If you were aiming for a “drier” January this month, just know - lower ABV wines are rising in popularity! ✨ If you’re seeking some options, try Lambrusco! A lightly sparkling red wine from Italy, Lambrusco comes in a range of styles, from dry (secco) to sweet (dolce). And it tends to be lower in alcohol - we love the Lini 910 Lambrusco Rosso, which is just 11% ABV. Great with pizza or as an aperitif, it has notes of cherry, blueberry, and spice - grab a bottle for $14.99! #GarysWine #wine #winelover #italianwine | LINI 910
The secret to living longer? Wines from Sardinia! 🌍🍷 One of the world’s Blue Zones with the highest concentration of centenarians, Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily. Wines from Sardina include Vermentino, a usually dry, light-bodied white like the Piero Mancini (which was the #5 wine of Gary’s Top 10 of 2024!) For the red, Cannonau is full-bodied with generous fruit flavors. It’s made from the Cannonau grape, also known as Grenache. We love the smooth, elegant Pala Cannonau Riserva. Have you tried a wine from Sardinia? #GarysWine #wine #winelover #longevity #bluezones | Vigneti Piero Mancini | PALA
Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot - what’s the difference? 🍇 Let’s start with what they have in common - they’re both red, from Bordeaux, and are “half brothers.” Texturally is where they differ. Cabernet is a longer ripening grape with woodsy, berried, and currant characteristics, along with minty, herbal aromas.Merlot tends to be softer, plush, and plum-driven. With age, in certain areas these wines can even take on a meaty characteristic.And of course, these varieties are outstanding when blended together! Which do you prefer - Cabernet or Merlot? #GarysWine #wine #winelover
A wine that will warm you up this winter? The Clos degli Amodeo Toscana Rosso! 🍷🧥 At just $22.99, this is one of our go-to red wines from Italy. With flavors of red fruits, dark cherries, and blackberries, this red blend is full-bodied with a remarkably long finish. Not to mention, the 2019 vintage is one of the finest ever produced. Check out the Clos degli Amodeo Toscana Rosso at Gary’s! #GarysWine #wine #italianwine
If you love Napa Cabernet, try Châteauneuf-du-Pape! 🍷 Known for its Grenache-based red blends, Châteauneuf-du-Pape was actually the first French wine appellation, created in 1936. In this part of the Rhone Valley, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is considered the top area for blended red wines, primarily made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This area also has a warmer climate, resulting in ripe, rich, grapes. The result? Bold, full-bodied wines packed with notes of cherry and spice. We recommend the Tardieu Laurent Châteauneuf-du-Pape Galets d’Or. Try it and tell us what you think! #GarysWine #FrenchWine #winelover
Our wine and wings pairing for the Big Game! 🥂🍖 For our wine drinkers enjoying some football, check out Vouvray, a white wine made from Chenin Blanc in France’s Loire Valley. Bright and fresh, the Rosnay Chenin Blanc is super versatile and a nice balance for spicy wings! What are you drinking for #TheBigGame? #GarysWine #winelover
Why is New Zealand famous for its Sauvignon Blanc? 🥂There’s many reasons why New Zealand has such distinctive Sauvignon Blanc, but one of the most interesting may be the country’s increase of ultraviolet light. New Zealand has about 30-40% more ultraviolet light, which allows grapes to ripen more fully in a cool, maritime climate. For the Sauvignon Blanc, this results in a zippy, refreshing acidity that accentuates flavors of ripe tropical fruit and grass. A classic example of New Zealand-style wine? The Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc from Blenheim. Check it out at Gary’s! #GarysWine #wine #winelover #sauvignonblanc
Looking for a low-ABV red wine? 🍷 Check out the Savoie Rouge from the French side of Lake Geneva! At just 12.5% alcohol, it’s a blend of Gamay and Mondeuse, with notes of raspberry, strawberry, and a spicy finish. Pick up this best-seller for $16.99! #GarysWine #wine #winelover | Vins Viallet
So how do you pair wine with...soup? 🥣 One of our favorite combos is a dry Sherry, like Fino or Manzanilla, with French onion soup! Dry Sherry’s umami and nutty flavors deliciously complement the Gruyere in French onion soup. With winter months in full swing, do yourself a favor and try this cozy wine and soup pairing! #GarysWine #winepairing #winelover
What’s the best glass for drinking Champagne? 🥂The classic flutes are obviously great for showcasing the bubbles, but they’re not the best for swirling or smelling the aromas. If you’re a wine aficionado and want the full Champagne experience, we like these two options: a typical white wine glass, or a tulip-shaped glass as a fancier option. What type of glass do you prefer for sipping Champagne? #GarysWine #wine #winelover #Champagne
This entire bottle has less than 3 grams of sugar! ✨We’re highlighting better-for-you options this month, and today’s pick is the Claude Beaufort Les Loges Grand Cru Brut Nature Champagne. From organic vineyards, this bone-dry bubbly has flavors of green apple, citrus, roasted nuts, and baked brioche. And at $49.99, it makes for a delicious treat or gift for any Champagne lover! #GarysWine #wine #winelover #champagne
What are yields? 🍇Yields are the amount of fruit produced by a vineyard, usually by acre, or hectare in Europe. There are several factors that affect yields, like weather, vineyard irrigation, the age of the vines, clonal selections, and the root stocks. During the growing season, all of these components come into play to determine the amount of grapes at harvest. Keep this in mind the next time you hear the word “yields” in wine conversation! #GarysWine #wine #winelover #wineeducation