Gossip Guides
Wine, explained plainly: when to drink what you own, what bottles should cost, and how to tell the difference. Written by Chris Stang — co-founder of The Infatuation, co-author of How To Drink Wine.
Wine Vintage Charts: Every Region, Every Year
All eight charts on one page — which years to open now, which to wait on, Barolo to Napa.
When To Drink Rioja: The Label Already Told You
Rioja is the only major region whose label tells you when to drink it. What Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva actually mean, vintage by vintage — and why Gran Reserva is the best deal in aged wine.
When To Drink Napa Cabernet: A Vintage-by-Vintage Guide
The honest answer to when your Napa Cab is ready, vintage by vintage — including the smoke years, the cult bottles, and why price doesn't buy aging potential in Napa.
When To Drink Brunello di Montalcino: A Vintage-by-Vintage Guide
The honest answer to when your Brunello is ready, vintage by vintage. Which years to open tonight, which to leave alone, and how to tell the difference.
When To Drink White Burgundy (Sooner Than You Think)
White Burgundy runs on a shorter clock than the mythology says. The honest answer, vintage by vintage — plus why Chablis is the exception and what "premox" means for your bottles.
When To Drink Bordeaux: A Vintage-by-Vintage Answer
The honest answer to when your Bordeaux is ready, vintage by vintage. Which years to open tonight, which to leave alone, and how to tell the difference.
When To Drink Champagne (Including the Bottle You're Saving)
Does Champagne age? The honest answer for the bottle in your fridge, vintage by vintage — what to open now, what to keep, and how long it really lasts.
When to Drink Red Burgundy: A Vintage-by-Vintage Answer
The honest answer to when your red Burgundy is ready, vintage by vintage. Which years to open tonight, which to leave alone, and how to tell the difference.
When to Drink Barolo: A Vintage-by-Vintage Answer
The honest answer to when your Barolo is ready, vintage by vintage. Which years to open tonight, which to leave alone, and how to tell the difference.
A letter about wine, once a week
Written by Chris. One bottle or one idea, no roundup.