When it comes to wine, are you tough-minded, uncompromising and fearless? If so then you just might have the makings of an iron-willed wine lover. Believe it or not this is a good thing. You see, too many people are willing to accept the status quo and drink any old wine. However, that’s not what being a true wine lover is all about.
You must be courageous and try new wines from regions around the world. Be brave and bold, not meek and mild. Sure, uncorking a bottle of wine from South Australia might sound intimidating, but one taste can alter your whole perception. I get it, you’re comfortable with the everyday wines you’ve been drinking all these years. So what, take the plunge and give the Aussie a try. This could indeed be a major turning point in your life. You might be pleasantly surprised and find that it’s a wine you really enjoy. By the way, Penfolds 2018 Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz is a delicious wine and a great introduction to Australian wines.
It happens all the time, someone stops by their local wine shop and picks any bottle from the rack. They don’t even take the time to read the label. Instead it’s off to the checkout and away you go. I’m willing to bet that if a label had just one word that read “wine” and the price was under $10 a bottle, people would buy cases of it. That of course is the easy way out.
Now I’m not saying that you have to splurge each and every time you buy wine. What I am suggesting is that you take a moment to understand the wine, the producer and region of origin. This is where the iron will comes into play. Most wine lovers should expect the best wine for the money and never settle for second best.
Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll find a wine lover's paradise filled with marvelous selections you didn’t even know existed. Sure, Merlot or Pinot Noir have always been a safe haven. Both are terrific wines, that I too enjoy. But this time reach for a Sangiovese from Italy or a Grenache from the Southern Rhone region of France where this grape tends to flourish. These are red wines that you really owe it to yourself to try. Find the resolve to be a little more daring.
As for whites, Chardonnay is widely popular but this time around how about a Gruner Vetliner from Austria? This varietal is dry with peach, citrus and white pepper notes. It’s both refreshing and pairs well with food. You could also give Verdejo a try. Clean and crisp with flavors of lime, lemon, grapefruit and citrus notes, this delightful white from Spain will make a believer out of you. For about $15 Bodegas Naia makes a sleek and tasty Verdejo.
Perhaps this all sounds a bit scornful but that’s not the intent. The hope is that it inspires all wine lovers to never get locked into a particular wine or region. There’s a lot of wine out there and it’s yours for the taking. So the next time you shop for wine, vow to purchase at least one bottle that you’ve never tried before. I’m willing to bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. All it takes is the will. Cheers
Wine of the week: Perticaia, 2017 Montefalco Rosso, Italy. Ripe and generous with crushed raspberry, fleshy cherry and hints of baking spice alongside taut tannins that give this wine depth. $24
January 31, 2021 at 05:27PM
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Off the vine: Are you an iron-willed wine lover? - Worcester Telegram
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