For the love of Wine

Oh for the Love of Wine! Ever felt intimidated with wine? Ever heard a wine expert describe wines? Experts may describe a red wine’s structure such as smokey, earthy and with strong tannins, sounds peculiar right? Well let’s not worry so much what the experts have to say just yet. First off wine is an acquired taste, but I think there is a wine for everyone out there.
If you are just acquiring a taste for wine then you should stay away from bolder wines such as, Cabernet Sauvignon, Valpolicella, and Merlot. Start off with white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Grigio. Some of these white wines have fruity tasting notes such as green apple and grapefruit. For example a Sauvignon Blanc may have characteristics of freshly cut ruby red grapefruit that burst and excites your sense of smell and taste without any bitter ending. Where as Pinot Grigio Has more of a crisp flavor with a sparkling mouth feel. Chardonnay is a great wine to make the transition into more bolder wines. Chardonnay has a crisp taste with oak notes. Chardonnay is briefly aged in oak barrels similar to red wines. The brief stay in the oak barrels develops flavor and in some instances a deeper golden color is produced.

Are you ready to explore and discover wines for yourself, but have no clue how or where to start? A great way to taste new wines and develop your pallet is to have a wine tasting get together. I believe the best way to accomplish this is to gather a group of friends and have them bring wine any wine any price. Ask them to bring something that they’ve never tasted before. Also don’t be fooled with prices there are plenty of great tasting wines in the $10- $20 price range. The host can serve a cheese course, chocolates, or creative appetizers to pair with the wines. Then everyone gather around and each person  places the bottle of wine in front of them. Then one at a time open a bottle and pour everyone a glass about 3 oz depending on the amount of people, make sure everyone gets to taste the wine. There is a specific way to taste wine if you are serious about wine and exploring everything it has to offer. First, swirl your glass this brings oxygen to the wine and brings out more aroma. Sniff the wine, anything you smell familiar? Share what you smell out loud and see what other people have to say. There are no right or wrong answers. The more you swirl the wine the more you will smell the different notes. Then taste the wine, share what you taste, is it smokey, fruity, does it dry your mouth? Then have a bite to eat of something and repeat swirl, sniff, sip and enjoy how the wine now changes in flavor, see what works and enjoy.

There aren’t any right or wrong ways to do a wine tasting the main thing is to get together with friends and family and enjoy all the possibilities that wine and food has to offer. What do you think? How do you enjoy your wine? Let me know in the comments below.

A couple of our favorite wines, and some simple appetizer ideas.

Anna's Green Apple bites with Goat cheese candied walnuts and balsamic glaze. 

Caprese Salad Poppers