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Many of us have heard someone talk about the “legs” of a wine, but what does that actually mean? Wine legs (sometimes called “wine tears”) often spark curiosity at wine tastings, and understanding what they do – and don’t – tell us is an important step in learning about and appreciating wine.  Spoiler: Wine legs…

Have you ever tasted a wine that smelled like wet cardboard? It may have been from a “corked” bottle – one that suffered from cork taint. Understanding a bit about this common wine fault can help wine enthusiasts avoid unpleasant wine tasting experiences, and ensure you’re tasting what the winemaker intended when they put it…

We know it’s a little strange to talk about a beverage having a “body.” It’s a liquid, after all! But the world of wine is a poetic one, and “body” is the traditional metaphor for talking about a wine’s weight and mouthfeel. A wine’s body has an important impact on our wine tasting experience, especially…

Arriving at a gathering with a thoughtful gift for the host never fails to make a lasting impression – especially when the host is a wine lover. A well-chosen bottle or wine-related accessory expresses your gratitude for the host’s hospitality, and helps contribute to the success of the get-together.  Let’s dig into some of our…

Looking to learn more about wine in a fun and comfortable environment? Hosting your own wine tasting party might be the perfect plan. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend time with family, friends and colleagues, and a great way to hone those tasting skills. Any time we invite people over to taste through…

A lot of what we describe about food and wine has to do with aromas and flavors, but there are a few exceptions – and tannin is one of them. Wine tannins have a significant influence on our experience of wine because of their impact on texture, ageability, and flavor. Understanding what these compounds are…

Whether it’s Thai curry, tandoori chicken, chile verde or hot wings, spicy food has won a special place in our hearts and dinner menus. Pairing wine with these fiery dishes can be tricky – the wrong choice can ruin our enjoyment of the wine, wiping out the unique flavors and aromas that made us choose…

What’s your go-to secret ingredient? We might be biased here at Bonterra, but for us it is definitely wine. A well-timed splash of wine can elevate a humble weeknight dish to a sophisticated dining experience, bringing depth, complexity and balance to a wide range of recipes. Bonterra’s organically grown, sustainably produced wines include a range…

Are you new to wine? Welcome! Wine’s wonderfully diverse world is always growing and evolving in exciting and delicious new ways. We know the wide range of options and prices can feel a bit overwhelming, which is why we at Bonterra are committed to providing accessible, high quality wines that are perfect for first-time wine…

A red blend wine 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…

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…