<p>It&#39;s possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little <a href="https://winefolly.com/courses/" title="Wine Folly Online Courses">wine education</a> goes a long way. </p>



It's possible to find good cheap wines armed with sommelier skills. Madeline Puckette shows us how to drink well on a budget at Trader Joes.  Turns out, a little [wine education](https://winefolly.com/courses/ "Wine Folly Online Courses") goes a long way. 

On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine 

<p>Just two grapes — Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — have shaped centuries of winemaking, quality classifications, and collector’s cellars. In this video, we’ll learn why Burgundy is the most revered wine region in the world.</p>
<h2 id="the-grapes-of-burgundy">The Grapes of Burgundy</h2>
<p>Burgundy is synonymous with two grape varieties: <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/">Chardonnay</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/">Pinot Noir</a>. These grapes dominate the region, representing the heart of Burgundy’s wine production. However, there are other lesser-known grapes grown here, including <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/aligote/">Aligoté</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-gris/">Pinot Gris</a>, and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/gamay/">Gamay</a>. While these varieties are rare, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir has made Burgundy a benchmark in fine wine.</p>
<h2 id="a-historical-legacy-the-cistercian-monks">A Historical Legacy: The Cistercian Monks</h2>
<p>Burgundy’s obsession with wine quality can be traced back to the Cistercian monks, who began cultivating the land in 1098. These monks perfected winemaking techniques over centuries, shaping the region’s vineyards and creating a legacy that influences Burgundy’s wine industry to this day.</p>
<h2 id="understanding-burgundys-classification-system">Understanding Burgundy’s Classification System</h2>
<p>Burgundy’s wines are classified into four quality tiers: Regional Wines, Village Appellations, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. The <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-is-aoc-wine/">classification system</a> is based on the idea of ‘climats,’ or individual vineyard plots, which have been recognized for their unique growing conditions. </p>
<h2 id="exploring-burgundys-key-regions">Exploring Burgundy’s Key Regions</h2>
<p>Burgundy is divided into several <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/guide-to-burgundy-wine-with-maps/">distinct subregions</a>, each offering a unique expression of its grapes. From the prestigious Côte d’Or, home to the world’s most expensive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, to Chablis’s cooler, crisp wines, every area adds its own nuance to Burgundy’s wine culture. We also explore lesser-known regions like Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais, which provide exceptional value without the grand cru price tags.</p>
<h2 id="the-importance-of-vintages-in-burgundy">The Importance of Vintages in Burgundy</h2>
<p>Vintage matters in Burgundy more than almost anywhere else in the wine world. Weather conditions like frosts, rain, and heat spikes affect each year’s harvest, leading to <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/wine-vintages-and-why-they-matter/">varying wine qualities</a>. Learn how to identify the best vintages and why even lesser-known years can offer incredible value when choosing Burgundy wines.</p>
<h2 id="burgundys-secret">Burgundy’s Secret</h2>
<p>Burgundy’s magic doesn’t lie solely in its historic vineyards or famous grapes — it’s the passion of the people who cultivate the land. Subtle and elegant, Burgundy wines reflect a deep respect for tradition and quality. As you watch this video, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this timeless region and its contribution to the world of fine wine.</p>
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Wine Folly Guide to Burgundy

<p>The Southern Rhône is world-famous for its iconic <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/rhone-gsm-blend/">GSM blends</a>, combining <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/grenache/">Grenache</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/syrah/">Syrah</a>, and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/monastrell-mourvedre/">Mourvèdre</a> to create rich, flavorful red wines. But what happens when you strip it down to just two of these powerhouses — Grenache and Syrah? Enter the 2020 Anne Pichon Sauvage from Ventoux, a wine that shakes up expectations and redefines what you think you know about Southern Rhône reds.</p>
<h2 id="the-magic-of-ventoux">The Magic of Ventoux</h2>
<p>First, let’s talk terroir. This wine hails from Mont Ventoux, a majestic peak that’s more than just a pretty backdrop. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (aka a learning place for sustainable development) with vineyards perched on its southwest slopes, basking in the warm Mediterranean sun by day and cooling down with brisk nighttime temperatures. This perfect mix gives the wine its incredible balance. Plus, Mont Ventoux sits at a much higher elevation than its famous neighbor, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-chateauneuf-du-pape-wine-and-more/">Châteauneuf-du-Pape</a>. What does that mean? Cooler conditions and a unique spin on the Southern Rhône profile.</p>
<p>Now, let’s get into the grapes. Syrah and Grenache are the dynamic duo here, each bringing something special to the table. Grenache is the life of the party, adding body, suppleness, and a burst of red fruit flavors — think juicy raspberries with a spicy cocoa twist. Syrah, on the other hand, is all about intensity. It delivers deep black fruit flavors, a ton of color, and that signature black pepper spice that makes you want to reach for a perfectly grilled steak.</p>
<p>The 2020 Anne Pichon Sauvage is a biodynamic beauty that takes everything you love about Rhône wines and turns it up a notch. Thanks to the fierce Mistral wind that roars through the Rhône Valley, the vines stay cool, the acidity stays fresh, and the grapes remain disease-free — allowing for organic and biodynamic practices. This wind isn’t just a breeze; it’s a game-changer, helping to create wines with unexpected freshness and vibrancy.</p>
<p>The wine’s deep ruby-purple color is a telltale sign of Syrah’s influence. On the nose, it’s a sensory explosion: dried blackberry, olive, and scorched earth, with a sweet, maple syrup-like aroma (don’t worry, it’s not actually sweet). This is a full-bodied red with firm tannins, bright acidity, and that unmistakable black pepper kick on the palate.</p>
<h2 id="wines-like-this">Wines Like This</h2>
<p>This Grenache-Syrah blend is a must-try for those who crave something different but still love the Rhône’s classic flavors. And if you’re eager to explore more, check out Grenache and Syrah blends from regions like <a href="https://paso.guides.winefolly.com">Paso Robles</a>, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/languedoc-roussillon-wine-region/">Roussillon</a>, or even <a href="https://winefolly.com/wines/priorat/">Priorat</a> in Spain (where Grenache goes by Garnacha). </p>
<p>As usual, this wine is part of Wine Folly Club. Join Wine Folly club → <a href="https://wfol.ly/club">https://wfol.ly/club</a></p>
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Southern Rhône's Ultimate Grape Duo

<p>If you think wine is just fermented grape juice, think again. The world of wine is as deep as you’re willing to explore, and it can reveal things you never knew about yourself. Here are six intriguing facts that will change how you think about wine and maybe even inspire a little self-discovery.</p>
<h2 id="1-wine-didnt-originate-in-france-or-italy">1. Wine Didn’t Originate in France… or Italy!</h2>
<p>Many people believe wine originated in Western Europe, largely because countries like <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/spain/" title="Get To Know The Wines of Spain">Spain,</a> <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/france/" title="Get To Know The Wines of France">France,</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/wine-regions/italy/" title="Get To Know The Wines of Italy">Italy</a> have the most land dedicated to wine grape cultivation. </p>
<p>France, in particular, is considered the most influential wine country, home to many of the world&#39;s top wine grapes, like <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/" title="Cabernet Sauvignon">Cabernet Sauvignon,</a> <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/merlot/" title="Merlot">Merlot,</a> and <a href="https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/" title="Chardonnay">Chardonnay.</a> </p>
<p>However, wine&#39;s roots go much deeper. The earliest evidence of wine production dates back to around 8,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, specifically in regions of modern-day Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Turkey. In Armenia, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/where-did-wine-come-from/" title="Where Did Wine Come From?">archaeologists discovered a cave winery</a> from 4100 BC, highlighting wine’s ancient origins far beyond Europe’s borders.</p>
<h2 id="2-red-grapes-came-first">2. Red Grapes Came First</h2>
<p>If you’re a red wine lover, you’ll be pleased to know that black (red) grapes came before white grapes. Wine grapes come in various colors like green, yellowish-bronze, purple, and black, all influenced by just two genes in grape DNA. </p>
<p>Over thousands of years, natural mutations and human cultivation have led to the diverse range of wine varieties we enjoy today. For example, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/big-secret-pinot/" title="The Big Secret About Pinot">all share the same base DNA,</a> showing how small genetic changes create significant diversity.</p>
<h2 id="3-red-wines-health-benefits-dont-come-from-alcohol">3. Red Wine’s Health Benefits Don’t Come From Alcohol</h2>
<p>Many studies suggest red wine has various health benefits, such as raising good cholesterol (HDL), reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) oxidation, and even potentially inhibiting cancer cells. However, these benefits aren’t due to alcohol. </p>
<p>The healthy compounds in wine come from polyphenols found in grape skins and seeds—like resveratrol, catechin, and quercetin—which provide wine’s color, aroma, and flavor. You can find these compounds in other non-alcoholic products, too, such as grape seed oil, juice and creams.</p>
<h2 id="4-tannin-levels-vary-greatly-in-wines">4. Tannin Levels Vary Greatly in Wines</h2>
<p>Tannins, <a href="https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/what-are-wine-tannins/" title="What Are Wine Tannins?">a type of polyphenol,</a> give wine its structure and help it age well. However, not all wines are equally tannic. </p>
<p>For example, Gamay (often found in Beaujolais) has lower tannin levels with about 1100 mg/L of polyphenols, while Cabernet Sauvignon ranges from 1700 to 3000 mg/L. High-tannin wines like Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional, and Tannat can reach up to 4000 mg/L, providing the substructure needed for graceful aging. </p>
<p>So, if you’ve ever experienced the mouth-drying sensation from red wine, it’s likely the tannins at work!</p>
<h2 id="5-red-wines-get-lighter-as-they-age">5. Red Wines Get Lighter as They Age</h2>
<p>As red wines age, they lose color intensity, transitioning from deep purple to medium tawny over several decades. </p>
<p>White wines, on the other hand, darken as they age, moving from pale straw to deep gold and eventually to brown. </p>
<p>The color shift accompanies changes in flavor, as tannins soften and fruit flavors evolve from fresh to dried.</p>
<h2 id="6-the-aromas-in-wine-are-real">6. The Aromas in Wine Are Real</h2>
<p>The aromatic compounds in wine, like rotundone in Syrah and monoterpenes in Moscato, are found in other things as well, such as black pepper and roses. These real, identifiable aromas make wine tasting a multisensory experience and show there’s always more to uncover in every glass.</p>
<p>Wine is not just a beverage; it’s a journey. Whether you&#39;re exploring its history, savoring its flavors, or appreciating its health benefits, there’s always something new to learn. So next time you pour a glass, take a moment to explore its complexities. Happy tasting!</p>


On The Hunt For Good Cheap Red Wine

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