Thinking About Drinking
While we’ve walked through the differences between oak and steel aging (and everything in between), the differences don’t stop there. If you’ve ever wondered why some oak-barrel aged wines taste of vanilla and coconut while others whisper notes of baking…
Just a few degrees might not sound like much, but in the grape-growing world, it's the difference between picking early with underripe fruit and hanging on until peak flavor and structure. That 2-4°F cushion from Seneca Lake? It can make or break a vintage.
What Actually Is a Wine Clone? If you’ve ever heard a winemaker drop “777” or “Wente” like they’re discussing Marvel character codes, welcome to the world of wine clones. Think of wine clones like different versions of your favorite song.…
Wine harvest season is around the corner. While we’re all out here sipping our favorite bottles, there’s an entire behind-the-scenes production happening that would make any reality TV show jealous. If you’ve been following along with my grape growing content,…
Ever wondered why your rosé is pink, your orange wine is orange, and your Cabernet is deep purple? It's all about the skin contact, baby! Think of it like a makeup routine: no contact gives you that fresh-faced look, a little gives you that 'no-makeup makeup' vibe, and full contact is your full glam moment. Here's the thing most people don't realize: all grape juice starts out clear—yes, even from red grapes!
Labor Day doesn't mean goodbye to rosé! Learn the 3 methods winemakers use to make pink wine (hint: it's not just red + white mixed together) and why rosé works year-round.
Old World wines come from Europe (France, Italy, Spain) and are typically earthy, mineral-driven, and food-focused with higher acidity. New World wines come from everywhere else (California, Australia, Chile) and are usually fruit-forward, bolder, and higher in alcohol. Climate and winemaking traditions create these distinct style differences.
That “buttery” note in certain wines, especially chardonnay, is the result of specific winemaking choices, most notably malolactic fermentation.
If you’ve already read my post on grapes, varietals, and blends, you know that grape refers to the fruit itself, varietal means the specific type (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Riesling), and a blend is a wine made from more than…