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What is Opening a Bottle?

European wines explored, explained and celebrated via stories, reviews and virtual tastings.

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Opening a Bottle Asks ... A New Video Series

From the magic of age-worthy wines to the intimacy of heroic viticulture, our new video series explores the unique perspective of winemakers.

View the second video with Francesco Mulinari of Montalcino's L'Aietta here, or view the whole series via the link below.

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Exclusive for Subscribers

Recent content just for subscribers.

The Future of Chianti Classico ©Kevin Day/Opening a Bottle

Are Terroir-Driven Wines the Future of Chianti Classico?

The appellation is increasingly shedding the blend and emphasizing terroir. Is that automatically a good thing?

I traveled to Chianti Classico and interviewed several producers to find out.

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Which Chianti Classico Wines Should You Buy?

Our Tasting Reports on three distinct categories: Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione. Subscriber exclusive.

Cigliano di Sopra in San Casciano in Val di Pesa. ©Kevin Day/Opening a Bottle
Badia a Coltibuono's abbey backlit by midday sun ©Kevin Day/Opening a Bottle
Vineyards at Villa Calcinaia in Montefioralle in Chianti. ©Kevin Day/Opening a Bottle

Recent Updates Among the Essential Winemakers

Winemakers we have recently added, as well as some deemed "still essential" after a fresh review.

Photo collage of Morey-Saint-Denis wine

First-Taste Guide to Morey-Saint-Denis

Morey-Saint-Denis boasts five Grand Cru vineyards and yet, very little is written about its delicious, expressive Premier Cru and Village wines. We take an in-depth look with the help of Master Sommelier Brett Zimmerman.

This guide is free for all readers.

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50 Wines to Admire

What we've been drinking and enjoying. Short, concise and if not educational, at least a little entertaining. Available only to paying subscribers.

How We Rate Wine - Wine bottles for Opening a Bottle ©Kevin Day/Opening a Bottle

How We Rate Wine

Our reviews are written for beginners to wine as well as "wine obsessives." And we use icons to indicate vineyard practices, history, and other compelling details that matter m0st to understanding a wine's story.

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Icons Guide

Things That Matter to Us in Wine

Throughout the site we hallmark wines and wineries with icons denoting what is special about them. Here are just a few of the things we find fascinating in wine, and why. Learn more with our guide to all wine icons.

About Opening a Bottle

A worldwide network of wine experts propels this magazine ... just kidding. It's mostly a passionate wine obsessive in Colorado with some help from his very, very talented friends.

Key to Our Wine Icons

– Practicing Organic
 – Certified Organic
 – Practicing Biodynamic
 – Certified Biodynamic
– Promotes Biodiversity
– Old Vines
– Heroic Viticulture
– Volcanic Soil
– Traditional Winemaking
– Clay Vessel Winemaking
– Family-Operated Winery
– Historic Winery
– Co-operative Winery
– Négociant
– Stay at Winery
– Olive Oil Producer
– Age-Worthy Wine
– Expensive Wine (+$100)
– Requires Some Searching

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