"A bottle of good wine, like a good act, shines ever in the retrospect." – Robert Louis Stevenson
“Wine is wonderful stuff. But so many people are put off by the snobbery of it.” – John Cleese
Whether you consider yourself a seasoned oenophile, or someone who has been known to choose a bottle just because there is a dog on the label (quietly raises hand), the fact is that everyone’s taste is unique and quite personal. Collecting bottles – both the proven vintages or something purchased on a whim – is an exciting part of making your custom wine wall a true reflection of you.
Here are a few creative ways to discover and enjoy the wines that are a fantastic fit:
Reflect on Favourite Flavours – Flavours you enjoy in other foods or drinks can oftentimes serve as indicators of what you might find appealing in a wine. For example:
- Do you prefer apple or grapefruit juice? Apple juice lovers may be more likely to enjoy a sweet white wine, whereas grapefruit enthusiasts will likely lean towards a dry white.
- Do you prefer your caffeine in a latte or black coffee? Black coffee drinkers may have more affinity for vintages that come from a place where winemaking began, such as Italy or France. Like a latte? A wine from the US, Australia or South Africa might be your speed.
In the Mix – If you’re incorporating wine into a mixed drink, sangria or a sauce, the more subtle flavours of the wine won’t be as critical. Consider choosing a less pricey – yet still delicious – bottle for cocktails or cooking.
Look for “Second Label” Wines – When it’s harvest time at a vineyard, their best, most fully mature grapes go into the primary batch or “first label.” These are often praised by connoisseurs, available in limited quantities and can be quite expensive (and possibly well worth the cost). However, if you’re still experimenting with finding which wines you most enjoy, second labels can be a great way to discover wines from the same expert vineyard at a fraction of the price.
Age Is Relative – It’s a common perception that older is better when it comes to wine, but that’s not always the case. Properly aging wine depends on several factors, including the region that the wine is from and the amounts of tannins, sugars and acids it contains. Aging is generally more important for red wines than white wines. However, most wines are actually not meant to be aged and should be enjoyed within five years of purchase.
Track Your Tastes – Once you’ve sampled a potential favourite, be sure to make note of the wine, the region and the variety of grapes. There are loads of apps that make it easy to record your perceptions of multiple wines and keep them handy for the next time you’re ready to shop.
Ready to build a wine wall, room or cellar that fits you to perfection? Call, text or email us anytime. We’re excited to help you bring this one-of-a-kind creation to life!