Wine 101
Wine terms making your head spin? Let’s fix that. Here you’ll find simple, friendly explanations of the basics—from sparkling methods to tasting tips. Think: “Wine school, but make it fun, and with snacks."
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Why Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s answer to Chardonnay
If you love Chardonnay, meet its Austrian cousin: Grüner Veltliner. Both grapes are versatile, food-friendly, and expressive of their terroir — but Grüner stands out with crisp acidity, mineral freshness, and a hint of white pepper. It’s lighter than most Chardonnays yet equally complex, making it a perfect discovery for fans of elegant, balanced white wines.
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Discover Unique Japanese Wine Grape Varieties
7 minutes read Did you know Japan isn’t just about sake? When you think of Japan, wine might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Japanese wines are worth knowing about if you enjoy discovering new and unique flavors. Japan is part of the ‘New World,’ but its grape varieties uniquely adapt to challenging climates. These grapes…
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Japanese Wine History
Japan has a fascinating wine story that stretches back over a thousand years! It all started in Katsunuma when someone planted wild grapevines in their garden, leading to a long tradition of grape growing. Grapes have always been special in Japan, used in ceremonies and religious offerings. Fast forward to the late 19th century, and Japan began making wine, inspired…
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Tasting Notes Checklist For Austrian Wines
Austria…with its rolling hills, diverse climates, and rich soils produces complex and vibrant wines. Winemaking dates back to Celtic times and traditions have been passed down from one generation to the next. Indeed, wine production in Austria is often led by family-owned wineries. But, the true magic of Austrian wines lies in their indigenous grape varieties. Take, for instance, Grüner…
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The Impact Of Terroir On Grüner Veltliner Production
13 minutes read Ever wonder what makes Grüner Veltliner so darn special? It’s not just about sunshine and happy vines (though that definitely helps!). The real secret? Terroir — that fancy French word for everything that influences how a grape grows and how the wine tastes We all agree that soil is important, right? matters, right? If you didn’t know…
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Cover Cropping In Austria
12 minutes read If you’ve read my post on sustainable winemaking, you’ve probably noticed I talk a lot about cover cropping in Austria. And for good reason — it’s a game-changer for vineyard health and wine quality. So, even if you already have a general idea about what cover cropping is and why it matters for sustainable viticulture, I wanted…
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Natural Winemaking In Austria
Natural winemaking in Austria is about minimal intervention, letting the grapes express their terroir. This means using native yeast for fermentation and avoiding additives. Austrian regions like Burgenland and Steiermark are known for natural wines made with Grüner Veltliner and other grapes that reflect the local soil and climate. This sustainable approach is gaining popularity worldwide.
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Biodynamic Winemaking In Austria
Austria takes biodynamic winemaking seriously, with a philosophy that emphasizes a holistic farm ecosystem and sustainability. This approach is booming, with growth exceeding 50% in recent years. Biodynamic winemakers in Austria use natural methods like diverse plantings, composting, and minimal intervention to create healthy grapes and unique wines. This eco-friendly approach is backed by organizations like Demeter and Respekt Biodyn…
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Organic Winemaking In Austria
If you’re looking for a wine that’s good for you and the planet, Austrian organic wines have you covered. Austria is all about natural winemaking — no synthetic chemicals, just good, honest methods. And it’s paying off big time. First, the vineyards. Healthy soil means more biodiversity, and that’s exactly what Austria is encouraging. In the cellar, they keep it…
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Sustainable Winemaking in Austria
Austria’s winemaking industry has long been committed to sustainability, focusing on organic, biodynamic, and natural methods. Austria has been using organic farming methods since 1927, relying on natural techniques like crop rotation and composting to maintain healthy soil. Biodynamic farming takes it further by treating vineyards as living ecosystems and following lunar cycles to support vine health. Natural winemaking avoids…
