knowledge base — knowledge

Knowledge Base is a collection of thoughtful and unique stories and tidbits that celebrate wine.

Whether you're just getting started or are a wine aficionado, this is your destination for knowledge. Published by Usual, a lifestyle brand designing and creating thoughtful and delicious wines and beverages, Knowledge Base celebrates indulging yourself with information and a glass of wine, whenever, wherever, and however you want.

Wine Grape Varieties: A Beginner’s Guide to 24 Popular Wine Grapes

We all know that wine comes from grapevines, but do you know which ones? In this beginner’s guide to wine grapes, we break down 24 of the most popular wine grapes every wine lover should know.

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What is Zinfandel Wine: Exploring & Serving Zinfandel Wine Correctly

Whether you're making plans for a special occasion or simply want to upgrade your weeknight game plan, it's hard to miss with a glass of Zinfandel wine. While this popular wine is practically synonymous with California, it's actually a Croatian original that has been around for centuries.

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Wine Appellation: Exploring the Meaning of AOC Wine

Wine appellation is a historic labelling system which tells the consumer about wine before they drink it. It reveals some of the lesser known workings of the wine industry and can help you understand which wines to choose.

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Gewurztraminer Wine: Exploring the Unique Gewurztraminer Grape and Its Characteristics

While not the most typical choice, Gewurztraminer wine is still grown all over the world. It’s moved beyond its classic home of Alsace, France to wine regions like New Zealand and Ohio. This tricky little grape still stands its ground in the aromatic wine category. And, along with Moscato wine, we think it may be ready for a comeback.

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Moscato Wine: Unveiling the Delights of Moscato White and Red Wines

Whether you’re looking for the perfect aperitif with your dessert, are planning a long brunch date and want something with low alcohol, or simply can’t get enough of fruity flavors, Moscato wine might just be the ideal match for you.

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Wine Rack Hacks: Creating Your Own Homemade Wine Holders

As a wine lover, you know that proper wine storage is essential for keeping your wine bottles from going bad. But if you don't have the space for a wine cellar or wine fridge, then it's time to get crafty with a DIY wine rack.

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Wine Sediment: Unveiling the Facts About Sediment in Wine

Although it may look nasty, sediment in wine is completely natural and mainly made up of organic matter, such as seeds and grape skins. Wine sediment is also made up of dead yeast, referred to as lees in the winemaking world. They are completely harmless and, in fact, add body and flavor to the wine.

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How to Quickly Chill Wine: 8 Hacks for How To Chill Wine Fast

There are so many methods that you can follow on how to quickly chill wine — some of which are helpful and others that are better off ignoring. No matter what type of wine you're serving, with the right method, you can get it chilled in a hurry.

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Sparkling Rose Wine: Savoring the Bubbly Rose Wine Experience

It’s no wonder the world seems to have fallen in love with sparkling rosé. Boasting a host of wonderful fruity flavors and with plenty of varieties to choose from, there’s bound to be a bottle to suit your tastes.

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Do You Refrigerate Wine? How to Properly Store and Serve Wine

Do you refrigerate wine? In a word, yes. But there are a few details to keep in mind. Along with properly storing wine (on its side in a cool, dark place), you must take into account the type of wine you're chilling.

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Proper Wine Storage: How Do You Store Wine Correctly?

The first thing you should know about how to store wine is re-corking it properly. Creating a tight seal on your bottle is a must, so make sure you keep hold of that cork. This will ensure your wine stays as lovely as when you first opened it.

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Marsala Wine: Understanding What Makes Marsala Wine So Special

When it comes to cooking wine, it doesn't get more iconic than Marsala wine. Marsala is produced with the addition of a distilled spirit that gives it a higher alcohol content and longer shelf life. It's also a distinctive wine — it's classified by color and age and can be made with white or red grapes.

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