red wine

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

If you’re preparing a recipe that calls for adding a dry red wine, it can feel challenging to know the best red wine to cook with. Never fear! Choosing the right dry red wine for cooking isn’t difficult if you remember a few basic rules.

Choosing a Dry Red Wine for Cooking

The first thing to remember is to never, ever buy the “cooking wine” that’s sold in grocery stores. True, they’re inexpensive, but they’re also nothing more than a blend of inferior wines and added salt that comprises a one-way ticket to a ruined dinner. What’s more, don’t use leftover wine that’s been uncorked and past its prime drinking time. The standard rule states that if you wouldn’t drink it, you shouldn’t cook with it.

When using dry red wine for cooking, it’s important to remember that as an ingredient, wine conveys all of its flavors, body, and acidity to the dish. While its subtleties may not be as pronounced,

If you’ve enjoyed a delicious glass of Dead Canyon Ranch Red or Encore Dark Red recently, you may not have realized that you were actually drinking a red blend wine. What is red blend wine? Quite simply, it is a domestic wine not made from one specific wine grape but rather a blend of several different grape varieties. 

How Is Red Blend Wine Made?

You may know that red blend wine is becoming increasingly popular, selling more than pinot noir or merlot and even rivaling the historically best selling red wine, cabernet sauvignon. What you may not know is that the best red wines have always been a blend. 

Creating a red blend wine is part art and part science. Essentially, winemakers are d

A luxury steak dinner simply isn't complete without a quality wine.

However, selecting the perfect steak and wine pairing can be overwhelming with so many different options. For example, you have to account for your own taste preferences, the type of steak you choose, and how you plan to cook it.

This guide will give you all the answers you need to select the best steak and wine pairing.

General Rules of Steak and Wine Pairing

Before we dive into each wine, there are a few basic rules to help guide your decision.

First, red wines tend to pair better with steaks than white wines. This is mainly because red wines tend to have higher tannins than white wines, which helps release the steak's flavor by dissolving the fat. However, there are some exceptions. For example, chardonnays also have relatively high tannins.

In addition to choosing a wine with high tannins, choosing one with a slightly higher alcohol concentration will also add to the

Wine has been a popular beverage for thousands of years and is a truly global product. However, despite the global popularity of wine, winemaking styles and flavors vary dramatically from different regions.

For those reasons, here’s a look at some of the most important global wine statistics and the countries with the top production.

General Wine Statistics

The Top 10 Producing Wine Countries

The top 10 producing wine countries in the world are:

• Italy
• France
• Spain
• United States
• Argentina
• Chile
• Australia
• China
• Germany
• South Africa

Is The Wine Industry Growing?

The wine industry has enjoyed steady growth over the past several decades and is predicted to maintain a growth rate of four to eight percent in 2020 and beyond.

The total wine market i

Aging of Bourbon starts with the process of charring new oak barrels. The purpose is to caramelize the sugars inherent in the wood, which in turn delivers a distinctive aroma and flavor spectrum to the whiskey, as it ages in the barrel. Given the wave of popularity Bourbon producers have enjoyed, in tsunami proportions mind you, it was only a matter of time, when a few creative wine makers would pioneer the unique idea of aging wine in Bourbon oak barrels. Here on the cutting edge are two of our favorites:

Ahh summer! Between the bugs and the heat, it's never been MY favorite season, with one exception: delicious, delicious barbecue! Naturally, beer is a perfect pairing, as well as sangria, margaritas or any lively, fruity cocktail, but did you know there is a plethora of fabulous wines that compliment BBQ dishes as well?

High up on the rolling hills, the vineyards of Piedmont in northern Italy are constantly working and producing and striving for greatness. Because of the cooler climate, fuller-flavored heavy reds have a difficult time ripening; however, the sunny days and cool nights lend the perfect atmosphere for growing lighter-bodied, fruit forward reds and whites that ripen evenly with perfect balance and acidity.