Welcome to our Wine Wiki — the place for curious wine drinkers who like clear answers without too much fuss.
Here, you’ll find simple explanations of wine terms, styles, grapes, storage, serving, food pairings and plenty of those little wine questions that are surprisingly hard to answer.
Whether you are trying to understand a label, choose the right bottle or simply learn something new, our Wine Wiki is a good place to start.
Lobesia botrana, commonly known as the European grapevine moth, is a significant pest in vineyards. Native to Southern Europe, this moth has spread to other parts of the world, including the Americas. The moth lays its eggs on grape clusters, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on the grapes. This can lead to serious […]
Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink that’s traditionally made by heating red wine with various spices, fruits, and sometimes sweeteners like sugar or honey. It has a long history, especially in Europe, where people have been sipping this cozy drink during cold months for centuries. The idea behind mulled wine is simple: take a […]
A biodynamic vineyard takes organic farming a step further. It follows principles established by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s. Biodynamic farming focuses on creating a balanced ecosystem in the vineyard. It goes beyond avoiding chemicals and emphasizes harmony with natural cycles. Farmers use compost and manure to enrich the soil. They also plant […]
Wild fermentation is a winemaking process that relies on native yeast to convert grape sugars into alcohol. Instead of adding commercial yeast strains, winemakers let the natural yeast present on grape skins and in the winery environment initiate fermentation. This method embraces the unique microbial ecosystem of the vineyard and cellar. When I choose wild […]
Pinot Grigio is a light, refreshing white wine made from the Pinot Gris grape. While it originated in France, this wine is best known for its Italian versions. In Italy, it is produced in the northern regions, particularly in Veneto, Friuli, and Alto Adige. It’s a crowd-pleaser, known for its clean, easy-drinking style. It has […]
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s most popular white wine grapes. It originated in the Bordeaux region of France but thrives in many wine regions today, especially in places like New Zealand, California, and Chile. This grape is known for producing crisp, refreshing wines with high acidity. It often bursts with flavors of green […]
PIWI stands for Pilzwiderstandsfähige Rebsorten. This German term translates to “fungus-resistant grape varieties.” These grapes are hybrids, bred to resist common fungal diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew. Traditional grape varieties, especially European ones (Vitis vinifera), are vulnerable to these diseases. They are created by crossing these European varieties with American or Asian species […]
Malbec is a red grape variety known for its deep color, bold flavors, and full-bodied nature. It originated in France, specifically in the Cahors region, where it was often used as a blending grape. However, Malbec found its true home in Argentina, where it thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza and has become the […]
Merlot is a versatile red wine grape variety known for its smooth, approachable style. It originates from Bordeaux, France, where it plays a crucial role in classic Bordeaux blends. Merlot’s name comes from the French word for “blackbird,” possibly due to its dark blue grapes or its early ripening nature that attracts birds. It is […]
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular and widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. Originating from the Bordeaux region in France, it resulted from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This grape is known for producing full-bodied wines with bold flavors and firm tannins, making it a favorite […]