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Ask Dr. Vinny

Most Recent Q&As

Most Recent Q&As

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Image for the article titled: In what ways do old and new wines smell and taste differently?

Image for the article titled: In what ways do old and new wines smell and taste differently?

In what ways do old and new wines smell and taste differently?

Jul 6, 2020

Image for the article titled: Is it possible to “fix” cork-tainted wine with plastic wrap? How does that work?

Is it possible to “fix” cork-tainted wine with plastic wrap? How does that work?

Jul 3, 2020

Image for the article titled: If most vines are grafted onto rootstocks, why do some grapevines thrive in soils where others struggle?

If most vines are grafted onto rootstocks, why do some grapevines thrive in soils where others struggle?

Jul 1, 2020

Image for the article titled: What does “buttery” mean when talking about Chardonnay?

What does “buttery” mean when talking about Chardonnay?

Jun 29, 2020

Image for the article titled: Are French oak barrels for aging wine made from white oak or red oak?

Are French oak barrels for aging wine made from white oak or red oak?

Jun 26, 2020

Image for the article titled:What’s the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris?

What’s the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris?

Wine Spectator's expert Dr. Vinny explains what clues can be extracted from the choice of Grigio vs. Gris.

Jun 29, 2020

FAQs

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FAQs

Which wines are "dry"?

What's the deal with sulfites?

I found some old bottles of wine. Are they valuable?

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Serving

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Serving

Is it true that whites should be served chilled, and reds at room temp?

What exactly does aeration do to a wine?

Is there one style of wineglass I can use for reds and whites?

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Storage

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Storage

How long can I store a bottle of wine in my refrigerator?

What temperature does bottled wine freeze at?

Do wine-preserving devices like the Coravin really work?

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Sparkling Wines

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Sparkling Wines

What does "brut" mean in terms of Champagne?

What's the best way to store Champagne?

If a chilled Champagne warms up and then is chilled again, is it ruined?

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Red Wines

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Red Wines

What’s the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?

Why are Bordeaux wines called “claret”?

What is a “super Tuscan”?

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White Wines

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White Wines

Which white wines are “dry”?

What's the difference between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay?

What’s the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?

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How to Taste

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How to Taste

What does it mean to describe a wine as “dry,” “sweet” or “semi-dry”?

What's the difference between an oaked and an unoaked wine?

Is there a difference between an expensive wine and a cheap wine that earned the same score?

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Closures

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Closures

Aren’t screwcaps a sign of low-quality wines?

If the cork breaks when I open a bottle, does that mean the wine is bad?

What are synthetic corks made of?

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Wine Flaws

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Wine Flaws

Can drinking old wine make you sick?

Is "brett" the same thing as "cork taint"?

Why is oxidation bad for wine?

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Popular Posts

Popular Posts

John (pictured) and Steve Dragonette founded Dragonette with Brandon Sparks-Gillis in 2005, focusing on Pinot Noir and Syrah in Santa Barbara County.

John (pictured) and Steve Dragonette founded Dragonette with Brandon Sparks-Gillis in 2005, focusing on Pinot Noir and Syrah in Santa Barbara County.

Tasting Highlights

9 California Rhône-Style Reds at 90+ Points

Tim Fish

Jul 6, 2020

Eleven Madison Park, led by chef Daniel Humm (right), teamed with Rethink, a hunger relief effort for at-risk New Yorkers.

Eleven Madison Park, led by chef Daniel Humm (right), teamed with Rethink, a hunger relief effort for at-risk New Yorkers.

Chefs Step Up

Aug 31, 2020

Kate Upton, cover model turned Cabernet mogul

Kate Upton, cover model turned Cabernet mogul

Wine Talk: Kate Upton Adds Cabernet to Her Résumé

MaryAnn Worobiec

Aug 31, 2020

Chef Mina says the key to barbecue success is finding the right balance of fat, acidity, sweetness and spice.

Chef Mina says the key to barbecue success is finding the right balance of fat, acidity, sweetness and spice.

Seasonal Entertaining

Michael Mina’s Barbecue Ribs and Jalapeño Creamed Corn

Julie Harans

Jun 22, 2020

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