Top 5 wines to enjoy on their own

Eric Jackson

Wine descriptions and wine critics will often recommend food pairings to go with each wine. And in many cases, wine can enhance the experience of the food, and vice versa. But sometimes, you just want to enjoy the wine on its own.

Some wines are only at their best when paired with foods, such as bold, heavy Italian reds with lots of astrigency. The fat from meat or cheese is necessary to soften the aggressive tannins. But not all wines need a complementary food to balance them.

Here are our top 10 choices for wines to enjoy on their own, without food.

5. Sparkling Wines

It's often associated with celebrations, but sparkling wines like Prosecco and Champagne can be enjoyed any time. The carbonation, lighter body, and crisp finish make many bubblies a refreshing drink enjoyed on their own.

4. Pinot Noir

While some reds are too aggressive to sip on their own, Pinot Noir stands out as the steadfast exception. The lighter body, reduced tannins, and smooth finish make this varietal friendly and approachable.

3. Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp, fruity, and refreshing -- there's a lot to like about Sauv Blanc. The full flavour and acidic finish make this a perfect choice for sipping.

2. Riesling

Often a little sweet, and always supported with acidity, Riesling is a natural choice. The sugar helps to bring out the fruit flavours of the wine, and prevent your mouth from puckering from the acids.

1. Rosés

Some of the most versatile wines on the market are rosés. They'll pair with almost anything -- including nothing! Enjoy dry or semi-sweet rosé wines on their own and enjoy the flavours of red fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

There are lost of great wines that can be enjoyed without food. While the perfect pairing can enhance your experience, don't let that stop you from a enjoying a glass while you're cooking dinner or relaxing by the pool. Cheers!

Read more →

What Sets Bordeaux Apart

Eric Jackson

Bordeaux is one of the world's most famous wine regions, known for producing some of the finest and most prestigious wines in the world. Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is home to over 10,000 vineyards, producing a wide variety of red, white, and sweet wines. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the wines of Bordeaux and what makes them so special.

Red Bordeaux is the most famous and sought-after wine from the region. It is made primarily from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. The wine is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile, with notes of dark fruit, leather, and spices. The best red Bordeaux wines are known for their ability to age and develop complex flavors over time.

White Bordeaux is also produced in the region, although it is not as well-known as the reds. White Bordeaux is made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes and is known for its crisp and refreshing flavor profile, with notes of citrus, green apples, and minerals. Some of the best white Bordeaux wines are capable of aging for several years, developing more complex flavors and aromas over time.

Sweet Bordeaux is a type of wine that is produced in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux. This wine is made from grapes that have been affected by the noble rot, a type of mold that concentrates the sugar in the grapes. Sweet Bordeaux is known for its rich and intense flavor profile, with notes of honey, apricot, and vanilla.

The production of Bordeaux wine is regulated by a strict classification system, which was established in 1855. The classification system divides the vineyards of Bordeaux into five different categories, ranging from First Growth to Fifth Growth. The classification system is based on the reputation and quality of the vineyards and wineries, with First Growth being the most prestigious and sought-after.

Whether you're a fan of red, white, or sweet wines, Bordeaux has something to offer for everyone. So next time you're in the market for a bottle of wine, consider exploring the wines of Bordeaux and discover what makes them so special.

Read more →

Amarone - the biggest and boldest

Eric Jackson

Amarone is a full-bodied red wine that is known for its rich and intense flavor profile. This wine is produced in the Valpolicella region of Italy and is considered one of the country's most prestigious wines. The production process of Amarone is unique and sets it apart from other red wines. In particular, the appassimento process is what makes this wine so special.

The first step in the production of Amarone is the harvest of the grapes. The grapes used to make Amarone are primarily Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. The grapes are carefully selected for their ripeness and quality, as the flavor and intensity of the wine depend on the quality of the grapes.

Once the grapes are harvested, they are subjected to the appassimento process. Appassimento is the process of drying the grapes before fermentation. The grapes are laid out on mats or hung up in well-ventilated rooms for several months, where they lose much of their moisture content. This process concentrates the sugar and flavor in the grapes, resulting in a wine with a higher alcohol content and a more intense flavor profile.

After the appassimento process, the grapes are fermented and then aged in oak barrels for several years. The aging process helps to further develop the flavors and aromas of the wine, creating a complex and well-rounded wine that is ready to be bottled and sold.

The appassimento process is what sets Amarone apart from other red wines. The concentration of sugar and flavors in the grapes creates a wine with a rich and intense flavor profile that is unmatched by other red wines. The process also results in a wine with a higher alcohol content, typically between 15% and 16%.

The production process of Amarone is unique and sets it apart from other red wines. The appassimento process, in particular, is what makes this wine so special. The concentration of sugar and flavors in the grapes creates a rich and intense wine that is renowned for its quality and flavor. If you're a fan of full-bodied red wines, then Amarone is definitely worth a try!

> Our top choice: En Primeur Winery Series Amarone

Read more →

"I only like dry wines" 🤔

Eric Jackson
Is it possible that you appreciate sweetness --  but not unbalanced wines?

Read more →