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A red blend is exactly what it sounds like (finally, an aspect of wine that isn’t complicated at first glance), a mix of two or more different grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot or Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. These varieties are mixes of varying percentages, either according to the law of the land…

Do you have a wine decanter? This iconic piece of glassware is a key piece in any wine lover’s collection, but a lot of people aren’t confident about when and why to use it. In this post, we’ll answer both those essential questions – and give you a step-by-step guide on how to decant wine…

The word “oak” comes up a lot in wine discussions. But why is that? Many wines today are aged (and sometimes even fermented) in oak barrels, and nearly all of the world’s prestigious wines have spent some time in oak barrels before they are blended, bottled and released to the market. Aging wine in oak…

Are you intimidated by wine? Do you not know where to start? And what is a red blend wine, anyway? Do you worry about knowing the “right” way to open, serve, and enjoy it? Wine has been enjoyed for thousands of years by everyday people, in everyday glasses, at everyday occasions and dinner parties –…

Is there any wine pairing the world loves more than a piece of good cheese? In every winemaking culture on earth, cheese holds a prominent place at the table. These two fermented products share a special and timeless affinity, but as you’ve probably already noticed, not all cheeses are equally delicious with all wines. In…

Zesty, mouthwatering, crisp, refreshing – when we talk about wine like this, we’re really talking about acidity. But is wine acidic? Like other fruits, wine grapes naturally contain a variety of chemical compounds classified as acids in their pulp. The type and amount of these acids play important roles in how well a wine ages,…

Oh, Merlot. You’re such a charmer and so underestimated. Ever since Paul Giamatti swore off drinking Merlot during Sideways, practically everyone followed suit. No more, I say; Merlot is back! So, let’s go on a journey to understand Merlot, where it came from, how it tastes, and what has made it such an important grape…

What’s in your glass this summer? Hot weather and summertime vibes call out for something cool, refreshing, and not too heavy – a.k.a. summer wine!  At Bonterra, we think you shouldn’t have to choose between great taste and staying true to your values. That’s why our summer wine lineup is all farmed at our organic…

One of the most prized grapes in the world, a heartbreaker, requiring patience and precision, but so worth the wait.  Pinot Noir has exploded in popularity and hasn’t slowed down since. So, what is this widely popular and mysterious grape? It’s Pinot Noir! Also known as Pinot Nero, Spätburgunder, Blauburgunder. Pinot Noir derives its name…

If you’ve ever wondered how long a bottle of red wine will stay delicious after you’ve opened it, you’re not alone. Who hasn’t had the sad experience of dumping unrecognizable remnants of a once-delicious opened bottle of wine down the drain?  Several factors impact how long a red wine will taste good after you’ve pulled…

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best-known, most revered, and widely consumed red wines on Earth. But why is that? And what does Cabernet Sauvignon actually taste like?  In this post, we’ll dive into the typical flavor profiles and sweetness levels of Cabernet Sauvignon, discussing how they change from region to region, and answering common…

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s most popular white wine types, and for good reason! Its zesty acidity, vibrant fruit and fresh citrus aromas make it easy to love by wine enthusiasts everywhere.  In this post, we’ll explore the typical flavor characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc and answer some common questions about wines made with…