Before Mount Etna became the darling of the Sicilian wine scene, there was Nero d’Avola. The indigenous red variety was all but synonymous with Sicilian wine — robust, reliable, usually inexpensive, and widely available. Since it was (and is) grown throughout the island, there was no shortage of it, and plenty to export. It had buzz in the United States. Nowadays, Nero d’Avola shares the Sicilian wine stage with Etna Rossos and Etna Biancos, which have gained well-deserved international...| VinePair
The concept of terroir has been essential to the history of Burgundy since (at least) the Middle Ages when the Cistercian monks started documenting vineyard sites across the region. Each plot was meticulously mapped out and categorized based on where the vines were most successful and what the resulting wines tasted like. Many of the areas that were selected as the cream of the crop back then are still highly regarded to this day. The article 7 Burgundy Villages Somms Are Into Right Now appea...| VinePair
As a relatively neutral grape, Chardonnay is capable of reflecting the terroir of the region in which it’s grown and it’s adaptable in the cellar, with different winemaking techniques resulting in highly distinctive expressions. But despite the fact that Chardonnay is the world’s most planted white wine grape, it’s not always affordable — especially when it comes from California. Following the Judgment of Paris, it wasn’t just Napa Cabernets that surged in popularity — Chardonna...| VinePair
One of the great wines of Italy — and sometimes referred to as “the king of wines” — Barolo can be a bit intimidating. Unlike similarly famous regions like Chianti, there aren’t a lot of great entry-level bottlings to explore. And though the region can seem pretty straightforward — the wine goes by one name and is made with only one grape — there’s a lot of nuance to Barolo. That’s why taking the plunge into the world of Barolo can feel like a serious commitment, in both tim...| VinePair
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular and coveted wines. As a Burgundian native, Chardonnay quickly earned a reputation for its finesse, elegance, and ability to distinctly reflect the region’s terroir. Today, drinkers clamor to get their hands on bottles from the region, where they’re labeled white Burgundy or Bourgogne Blanc. While Chardonnay is now grown all over the globe — it’s the world’s most planted white wine variety — its prestige can often lead to some steep p...| VinePair
When it comes to red wines, Alto Adige is a study in contrasts and possibilities. If you want to drink lighter, mineral-driven wines, turn to Schiava or Pinot Noir. For bigger, more robust reds, Lagrein is the answer. The region also grows small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — all within 15 or 20 minutes of one another. What’s notable about Alto Adige is the diversity to be found in one of Italy’s smallest wine regions, both in the red and white wines. By necessity, there is ...| VinePair
Known as the original “Super Tuscan” and kick-starting the Bordeaux-variety revolution in Italy in the 1970s, Sassicaia continues to be one of the most highly sought-after wines in its category. Sassicaia comes from Bolgheri, a small area on Italy’s Etruscan Coast that was often overlooked when compared to nearby powerhouses like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. Unlike these other areas, which are known for crafting wines from the local Sangiovese grape, Bolgheri was planted...| VinePair
It’s no secret that some California Cabernets come with lofty price tags. Ever since Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars won the 1976 Judgement of Paris, the Napa Valley has been considered America’s premier wine region — and most of the wine from the region doesn’t come cheap. Over the years, Napa’s prestige has trickled throughout the Golden State, bumping up the prices of California Cabernet with it. But that doesn’t mean all California Cabs require an arm and a leg to enjoy, or that yo...| VinePair
Whether you're looking for a special wine to serve on Christmas day or bubbles to serve throughout the holiday season, this guide has everything you need to pick a great Champagne for Christmas.| Eat Something Sexy
