The Ultimate Wine FAQ Sheet

Do you have some burning wine questions that need answering? We're here to help!

Let's get straight to the point. Let's dive right into the world of wine and answer all the random questions you might have about wine.

What does Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with?

Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent steak pairing. If you're having any red meat, pop open a bottle of Cabernet. This includes anything from a burger to lamb chops.

If your favorite wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, but you're not a big fan of heavy meat, try pairing your Cab with an excellent mushroom dish or an assortment of cheeses.

If you're having dessert, have something rich and chocolatey with your Cab.

Should I build a wine cellar?

Wine cellars can increase the value of your home. If you have the means and the room, a wine cellar is the best way to store a large number of wine bottles. From top sellers in the wine industry to mid-range wines you want to keep in a controlled environment, a wine cellar will keep all your wines happy.

They're perfect for controlling light, humidity, and temperature to protect your wines. They even protect your wines from vibrations that can alter their chemical balance.

If you're a wine connoisseur with the time, money, and space, a wine cellar doesn't seem like a bad idea. So, if you've been debating whether or not you need one, here's your sign.

What are the best wine pairings?

Wine pairings, wine pairings, wine pairings!

If you're anything like me, the drink you're having with dinner is just as important as the actual meal.

Here are some classic wine pairings that will elevate your meals":

• Cabernet Sauvignon - grilled steak/meats, chocolate
• Pinot Noir - stews, filet mignon, and meaty dishes
• Merlot - roasted chicken and grilled mushrooms
• Pinot Grigio - light salads, roasted chicken, light pasta/seafood dishes
• Chardonnay - creamy pasta/seafood dishes

Are wine bottles recyclable?

It depends on the state; however, in many states, wine bottles are recyclable.

Wine bottles have recently become recyclable in California as of the new year.

There are many ways to reuse wine bottles. Wine bottles can be great for candle making, gardening, and painting. They're the perfect way to get creative.

Can wine go bad?

There are two answers to this question.

The technical answer is yes if we're talking about an open bottle of wine. Once your wine bottle is open, you'll want to re-cork it and place it back in the fridge. An open wine bottle should only be in the refrigerator for two to five days. However, it all depends on the type of wine you're dealing with. A Chardonnay will last longer than a Pinot Noir.

The answer is different if we're talking about an unopened bottle of wine. Technically, wine can expire (refer to question/answer below).

Can wine expire?

Yes, wines do expire, but not in the same way as milk. After a while, wines begin to lose their character.

While labels and corks usually tell you when your wine expires, sometimes it's hard to tell.

It all depends on the bottle. Finer wines can be aged longer and keep their distinctive features. White wine typically doesn't last as long as red wine, but you could probably still drink it well after its expiration date, and it would be fine.

While white wines might be fine a year or two after the labeled expiration date, red wine is usually good for two to three past the labeled date. It all varies.

When was wine invented?

Many sources have different answers when it comes to the invention of wine. Some sources say that wine dates back to 6000 BC. Others say it could have been up to 1000 years before that.

History shows that China, Armenia, and Georgia are among the earliest to show when wine was invented.Can wine get you drunk?

In short, yes. You can certainly get drunk from drinking wine. Some wines have higher alcohol content than others.

Can wine get you drunk?

In short, yes. You can undoubtedly get drunk from drinking wine. Some wines have higher alcohol content than others.

Which wine is sweeter?

It all depends on the grapes; in this case, the Muscat grapes are among the sweetest grape varietals, making Moscato the sweetest of all wines.

If you want a sweet red, ports tend to be the sweetest.

Will wine explode in the freezer?

Yes, wine can freeze, and certain wines can explode in the freezer.

You should not leave your wine out of the freezer for many reasons. Be very careful if you put sparkling wine in the freezer; it can explode.

To chill your wines, pop them in the freezer for 20 minutes. That will do the trick, and you'll avoid any accidents.

Which wine has the least amount of sugar?

The drier the wine, the less sugar it has. So, if you're looking for a wine with less sugar, get your dry wines out.

Of course, it always depends on the specific brand and bottle, but typically, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot have lower amounts of sugar than other red wines.

In terms of champagne, an extra brut champagne will have significantly less sugar than a doux champagne.

So, if you're looking for something with low sugar, the drier the wine, the better.

Which wine has the highest alcohol content?

Of all the wines, fortified wines tend to have the highest alcohol content.

Fortified wines include a distilled spirit. When considering fortified wines, consider Sherry, Port, Moscatel, Marsala, and Madeira.

Where does the best wine come from?

The best wines come from all over the world, and you'll notice that many revered wines come from all over.

Napa Valley is known worldwide as one of the best wine producers. But we must mention widely known places like France, Italy, and Australia.

Many people argue that France is the very best. After all, Bordeaux is the wine capital of the world.

What does it mean when someone says a wine has legs?

If you find that your wine has legs, that means it has a higher alcohol content and will be richer in texture. Most often, a wine with legs will also have a full body.

If you're wondering how to tell if your wine has legs, gently tip your glass and coat the sides with wine. When you lift your glass upright again, "long droplets" that look like vertical lines going down your glass will form.

Which wines do you chill?

We all know someone who loves throwing a few ice cubes into their red wine, but which wines are meant to be chilled?

White wine, sparkling wine, and rosé are the chill wines. Chilling your wines will bring out the flavors more than a room-temperature wine.

The lighter and fruitier the wine, the better it will taste if chilled.

If you like drinking chilled red wine, lean towards lighter reds, like Pinot Noir and Grenache.

Can wines be mixed?

Wines work incredibly well when mixed with other ingredients. Sangria is a popular example of a successful wine mix that makes for a delicious beverage. All it takes is some bright, fresh fruit, orange juice, brandy, and a wine of your choosing, and you have yourself a delicious wine mixture that's bound to have all of your guests wanting seconds.

You could also make some fun, simple drinks with wine using soda, fruit juices, or ginger beer. Depending on the wine, it tends to be pretty forgiving, so get creative.

Are wines vegan?

You'll be surprised to hear that not all wines are vegan.

But what could be in wine that makes it not vegan?

Casein, chitin, gelatin, isinglass, and other non-vegan ingredients can be found in several different wines. The best way to determine if your wine is vegan is to check a wine brand's website for ingredients.

What wine goes with pizza?

Wine pairs well with various dishes, but pizza and wine are like two peas in a pod.

If you're having a meaty pizza, red wine is the best for the occasion. You can't go wrong with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti.

If you're having a Margherita pizza or a classic cheese pizza, dry Rosé is a great pairing. You can also opt for a Pinot Grigio.

Are wine aerators worth it?

The purpose of a wine aerator is to enhance the flavors in a wine by exposing it to oxygen. For the wine enthusiast or wine sommelier, a wine aerator brings out those different notes and flavors. The different fruits really shine through after a wine has been aerated.

If you feel your wine game needs revitalizing, grab an aerator and see the differences for yourself!

Where can I find a wide selection of wines?

At NapaCabs.com, you'll find a wide selection of wines to choose from. Whether you're looking for red, white, sparkling, or rosé, you're bound to find the perfect wine for you.

Alongside the wine selection, NapaCabs.com carries a vast assortment of liquor, beer, and more.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the NapaCabs team.