Knowledge base

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.

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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Keto Friendly Wine: Understanding Wine Options on a Keto Diet

Can I drink wine on keto? Which wines are keto-friendly? How does alcohol affect ketosis? These are just a few of the impassioned questions you're probably asking yourself now that you've decided to give the keto diet a chance. You don't have to give up on your favorite drink, but there are some new rules to follow.

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Dessert Wine Guide: Dessert Wine Types & Pairings

There is a place and time for dessert wine and it can be more versatile than you might realize. To that end, allow us to give you a little background on dessert wine and how it's different from other types of wines. We'll also provide a handy list of dessert wines along with some tantalizing food pairings.

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Calories in Wine: How to Indulge Without Ruining Your Health Goals

You don’t have to forego your favorite rosé or red simply because wine has calories. There are several factors that affect the amount of calories in wine. By making smart choices, you can still enjoy wine without ruining your health goals. Here, we’ll break down how many calories there are in different types of wine.

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Your Complete Guide to Cooking Wine vs. Regular Wine

Wine and food pairing has been practically elevated to an art form. But when you talk about cooking with wine, that's where things get a little fuzzy. In this guide, you'll learn all about cooking wine, including what it is, how it compares to regular drinking wine, and which types of wine to choose for your recipe.

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Best Types of Red Wine: A Guide to Choosing the Best Red Wine Types

From almonds and berry fruits to cherry-like and velvety, there’s a red wine out there for you. Here, we’ll break down the best red wines and help you choose the ones you’ll like most based on your preferences. From velvety Cabernets to punchy Sangiovese wines, we'll help you find the perfect red.

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Fortified Wine: Diving into the Types of Fortified Wines

To satisfy your curiosity and help you develop an even deeper appreciation for wine, this guide will fill you in on everything you need to know about fortified wine, including how it's made and why. You'll also learn about the most popular varieties and the best way to pair them so you can fortify your own wine game.

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What is Biodynamic Wine? Insights into Biodynamic Grapes and Winemaking

In this guide to biodynamic wine, we'll decipher the basics of this esoteric-sounding wine as well as some nitty-gritty details that might make you scratch your head before grabbing a bottle. We'll also compare it to organic wine and natural wine and offer the bottom line on whether this type of wine is better for you — and the planet. 

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How to Open a Wine Bottle (Even If You Don’t Have a Corkscrew)

Popping a cork takes a lot more skill than twisting off a beer bottle cap. To prevent potential mishaps, we’ve created this guide that will take you through the step-by-step process of how to open a wine bottle, with or without a corkscrew.

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Wine Terminology: Wine Terms to Help You Sound Like an Expert

Don't know your Chardonnay from your Champagne? Not sure what mouthfeel really means or what wine legs are all about? Whether you’re a curious novice or seasoned aficionado, this glossary of wine terms will help you better understand and appreciate the wide world of wine.

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Does Wine Have Sulfites? Unraveling the Presence of Sulfites in Wines

Does wine without sulfites exist? And is this type of wine better for your health? This guide will clue you into everything you need to know about sulfites so you can make an informed decision before picking your next bottle of wine.

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Natural Wine vs Regular: The Making and Characteristics of Natural Wines

As more people look for sustainable, chemical-free products, it’s no surprise that natural wine has entered the spotlight. Find out what exactly qualifies wine as natural, how it's different from conventional wine, and how to pick one that's right for you.

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