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Family of Friends Newsletter

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Intro to Pinot Noir

What is Pinot Noir? Your Introduction to a Beloved Red Wine

By Averi Melcher | January 31, 2021

Ah, Pinot Noir. With a subtle fruit taste and an array of other delightful flavors rolled into a lovely ruby-colored glass of wine, it is truly a varietal fit for almost any occasion. In fact, it’s known as the world’s most popular light-bodied red wine and it happens to be the most popular wine we make here at Halleck Vineyard.

So, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already heard of or tasted it.

But what is Pinot Noir exactly?…

Chardonnay vs Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay vs Pinot Grigio vs Sauvignon Blanc: Finding the Best White Wine for You

By Averi Melcher | January 24, 2021

Do you know the difference between Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc? 

How about what makes oaked wine taste different from unoaked wine? 

Do either of these questions feel like reading a foreign language? 

It will all make sense with this short read. It can be difficult to pick out the nuances between different white wine varieties and to understand the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) differences between them.

Whether you’re new to the world of wine, or an enthusiast expanding your knowledge,…

Is Sauvignon Blanc Sweet? Unpacking This Diverse White Wine 

By Averi Melcher | January 3, 2021

Everyone has different wine preferences. Some people like their wine bone dry, and others like a luscious sweetness to their drink. While trying to track down the perfect white wine, you may find yourself wondering: “Is Sauvignon Blanc sweet?” We’re here to offer an answer. 

Whether you like sweet white wine, semi-sweet white wine, or completely dry white wine, there is a Sauvignon Blanc for you. While traditionally dry, Sauvignon Blanc wine can be created with a whole range of sweetness.…

The Wine Lover’s Guide to Sauvignon Blanc Wine: Tasting Notes, Calories, Pairings and More 

By Lenzil Hoaglund | December 28, 2020

When it comes to a refreshing glass of white wine, Sauvignon Blanc simply can’t be beat. Sauvignon Blanc wine is one of the most popular white wines in the USA for a reason. One can compare Pinot Grigio vs. Sauvignon Blanc. But, Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, fruity, complex, affordable, easy to drink, and extremely versatile in food pairing. 

Where did Sauvignon Blanc come from, and what makes it so distinct? Does Sauvignon Blancs taste different depending on where they are made?…

5 Tips for Planning a Great Virtual Wine Tasting with Friends and Family 

By Averi Melcher | December 27, 2020

Zoom isn’t just for business meetings and online classes – did you know you can even enjoy a wine tasting over this handy little app? That’s right, you can enjoy delicious wines from the comfort of your home with a virtual wine tasting. 

A virtual wine tasting is a fantastic gift for a business partner or friend, and it can make a super fun experience for the family – or for a fun date night!…

Is Rose Wine Sweet? (Rosé Wine Sweetness Chart)

By Averi Melcher | December 27, 2020

Is Rose wine sweet? The truth is, that depends. Rosé wine can be sweet or dry depending on the production method used. With the wide variation of styles and methods, finding the perfect dry or sweet pink wine for your fancy meal is a piece of cake. Learn about the range of options for making Rosé wine with our grape selection chart.

Rosé wine is as equally misunderstood as it is popular. We’ve seen plenty of charts breaking down the nuances in notes,…

15 Delicious Gewürztraminer Food Pairings 

By Averi Melcher | December 6, 2020

Gewürztraminer pairings are perfect for summer salads to holiday feasts that work year round. This alluringly aromatic white wine can be sweet or dry, and offers something for white and red wine drinkers alike to enjoy. Best yet, from brunch to dinner to dessert, you can always find a great Gewürztraminer pairing. 

This is not to say that everything pairs well with Gewürztraminer. Dry Gewürztraminer wine is actually quite complex. With strong exotic aromas of lychee and rose petals,…

Gewürztraminer vs Riesling: A Complete Comparison

By Averi Melcher | December 6, 2020

There is so much more to the world of white wine than a dry Chardonnay or a grassy Sauv Blanc. And many delectable white wines can turn even the most dedicated red wine drinkers away from the dark side. Especially those white wines that are complex, delightful, and pull their weight against heavy meat dishes, spicy curries, and sweet desserts.

In this example, we’re talking about Gewürztraminer and Riesling. 

Or rather,…

Gewürztraminer Wine: An Unexpected White Wine You Need to Try

By Averi Melcher | December 2, 2020

The white wine, Gewürztraminer, may be difficult to pronounce, but it’s incredibly easy to drink. 

Gewürztraminer, pronounced “ga-VERTZ-trah-mee-ner,” could most assuredly be identified in a blind taste test before anyone even took a sip. A truly sensual experience, Gewürztraminer is a white wine that makes itself known with unignorable, bold, tropical aromas. 

While Gewürztraminer might be identifiable on first sniff, many people have never heard of it. This is a shame,…

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