white 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

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

Despite the fact that Moscato and Moscato d’Asti wines have been around since the 14th century, they have become increasingly popular in recent years. As younger generations are transitioning away from traditional American drinks like beer, they’re gravitating toward beverages that are lighter with less alcohol content. Moscato and Moscato d’Asti meet these criteria.

Both wines can be sipped solo as an aperitif, served with poultry or light fish, or enjoyed as a dessert wine. But what many don’t realize is that both wines can be combined with other ingredients to make delicious Moscato mixed drinks.

Mixed Drinks Made With Moscato?

Want to know what to mix with Moscato? With its sweet notes of nectarine, peach, and orange, Moscato pairs wonderfully with tart flavors to create

Aromatic and sweet, Riesling wine is a perennial favorite for casual wine lovers and aficionados alike. The best Riesling wine has flavor notes of apricot, peach, apple, and lemon. Young Rieslings might feature a secondary flavor of honeycomb or ginger, while aged Rieslings may contain a whisper of petrol flavorings, something wine collectors prize when choosing Riesling wine.

The History of Riesling Wine

Riesling grapes originated in Germany, where unearthed documents place them in the year 1435. German nobility fancied the wine and stockpiled it, recognizing that it improved with age. Of course, now it’s produced around the world, and affordable Riesling wine prices don’t require one to possess the wealth of European royalty.

Riesling grapes are hard-wooded and cold weather tolerant, making colder wine growing climates ideal for the hardy vines. They also grow well in areas wit

Summer may be fleeting, but Moscato white wine is a sweet vintage you can enjoy year-round. Whether you sip it as an aperitif or savor it with a gourmet meal, the hints of orange blossom and peach, mandarin orange, sweet lemon, pear, and honeysuckle will delight your palate. 

What Is Moscato Wine?

Moscato wine is produced from Muscat grapes, of which there are 200 known varieties grown around the world. Italy is the top producer of semi-sweet, semi-sparkling Moscato using Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes grown in the Piedmont region. While Moscato typically comes from Italy, you can also find varieties from California and Australia, as well as Germany, where it’s labeled “Muskateller,” and Spain, where it’s called “Moscatel.” 

Is Moscato sweet? Quite simply, yes. It’s also light with low alcohol content. This is due to its brief fermentation process, which tends to

There are so many recipes that call for dry white wine for cooking. If you think about some of your favorite pasta sauce, chicken, and soup dinners, many suggest using one of many types of white cooking wine to bring out the natural flavors of the food. We’ll look at some of the different dry white wines for cooking and factors that may help you determine which is best for your needs. 

Why is Dry White Wine Best for Cooking? 

When looking at different recipes that call for wine, using a dry white wine is usually preferred. There are many kinds of white wine, but the most versatile is a crisp, dry white wine. There are several reasons for this. Oaky white wines may turn bitter when cooked, and sweet white wines tend to carmelize when deglazing a pan. 

Wine -- like other ingredients -- transforms when cooked. As it mingles with the other ingredients and flavors, the subtle nuances of its flavor may blend with others. For this reason, it’s appropriate to

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.

With the passing of the solstice last weekend, we are now officially into summer, and shifting into warm weather wines- light, crisp and easy- as well as juicy, fruit-forward BBQ and picnic wines. Here's a smattering of great bottles to get your summer cellar (i.e. porch) started: