What Is Tempranillo? Tempranillo derives its name from the Spanish word temprano, meaning “early,” reflecting the grape’s tendency to ripen sooner than many other varieties. It is most famously associated with Spain’s Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions, though it is grown around the world in places like Portugal (where it is known as Tinta...
What is International Carménère Day? Carménère Day commemorates the rediscovery of the Carménère grape in Chile on November 24, 1994. Originally from Bordeaux, France, this grape was thought to have disappeared after the phylloxera epidemic devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century. Fortunately, Chilean winemakers discovered that vines mistakenly labeled as Merlot were actually...
What is Pinotage? Pinotage is a hybrid grape variety created in 1925 by Abraham Izak Perold, a South African viticulturist. This unique grape is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault (often called Hermitage in South Africa, which inspired the name “Pinotage”). Perold’s goal was to combine the elegant flavors of Pinot Noir with the...
What is Orange Wine? Despite its name, orange wine is not made from oranges. It’s a type of white wine that gains its distinct color through a production process more commonly associated with red wine. It is made from white grape varieties, but unlike traditional white wines, the grape skins and seeds are left in...
Choose a Theme for Your Tasting A great wine tasting begins with a theme. Having a theme adds structure and focus, making it easier to select wines and giving your guests a framework for tasting. You could organize the tasting around a specific region, like Bordeaux or Napa Valley, or focus on one varietal, such...
Rich Red Wines for Autumn Full-bodied reds like the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blend, known as “Rendez-Vous” from Languedoc, offer layers of dark fruit, earthy spice, and a luxurious texture. These wines pair beautifully with roasted meats or a savory mushroom risotto. Try Bordeaux’s Merlot/Malbec blend “Odysée” for another standout red, which delivers velvety tannins and...
The History of Pinot Noir: A Journey through Time The roots of Pinot Noir trace back to ancient times, with its origins believed to date as far back as the Roman era. This delicate grape is said to have evolved naturally, adapting to various climates and soil types over centuries. “Pinot” is derived from the...
The Origins Prosecco’s roots can be traced back to the Conegliano region in northeastern Italy. Although its origins date back to ancient times, modern Prosecco began to take shape in the late 20th century. Official recognition as a DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) came in 1969, with further elevation to DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and...
Choosing the Right White Port for Your Porto Tonic When selecting the perfect white port for your Porto Tonic, consider whether you prefer a dry white port or a regular reserve white port. Each option offers distinct characteristics that influence the flavor profile of your cocktail. Explore Vinera’s Selection Discover our curated selection of white...
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