Merlot | Giggly Grapes

What Is a Fifth Growth Wine? The 1855 Bordeaux Ranking Explained

04/10/2024

Three unlabelled Bordeaux bottles beside a glass of red wine on a timber table

A fifth growth is a Bordeaux château in the bottom band of the 1855 classification. There are 18, twelve of them in Pauillac, and the label says more about 1855 prices than today’s wine.

Meatloaf Wine Pairing: What to Pour (and What to Avoid)

02/01/2024

Sliced glazed meatloaf on a dark platter with a glass of red wine beside it

The best wine with meatloaf is a soft, fruity red: Merlot first, then juicy Shiraz, Zinfandel or Grenache. Why the glaze is the tricky bit, what to avoid, and a stock-checked bottle for tonight.

Best Wine for Mulled Wine: 9 Reds That Work (and What to Avoid)

03/12/2023

A steaming glass mug of mulled wine with an orange slice and cinnamon stick, spices scattered on a dark wooden table

The best wine for mulled wine is cheap, fruity and low in tannin. Nine reds that work, the ones to avoid, a stock-checked bottle, our basic recipe with three twists and the standard-drinks maths.