FAQs

Which wines are "dry"?

What's the deal with sulfites?

I found some old bottles of wine. Are they valuable?

Serving

Is it true that whites should be served chilled, and reds at room temp?

What exactly does aeration do to a wine?

Is there one style of wineglass I can use for reds and whites?

Storage

How long can I store a bottle of wine in my refrigerator?

What temperature does bottled wine freeze at?

Do wine-preserving devices like the Coravin really work?

Sparkling Wines

What does "brut" mean in terms of Champagne?

What's the best way to store Champagne?

If a chilled Champagne warms up and then is chilled again, is it ruined?

Red Wines

What’s the difference between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?

Why are Bordeaux wines called “claret”?

What is a “super Tuscan”?

White Wines

Which white wines are “dry”?

What's the difference between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay?

What’s the difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?

How to Taste

What does it mean to describe a wine as “dry,” “sweet” or “semi-dry”?

What's the difference between an oaked and an unoaked wine?

Is there a difference between an expensive wine and a cheap wine that earned the same score?

Closures

Aren’t screwcaps a sign of low-quality wines?

If the cork breaks when I open a bottle, does that mean the wine is bad?

What are synthetic corks made of?

Wine Flaws

Can drinking old wine make you sick?

Is "brett" the same thing as "cork taint"?

Why is oxidation bad for wine?