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Champagne glass

To Champagne and Way Beyond: A Fizz Quiz

Cheers to France's premier region, but bubbly is taking over in Italy, the U.S., even England. Think you know what's cool in sparkling wine?

Dec 6, 2019

Rows of vines

What Am I Tasting?

A plump, ripe white that flirts with an off-dry feel … Play the game!

Nov 15, 2019

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Malbec

Originally from France, this rich red reached stardom in Argentina

California wine regions, like Redwood Valley in Mendocino, were exposed to smoke for days. Were the grapes harmed?

Understanding Smoke Taint

As wine regions around the world face the immediate effects of devastating fires, the threat of smoke taint is a slow burn

Nov 3, 2017

Ask Dr. Vinny

Ask Dr. Vinny

Image for the article titled: Is it true that great vintages for Bordeaux reds are not so good for the whites, and vice-versa? If so, why?

Image for the article titled: Is it true that great vintages for Bordeaux reds are not so good for the whites, and vice-versa? If so, why?

Is it true that great vintages for Bordeaux reds are not so good for the whites, and vice-versa? If so, why?

Dec 6, 2019

Image for the article titled: I see reviews for highly scored wines that are not ready to drink. How can a wine that's not ready score so highly?

I see reviews for highly scored wines that are not ready to drink. How can a wine that's not ready score so highly?

Dec 4, 2019

Image for the article titled: I have a hard time describing the types of wines I enjoy. Any tips?

I have a hard time describing the types of wines I enjoy. Any tips?

Dec 2, 2019

Image for the article titled: Is low-sulfite, minimal-intervention winemaking the future of wine?

Is low-sulfite, minimal-intervention winemaking the future of wine?

Nov 29, 2019

Image for the article titled: What does it mean when a wine is described as “rustic”?

What does it mean when a wine is described as “rustic”?

Nov 27, 2019

See More Dr. Vinny ›

Know Your Grapes

Know Your Grapes

Image for the article titled:Cabernet Sauvignon

Image for the article titled:Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

The reigning champion of the red wine world has captured the imagination of vintners and wine drinkers across the globe

Image for the article titled:Chardonnay

Chardonnay

A versatile variety made in many styles from lean to opulent, this white grape is ubiquitous around the world

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Pinot Noir

This Burgundian grape makes elegant, flavorful reds from the most prized vineyard sites in the world

Image for the article titled:Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc

A fair-weather go-to that is refreshing and aromatic, known for its pungent herbal flavors and racy acidity

Image for the article titled:Syrah

Syrah

This red grape shines in its Rhône Valley homeland, but has also gained glory in intriguing New World locales

See More Grapes ›

How To

How To

Cut off the top part of the capsule before inserting the corkscrew near the center of the cork.

Cut off the top part of the capsule before inserting the corkscrew near the center of the cork.

Top Tips for Opening a Wine Bottle

How to deal with different types of bottles, corks, other closures and corkscrews

Which wines will benefit from decanting? Read on …

Decanting 101

What you need to know to inform your decanting decisions

Sparkling wines should be kept chilled to preserve their freshness.

3 Tips to Achieve the Perfect Serving Temperature

Expert advice on enjoying your bottles at their best

Place your wine racks away from heat and direct sunlight.

7 Wine-Storage Basics You Need to Know

Tips on keeping your fine wines at their best without spending a lot

Choose a wine whose weight matches the weight of the food you're serving.

How to Match Wine with Food

6 simple tips for successful pairings

Wine Savvy

Image for the article titled:Video: How to Serve Wine Like a Pro

Video: How to Serve Wine Like a Pro

Watch this 2-minute tutorial for the best tips and tricks

Bordeaux's Cité du Vin celebrates wine around the world.

The ABCs of Bordeaux

France's premier wine region gave the world the classic red blend of Cabernet and Merlot

Artist Carl Laubin was commissioned to produce this painting of Bordeaux's 61 classified growths in 1992.

The 1855 Bordeaux Classification

The ranking system put in place by Napoleon III still influences today's market

Future releases of Château Margaux rest in barrel.

How (and Why) to Buy Wine Futures

What are the pros and cons of paying up front for wine that hasn't been bottled yet?

Come up with a game plan for what you want to taste and learn, but also leave time for unexpected discoveries.

10 Tips for Attending a Wine Tasting

How to make the most of any walk-around event where you can sample dozens (or hundreds!) of wines

Covenant and Herzog are two top California wineries that produce kosher wines.

Kosher Wine Explained

What makes these wines different? We asked winemakers about the misperceptions and requirements

Hundreds of casks represented hundreds of years' worth of wines at Gonzales Byass' solera.

Sweet Wines 101

The world's finest dessert wines can be otherworldly. No surprise, then, that it takes superhuman effort to make them

Veraison, when grapes start to change color and soften, marks the beginning of harvest season.

Harvest 101: The Basics of Crush Season

Learn what goes on in the vineyard and winery during each stage of the annual harvest for wine grapes

Glossary

Unfamiliar with a term in a tasting note or on a wine label? Wondering what all the winemaking jargon means? Look it up in our glossary.

What Am I Tasting

Nov 15, 2019

Wine Challenge Quiz

Dec 6, 2019

Sips & Tips Newsletter

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Popular Posts

Popular Posts

Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2019 graphic: 3 wine glasses and text on a light blue background

Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2019 graphic: 3 wine glasses and text on a light blue background

Top 100 of 2019: The Year's Most Exciting Wines

Nov 18, 2019

The good grape juice: Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro convene over Gabbiano Chianti in a scene in The Irishman.

The good grape juice: Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro convene over Gabbiano Chianti in a scene in The Irishman.

I Heard You Paint Teeth: The Wine Cameos in 'The Irishman'

Dec 4, 2019

Chef Daniel Humm's Davies and Brook occupies a space in Claridge's, a hotel that dates back more than 200 years.

Chef Daniel Humm's Davies and Brook occupies a space in Claridge's, a hotel that dates back more than 200 years.

An Exclusive Peek at the Wine List for Eleven Madison Park's Upcoming London Sibling

Julie Harans

Dec 4, 2019

100 Top Values — holiday party scene with wine

100 Top Values — holiday party scene with wine

100 Top Values: Great Wines for $25 or Less

Dec 3, 2019

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