Thai cuisine is complex and expresses many different flavor profiles ranging from bold and bright, to sweet and subtle. Even individual dishes can be difficult to nail down, as Thai food often leans on a wild combination of acidity, herbaceousness, spice and unctuousness to create a unique and delicious experience with each bite. 

As you can imagine, pairing wines with such intricate flavors is no easy feat. Wine can prove just as complicated as Thai, and finding a vintage with the right balance to compliment dishes like Tom Yum Goong or Kao Pad gives even accomplished oenophiles quite the challenge.

But it can be done. As with most foods, the right wine pairing can elevate a Thai dish and make both the wine and the accompanying meal a more enjoyable experience. Below, we’re going to show you some basics for pairing wine with Thai, as well as some of our favorite varietals to sip alongside a serving of fresh spring rolls.

How to pair wine with Thai food

Some basic rules of pairing wine with food include:

• Wines should have higher acidity than the food
• Wines should have greater sweetness than the food
• Fatty foods should be balanced with bitter wines (typically reds)
• Lighter foods should be paired with lighter wines (typically whites)
• And more

When pairing wine with Thai food, as you might imagine, you have to break some of these rules. Or at least find a way to work around them. Your spicy, sweet, fatty, meaty, aromatic meal is unlikely to have an obvious pairing which meets all of the guidelines above. 

But Thai food is all about balance, in individual dishes as well as a banquet overall, and the best suited wines will maintain the harmony and provide added freshness or depth where it is needed. 

• Whites are overall the best choice for Thai as they provide the easiest complement by cooling off the spice and contrast the texture of heavier meats and oils. White wines with fruity, tropical flavor profiles also add to the experience.
• Reds are a bolder choice and must be selected carefully in the presence of Thai. Lighter, straightforward reds are best, as they are able to stand up to the strong flavors of Thai food without overwhelming the more delicate notes. Avoid tannin-heavy reds — they don’t play nice with spice. 

While it’s tempting to follow the rules, don’t be afraid to experiment with wines to find your favorite pairings. The most important thing is that you are enjoying the wine, food and company at your table. 

That said, here are some of our recommendations for wines that go best with Thai food. 

Best red wine for Thai food

• 2019 Storm Single Vineyard Presqu’ile Gamay
  Produced in the Central Coast of California, this Gamay leads with fruity aromas of raspberry and cherry, and follows with a surprisingly bold palate and a delicate spiciness. This chillable red goes beautifully with pepper heat, and heavy meats fresh off the grill. Sip alongside a skewer of spicy beef satay.
• 2018 Domaine de La Bonne Tonne Morgon ‘Grands-Cras’
  Created using biodynamic and organic farming practices in Burgundy, France, the Grand Cras offers cranberry both in the nose and on the tongue, complemented by baking spices, violets, cherries, plums, and “smooth tannins” that won’t turn your spicy Thai bitter. This red pairs especially well with roasted poultry and savory fruit. We recommend having a glass the next time you order red curry with duck. 

Best white wine for Thai food

• 2019 Dönnhoff Estate Dry Riesling
  Made sustainably in Nahe, Germany, this Riesling heavily features lime — a common ingredient in Thai cuisine — in both its aroma and palate. Riesling is already the recommended pairing for most Thai food, and this bottle from Dönnhoff Estate is the dry, mineraly Riesling to accompany a green curry with shrimp, lobster or white fish.
• 2017 Bernhard Ott Gemischter Satz
  This beautiful blend of five whites (Weissburgunder, Grüner Veltliner, Roter Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Riesling), made using biodynamic farming practices in Kamptal, Austria, has a fruity, citrusy aroma smoothly followed by a fruity, citrusy taste. Pear, green apple and lime blossom give it a subtle yet complex sweetness, perfect for enjoying with Green Papaya Salad or a bowl of spicy Tom Yum on a summer evening.
• 2019 Bründlmayer ‘Kamptal Terrassen’ Riesling
  Another winning Riesling from Kamptal, Austria, this delicious, dry white wine is citrus-forward with additional flavors including Acacia flower and peach that make it an incredible complement to anything spicy. While best enjoyed alongside seafood or salad, we recommend pairing this Riesling with a generous helping of Thai Larb Gai (chicken with lime, chili and herbs.)

Best rose՛ wine for Thai food

• 2020 Chateau Barbebelle Aix-en-Provence ‘Cuvée Madeleine’ Rosé
  Floral and fruity with a remarkable body and richness, this blended rose from a woman-owned winery in Provence, France pairs with everything from fresh salads, to savory seafoods, to deep-fried spring rolls. We suggest enjoying at the beginning of your meal with Chicken Satay, or at the end alongside mango and sweet sticky rice.
• 2017 Weingut Hirsch Hirschvergnugen Gruner Veltliner
  Made in Niederosterreich, Austria using biodynamic farming practices,  this white rose (!) is utterly refreshing and begs to be enjoyed on a Spring afternoon. Enjoy with Pad Thai or a spicy eggplant & tofu stir fry. 

Argaux’s food pairing solution

Argaux makes it easy to find a delicious bottle of wine that pairs perfectly with any dish off your favorite Thai menu. And we make it even easier to match wine to your everyday meals with our Food and Wine Pairing Kit. We’ve collaborated with author Vanessa Price, inspired by her book Big Macs and Burgundy – Wine Pairings for the Real World which gives you a comprehensive guide to wines you should be drinking with everything from grilled salmon to a bag of hot cheetos. Each kit comes standard with this fabulous book, as well as 2 to 4 bottles of hand-picked wine, perfect for an evening of both education and entertainment.

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Wine isn’t for everybody. And there’s no shame in that — ferment just about anything and, no matter how good the resulting product might be for many, there are some people who just don’t want anything to do with it, and that’s okay. Whether it’s beer, wine, kombucha, or slightly mineraly tap water, you are under absolutely no obligation to drink anything you don’t want to. (Unless your doctor says so.)

But if you’re one of those rare and wonderful people who doesn’t like wine but really wants to like it, there are ways you can train yourself to endure and even enjoy all the weird, interesting, and downright delicious experiences wine has to offer. Typically, that starts with finding that one wine in a million that offers a taste you find tolerable. 

We’ve put together a convenient list of some of the most drinkable wines we have here in our collection at Argaux. Enjoy!

Why don’t you like wine?

One thing to think about before you dive in is, why don’t you enjoy wine? Figuring this out will help you narrow down a list of bottles or styles of individual varietals which you are more likely to love.

If you don’t like the taste of alcohol, go for sweeter, juicier wines with a low alcohol content, or try working up to a full glass by making yourself a summery wine spritzer every now and then. We suggest a white Zinfandel or Moscato as an introductory beverage.

If you prefer the bitterness of beer and that has kept you away from wine in the past, try drier varieties of white or more tannin-heavy reds that offer a body and flavor which can act as a stepping stone between the two libations. 

Or, if the culture of wine overall feels inaccessible to you, remember that you don’t have to know anything about wine to enjoy it. Plus, the more varieties of wine you try, the better you’ll get at discerning tasting notes, varietals of grape, and all the minutiae that makes an individual bottle special. 

Red wine for people who don’t like wine

1. 2020 Gouchas Luján de Cuyo Carbonic Malbec – $22

This Beaujolais-inspired Malbec is exciting and oh so fresh. Fair warning, this could be your new favorite chillable red – seriously, we would drink a lot more Malbec if they all tasted like this. Table Talk: Carbonic maceration, also known as whole whole bunch fermentation makes zippy, juicy wines that we can’t stop drinking.

White wine for people who don’t like wine

1. 2022 Domaine De Oliveira Lecestre Petit Chablis – $30

   Everyone knows about Chardonnay. But, there’s something unique about Chablis. If you don’t think you like Chardonnay, think again. This is an everyday staple. The palate is lively and crisp, but it isn’t quite as austere as other versions of Chablis. It has a creamy texture which makes it approachable and crowd-pleaser across the board.

Rosé wine for people who don’t like wine

1. 2022 Chateau Barbebelle Coteaux d’Aix en Provence ‘Fleurie’ Rosé – $23

   You can easily trick yourself into thinking you’re drinking kiddie juice if your wine is the color of cherry blossoms or a sky at sunset. That’s why so many wine novices start with a Rosé. This type of wine can be either dry or sweet, but usually falls just on the sweet end of the spectrum, and is decidedly fruity in its flavor and aroma. The Provence wine we have listed here is particularly delicate and delightful, with notes of lavender, peach, and melon.

Argaux is here for you

Our collection contains myriad varieties of wine to suit even the pickiest of drinkers out there. If you’re just starting to dip your toes into the grape basket, why not try our blind tasting kit for an adventurous evening that will allow you to push your viticultural boundaries and maybe find a wine you enjoy? Or, contact us, tell us what you like, and our sommeliers will do their best to offer a few suggestions and find a wine just for you that you’re sure to love.

Don’t know where to start? Try our Blind Tasting Kit or Wine 101 Tasting Kit for Beginners.

Shades, suits, and solid amounts of booze (emphasis on point number three!) are non-negotiables for long summer weekends spent beneath the sun. For us at Argaux, July 4th weekend officially kicks off Summer Friday season—which means that having our beverage stashes locked and loaded is key. This weekend, we’re rounding up a short list of Long Weekend Essentials to carry you through the rest of your sunny summer weekends ahead. Stock up now, enjoy later, and let the good times roll without ever having to worry about running out of supplies!

Shades of Rosé 

No summer weekend is complete without a solid bottle (or few) of rosé. Each month during the summer, we feature one of our go-to pink picks for warm weather sipping and offer it at a seriously affordable price. This July, we’re featuring La Spinetta Rosé di Casanova, a tart and juicy rosé produced from organically-farmed fruit grown in Tuscany. Expect flavors of white peach, strawberry, and mineral notes to lead to a floral, acid-driven finish. 

Single bottles start at just 20 bucks a pop, though the more you buy, the sweeter the deal! Although this bottle is perfect for pools, parks, and outdoor sipping everywhere, we recommend enjoying it on a sunny afternoon with this Peach Burrata Salad with Prosciutto and Arugula for an out-of-this-world pairing.

L’Apéro Starter Pack 

Can’t make it to France this summer? Let us bring the best of French drinking culture to you with this L’Apéro Starter Pack, our answer to learning the art of wine and cheese pairing. In France, l’apéro is a long-respected ritual that incorporates gathering around refreshing drinks and snacks at the end of the long day. Our curated kit is available in 2, 3, and 4-bottle packs, complete with a guide on how to l’apéro, food and wine pairing recs, as well as tips and tricks for creating the perfect cheese / charcuterie board. You bring the company and foods of choice, we’ll handle the rest.

Spritz Kit

Sometimes the day calls for a quick, thirst-quenching break from wine—enter our refreshing Spritz Kit. At Argaux, we source all of our spirits and liqueurs with the same mentality that we do our wines, which means they must be delicious, responsibly-made, and honor the place from which they come. This summer, we’re leaving the Aperol behind and swapping in Liquore delle Sirene, an Italian aperitif produced from organically-farmed Trebbiano di Soave, Garganega grapes, and locally-sourced herbs from Lake Garda. 

On the palate, Liquore delle Sirene shows flavors of rose, coriander, red currant, and gentian, and its red color comes from hibiscus flowers / red potato juice. No chemicals or artificial coloring is used. Our Spritz Kit comes equipped with one bottle of Liquore delle Sirene and one bottle of NV Sorro Prosecco, an organically-farmed sparkling wine produced in the heart of the Veneto. 

‘Gaux Golf Kit

Whether heading to the course or casually swinging your clubs in the backyard, no wine package promises a good time like our ‘Gaux Golf Kit. Each kit includes 1-4, 6, or 12 bottles of Par Fore the Course Sauvignon Blanc, a zesty, organic wine produced in the heart of New Zealand’s Marlborough region, as well as two cups, two tee and ball marker books, and one microfiber golf towel. 

Par Fore the Course exudes bright and refreshing flavors of guava, green herbs, passionfruit, grass, and a touch of pineapple. Fair warning, this one goes down almost too fast. 

Riedel Vinum Glassware

Whether the evening calls for wine or spritzes, enjoying your summer beverages out of solid glassware is key. After much swirling, sipping, and assessing, we’ve found that Riedel’s Vinum line of glassware is the best quality-to-price-ratio option on the market. These high-quality glasses are durable yet elegant, making the top picks for outdoor sipping situations. Note: Although dishwasher safe, we recommend washing by hand to ensure careful cleaning. 

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Orange wine is having a moment, yet there’s still quite a bit of confusion surrounding this unique style of winemaking. Skin-contact vinification (otherwise known as orange wine) has been around since ancient times, and despite falling out of fashion for most of the 20th century, the style is coming back with a bang.

Curious to learn more? Check out the ins and outs of orange winemaking, plus five of our favorite bottles, here:

What Is Orange Wine?

Orange wine is a style of wine that incorporates vinifying white wine grapes using red winemaking techniques. Normally, white wine grapes are immediately pressed after harvest, meaning that they spend no time on their skins, whereas red wine grapes are crushed and macerated / soaked prior to pressing. This process of allowing the juice to remain in contact with the skins adds texture, tannins, and pigment to final wines. When done with white grapes, the resulting wines range in hue from light gold to dark copper and span a myriad of flavors. 

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?

The exact flavor profiles of orange wines fall all over the spectrum, as grape variety, maceration time, and vinification techniques all play major roles in how a final wine tastes. Generally speaking, orange wines tend to have more weight than your average white wine and are marked by varying levels of tannins. Common flavors found in orange wines are bruised fruits, pithy citrus, fresh cut herbs, sweet spice, and beyond. 

Why Is Orange Wine So Popular?

There’s no denying that orange wine is certainly having its moment in the sun. These tasty wines are produced all over the world from a handful of interesting producers, and their versatility in style covers a broad spectrum of palate preferences. These wines are also somewhat of a happy medium between red and white, in that they’re textured enough to satisfy the bold red wine lover, yet also remain light enough on their feet to please white wine drinkers. Basically, when produced at the right hands, orange wines simply offer the best of both worlds!

Which Type of Drinker Would Love Orange Wine?

Because orange wine is crafted from a variety of grapes and in a handful of different styles, there is truly an orange wine out there for everyone. For those looking for something intense and grippy, seek out an example that spends extended periods of time on the skins. For curious drinkers looking to get their toes wet, we recommend seeking out wines with shorter maceration times. Curious for further details on a specific wine we work with? Text your trusty Pocket Somm at 949-284-4917!

When Should I Drink Orange Wine?

Orange wine is perfect for year-round sipping, though we especially love it in the summer. The wines’ bright and vibrant flavors are perfect for pairing with fresh summer appetizers, including grilled seafood, fermented kimchi, and Mediterranean-inspired mezze (hummus, tabouleh, and beyond). 

Top Orange Wines to Try

Looking to know which bottles we’re digging at the moment? Check out five of our top go-to orange wine picks, here.

Le Coste Bianco Orange Wine

This super crushable orange wine is produced from organic and biodynamically-farmed vineyards in the heart of Italy’s Lazio region. Crafted from a blend of Procanico, Malvasia, Rsocetto, and more, this vibrant bottle jumps with flavors of Meyer lemon, ripe peach, and almond spice. Bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfites. We recommend serving with hearty Asian dishes, such as Vietnamese chicken wings or Kimchi Fried Rice.

Field Recordings ‘SKINS’ Orange Wine

Looking for something light and approachable to begin your exploration into the world of orange wine? This skin-contact bottle from Field Recordings has you covered. Produced from sustainably-farmed fruit from California’s Central Coast, this zesty field blend is noted with flavors of apricot, marzipan, and peach Snapple. For an all-day sipper to enjoy by the pool, this bottle is it. Bottled with no additives, minimal sulfur, and with recyclable packaging. 

Koehnen Wine Co. Marsanne / Mourvèdre Orange Wine

Love all things funky, fruity, and fresh? This Ramato-like orange wine is for you. Technically produced from co-fermented Marsanne and Mourvèdre, this low-ABV wine (10.5%) is all things blood orange, raspberry, and tart fruits. The wine is crafted from organically-farmed fruit, native yeasts, and is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfites. If you’re seeking out the best of both worlds, this wine’s got your back. 

Young Inglewood VENN Skin Contact Sauvignon Blanc

Crafted by mother-son duo Jacky and Scott Young in the heart of Napa Valley, this varietal Sauvignon Blanc is loaded with flavors of lychee, pear skin, white flowers, and mandarin pith. The duo uses sustainably-farmed fruit and native yeasts to craft this small-batch cuvée (only 68 cases were produced!) For Sauvignon Blanc like you’ve never seen it before, spring for a bottle or two of this easy-to-love wine.

Koehnen Wine Co Skin Contact Marsanne Orange Wine

For the counterpart to Koehnen’s co-fermented Marsanne / Mourvèdre, check out this delicious bottle of varietal skin-contact Marsanne. According to winemaker Alisa Koehnen, this bottle errs on the funkier side and is vinified in barrel. Expect flavors of orange blossom, guava, and brine from this textured and tasty wine. Crafted from organically-farmed fruit and bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfites.

To browse our full selection of orange wine, click here. 

Wine lovers everywhere may choose to drink organic labels for a number of different reasons. Some prefer the unique taste and overall experience offered by an organic farming design. Others want to mind their health, and avoid sulfites in their wine for its potential to cause headaches and other maladies. Still more oenophiles discovered their love of one organic wine accidentally after buying a bottle for its interesting label (it happens!) 

Whatever the reason, there are a plethora of delicious, organic wines on the market to suit any palate and preference. Here are some of Argaux’s favorites. 

What is organic wine?

Depending on where you are in the world, the definition of “organic” can differ greatly. In countries where farming practices have remained relatively unchanged since their founding, wines which are not certified as organic may technically fall under this category if no chemicals are involved in the growing process.

Most governments define organic farming as the growth of edible (or drinkable) plants where no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides were used to support the crop. With wine specifically, it is typically considered “organic” if it was made without preservatives, usually sulfites. 

This does not mean that organic wine contains no sulfites at all. Sulfites are a naturally occurring phenomenon which is inherent to the process of fermentation. However many countries limit the sulfite level which a wine may contain and still be considered organic. For example, organic wine in the U.S. can contain no more than 10 ppm of sulfites. 

Without further ado, let’s get into some of the best organic wines available from Argaux.

Best organic red wine

Conventionally made red wines typically contain the highest level of sulfites. If you are organic-curious, try one of these reds to get started. 

• 2016 Ettore Germano Serralunga d’Alba Barolo – $55
  This Italian masterpiece defines organic terroir and transports you to the rich soil in which it was grown. The scent of strawberries and clove draw you into your glass, and delight your senses with a rich, dark finish of leather and mushroom. Certified organic, from Piedmont, Italy.
  

• 2019 Lapierre Vin de France Rouge ‘Raisins Gaulois’ – $20
  This fruity, light-hearted red is meant to be shared with friends, and pairs especially well with party-foods including pizza, tacos, and most anything fun and spicy. The Raisins Gaulois is chillable, relatively low in alcohol and perfect for entertaining. Certified organic and biodynamic, from Burgundy, France.
  

• 2018 Land of Saints Happy Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon – $27
  This delightful Cab Sauv is packed with surprising flavors which shine their brightest drunk after a rich meal. The taste is dominated by a variety of berries, everything from strawberry to boysenberry, followed by both sweet and savory botanical notes and finished with rich chocolate. Grown using organic farming practices in the Central Valley of California. 

Best organic white wine

Nothing is better on a hot summer day than a glass of chilled, organic white wine. Here are some of the best that Argaux has to offer. 

• 2017 Flaneur ‘Cuvee Constantin’ Chardonnay – $40
  This decadent Chardonnay might be mistaken for the world’s most refined cider by an unfamiliar palate. Pear and apple combine exquisitely with notes of vanilla, praline and spice for an unusual but delightful experience. Grown using organic farming practices in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.
  

• 2018 Edaphos Petite Arvine Alder Springs – $45
  This delicate white is made in California from a grape originally found in Switzerland. It expresses floral notes of jasmine and chamomile, followed by apricot and apple. It pairs well with a variety of foods including fish, chicken, and potato dishes. Grown using organic farming practices in Mendocino County.

Best organic rosé wine

Your summer go-to alternative to a Sauvignon Blanc should always be a Rosé. Here are some of our favorites.

• 2020 San Salvatore ‘Vetere’ Paestum Rosé – $30
  This romantic Rosé offers a sensual experience, perfect for daytime lounging in an ancient villa. Notes of citrus, pomegranate, cherry and rose will transport the drinker to wilder times when gods and buffalo roamed the landscape. Grown using organic and biodynamic farming practices in Campania, Italy.
  

• NV Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups Triple Zéro Rosé Pet Nat – $38
  The first sparkling wine on our list, this effervescent Rosé tickles the palate with notes of strawberry and raspberry in a way that belies the 100 year old pedigree of its originating grapes. Certified organic, from Loire Valley, France.
  

• 2019 Château de Calavon Provence Rosé – $25
  This versatile rosé delights the nose with lavender, herbs, watermelon and peach. The tongue will be equally pleased, experiencing notes of citrus, melon, and stone fruit. Pairs with everything from burgers to sushi. Grown using organic farming practices in Provence, France. 

Best organic cheap wines

Here are some delightful, organic wines for those oenophiles operating on a tight budget. 

• 2020 Par Fore the Course New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – $17
  This Sauvignon Blanc is balmy, outdoor summer in a bottle. Its oeuvre of tropical fruits, green grass and herbs keeps you refreshed and energetic on hot days and pairs excellently with vegetable dishes, chicken, seafood, and hitting a birdie. Grown using organic farming practices in Marlborough, New Zealand.
  

• 2020 La Bernarde ‘Les Hauts Du Luc’ Côtes de Provence Rosé – $19
  This affordable Rosé tells you a little bit about itself with a strawberry and citrus aroma. You will find these flavors on the palate as well, now complemented with nectarine and lavender. Enjoy this Rosé with feta and prosciutto on a sunny afternoon. Certified organic, from Provence, France. 

Final thoughts: best organic wine

Organic wines give you a unique glimpse into their terroir and fermentation with vibrant flavors and exquisite aromas. And best of all, you can enjoy them at any price point! Argaux offers a wide selection of hand-picked organic wines that promise an exquisite experience with every sip.

To learn more about the world of organic and natural wines, visit our other article: Organic Wine, Natural Wine, and Sulfites: a Complete Guide.

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“Organic,” “natural,” “biodynamic,” and “sulfite-free” are some of the buzzwords being thrown around the wine industry today. Marketing terms that make promises such as these conjure up very specific images in the mind of the buyer, who likely imagines idyllic, countryside vineyards and 15th-century fermentation barrels. For some, these words mean better wine. To others, they might seem pretentious. 

But far from being just trendy descriptors thrown onto high-end labels to accompany their lofty price tags, these adjectives hold the key to important information about how this particular wine was grown, processed, and fermented — at a multitude of price points. 

But what do words like “organic,” “natural,” “biodynamic,” and “sulfite-free” actually mean? What does it mean for the wine? Let’s find out. 

What is organic wine?

The exact definition of “organic” gets a little fuzzy because it is usually up to the country in which the wine is being made. There isn’t exactly a universal standard for what constitutes an “organic farming practice,” but there are guidelines in place which have similar results. 

First, the grapes used to make organic wine should be untreated with artificial fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides throughout the growing process. 

Second, no sulfites should be added to the wine during the fermentation process. This is the most important factor in determining what is organic wine and what isn’t, although the allowable level of sulfites varies across different governments. The USDA certifies organic wine which has been grown using organic principles, and contains less than 10 ppm of sulfites. 

Organic wines will often have a bolder, sweeter and more varied taste from bottle to bottle. You can also expect a little bit of funk as the lack of sulfites allows the wine to age more rapidly. Here are some of our favorite organic wines from the Argaux collection. 

• 2018 Massimago MariaBella Valpolicella Ripasso – $30
  A berry-and-balsamic-forward red blend from a certified organic, woman-owned winemaker in Veneto, Italy.
  

• 2018 Domaine de la Cote ‘La Cote’ Pinot Noir – $125
  A rich Pinot made using organic farming principles and indigenous yeast cultures on the Central Coast of California.
  

• 2019 Land of Saints Santa Barbara County Chardonnay – $23
  A balanced and sunny Chardonnay made with organic viticulture practices on the Central Coast of California.

What is natural wine?

Natural wine may be thought of as organic wine without the certification. Also known as “low intervention” wine, natural wines contain no additives, and are farmed in accordance with principles that have been around since humans first began tilling the land and planting seeds. 

Many conventional labels contain things like lab-grown yeast, sugars, acids, and other supplemental ingredients which hasten or encourage the fermentation process. Natural wines, on the other hand, are made with grape juice, the naturally-occurring yeast on the surface of the fruit, time, and nothing else. 

By contrast, organic wines may contain additives such as added yeast or sugar but can maintain their certification as long as those ingredients come from an organic source.

Natural wines have an undeniable funk to natural wines that comes from the wild yeasts being the main proponent of fermentation. They will also be slightly cloudy in appearance and might leave a bit of grit at the bottom of your glass — but this just means that every sip is going to be an adventure. Here are some of the best natural wines that Argaux has to offer. 

• 2020 Le Coste Litrozzo Bianco Orange Wine – $28
  A spicy, citrusy skin-contact white wine made with biodynamic farming practices and native yeasts in Lazio, Italy.
  

• 2015 Podere Erica ‘Il Picchio’ Toscano Rosso – $60
  A ‘Riserva’ Rosso made with organic and biodynamic viticulture practices in Tuscany, Italy.
  

• 2017 Ottomani DOCG Chianti Classico – $32
  A fruity, smoky Chianti made with biodynamic farming and viticulture practices in Tuscany, Italy.

What is sulfite-free wine?

To be frank, truly sulfite-free wine is a myth. Sulfites, as we mentioned earlier, are an inevitable by-product of fermentation and help to keep the wine fresh and unspoiled as it ages. It is however possible to find wine which is so low in sulfites that they are an insignificant aspect of its makeup, such as in many organic labels. 

Conventional wineries typically add sulfites to their wines as an artificial preservative, which gives them a much longer shelf-life and greater chemical stability. This means that most conventional wines have a relatively high concentration of sulfites, and this is typically when sensitive drinkers will experience the dreaded sulfite-headache. Of course you can avoid high sulfite levels by buying natural or certified-organic wines, instead.

One of the reasons conventional winemakers use sulfites is to achieve a consistent flavor with each fermentation. But this can also dull the taste and dampen some of the nuances which make wine so delightful to imbibe. Like we said, you’ll be hard pressed to find a wine which is truly sulfite-free, but wines with no added sulfites will be more willing to show you their deep and subtle undertones. Here is a selection of excellent additive-free wines from Argaux. 

• 2017 Young Inglewood VENN Skin Contact Sauvignon Blanc – $35
  A truly dynamic orange wine made with sustainable farming practices in Napa Valley, California.
  

• NV Champagne Delavenne Père & Fils Brut Tradition Grand Cru Champagne – $50
  A baked-good Brut made naturally in Champagne, France.
  

• 2007 Chateau Musar Blanc Bekaa Valley, Lebanon – $45
  A spicy, floral white blend made naturally in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

What is biodynamic wine?

The concept of biodynamic farming takes natural agriculture one step further. Rather than planting a monocrop of grapes, which natural farming still does, it seeks to create an ecosystem for the crop that replicates as closely as possible how grapes might grow in the wild. 

In nature, there are built-in checks and balances which allow plants to grow and thrive without being completely overwhelmed by weeds, pests, or fungi. And this informs how biodynamic wine is made. Grapes are integrated with other crops and often small numbers of livestock and other wild animals who, through their daily acts of living, will help to fertilize the plants and keep them in check so that one crop doesn’t take over the other. 

The soil fertility is also a critical aspect of biodynamic farming. Chemical pesticides and others are avoided at all costs in order to support a rich and healthy microbiome which will help to feed the grapes. 

Biodynamic farming is not a new concept, although there are still relatively few winemakers on the planet who follow these principles. And we’re not kidding when we say you can taste the soil in which the grape was grown. The plant’s proximity to wildness lends biodynamic wines an utterly unique and otherworldly depth of flavor. Here are some of the exquisite biodynamic wines we carry at Argaux.

• 2012 Chene Bleu Abélard Ventoux AOC Southern Rhone Blend – $100
  A spicy, herbaceous red blend made with organic and biodynamic farming practices in the Rhone Valley, France.
  

• 2018 Moreau-Naudet Chablis 1er Cru ‘Vaillons’ – $72
  A unique Chablis made on used French Oak wood using biodynamic farming practices in Burgundy, France.
  

• 2019 Poco a Poco Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $22
  An earthy Pinot Noir made with biodynamic farming practices in Napa Valley, California. 

Final thoughts: organic, natural, and biodynamic wines.

The unique and utterly perceivable terroir of unconventional wines makes them worth a taste. And buying wines from these dedicated masters of viticulture allows you to support the people who make the wine you love to sip. 

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We love popping crisp whites and refreshing rosés during the summer— however, there’s something undeniably satisfying about quenching one’s thirst with a bottle of chilled red wine. These crunchy, easy-drinking bottles are perfect for sipping all season long, whether enjoying with BBQ favorites or sipping by late-night bonfires. Below you’ll learn if you can and should chill red wine, as well as which red wines are best served chilled.

Can you chill red wine?

Not sure what we mean by chillable reds? Don’t worry, it’s pretty simple. We find that red wines best served with a chill are generally high in acid, low in tannins, and show ample fruit forwardness. Grapes like Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc are some of the more obvious go-tos, though Trousseau, Graciano, and other varieties tend to hit the spot, too.

Do you chill red wine before serving or opening?

Note: Most red wines will benefit from being served around 65 degrees, which tends to be slightly colder than room temperature. However, when we say chillable reds in this context, we’re talking even cooler—think, a few degrees above where you’d serve your favorite whites and rosés. These are reds that you can chill in the fridge before drinking.

What else to look for when chilling red wine

Another thing to look for is carbonic maceration. This vinification technique involves letting grapes’ fermentation begin within the berries themselves, which keeps fruit forwardness high and tannin levels low. While most commonly associated with the red wines of Beaujolais, many producers worldwide are experimenting with the technique on other varieties. 

Red wines you can chill before drinking

Chillable reds have become some of our favorite wines to drink, especially during warmer weather months. We’ve rounded up seven of our top picks that promise to have you covered all season long. Check ‘em out, here! 

2019 Notary Public ‘Curtis Vineyard’ Carbonic Cabernet Franc

Nothing screams chillable red like carbonic Cabernet Franc. This bright and juicy wine oozes with flavors of red fruits and fresh herbs, and is marked by a peppery bite. Perfect for sipping with burgers and grilled veggies! The wine is crafted from sustainably-farmed fruit and is not fined or filtered. Only 70 cases were produced. 

2019 Piazza Carbonic Graciano

Hailing from California’s Central Coast, this varietal Graciano has quickly become one of our go-to bottles to pop year round. Notes of crunchy red berries, fresh lavender, and sage lead to a leather-tinged finish. Sip with homemade pizza in all of its many forms—what’ll it be, red or white?

2018 Domaine de La Bonne Tonne Morgon ‘Grands-Cras’

We couldn’t have a chillable red roundup without including one of our favorite Gamays from Beaujolais. Produced in the cru of Morgon, this fresh and vibrant wine from Domaine de la Bonne Tonne oozes with notes of cranberry, bing cherries, and violets. Crafted from organic / biodynamic fruit. Only 625 cases were produced. 

2019 Arnot Roberts North Coast Trousseau

Arnot-Roberts is seriously shaking up the North Coast’s winemaking game and has since garnered a pretty big following (hence why we only get a small allocation every year!) Crafted from 100% whole cluster Trousseau, this high-toned beauty jumps with notes of cherries, blood orange, mint, dried rose petals, and sweet spice. Think of it like Jura meets California in the best possible way. 

2019 Storm Single Vineyard Presqu’ile Gamay

Who says that chillable reds can’t be a little rustic? This hearty Gamay from Presqu’ile jumps with flavors of raspberry, dried cherries, and a touch of baking spice. The wine’s firm structure makes it ideal for popping with grilled red meats, hanger steak, and black bean burgers (chilled, of course). Fun fact: the wine’s label was painted by Ernst Storm’s six-year-old daughter, Elsa!

2019 Stolpman Love You Bunches Carbonic Sangiovese

Carbonic Sangiovese? You bet. The Stolpmans have long been pioneering growing areas within Santa Barbara, and this thirst-quenching carbonic Sangiovese may just be one of our favorite of their ventures yet. Light-bodied and vibrant, this wine’s poppy flavors of cherry, grapefruit rind, and cranberry make it almost too easy to drink. Get ready to experience this grape like never before!

2019 Domaine Rougeot Bourgogne Passetoutgrain ‘Les Verchèrres’ Sans Sulfite Ajouté

Gamay or Pinot Noir, why choose? With Passetoutgrain, you get the best of both worlds. This unique Burgundian appellation signifies that both grapes are included in the blend, and Domaine Rougeot’s sans soufre Les Verchèrres is one of the best in the game. Crafted from a 70/30 blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir, fruit for this wine is harvested together and co-fermented. The result is a medium-bodied red with great texture and undeniable balance. Lively notes of cranberry, potpourri, and damp earth lead to a velvety, palate-coating finish. Pop with herb-roasted chicken or cheese and charcuterie boards all summer long![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

Refreshing wines and warm weather go hand in hand, though finding high-quality, affordable sippers can at times be a challenge. Come summer, most of us simply want to sit back, relax, and enjoy what’s in our glass, without having to put too much thought behind getting from point A to point B. Sound like you? We’ve got your back.

Introducing or Seasonal Sips: Summer Edition, a curated six pack of wines featuring our top go-to bottles for summer sipping. Whether hanging by the pool, heading to the beach, or loading up the boat for a day in the sun, this hand-picked selection of wines promises to carry you through the entire summer season. Can’t wait to see what’s inside? Check out the details behind our collection (and where we think you’ll best enjoy them), here. 

Hanging by the Pool – 2019 Domaine Font Mars Picpoul de Pinet 

Never heard of Picpoul before? If you love Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or other high-acid white wines, this bottle is guaranteed to satisfy your thirst. Native to the south of France, this tangy variety is known for producing lip-puckering wines loaded with flavors of lemon lime, fresh herbs, and crushed oyster shells. Zingy acid leads to a thirst-quenching, salt-laced finish. Pop by the pool, no snacks required—though if oysters are on the table, this wine promises a match made in heaven. Heading to the Beach – 2019 Bodegas Itsasmendi Txakoli 

Beach days scream for something dry and crisp, which is why we always grab a bottle of Bodegas Itsasmendi Txakoli before heading beneath the sun. Don’t let the name (or its pronunciation) scare you away! This Txakoli (cha-koh-lee) comes from Spain’s Basque country and is produced from the Hondarribi Zuri grape. Herbaceous notes of lemon, lime, white flowers, and orange blossom lead to a salty, mouthwatering finish. Pair with fresh salads, fish tacos, or chips and guac all day long. Days Spent on the Boat – 2019 Calavon Provence Rose 

[Read More: Best Wine for Mexican Food]

There’s a reason why Provence’s long-standing reputation for delicious rosé still rings true to this day—it truly is one of the best regions out there for tasty, thirst-quenching pinks. Crafted from a blend of Cinsault, Carignan, and Grenache, this light-bodied, easy-to-sip wine oozes with flavors of white peach, grapefruit, fresh cut melon, and Meyer lemon. Plus, the grapes used for this wine are farmed using organic practices, which makes the deal even better. Sip with grilled shrimp, fresh fish, or a variety of French cheeses. Summer Barbecue Sipping – 2019 Cherche Midi Rouge

Summer sipping often leads us down the white and rosé paths, but what about all of the delicious barbecue treats that scream for something a bit more savory? Insert Cherche Midi’s versatile red blend. Produced mostly from Syrah and Grenache, this medium-bodied wine jumps with flavors of dried raspberries, juicy blackberries, rosemary, black pepper, and smoked meats. Pair with all of your favorite grilled meats and veggies, and best of all, no corkscrew necessary (which means this bottle is also great for on-the-go sipping at parks, picnic hangs, and beyond). By the Late-Night Bonfire – 2019 Piazza Carbonic Graciano 

Summer nights and chillable reds always promise a good time, especially when a late night campfire is involved. Produced from 100% Graciano, this organically-farmed wine is loaded with poppy flavors of crunchy red fruits, pomegranate, and bing cherry. Refreshing undertones of warm spice and cherry cola lead to a lingering, long-lasting finish. Pair with late-night pizza, Doritos, or really any summer snacks that find their way to the fire pit. For Summer Spritzes – NV Sorelle Bronca Particella 232 Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut Nature 

[Read More: Should You Chill Red Wine]

What’s a summer season with copious amounts of Spritzes? We’re firm believers that wine used in cocktails should still be held to a certain level of quality, and this organically-grown Prosecco is the answer to our prayers. Produced from a woman-owned winery in the heart of Veneto’s Valdobbiadene zone, this light, mineral-driven wine is perfect for splashing into your hefty pour of Aperol. On its own, the wine shows flavors of white flowers, wild herbs, and stone fruit, which mesh beautifully with the sweet-bitter notes found in everyone’s favorite orange sipper. Pro tip: Keep a bottle of this on your bar at all times—whether impromptu celebrations, Spritzes, or a simple craving for bubbles calls, this wine will always have your back.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering for friends and family or trying to make your country’s latest lockdown a little more fun, an at-home wine tasting can be an excellent way to exercise your identification muscles and learn more about what makes your favorite wine varietals unique. Plus, you get to try a myriad selection of delicious wines.

And doing your tasting blind allows you to build your palate and viticultural vocabulary without the pretense of a label or brand. Here’s how you can host your own blind wine tasting at home. 

What is a blind wine tasting?

A blind wine tasting is similar to a traditional wine tasting, except in that you don’t know what varietal, year or — sometimes — even what color grape you’re tasting. In a traditional tasting, you already know what you’re getting into. A sommelier, or your own understanding of what the wine is, will guide you through the aroma and flavors of the wine and help you pick out the subtle notes which make this particular 2009 Bordeaux Merlot a special bottle. 

On the other hand, a blind tasting obscures the label and encourages you to enter the experience with no preconceived notions of what to expect. Without knowing the wine, you will be able to taste it outside of its label, and identify qualities in the fragrance and palate on your own. Experienced oenophiles can often identify varietals by taste alone. 

Blind wine tasting can be a fun and educational way to enjoy wine at a party, or a serious effort to study the sensuous properties that contribute to a wine’s individual taste. 

Steps to run a blind wine tasting at home

Here’s how you can host a blind wine tasting in the comfort of your own home. 

• Choose a theme. This can be as broad or as narrow as you like, from “reds” to “Pinot Gris, Tuscany, 2012.” More refined palates may desire a specific tasting concept, whereas beginners just getting started might want to work on picking out a Cabernet from a Zinfandel.

• Gather your wines. Wine tasting can easily get rather expensive, so you might ask each of your guests to bring an on-theme bottle to contribute. Or, you can pass around the hat and purchase Argaux’s Blind Tasting kit, coming complete with pre-wrapped bottles and an instructional booklet that will help you make the most of the tasting experience.

• Prepare the bottles. The original labels should be obscured, however they should also be distinguishable so you can keep track of which bottle supplied what glass. You can place them in different-colored wine bags, or wrap them in either foil or paper and number each bottle.

• Set up the space. Each table setting should have a minimum of three glasses so your guests can compare wines. In addition, there should be paper for note-taking, and easily accessible spittoons so no one gets too tipsy.

• Debrief. After everyone has had a chance to taste the wines on their own, you should come together to discuss your thoughts on each wine, noting similarities and differences in everyone’s individual experience. You can consense the identity of each bottle, if you like, before revealing the label. Follow up the experience with a well-paired meal.

Blind wine tasting at home theme ideas

Here are a few ideas that will help you decide on a theme for your blind tasting event.

• Horizontal wines. This theme is great for more advanced sommeliers interested in learning how to identify different terroirs, geographies and farming practices in their wines. For horizontal blind tasting, you will choose wines of a particular varietal and year, for example 2018 Tempranillos, but take care to select from different farms and producers. Your tasting experience should differ greatly depending on the region of each vineyard, so be sure to learn about and discuss these qualities after the tasting.

• Red and red and red all over. Or white, or pink, or orange – you get the idea. Excellent for beginners or the choosier wine-drinkers among us, theming your tasting around a single color can be a great way to start learning about the subtle differences which separate your Pinot Noirs from your Merlots, your Grenache Rosé from your Syrah Rosé, and your Blancs from your Gris’.

• How time flies. Choose a collection of wines across a variety of grapes and regions but from a similar year and see if you and your guests can identify the unifying characteristics brought about in that shared temporal vineyard. Or, you can choose a variety of wines which have everything in common BUT the year. Also known as vertical tasting, this educational experience allows you to identify how the flavor and aroma of a given wine is affected by the year in which it was grown.

For more theme ideas for your next blind wine tasting event, visit our other article: Blind Wine Tasting Ideas. 

How to do a blind wine tasting at home with Argaux

Argaux offers a Blind Tasting kit which you may easily add to any virtual or in-person event. From our website, simply select the size, style and number of wines you’d like to try, and let us do the rest. Your kit will include between 2 and 4 half- or full-sized bottles of red, white or a selection of both red and white wines — fully wrapped and concealed so you won’t know what it is you’re tasting. In addition, you’ll find our guide to blind wine tasting as well as a number of tasting grids to take notes throughout your experience.

Best Wine Pairings for Mexican Food

Cinco de Mayo has come and gone, and although we love a good margarita, it’s rather unlikely that we’ll be whipping up pitchers at home. So what’s a Mexican takeout lover to do when the craving for tacos strikes? Surprisingly, pop a bottle of wine. This past week, rather than letting the tequila flow, we tested out a handful of wines with a variety of Mexican takeout options—and for those who prefer corkscrew over cocktail shaker, we discovered some pretty exciting pairing options.

Above all, the crowdpleaser here was Storm Sauvignon Blanc—which is really no surprise, considering that winemaker Ernst Storm affectionately refers to this bottle as “Margarita Juice.” Produced in the heart of California’s Santa Ynez Valley, this sustainably-farmed wine oozes with flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon, lime blossom, and tropical fruits. The wine’s refreshing, lip-puckering finish is quite similar to that of a zesty margarita, making it perfect for sipping with fish tacos or chips and guac. If there’s only going to be one bottle of wine on the #TacoTuesday table, let this be it. 

For similar “margarita vibes,” check out Von Winning Sauv B. This super fun find is produced in Germany’s Pfalz region, which is generally better known for its Riesling than its Sauvignon Blanc. Whereas Storm’s SB errs on the more citrus-laden side of things, this bottle is all green apple and passion fruit, marked by jasmine, lime skin, and grassy nuances. The wine is produced from organically-farmed fruit and is sure to be a hit with elote, chicken fajitas, and pico de gallo. Par For the Course is another excellent option (Sauvignon Blanc again—see our theme here?) Produced in New Zealand, the unofficial New World home of Sauvignon Blanc, this bottle shows more of the grassy, green herb flavors of Sauvignon Blanc, marked by lingering undertones of melon and guava. 

Best Red Wines for Mexican Food

However, red wine lovers fear not—it’s not just about the SB here. On the opposite side of the margarita vibe, there’s a whole world of flavor-packed reds that go perfectly with Mexican cuisine. Margaux’s go-to taco picks are generally made with Grenache and Tempranillo, which, when paired with carnitas, chicken, or carne asada tacos, absolutely come to life. For the Grenache side of things, check out New Zealand-born winemaker Angela Osborne’s expression at A Tribute to Grace, produced on California’s Central Coast. The wine is produced from organic / biodynamically-farmed fruit, and its medium-bodied palate jumps with flavors of fresh-picked strawberries, red rose petals, and orange spice. Bright acid and moderate tannins hold up well to any meat-based taco, though carnitas would really be our go to here.

For something with a bit more oomph, check out Finca Torremilanos ‘Los Cantos’ Tempranillo. Hailing from Ribera del Duero, Spain, fruit for this wine comes from five different organically-farmed parcels across the region, each distinguishable by their “canto” (round river stone) laden soils. The wine’s vibrant yet full-bodied palate oozes with flavors of raspberries, dark plums, and tobacco undertones. 16 months of aging in French oak barrels definitely adds some sweet spice to the mix, which play well with the spicy-sweet undertones found in mole sauces and all things asado. This wine also comes from the first Demeter-certified winery in the region.

“Best Wines for Mexican Food – $30 and Under!”

All of these wines clock in under the $30 price tag, are produced from sustainable / organic / biodynamic fruit, and promise to pack a whole lot of flavor per glass. Keep a few on hand and let the impromptu #TacoTuesday (or Wednesday, or Thursday) nights roll! 

You might also enjoy:

• Best Wine for Seafood
• Best Wine for Barbecue
• Best Wine for Chinese Food
• Best Wine for Beginners
• Best Wine for People Who Don’t Like Wine
• Best Wine for Indian Food
• Best Wine for Thai Food
• Best Summer Wines
• Best Wine Organic Wine