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.
Dessert Wine: Why It’s Different From Other Wines and How to Pair It
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.
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.
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.
Find Your Perfect Match With the Best Red Wine Options
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.
Fortified Wine: What It Is, How It's Made, and 5 Types to Try
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.
Dry Wine: What It Is and Your Guide to the Best Types
“Dry wine” is one of those industry terms that can be particularly confusing. You’re not the first person to be vexed by the label of dry wine on a restaurant menu or at a wine tasting. Let's break down what the term “dry” really means when it comes to wine and go over the different types of dry wine to try.
Cow Horns, Moon Phases, and Organic Grapes: All About Biodynamic Wine
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.
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.
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.
Carbs in Wine: Can You Still Drink Wine on a Low-Carb Diet?
If you’re trying to limit your carb intake, you may think that wine is off the table. Luckily, you can enjoy wine without overloading on carbs. The trick is knowing which type of wine to choose. We'll guide you through everything you need to know about carbs in wine.
Is Wine Without Sulfites Better for You?
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.
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.