Thinking about Drinking
Bud break--the first signs of tiny green leaves peeking out from bare vines mean spring’s official arrival in wine country. It marks the very start of the wine magic that ends in your glass. So, what happens next? Let’s walk through the full grapevine lifecycle—starting right now in early spring—and see what the vines are up to each step of the way.
Ever stood there stumped in the white wine aisle, staring at the Pinot (Grigio, Gris, and Blanc). Don't worry, we've got you covered with a breakdown of what these wines share and how they differ.
Zinfandel grapes can make rich, jammy reds, lighter chillable styles, and even elegant old-vine expressions. They tend to be fruit-forward—think lush and well-ripened purple fruit flavors like blackberry jam, cherry cola, and plum. Well-made Zins also often come with a spicy backbone that keeps things interesting. Beyond their fruity exterior, they can also give off notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and even tobacco.
Depending on how it’s made, Chenin Blanc can take on wildly different personas. It can be crisp and mineral-driven, lush and fruit-forward, or even show up in rich and honeyed dessert wines, thanks to its susceptibility to noble rot (botrytis). Oh, and did I mention it can sparkle? Because it absolutely can. Pop the cork, pour a glass, and let’s get into it.