Learn To Understand What YOU Like

The first baby step in getting more comfortable around wine, its realizing that there are millions of different kinds of wines and not all are going to be of your liking. We all have different taste and what some may adore others may hate. I am certain that even the most sophisticated ULTRA wine may not be liked by everyone, and that's ok! otherwise we would all be drinking the same thing. Secondly you have to open to try, trying and tasting are about the only true ways you can really develop your palette and also get to the point where you have your go-to´s and the ones that you tried but wouldn't buy again.

Start from something familiar and built from there. For example are you more into red, white, sparkling or rose wines?

Lets start with red wines. Safely they can be grouped as either light or full body bold reds, disclaimer there are also medium reds, but for the sake of just getting started, lets begin with light and full. Pinot Noir & Gamay are light reds that can easily be found in most grocery or wine stores. Pinot Noir I believe is by far the most popular example of a light red! With a strong presence in France and Central Coast, California. Since its so popular and its grown in many places, you can really be surprised on how its profile may differ if you are tasting a French, American, Australian, German or Chilean Pinot. Gammay, is fruity and floral, I am a fan myself. If Gammay doesn't ring a bell may be Beaujolais does. Beaujolais in the Loire Valley (France) is an area where Gammay definitely has a presence and following. Gammay is meant to drink young, is not meant to be aged forever. Unlike Pinot that is planted in many places, Gammay is definitely French, but you tried and liked it, Valpolicella & Schiava should be the next ones on your list.

Now if on the other hand, if you enjoy more body, structure, deeper and more ripen fruit flavors full body reds are more your style. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Monastrell or Merlot may all sound familiar. If full body reds are what you usually go for, then look for wines from regions with warmer climates, as a general rule, warmer climates equate to more alcohol and body. These types of wines tend pair pretty well with red meats and cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar or Colby as their tannins are a counterbalance to fat and oils.

White wines are often misunderstood. Lots of times people think that white wines are sweet or too fruity, when in reality, white wines offer a wide array of varieties and flavors that may surprise you. Yes, in the white category there are types that are very aromatic and sweet like Gewurztraminer or Riesling ( wont get into these now, they deserve their own post as I REALLY like these two!) but you can also find light body crisp & full body nutty whites. Light and crisp are great summer wines, they are very refreshing and they just make me want to be outside in a terrace chillaxing. Albariño, Chablis, Verdejo & Sauvignon Blanc are all good examples of freshhh whites. The underlying similarity its their high acidity, let me clarify its not acidity in a sour sense its acidity in how it translate in your mouth. They tend to pair really well with most cheeses, fish and shellfish and lots of veggies too. If you enjoy that fresh, zesty and crisp feeling try any of the ones I suggested above or try Sauvignon Blanc from different regions and see how you like them!

When I think full & nutty I certainly think Chardonnay. Chardonnay is very popular with a strong presence in France, Australia and the US. Chardonnay is oak aged which is the main contributor to its buttery toasty scent. Chardonnay can also have very strong tropical fruit notes. This wine is very fun because depending on the region and the aging it completely changes! For example before when we spoke about crisp and fresh we used Chablis as and example. But Chablis is a really Chardonnay, the main difference is that Chablis is not oak-aged, and that alone changes it completely. So if Chardonnay its your type, I suggest you try ones from different regions and with different aging as well.

Next post we will go into Rose & Sparkling =)