Something This Good Shouldn't Be Scary. And It Isn't.

In my first column I poked some fun at some of the pretentious elements that exist in the wine world. Let’s be honest: they are unnecessary, they give people who love wine a bad name and can act as a barrier to people looking to explore this world. I have always been amazed by the number of people I’ve met who have either been intimidated by wine or act so sheepish about their lack of knowledge.

The one thing all these people have in common is they want to know more. They usually get excited when I can impart a tiny nugget of wisdom, of course that excitement often goes to dead eyed boredom when I start to drone on too much about the impact of French Oak.

So with that in mind I want to help you with some easy tips on how you can be your own best version of a wine expert.

First thing you need to know about wine is  that learning about wine is all about humility. Even the best out there, the Master Sommeliers who can deduce a Premier Cru versus a Grand Cru by the faintest aromatic difference, make mistakes all the time. You will never have a full grasp on it, and why would you want to? I don’t want to live in a world where I have tried all the wines and producers out there. 

1-Write stuff down! Whether you are at a restaurant or a party where you try something that really strikes your fancy. I started doing that back in 2005 jotting notes on the backs of recipes. The first time was for a bottle of Zinfandel. Not only did I write down the name of the producer but just as important I noted where the wine specifically was from. In this case it was from Lodi which is a region in California.

Soon after I spent two minutes on the Google machine so that I could learn more about this appellation (After I learned what “appellation” meant in the wine world). Boom I became a mini-expert on this warmish Mediterranean climate area that’s about 100 miles east of San Francisco. Going forward whenever I saw a Zinfandel from the Lodi region I was more inclined to try it because I had that small amount of familiarity.

2-Never be afraid to chat with the wine managers or Sommeliers. I know they may seem a wee bit unapproachable but most are more than happy to help out. Don’t be ashamed to say what your budget is. Any wine expert can recommend the 2000 Margaux-- I’d drink that heavenly juice with a box of Captain Crunch-- but the majority of experts should be able to match any budget with an appropriate wine.

Also the good ones won’t try to stir you to the most expensive wine on the list.  If you’re going for lunch and they recommend a $300 Napa Cab then just say you’ll have water and slip out when they’ve turned their back.

3-Try wines from areas you never would consider. It’s so important to get out of your safe zone. Not only will you find new wines to fall in love with but it will ensure you never grow tired of your go to wines. A couple suggestions:

Riesling from Clare Valley Australia. I know it may seem too hot in this area of the world to grow Riesling but the nights are cool here allowing for balance in the wines.

Pinot Noir from Germany, specifically the Baden region. A mild warning, they call it “Spätburgunder” in Germany. Heaven forbid Germany making anything easy.  

Sicilian wines near Mount Etna. This entire area is making beautiful wine from indigenous grape that often bear a resemblance to a Barolo but at a far lower price.

Go beyond Rioja and Ribera Del Duero when trying Spanish wines. Try a glass of Mencia from the western part of Spain or for something with a bit more power try the Grenache based wines of Priorat. 

4-Visit wine bars. Find the ones where they change up their by-the-glass menu semi-frequently. No better way to learn about wine than to grab a couple friends and everyone order something completely different.

5-Colour doesn’t matter. In the wine world being woke about colour isn’t about winning brownie points on Social Media. For all of you who don’t drink white wine you need to open your eyes to a whole world of flavour out there. You don’t think you can drink white with meat? Try a full bodied Burgundian white with a steak, you won’t be disappointed.

Rosé are NOT some sort of insipid red wine wanna be with a novelty colour. Yes it’s great as a light and refreshing afternoon wine with salads and light meats but try some of the Rosé’s from the southern France region of Provence and you’ll get a much bigger wine.

I hope these suggestions help. You can always drop me a Tweet at @mcauz56 for any and all your wine questions. I will do my best to make your next bottle a good one.