<p>Are you drinking bad wine without knowing it? We sacrificed a $100 wine to show how leaving an open bottle on the counter for too long can change its taste.</p>
<p>But does that mean it’s bad for you? Resolve your fears about “open wine” by watching the video.</p>
<p>Take a wine course → <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUJURWxEMkF6bGhRaVpzMjg3TGN6UUllLVlQUXxBQ3Jtc0traXdJdFZ3Zm9BQWhDYUd0REFPcG50N0VPM0xtZm5UdTMtWklIQ0tNbEJyYmpHUGJNVDh5WXF6SkpNZnVGZTVOdDZoanNsNHY2b0JEUllsbEIxbW9idVo0Q09DbjRQU0Z0OHRmekpFRGMzMXZyVHhpTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwfol.ly%2FYT-course&v=12u5wtIOpUc">https://wfol.ly/YT-course</a></p>
<p>In the US? Learn while you taste with Wine Folly Club → <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVM1WVgwOWQteTA0Q3NUalRNc2pfWGpxLW02UXxBQ3Jtc0trSWR2Uk1ZWWUtRlQ2R2NWZ0ZMeGNsZ054TUhNOGxSVWpvcmtCS0xsTzRPY3ZrWnRoYy13YzhBczJ0NWlvR0wwTkVyclcyM3lDd1lxelprSHZvcHBLaG9LczlYNDg4dmltQzJfVDdxbmNGczVka3hsbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwfol.ly%2Fclub&v=12u5wtIOpUc">https://wfol.ly/club</a></p>


Are you drinking bad wine without knowing it? We sacrificed a $100 wine to show how leaving an open bottle on the counter for too long can change its taste.

But does that mean it’s bad for you? Resolve your fears about “open wine” by watching the video.

Take a wine course → [https://wfol.ly/YT-course](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUJURWxEMkF6bGhRaVpzMjg3TGN6UUllLVlQUXxBQ3Jtc0traXdJdFZ3Zm9BQWhDYUd0REFPcG50N0VPM0xtZm5UdTMtWklIQ0tNbEJyYmpHUGJNVDh5WXF6SkpNZnVGZTVOdDZoanNsNHY2b0JEUllsbEIxbW9idVo0Q09DbjRQU0Z0OHRmekpFRGMzMXZyVHhpTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwfol.ly%2FYT-course&v=12u5wtIOpUc)

In the US? Learn while you taste with Wine Folly Club → [https://wfol.ly/club](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVM1WVgwOWQteTA0Q3NUalRNc2pfWGpxLW02UXxBQ3Jtc0trSWR2Uk1ZWWUtRlQ2R2NWZ0ZMeGNsZ054TUhNOGxSVWpvcmtCS0xsTzRPY3ZrWnRoYy13YzhBczJ0NWlvR0wwTkVyclcyM3lDd1lxelprSHZvcHBLaG9LczlYNDg4dmltQzJfVDdxbmNGczVka3hsbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwfol.ly%2Fclub&v=12u5wtIOpUc)

Did I Kill a $100 Bottle of Wine?

<p>Ever wondered how sommeliers seem to magically identify a wine’s <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/">grape variety</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/regions/">region</a>, and even its vintage? The secret isn’t magic; it’s a simple four-step method anyone can learn. You don’t need years of practice or a fancy wine cellar to start; you just need a curious palate and an open mind. Here’s how to taste wine like a pro — no snobbery required.</p>
<h2 id="step-1-look">Step 1: Look</h2>
<p>Wine tasting starts <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-color-chart/">with your eyes</a>. Hold your glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine, then tilt it over a white background. Examine the color at the edge, known as the meniscus. For red wines, is it purple, ruby, or garnet? For whites, is it pale straw, yellow, or gold? These hues provide clues about the wine’s age, grape variety, and even its growing region.</p>
<p>Swirl the glass and observe the “<a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-legs/">legs</a>” or “tears” dripping down the side. This visual cue isn’t just pretty; it indicates the wine’s alcohol content, with slower, thicker legs pointing to higher levels. <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/warm-climate-vs-cool-climate-wine/">Warmer climates</a> often produce wines with more alcohol, so this can hint at the wine’s origin.</p>
<h2 id="step-2-smell">Step 2: Smell</h2>
<p>Next, dive into the <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-aroma-wheel-100-flavors/">aromas</a>. Swirl the wine to release its scents, then bring the glass to your nose. Use the “small to large” method: start by identifying broad categories like fruit or spice, then narrow it down to specifics, such as blackberry or cinnamon.</p>
<p>Red wines like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/">Pinot Noir</a> often showcase red fruit notes like raspberry, while deeper wines like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/syrah/">Syrah</a> lean toward blackberry and blueberry. Don’t stop at the fruit; look for floral notes, herbs, spices, or even earthy tones like mushroom or gravel. These layers reveal the wine’s complexity and origin.</p>
<h2 id="step-3-taste">Step 3: Taste</h2>
<p>Take a sip (about a teaspoon), swish it around, and breathe in gently through your mouth. This engages your retronasal senses, allowing you to “smell” the wine as you taste it.</p>
<p>Focus on four key traits:</p>
<p><strong>Sweetness:</strong> Is it <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-sweetness-chart/">bone-dry</a> or slightly sweet?</p>
<p><strong>Acidity:</strong> Does your <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/understanding-acidity-in-wine/">mouth water</a>? That’s good, it means the wine is balanced.</p>
<p><strong>Tannins:</strong> Feel the texture; is it <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-are-wine-tannins/">smooth or grippy</a>?</p>
<p><strong>Alcohol:</strong> A warming sensation at the back of your throat signals higher alcohol.</p>
<h2 id="step-4-think">Step 4: Think</h2>
<p>Now, assess. Is the wine balanced, with its sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol in harmony? How long does the finish linger? A long, pleasant aftertaste often signals quality.</p>
<p>With these steps, you’ll uncover a world of detail in every sip. Wine tasting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about exploration. So grab a glass and start your journey!</p>


How To Taste Wine Like a Pro (Without The Snob)

<p>France has long been <em>THE</em> global influencer in the wine industry. From Bordeaux to Burgundy, its wines have shaped how we drink and think about wine today. In fact, of the top ten grape varieties planted worldwide, seven — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Malbec — hail from France. Let’s explore the nine most famous French wines that continue to inspire winemakers globally and set the gold standard for excellence.</p>
<h2 id="the-classics-french-grapes-that-define-wine">The Classics: French Grapes That Define Wine</h2>
<h3 id="cabernet-sauvignon---bordeaux">Cabernet Sauvignon - Bordeaux</h3>
<p>Bordeaux’s <a href="https://bordeaux.guides.winefolly.com/regions/left-bank-medoc/">Left Bank</a> is the heartland of <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/">Cabernet Sauvignon</a>, thanks to its <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/introduction-soil-types-wine/">gravelly soils</a>. A well-made Bordeaux Cabernet boasts aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and subtle spices, with bold tannins perfect for aging. It’s a wine that epitomizes complexity and refinement, though quality often comes with a price tag.</p>
<h3 id="merlot---saint-émilion">Merlot - Saint-Émilion</h3>
<p><a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/merlot/">Merlot</a> finds its pinnacle in Saint-Émilion, where clay-limestone soils create velvety wines with plum, blackberry, and chocolate notes. Softer and more approachable than Cabernet, Merlot is the crowd-pleaser of French reds.</p>
<h3 id="chardonnay---three-styles">Chardonnay - Three Styles</h3>
<p>French <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/">Chardonnay</a> showcases its versatility across three iconic regions.
<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/chablis-wine-guide/"><strong>Chablis</strong></a>: Crisp, mineral-driven wines from limestone-rich soils. Think green apple and lemon zest — pure and unoaked.
<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/white-burgundy-tasting-pairing-and-french-chardonnay/"><strong>Meursault</strong></a>: Rich and creamy, with oak-aged notes of vanilla and butter from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune.
<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/wine-folly-handy-champagne-guide/"><strong>Champagne</strong></a>: The celebratory Blanc de Blancs style is sparkling Chardonnay at its finest.</p>
<h3 id="syrah---hermitage">Syrah - Hermitage</h3>
<p>Hermitage, nestled in the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/northern-rhone-wine-french-syrah/">Northern Rhône Valley</a>, is the pinnacle of <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/syrah/">Syrah</a>’s expression. The region’s granite soils produce wines of remarkable intensity, showcasing flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and black pepper, with a hint of smokiness. These wines are built to age, boasting firm tannins and vibrant acidity. Due to Hermitage’s small size and prestige, bottles can be pricey, but neighboring appellations like Saint-Joseph offer excellent Syrah at a more accessible cost.</p>
<h3 id="sauvignon-blanc---sancerre">Sauvignon Blanc - Sancerre</h3>
<p>Sancerre highlights <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/sauvignon-blanc/">Sauvignon Blanc</a>’s vibrant, zesty side in the <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/loire-valley-wine-guide/">Loire Valley</a>. With flavors of grapefruit, peach, and fresh-cut grass, it’s a refreshing classic.</p>
<h3 id="pinot-noir---burgundy">Pinot Noir - Burgundy</h3>
<p><a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/guide-to-burgundy-wine-with-maps/">Burgundy</a>’s Côte de Nuits is <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/">Pinot Noir</a>’s masterpiece, offering wines of elegance and depth with cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones.</p>
<h3 id="malbec---cahors">Malbec - Cahors</h3>
<p>Though now famous in Argentina, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/malbec/">Malbec</a>’s roots are in Cahors. Expect intense blackberry and smoky-earthy flavors, perfect with hearty meals.</p>
<h2 id="the-new-world-connection">The New World Connection</h2>
<p>French grapes don’t just dominate in France; they’ve conquered the New World. Countries like the <a href="https://winefolly.com/regions/">U.S., Australia, and Argentina</a> have built their wine industries on these varieties, adapting French styles to their unique terroirs. From <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/understanding-napa-cabernet/">California Cabernet</a> to <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/mendoza-malbec-vs-cahors-malbec/">Argentinian Malbec</a>, the influence is clear.</p>
<h2 id="a-paradigm-shift-in-wine">A Paradigm Shift in Wine</h2>
<p>While France’s influence is undeniable, a new wave is emerging. Winemakers worldwide are embracing lesser-known grapes like Portugal’s <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/touriga-nacional/">Touriga Nacional</a> and Italy’s <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/nero-davola/">Nero d’Avola</a>. It’s an exciting time to explore beyond the classics, though France remains the perfect starting point for understanding the world of wine.</p>


9 Most Famous French Wines

<p>Learning to pair wine with food is like solving a puzzle — once the pieces fit, everything clicks. But even the most seasoned wine enthusiasts encounter challenges, like notorious “unpairable” foods. At the top of that list? Brussels sprouts. This culinary conundrum set the stage for an adventurous pairing experiment, diving into the complexities of wine and one of the trickiest vegetables to match.</p>
<h2 id="whats-in-this-video">What’s In This Video?</h2>
<p>Brussels sprouts are often a polarizing vegetable, but when prepared correctly, they can transform into an irresistible side dish - yet are still notoriously tricky to pair with wine. Thankfully, a trip to Sebastopol’s Blue Ridge Kitchen and The Punchdown wine bar gave the perfect chance to experiment and uncover the secrets to pairing this veggie with wine.</p>
<p>At Blue Ridge Kitchen, Chef Matt, a fellow Brussels sprout enthusiast, prepares these little gems to perfection: caramelized in the fryer, seasoned with salt, brightened with lemon juice, and drizzled with a surprising pomegranate sauce. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors sparks the realization that these elements (<a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/understanding-acidity-in-wine/">acidity</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-pairing/food-and-wine-pairing-at-home/#">umami</a>, and <a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/wine-sweetness-chart/">sweetness</a>) could guide the search for the ideal wine pairing.</p>
<p>At The Punchdown, a natural wine bar known for its unconventional selections, the challenge comes to a head with an exploration of the “unsanctioned” world of <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/really-natural-wine/">natural wines</a>. With guidance from DC, one of the bar&#39;s knowledgeable wine experts, three contenders were chosen to pair with the Brussels sprouts:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><a href="https://winefolly.com/tips/3-wines-that-will-change-the-way-you-think-about/">Savagnin</a> – A lemony white with zesty, green notes.</p>
</li>
<li><p><a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/orange-wine/">Orange Wine</a> – Made from white grapes left on their skins, offering bold aromas and funky complexity.</p>
</li>
<li><p>“Tutti Fruity” – A slightly off-dry red with wild, fruity flavors.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>The tasting revealed some surprises. The orange wine, while aromatic, turned bitter against the sprouts’ sulfuric notes. The “Tutti Fruity” red, with its hint of sweetness, worked surprisingly well but needed more residual sugar to truly shine. The standout was the Savagnin. Its bright citrus notes complemented the sprouts’ lemon juice and umami richness, creating a harmonious pairing.</p>
<p>The experiment highlighted an exciting takeaway: a whole world of unconventional food and wine pairings is waiting to be explored. </p>
<h2 id="credits--shoutouts">Credits &amp; Shoutouts:</h2>
<p>Special thanks to Chef Matt at <a href="https://brkitchen.com">Blue Ridge Kitchen</a> for sharing his Brussels sprout recipe and DC at <a href="https://www.punchdownwine.com">The Punchdown</a> for guiding us through their selection of natural wines. </p>
<p>No wineries paid for placement in this video. If they did, then we’d be sure to let you know!</p>


Did I Kill a $100 Bottle of Wine?

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