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From beginner basics to advanced tasting techniques, learn everything you need to know about wine from expert sommelier Valery.
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Master the five S's of wine tasting and develop your palate like a pro
Observe the wine's color, clarity, and viscosity. Tilt the glass against a white background.
Gently swirl the wine to aerate it and release aromatic compounds.
Take a deep inhale to identify the wine's aromatic profile and complexity.
Take a small sip and let it coat your entire palate before swallowing.
Notice the finish and how long flavors linger after swallowing.
Fruit
Cherry, blackberry, plum, raspberry, strawberry
Spice
Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, vanilla
Earth
Tobacco, leather, mushroom, forest floor
Fruit
Apple, pear, citrus, peach, tropical fruits
Floral
Jasmine, honeysuckle, elderflower
Mineral
Chalk, flint, wet stone, salinity
Fruit
Strawberry, watermelon, cherry, melon
Floral
Rose petal, orange blossom, lavender
Herb
Basil, thyme, mint, fresh herbs
Journey through Spanish-speaking wine regions and discover what makes each terroir unique
Home of Malbec and high-altitude vineyards
Mendoza
Salta
Taste Profile: Argentine Malbec is known for deep purple color, ripe fruit flavors (blackberry, plum), velvety tannins, and notes of chocolate and tobacco. The high altitude creates wines with excellent acidity and structure.
Rioja, Ribera, and centuries of tradition
Rioja
Ribera del Duero
Taste Profile: Spanish reds feature cherry, strawberry, and leather notes with distinctive oak influence from American or French barrels. Rioja offers elegance and finesse, while Ribera del Duero provides power and depth.
Pacific influence and diverse valleys
Maipo Valley
Colchagua Valley
Taste Profile: Chilean wines offer exceptional value with ripe fruit, soft tannins, and approachable styles. Carménère is uniquely Chilean, showing green pepper, dark fruit, and smooth texture. The coastal influence adds freshness and acidity.
Emerging terroir in Valle de Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe
Style
Taste Profile: Mexican wines are bold and experimental, often showcasing natural winemaking techniques. The warm days and cool nights of Valle de Guadalupe create concentrated flavors with bright acidity. Expect innovation and terroir-driven expressions.
Tannat's spiritual home
Canelones
Character
Taste Profile: Uruguayan Tannat is softer than its French counterpart, with black fruit, violet, and chocolate notes. The Atlantic influence moderates the climate, creating wines with structure and elegance. Rich and full-bodied yet balanced.
Master the art of matching wine with food using these classic principles
Match the body of the wine with the richness of the dish. Light wines with light dishes, bold wines with hearty meals.
Either mirror similar flavors or create contrast. Earthy wine with mushrooms, or crisp wine with fatty fish.
What grows together, goes together. Pair regional wines with traditional dishes from the same area.
Grilled steak, empanadas, BBQ ribs, aged cheddar
The bold tannins complement rich, fatty meats
Paella, lamb chops, chorizo, Manchego cheese
Earthy notes pair with Spanish flavors
Roast chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto
Herbaceous notes complement savory dishes
Grilled meats, cassoulet, aged cheeses, stews
Tannic structure needs protein and fat
Ceviche, seafood, Asian cuisine, fresh salads
Aromatic and crisp, perfect for spicy foods
Oysters, clams, grilled fish, light pasta
Mineral notes complement seafood
Goat cheese, salads, grilled vegetables, sushi
Bright acidity cuts through richness
Tapas, charcuterie, Mediterranean dishes, summer salads
Versatile and refreshing with everything
Acid with Acid
Pair acidic wines with acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus)
Spicy Foods
Choose off-dry or fruity wines to cool the heat
Sweet Pairings
Wine should be sweeter than the dessert
Umami Challenge
High-acid wines work best with umami flavors
A guide to the most popular grape varieties from Spanish-speaking regions
Argentina's Signature
Taste Profile
Blackberry, plum, black cherry, chocolate, tobacco
Body
Full-bodied • High tannins • Medium-high alcohol
Best For
BBQ, steak, grilled meats, aged cheese
Spain's Noble Grape
Taste Profile
Cherry, strawberry, leather, tobacco, vanilla
Body
Medium to full • Moderate tannins • Medium acid
Best For
Paella, lamb, chorizo, tapas
Argentina's White
Taste Profile
Peach, apricot, rose petal, lychee, citrus
Body
Light to medium • High acidity • Aromatic
Best For
Ceviche, Asian food, spicy dishes, seafood
Chile's Icon
Taste Profile
Dark cherry, green pepper, cocoa, herbs
Body
Medium to full • Soft tannins • Herbal notes
Best For
Roast chicken, pork, mushroom dishes
Uruguay's Pride
Taste Profile
Blackberry, black plum, violet, licorice
Body
Full-bodied • Very high tannins • Bold
Best For
Red meats, game, cassoulet, hard cheeses
Spain's Coastal White
Taste Profile
Peach, apricot, citrus, saline, floral
Body
Light to medium • High acidity • Mineral
Best For
Oysters, seafood, shellfish, light fish
Compounds from grape skins that create a drying sensation in your mouth. High tannins = more structure and aging potential. Think of black tea.
How heavy the wine feels in your mouth. Light-bodied = water, medium = milk, full-bodied = cream. Influenced by alcohol, tannins, and sugar.
The bright, tart, refreshing quality that makes your mouth water. Higher acidity = more food-friendly and age-worthy. Crucial for balance.
Now that you know the basics, it's time to experience these wines firsthand. Explore our curated collections or join us for a tasting experience.
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