Know your wines
Winemakers put lots of effort and experience into making great wines and achieving just the right style and flavour, so it is worth spending some time and effort developing your own taste.
Different wines suit different occasions, so how do you make a decision since a the end of the day it is up to you,
There are 3 principles to taste : acidity, fruit and alcohol, however for red wine there is also tannins.
- Acidity – depending on grape variety and climate.
- Fruit – intensity of fruit creates character and texture
- Alcohol – fruit sugars turn to alcohol during fermentation, The level of alcohol in wine is in balance with its fruit – this should bring an oiliness and viscosity to the palate.
- Tannins : These are produced by the skins of the grapes and cause the wine to have a dry mouth effect and help the wine age.
White Wines.
- Light Crisp Whites: Chalabis, Pinot Grigio,, Chenin blanc – these are fresh and tangy.
- Juicy Aromatic Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat – Thicker then crisp whites – taste should remind you of ripe peaches- fresh and juicy.
- Full Opulent Whites : Chardonnays, Viogniers – Pale gold to deep honey in colour, well defined and expressive - smooth, intense, delicate and dry – great with most foods.
White Wine Links.
An Induction to White Wines
Organic Wines
White Wine.co.uk
Rose.
These are made from red grapes like Syrah, Grenache and Pinot Noir. These wines don’t need to be aged as they taste best when young. These are sparkling wines and best served chilled.
- Easy – drinking : Sancerre in the Loire valley in France, also Blush wines in California.
- Fuller wines : Garachas from Navarra in Spain. Cabarnet Sauvignon from Chile, Grenache from Barosse Valley in Australia : Fresh and fruity wines.
Rose Wine Links.
Rose Wines.com
Heritage Wines
Rose Wines at The Wine Society
Red Wine.
- Fruity lively reds: Burgundy Crus, Valpolicella from Italy, Torrano from Australia : light and juicy
- Ripe smooth reds: Chilean Merlots, Grands crus - St Emilion, Spanish wines from Rioja and Navarra – some very expensive – some everyday wines work with almost any food – fruity and silky
- Rich dense reds : Cabaret Sauvignon from Bordeaux , Syrah or Shiraz from Rhone valley France, Italian Reds of Barods and Barbareo : rich, intense superb wines.
Red Wine Links.
Red Wine Basics
Red Wine.co.uk
The Big Red Wine Company
Sparkling Wines.
- Perfect for the celebrations and parties – mood lifters.: If made with Chardonnay, these are fresh and light, Asti from Italy or Cava from Spain,
- Champagne the most famous of sparkling wines is classically made from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir – Chill 30 mins in freezer or 2 hrs in the Fridge and serve. Do not shake the bottle or send the cork high into the air. Hold the cork and gently twist the bottle until it is slowly released.
Sparkling Wine Links.
Majestic Wines
oddbins.com
Sparkling Wines at the Wine Society