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New articles every week. Whether you're looking to understand a specific wine term, discover a grape variety you've never heard of, or find an affordable bottle worth trying, the EverWonderWine blog has been tackling those questions one article at a time for over a decade.
You'll find two types of posts here. The educational articles cover everything from the basics — acidity, tannin, sweetness, body — to deeper dives into specific grapes, regions, and winemaking techniques, including the ongoing Tour of Wine Grapes series. The Behind the Cork™ posts are honest, no-nonsense reviews of affordable, everyday wines: what they taste like, where they come from, and whether they're worth your money. There's always something new to explore.
2014 Il Tarocco Chianti Classico ($10)
As you can immediately tell from the black rooster on the neck of the bottle, this is a Chianti Classico. The black rooster let's you know this is a nicer Chianti. While Chianti is required to be made from at least 70% Sangiovese, and Chianti Classico must be at least 80% Sangiovese, the Il Tarocco is 90% Sangiovese along with 10% Canaiolo Nero. This is a great, affordable and attainable Chianti Classico. Enjoy with beef, pork and lamb dishes. Cheers!
Boeger 2012 Barbera - El Dorado ($15)
This Barbera is from one of the oldest wineries in the Sierra Foothills. Barbera is a grape grown throughout Italy. It's a grape known for high acidity, soft tannin and dark fruit flavors. The Boeger Barbera certainly has flavors of plums and spices, with velvety texture but its acidity is restrained, while the body is full and finishes very nicely. Seek this one out if you have never tried a Barbera. You'll enjoy this great value.
Michael David Petite Petit ($14)
I always passed by this cartoon character label with the two elephants sipping wine. But Wine Enthusiast named this Petite Sirah their #2 pick on the 2015 top 100 wines, giving it a 94 point rating. That caught my eye! So, as Wine Enthusiast says "Don't let the cartoony label fool you, this is a fantastic wine." This is dark red wine with big rich fruit flavors. But, as Wine Enthusiast goes on "For all its density and depth, however, this is not an overpowering monster." A really good highly rated wine at a terrific price. You need to try this one!
Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot ($15)
The Alexander Valley in Sonoma County turns out some terrific wines, including this Merlot from the winery named for the originator of the valley.
The Wetzel family who own and run Alexander Valley Vineyards, purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley’s nineteenth century namesake. Today, the Wetzel Family Estate grows fourteen grape varieties, on diverse sites stretching from the banks of the Russian River up onto the hillsides.
This Merlot is a fine example of a medium body red with soft tannin and good black fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum with a touch of oak to add a subtle vanilla flavor. The finish is long and lasting. This medium bodied Merlot is great for food pairings due to its moderate acidity and tannin. It works well with beef, pork, cured meats and even a flavorful chicken dish.
Louis Jadot Beaujolais ($12)
This week's wine is a light bodied Beaujolais from France. This wine is made from the Gamay grape that results in a easy to drink wine with fresh fruit flavors including hints of strawberry and cherry. Chill this one slightly and enjoy with chicken, salmon and light cheeses such as Brie or Gruyere.