New vs. Neutral vs. No Oak: How White Wines Find Their Style
Confused by oaky Chardonnay vs zesty steel-aged whites? Learn how new oak, neutral oak, and no oak shape white wine styles so you can buy smarter.
Tag Wine Spectator
Read MoreNew vs. Neutral vs. No Oak: How White Wines Find Their Style
New, Neutral, or No Oak? How White Wines Find Their Balance Today
Confused about oak in white wines? We decode new vs. neutral vs. no oak, with grapes, styles, and buying cues—straight from Dr. Vinny’s guidance.
Red Wines and Oak Aging: New vs Neutral vs No Oak Explained Clearly
Confused about oak in red wine? Here’s how new, neutral and no oak shape flavor, tannin and texture—plus what to buy, chill, and pair tonight.
Red Wines and Oak: New vs. Neutral vs. Unoaked, Explained for Drinkers
Confused about oak in red wine? We break down new vs. neutral vs. unoaked, with grapes, regions, style cues, and pairing tips inspired by Dr. Vinny.
Open Wine Without a Corkscrew: Safe Methods That Actually Work
No corkscrew? Open wine safely with a shoe, heat, or kitchen tools. Practical tips, real risks to avoid, and when to skip the hack entirely.
No Corkscrew? Dr. Vinny’s Safe Hacks for Opening Wine Anywhere
Lost the corkscrew? Dr. Vinny shares safe, practical ways to open wine anywhere—plus my tips for storage, preservation, and cleanup.
Same Score, Different Price: Decoding Wine Value and Blind Tasting
Why $40 and $750 wines can share a 94. Blind tasting levels the field; style and scarcity set prices. Learn how to buy smarter by preference. Buy with confidence.
When 94 Points Costs $40 or $750: Blind Tasting Explained for Buyers
Why a $40 and $750 wine can both score 94. Wine Spectator’s blind tasting, peer groups, and quality vs. style—plus buying tips, occasions, pairings.
Restaurant Wine Etiquette: Should You Taste the Sample Pour?
Unsure about tasting that sample pour? Here’s why servers present the bottle, when it’s fine to skip the sip, and how to ask for a somm check.
Restaurant Wine Etiquette: Sample Pour, Sniff, Trust the Somm
Do you have to approve the sample pour? Dr. Vinny says sniff for flaws, trust the somm, and stay relaxed. Here's how to handle it like a pro.
Best Wines for Lobster: Chardonnay, Champagne, Rosé + Light Reds
Planning lobster night? Dr. Vinny’s playbook: Chardonnay, Chablis, Sauv Blanc, Champagne, rosé, plus light reds—with style cues, occasions, and pairing direction.
Holiday Lobster Pairings: Chardonnay, Chablis, Champagne + Rosé
Cracking the lobster-and-wine code: from creamy California Chardonnay to steely Chablis, Champagne, Viognier, and light reds. Smart, festive pairing tips inside.