Wine

There's been plenty of press praising the quality and overall value coming out of South America and the wines from Chile are at the top of the stack. Check out Carmenere, perhaps Chile's most famous red wine, with an intriguing storyline of its own, or sip some Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, a hometown hero throughout the country.

Syrah and Pinot Noir are quickly coming up to speed as Chilean winemakers continue experimenting with both varietals and the region's unique terroir. Sauvignon Blanc is as refreshing as ever with ripe fruit and awesome acidity, thanks to Chile's unique pockets of soil, stunning topography and dramatic climate.

Catch a glimpse of what Chilean wines have to offer with over a dozen "must try" wine recommendations from Chile here.

A Bordeaux blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Carmenère, Veramonte's 2009 Primus shows the synergy that can be crafted by merging complementary grape varieties into an enticing everyday wine.

Expect engaging aromatics - dark fruit, savory, dried herbs and a decent dose of oak. Flavors meld nicely into blackcurrant, dark cherry, raspberry and dusty dark chocolate all hosted by well-woven tannins and boasting both power and an alluring elegance.

The 2010 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc camps out on vibrant aromas, full-flavored citrus fruit and food-friendly acidity!   Fresh aromatics play out in the form of dominating grapefruit on the nose with the perfect mix of fresh cut grass and subtle herbal undertones.

Awesome acidity and a zippy finish round out this super summertime Sauvignon Blanc. Pairing options include a variety of seafood favorites, goat cheese and veggie-driven dishes.

The recently released 2009 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley brings delicious, well-concentrated berry fruit and warm spice to the forefront.  The aromas are dominated by bright raspberry and cherry with a touch of pumpkin pie spice - cinnamon, clove and plenty of oak-driven vanilla.

The palate is engaging with ripe, high-profile fruit, zippy acidity and enviable balance.  This Pinot Noir is well integrated from first sip to lingering finish and perfect for pairing with braised chicken dishes, pork tenderloin, mushroom-themed sauces and grilled salmon.

Disclosure: A sample was provided for review. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

These delicious, fresh fruit and wine-themed recipes are compliments of friend and food writer, Joanna Pruess, author of both Seduced by Bacon and the Cast Iron Cookbook.  They are thoroughly inspired by juicy, stone fruit and ripe berries and the all-compassing fruit of the vine, making for a fresh, spring fling or summer-sensational treat.

Lighter in style, dainty in presentation and tasty through and through, the Mosaic of Peaches and Berries in Wine and the Chilled White Wine Souffle with Apricot Sauce are picture perfect for upcoming Mother's Day menus.

Check out these enticing wine and fruit-themed recipes here:

Mosaic of Peaches and Berries in Wine -  The fresh flavors of peaches, blackberries and blueberries wrapped in spiced wine are captured in small slices of gelatin, making for an extraordinary, calorie-conscious, color-filled edible delight.

Chilled White Wine Souffle with Apricot Sauce - Souffle, of any kind, seems to sing spring or hum summer, but one made with a favorite white wine and topped with a rich apricot sauce is downright decadent.

The 2007 Beni di Batasiolo brings the reputation and expectation of Piedmont's famed Barolo wines to the table in style, structure and enduring intensity.   I love the nose on this wine, talk about sweet spice, ripe red fruit and a touch of tobacco.

The palate profile is engaging from the get go - with red currant, black cherry and dark plum gaining momentum through the mid-palate and wrapping up with well-woven tannins, beautiful balance and a bright finish.  While quite drinkable now, this one will reward additional cellar time.

Made from Italy's well-known Nebbiolo grape, this Barolo is the wine to swirl with the likes of Bolognese, a classic Italian stew, eggplant Parmesan or a sharp cheese like Parmesan, Gouda or Fontina.

Disclosure: A sample was provided for review. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

At a recent Wines of Chile wine's blogger tasting, I had a chance to sip the 2011 Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc - a good wine at a good price.  This is a single vineyard white wine that starts with straw-yellow hues in the glass and quickly mixes things up with plenty of green Granny Smith apple, tangy citrus components and a touch of florality on the nose.

The palate profile reveals more zesty citrus fruit wrapped up in bracing acidity, a decent dose of  minerality and solid balance.  This Chilean white wine wraps up with a classic dry, fairly crisp finish.  A perfect pairing partner for shellfish, roasted poultry, veggie-driven fare and softer cheese options.

Buying wine is easy, storing wine can take a little more consideration, especially if it's for the long haul.

We've compiled a list of wine storage resources to help you keep your wine at its best, whether you plan on drinking this evening or this decade. Read more...

The Basics of Wine Storage

Introduction to Wine Refrigerators

Wine Storage Cabinets

Wine Refrigerator and Wine Cabinet Reviews

Tips for Storing White Wines

Image Courtesy of Getty Images/FoodPix

The 2009 Zin from Folie à Deux is a delicious fruit-forward red wine find from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley.  On the nose you'll find plenty of ripe raspberry and plum along with some serious clove nuances.  The palate profile reveals a second dose of juicy red fruit with a decent dose of blackberry and plum along with pepper and vanilla spice.

This is an integrated wine with a softer character, tame tannins and solid balance.  Enjoy this Zinfandel with burgers, brats, pizza, sausage, chili and grilled game.

Disclosure: A sample was provided for review. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

Whether you are scouting for wines to pair with lamb or ham or would like to venture into the kosher wine scene this Easter, there are plenty of avenues for selecting, serving and enjoying wine on this holy holiday.

Check out our latest Easter wine pairing recommendations, or learn what makes kosher wine "kosher" in the first place. Opting out of Easter dinner and focusing on Easter brunch instead?  Mimosas are the perfect pairing for mid-day celebrations.  Want to shake up your Easter menu this year?  Check out About's Easter recipe inspirations.

Pairing Wines for Easter Dinner

Kosher Wines Defined

Mimosa Recipes for Easter Brunch

Easter Menu Ideas

Celebrating Easter

Image Courtesy of Getty Images / FoodPix