The storage time for wine varies depending on the grape type, the style of wine, and the quality of the vintage. Here are some general guidelines:
Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that can age for many years. High-quality Cabernet Sauvignon can be aged for 10-20 years or more, while more affordable varieties are best consumed within 3-5 years.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine that typically does not age as well as Cabernet Sauvignon. The best Pinot Noir vintages can be aged for 5-10 years, while most varieties should be consumed within 3-5 years.
Merlot: Merlot is a medium to full-bodied red wine that can age for 5-10 years, although some high-quality Merlot vintages can be aged for up to 20 years. Most Merlot wines are best consumed within 3-5 years.
Syrah/Shiraz: Syrah/Shiraz is a full-bodied red wine that can age for 5-10 years, although some high-quality vintages can be aged for up to 20 years. Most Syrah/Shiraz wines are best consumed within 3-5 years.
Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that can age for 3-5 years, although some high-quality vintages can be aged for up to 10 years. Most Chardonnay wines are best consumed within 1-3 years.
Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied white wine that is typically best consumed within 1-2 years of bottling.
It's worth noting that these guidelines are general and can vary depending on the specific winery, vintage, and storage conditions. Cheers!!!
]]>I love wine and wine tasting. More often than not, when visiting a winery with yummy and reasonably priced wine, I end up buying a case of wine it (it's cheaper this way). And then comes the question of storing it. Of course, it would be great to have a wine fridge or a wine cellars, but for most of us it's not attainable. So, here are some best practices for preserving wine:
Keep wine bottles horizontal: Wine bottles should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out, which can lead to air getting into the bottle and spoiling the wine.
Avoid exposing wine to light: Wine should be stored in a dark place, as exposure to light can cause wine to develop off flavors and aromas.
Minimize exposure to oxygen: Oxygen can cause wine to oxidize and spoil, so it's important to minimize exposure to air. This can be done by storing wine bottles in airtight containers or by using wine preservation systems that remove oxygen from the bottle.
Maintain humidity levels: Wine should be stored in an area with moderate humidity levels, ideally around 70%. This can help prevent corks from drying out and ensure that wine labels remain intact.
Avoid storing wine near strong odors: Wine can absorb odors from its surroundings, so it's important to store it away from strong-smelling items such as cleaning products, perfumes, or spices.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your wine is preserved properly and retains its quality over time. It's also worth noting that not all wines are meant to be aged and some are best consumed within a few years of purchase, so it's important to know which wines are suitable for long-term storage and which are best consumed young (post on that is coming - stay tuned!)
The best way to learn about wine pairing is through experimentation and exploration. But let's talk here about wine pairing in broader terms.
In general, white wines are best paired with lighter foods such as seafood, chicken, and salads, while red wines are better suited to heartier dishes such as red meat, stews, and rich pasta dishes. However, there are many exceptions to these guidelines, and ultimately, the best way to find the perfect pairing is through experimentation and personal preference.
One common approach to wine pairing is to match the wine with the dominant flavor of the dish. For example, a dish with a tomato-based sauce would pair well with a wine that has a high acidity level, such as a Chianti or a Sangiovese. Similarly, a rich and fatty dish such as steak or duck would be complemented by a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Another approach to wine pairing is to look for complementary flavors. For example, a wine with fruity notes such as a Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel would pair well with dishes that feature sweet or spicy flavors. In contrast, a wine with earthy or herbal notes, such as a Syrah or a Malbec, would pair well with dishes that feature similar flavors.
When it comes to pairing wine with cheese, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. In general, white wines pair well with lighter cheeses such as brie and goat cheese, while red wines are better suited to stronger, more robust cheeses like cheddar or gouda. It's also worth noting that the texture of the cheese can play a role in the pairing, with creamy cheeses going well with crisp white wines and hard cheeses pairing well with bold reds.
Ultimately, the best way to learn about wine pairing is by doing it :) With a little bit of practice and some basic knowledge above, anyone can become a skilled wine pairing expert.
]]>Merlot is one of the most popular and known red wines enjoyed around the world. What do we know about this wine?
It is known for its soft, plush texture and its rich, fruity flavors. Merlot is made from the Merlot grape, which is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world.
The Merlot grape is believed to have originated in Bordeaux, France, and it is still widely grown in that region today. Merlot is also grown in other regions of France, as well as in Italy, the United States, Chile, Australia, and many other wine-producing countries.
One of the most distinctive features of Merlot wine is its texture. Merlot is known for its soft, silky mouthfeel, which is often described as "velvety." This texture comes from the wine's low tannin levels, which also make it a very approachable wine for new wine drinkers.
In terms of flavor, Merlot is often described as having a range of fruit flavors, such as blackberry, plum, and cherry, as well as notes of chocolate and vanilla.
Merlot is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of foods. It is particularly well-suited to dishes such as roasted meats, stews, and pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sipping wine.
When it comes to serving Merlot, it is best to serve it at room temperature, which allows the wine's flavors and aromas to fully develop. It is recommended to decant Merlot before serving, particularly if it is a young wine, as this can help to soften any harsh tannins and allow the wine to open up.
In summary, Merlot is a widely appreciated red wine that offers a range of flavors and textures. Whether you're new to wine or a seasoned connoisseur, a good bottle of Merlot is always a great choice.
Cheers!
]]>Wine enthusiasts can be picky about their wine, but wine-inspired gifts are always appreciated.
Whether it's for Christmas, birthday, special occasion or "just because", there are many wine-inspired gifts out there. Check out some ideas below.
1. Wine Aerators (there are many cool ones)
2. Wine decanter
3. Wine glass charms or markers - always appreciated at larger gatherings
4. Picnic sets with a pocket for a wine bottle
5. Cute wine coasters6. Funny wine-themed socks, aprons or signs
7. Wine opener kit - from simple to premium ones
8. Beverage dispensable bags for men or women
9. Corks catcher. Comes in various shapes and forms, such as wine glass, barrel or globe
10. Wine cooler
Tickets to wine festivals or wine tasting events, concerts in wineries, wine subscription service from worldwide sources to periodic wine deliver directly to the door.
And of course, our unique Share Tahoe wine-inspired t-shirts, which will make everyone smile.
As long as the person loves wine, your gift will be both fun and useful.
Happy shopping!
]]>Cotton is a super popular type of fabric for good reason: it's soft, versatile, durable (when high-quality) and comparatively affordable. The most important quality property of cotton is its staple length, i.e. the length of the individual fibres the fabric consists of. Fabric made from long cotton fibres is generally considered to be of a higher quality than fabrics made from shorter fibres. Here's why:
Here’s how to estimate whether a cotton garment was made with long-staple fibres or not:
Most manufacturers focus on the outside of a T-shirt. If a t-shirt is well made, then stitches will be well done, even throughout, and with no loose threads.
Check out how many stitches a T-shirt has. The higher the count then the better because it means that more time was spent putting this tee together. If you’ve never paid attention to this kind of things, then a good place to start would be your wardrobe. Compare between different garments you have and try to relate to the brands.
3. Hems
Like stitches, hems are indicative of how much care was put when making the garment. When it comes to T-shirts, you should be paying particular attention to the collar, the sleeves and the lower hem.
All Share Tahoe t-shirts are made from high quality cotton with 5% spandex for a more flattering feminine fit. We hope this guide will help you buy your next t-shirt with high confidence.
Happy Shopping!
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