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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.
A Short Guide to Wine Acidity: Is Wine Acidic?
Acidity is an essential component of winemaking. While this might seem obvious when tasting sharp white wines, it may seem unlikely for a robust red. However, acid occurs in all types of wine. Learn about the role of acidity in wine and how to choose a bottle based on your acidity preference.
Au Naturel: A Beginner’s Guide to Natural Wine
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.
All About Brut Wine: Your Beginner’s Guide to This Bubbly Wine
Not sure if you know what brut wine is all about? Not to worry. This handy guide answer some of the most common questions about brut, including what it is, how it’s made, how to serve it, and which foods are best for pairing with this scintillating wine.
From Grapes to Glass: An Essential Guide to Viniculture
While you likely know some basics about wine, you might rarely consider the fascinating intricacies of winemaking. But behind every bottle is a story. Viniculture is the journey from grapes to glass, and it’s far from short and simple — it’s a lengthy process that encompasses both art and science.
What Is Rosé Wine? Learn the Basics of Your Favorite Pink Drink
From its pretty pink hue to its refreshing taste, rosé has become the “it” wine over the last several years. But despite being a social media star, many people still don't know what rosé is, or where it comes from. Get the full story of this popular pink drink before taking your next sip.
Does It Really Matter What Types of Wine Glasses You Have?
While you can drink wine out of anything, to fully experience and taste your wine, you may want to invest in a variety of wine glasses. Discover why glassware matters and the different types of wine glasses to use for your next sip.
How Wine Is Made: Everything You Need to Know About Winemaking
Learn the five essential steps of how wine is made, including how the grapes are harvested, the difference between making red wine and white wine, and why understanding the process will help you appreciate your next bottle of vino.
Swirl, Sniff, Sip: How to Drink Wine Like an Expert
Navigating the vast world of wine drinking can be daunting for new wine drinkers. But all you really need to drink wine properly is a curiosity and eagerness to try new things. With that in mind, consider this your guide on how to drink wine like a pro.
The Myths and Facts About Wine Legs
Many wine lovers swear that wine legs are a significant feature of wine, but we’re here to burst that bubble. There are certain wine myths that refuse to die, and wine legs is one of them. It's time to put those rumors to rest and get the truth about wine legs.
Wine and Cheese Pairing Made Simple
When it comes to wine pairing, the best way to discover what works is to experiment and let your taste buds take the lead. That said, it helps to have a little direction. To help you on your way, here are some basic guidelines for creating the perfect wine and cheese pairings.
Red vs. White Wine: Which Is the Best Choice for You?
In the battle of red vs. white wine, which one reigns supreme? While there's not a single answer, there are some key qualities you should know about each type of wine to help you make the best choice for your taste.
Organic Wine: A Step Beyond Convention
This guide breaks down the details about organic wine versus conventional wine, how organic production affects the final product, and how to find fairly-priced organic wine you’ll love. (Hint: It’s easier than you think.)
An Easy-to-Digest Guide to Pairing Wine Like a Pro
The simple goal of wine pairing is to make food and wine taste better than they would on their own. The following tips will acquaint you with some pairing basics, how food affects the taste of wine, and what makes for great wine pairings.
Sugar-Free Wine: How to Cut Down on Sugar Without Cutting Down on Wine
Could sugar-free wine be the answer to lowering your sugar intake? The answer is yes. Discover the world of low-sugar wine, including how to find it, what its benefits are, and why it’s best to avoid unnaturally sugary wines.
Sip Sip Hooray: The Ultimate Wine Tasting Party Guide
As a wine lover, hosting a wine tasting party is one of the more creative ways to share your passion with friends, try new wines, and improve your palate. Use this guide to learn how to create a fun and memorable experience.
Wine Temperature: The Ideal Temperature to Store and Serve Wine
Drinking wine is about enjoying yourself, not following rules. However, when it comes to wine temperature, some rules do apply. Here are a few golden tips and tricks that can really make your favorite bottle pop.
The 3 Types of Wine Every Wine Lover Must Know
Choosing wine can be daunting. That’s why we’ve created this beginner’s guide to wine types. Join us as we guide you through three of the most common types of wine, so you can make the best choice to suit your taste.
Everything You Need to Know About Tannins in Wine
For most wine lovers, a great bottle of wine goes deeper than flavor. It’s about how it feels on the palate. Tannins play a large part in this. The tannins in wine could even be the reason you love a particular variety, or never want to be in the same room with it again.