Wine Types

Article

Sauvignon Blanc: The ‘wild white”

Sauvignon Blanc originated in the Loire Valley of France, and people started cultivating it as a wine grape starting sometime in the 19th ce

Article

Grenache: An international blender

In the vineyard, Grenache is extremely vigorous and needs a long growing season to mature all of its fruit.

Article

Riesling: German nobility

To this day, I consider that Riesling vintage one of the best wines I ever made, and I wish I could find a bottle or two in my cellar to tas

Article

Merlot: Noble grape of Bordeaux

. . . Merlot is the most common grape variety grown in France with about 280,000 acres.

Article

Nero d’Avola: The red grape of Sicily

. . . Sicily’s legacy of red wine is all about Nero d’Avola, second only to Catarratto Bianco. There are almost 18,000 hectares (about 4

Article

Marquette: A hardy cold-climate hybrid

If you are looking for a cold-tolerant red grape, Marquette might be the varietal for you. Bred in Minnesota, this hybrid can withstand temp

Article

Montepulciano

To understand Montepulciano the grape, you also have to understand the difference with Montepulciano the place. Chik Brenneman takes you on

Article

Versatile Viognier

It was not long ago that Viognier was almost an extinct grape varietal. Luckily for wine fans, both grape growers and winemakers have learne

Article

Cabernet Sauvignon: Master Class

Grab a seat, take out your pencil, and get ready for an introduction into the master class on the world’s most popular grape. Guest lectur

Wine-wizard

Making White Zinfandel

Article

High Acids, Low Tannins: Barbera

Barbera is a favorite among winemakers because its high acidity makes it a useful grape for blending and also a unique varietal wine. Get ti

Technique

Cold Climate Grape Growing

Growing grapes in cold climates has its challenges — from finding varieties that will work to keeping vines alive over harsh winters —