Blanco, reposado and añejo are ages, not grades. What each word means in law, what the barrel actually does, which one belongs in a margarita, and the cheapest way to taste the difference for yourself.

Katlav is one of Israel's original boutique wineries - a small operation in Nes Harim, high in the Judean Hills, run by an architect who learned winemaking from a neighbour. Here is the range and where to start.

The orange drink everyone is holding on a patio has a name and a job. What aperitivo means, how the 3-2-1 spritz works, what vermouth actually is, and which bottle to start with.

Aberfeldy 12 is the malt at the heart of Dewar's, and one of the softest ways into single malt Scotch. Where it comes from, why they call it the Golden Dram, and how it stacks up against the other 12-year-olds on the shelf.

The letters on a cognac label are age minimums, not quality grades. What VS, VSOP, Napoleon and XO each guarantee, why XO changed in 2018, what Grande Champagne means, and which kosher bottle to buy at each tier.

Kindzmarauli is a place, not a grape. Where it comes from, why the sweetness is natural rather than added, how Saperavi makes it so dark, and how it differs from Khvanchkara, Alazani Valley and Pirosmani.

The most-visited bottle on our site, explained. What is in Russian Standard, what separates the red label from Platinum and Gold, which one to buy for mixing and which for drinking neat, and where it stands on kosher.

Unopened wine does not spoil like milk, it fades. How long each style really lasts, why the year on the label is not an expiry date, what actually ruins a bottle, and how to tell if yours has turned.

Cholent flattens a delicate wine. Here is why it is hard to pair, what to look for in a red that can handle it, why mevushal matters at the day meal, and ten bottles that work.

Port is a sweet red with brandy added, built for after the meal. What fortified actually means, what ruby and tawny tell you, why some bottles say port-style, and the kosher ports worth pouring.

Chianti is Italy's everyday red, made from Sangiovese in Tuscany. What it tastes like, what Classico and DOCG actually mean on the label, and which kosher Chianti to pour.

Zinfandel is the bold, jammy red that America made its own. What it tastes like, what old vine really means, why White Zinfandel is pink and sweet, and which kosher bottles to start with.