If you’re a wine enthusiast, you know that proper storage is crucial for preserving the quality of your collection. But what makes for the best wine cellar cooling units, and why should you care? Well, the answer lies in a few key characteristics that every potential buyer should consider. Firstly, I advise prospective buyers to opt for more cooling capacity than you think you’ll need. This ensures that your unit won’t be overworked, helping it maintain the optimal temperature range and ultimately extending its lifespan. Speaking of optimal conditions, aim for a unit that can maintain a tempe ..read more

Sulfite, also known as sulfur dioxide (SO2), is a natural preservative. In food and beverage products, including wine, SO2 acts as an antioxidant and antibacterial compound. Essentially, these compounds protect the wine in the bottle (and throughout the winemaking process), helping to prevent oxygen from interfering with the wine or microbes to grow and spoil it. Sulfites are naturally occuring (they are a byproduct of fermentation), but SO2 is also added to grapes and/or wine at several steps during the winemaking process, including right before bottling. Are Sulfites in Wine Bad for You?&nb ..read more

Who doesn’t love pouring a glass of wine and enjoying it with a delicious snack? Food and wine pairing can be overwhelming, with all of the options and sometimes conflicting advice from different sources. However, there are some basic guidelines you can follow to simplify the process. ChoiceWineries.com is reader-supported. When you buy through the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Visit our disclaimer page for more information. How to Pair Snacks with Wine When pairing food and wine, think about the structure of the wine first. Then, look for some basic elements of fo ..read more

According to Dom Perignon, Champagne tastes like “the stars.” The story goes that upon first tasting Champagne, Dom Perignon said, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” In reality, Champagne aromas and flavors vary according to several factors – the producer, the vintage (how ripe the grapes got prior to harvest), the blend, and how long it is aged – to name a few. Typically, Champagne is said to have flavors of lemon, apple, and pear, along with yeasty brioche notes and a distinct minerality. ChoiceWineries.com is reader-supported. When you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a ..read more

As with all things wine, there is no simple answer. As one of the most popular wines produced and consumed globally, Pinot Grigio comes in many different styles. However, most bottles of Pinot Grigio are made in a light, dry style.  Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Gris Did you know that Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape operating under different names? Typically, wines labeled Pinot Gris are grown in France (Alsace) and Pinot Grigio in Italy. That said, many different countries grow these grapes and produce wines under both names. The two names also tend to indicate two different styl ..read more

A large capacity wine fridge is a necessity for any serious wine collector, frequent entertainer, or anybody who wants to ensure that their wine is always at perfect serving temperature. Wine fridges and coolers are ideal for long term wine storage as they help ensure proper conditions (such as temperature and humidity) for wine to age in bottle. Furthermore, if you have a large or valuable collection, a temperature controlled storage solution is certainly a worthwhile investment. Our Selections: Top Large Capacity Wine Fridges The definition of ‘large capacity’ may vary from person to person ..read more

According to Madeline Puckette, White Zinfandel opens the door for wine consumers. It is the first wine that many people are exposed to. White Zinfandel forms the benchmark for our palates to progress to other grapes and wine styles, and it is a behemoth in the marketplace. Serving temperature can make a huge difference to properly enjoy it. What is White Zinfandel? White Zinfandel is essentially a rosé of Zinfandel. They are pink in color and are often off-dry to sweet. This type of wine dominated the American wine market from the late-1970s until the mid-1990s. White Zinfandels tend to be l ..read more

A countertop wine cooler is the perfect accessory for the frequent wine drinker. These handy appliances keep your bottles of wine at the ideal temperature for storage and ready for service. Wine requires a few special considerations…especially for longer term storage. These considerations include a cool, consistent temperature, some humidity, low vibrations, and protection from harsh UV light. A countertop wine cooler can help you create the perfect environment to keep your wine in the most optimal condition possible. And as an added bonus, your wines will be ready to serve without any last m ..read more

You need to know the alcoholic equivalent of a bottle of wine (in number of beers). Simple. Right? Actually, the answer depends on the alcohol content and size of both the wine and the beer. For a bottle of red wine, an ABV of 13.5% and volume (750 mL) are common. The alcohol content in this bottle would be the equivalent to 5.7 cans of Budweiser (12 oz. & 5% ABV). So, it’s a pretty good estimation to calibrate against. However, to figure out the exact equivalent for the wine and beer of your choice, you’ll need to use a little math or our wine to beer calculator below. Wine to Beer Calcu ..read more

Learning about wine is a lifelong education. The wine world is continuously expanding with each new vintage, winery, and bottle. While it’s impossible to learn everything about wine in just one article, this is our crash course on understanding and navigating the world of different types of wine. 6 Main Types of Wine Red Wines White Wines Rosé Wines Sparkling Wines Dessert and Fortified Wines Orange Wines A Deeper Dive into Wine Types Red Wine Red Wines are known for their body, or tannic structure. This is really the biggest difference when it comes to red grape varieties. Tannins derive f ..read more