique profile that is distinct to its terroir. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply brushing up on your Malbec wine trivia, you’re in the right place. Join us as we dive into everything Malbec, from its tasting notes to its interesting history.

What Kind of Grapes are Used in Malbec Wine? 

Malbec wine comes from the grape of the same name— Malbec. Malbec Grapes are dark, thick-skinned grapes that love the sun and higher elevations. You might also find these grapes under another name: Côt, pronounced (“coat”), is a name for these grapes that you’ll hear in France. Knowing these two are one and the same can save you time and confusio

Did you know that Chardonnay is widely considered one of the most popular wines (and grapes) in the world? This is no accident; Chardonnay grapes are robust, relatively easy to grow, and produce a flavor profile that is suitable for connoisseurs and the masses alike. Join us as we take you through everything you need to know about the world’s most popular wine varietal. 

What Is Chardonnay Wine?

As we hinted above, Chardonnay is not just the name of the wine but also the name of the grape. These thick-skinned green grapes originated in Burgundy, France, but in modern times these grapes can be found all over the world. They are known for their versatility and for being able to produce an extremely wide range of flavor profiles. Chardonnay grapes are also used in combination with other grapes to produce numerous other popular wine varietals, including champagne, other sparkling wines, and d

Can wine in a box actually compete with wine in a bottle? Surprisingly, there are some boxed wines that are quite tasty. See what six boxed wines we recommend and find out why the box might be a good alternative to the bottle.

What Is Boxed Wine?

Boxed wines haven’t been around for very long. Credit for their invention goes to an Australian winemaker, Thomas Angove, who claimed the patent for bag-in-box wine 50 years ago. 

Initially, boxed wine was cumbersome and difficult to handle. The bag (or bladder) of wine inside the box had to be removed, a corner of the bag snipped, the wine dispensed, the bag resealed with a paper clip or rubber band, and placed back inside the box. Not ideal. Eventually, an integral tap was added to the bag, which made serving the wine a much easier process. 

Early b

Barolo wine is known as the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings.” It is the delicious expression of the Nebbiolo grape grown in the northern Italian wine region of Piedmont. Learn more about the noble grapes and wines of Italy that many consider to be some of the finest red wines in the world.

The Barolo Wine Region

Barolo is one of the most renowned Italian wine regions in the world. Because the Nebbiolo grape is thin-skinned, it easily takes on the properties of the region’s terroir. 

There are multiple subregions within Barolo, each with a distinctive terroir that gives a unique definition and flavor profile to the Barolo wine they produce:

• La Morra. The largest subregion in Barolo, La Morra, contains sandy soil which lends a velvety elegance to the wine.

Mulled wine is a warm treat made of dark, full-bodied wine, fresh fruits, and spices heated gently. It’s particularly popular around the holidays, which is why making mulled wine is a beloved tradition in some households.

Apart from the fruits and spices that define the best mulled wine recipes, picking the right wine for a base is essential. Although no single brand or variety of wine works best, some have specific characteristics that make them better suited than others.

Inexpensive 

First off, put down that $50 bottle of pinot noir! When it comes to making mulled wine, you’ll want to stick to inexpensive wines. Most recipes involve adding many spices to the mix, so the complexities of

There are wineries in Oregon? Yes, as a matter of fact, Oregon boasts more than 900 wineries throughout its 21 winegrowing regions. Its diverse landscape with rolling hills, deep valleys, and fertile soil makes Oregon wine country ideal for growing wine grapes and producing some of the country’s best Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling wines.

Oregon Wine Regions

From its deep valleys to its lush, rolling hills, Oregon wine country produces some of the world’s tastiest wines. 

Central Oregon

The growing season is short in Central Oregon—just 90 days—so winemakers here make the most of the time they have to produce some of the state's most outstanding wines.

Learn the Difference: Dry Wine vs. Sweet Wine

Do you prefer sweet red wine to enhance your dinner? Or, when you’re choosing a bottle, do you always reach for a dry white wine? We all have personal preferences, of course, but do you know what makes wine either sweet or dry? Discover the factors that impact a wine’s sweetness along with some great examples of both sweet and dry wines we love. 

What Makes Wine Dry or Sweet?

Following fermentation, wines that retain a high amount of residual sugar are considered sweet. While this appears to be a simple enough explanation, there are many factors that impact how sweet or dry a wine really is, including:

• Timing of the grape harvest. Winemakers who want to create a dry wine will pick the

Choosing the best white wine to drink or use when cooking doesn’t have to be challenging. There are a few factors to consider, such as dryness or sweetness, alcohol content, and of course, price. We invite you to read on to find out four of our favorites and what you’ll want to consider when choosing a white wine to sip or use to sauté.  

What Is the Best White Wine To Drink?

Of course, everyone’s palate is different, and we each have our own preferences when it comes to flavors and sweetness. When considering a white wine to drink or serve to guests, you simply can’t go wrong with one of these four.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio is typically a medium-dry white wi