Tired of having the same on same grape every single time you’re choosing wine? I hear you!
That is to say, it can be overwhelming and although you want to try something different, you’re not sure where to start from. Well, as we have established by now, the world of wine is beautiful, unique and absolutely tasty, and it’s definitely worth it to start tasting more of these different grapes that are out there.
Keep reading and find out 6 ways to experiment with wine.
Let’s start:
-Do some homework
Note down what is that you actually like in the wine you normally drink. Is it its fruitiness? The refreshing sense of its acidity? The powerful tannins? The elegant and structured tannins? The high/low alcohol?
Once you have identified what you like, check with your local wine shop what other wines have similar characteristics and start from there your experiment with wine.
-Same grape, different country
If you can’t get over your Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, which is great and everyone should love it, why not taste how they make it in other regions or countries? Try it from Chile, from Australia, from Bordeaux.
-Your grape in blends
Adding to that, since I said Bordeaux, why not tasting your favourite variety in different blends? Merlot and Syrah, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere and so on.
-Same grape, different style
Choose a wine that has been fermented in oak barrels vs a wine from the same grape that has never been in contact with oak. Check the winemaking process for your sparkling wine. Why not experiment with different sugar levels in your Riesling?
-Food and wine pairing
List your favourite food items and check online what is usually recommended to pair them with. If you really like the food that you’ve listed, chances are you’ll equally enjoy the wine that best suits it. Yam!
-Play with it
Choose a wine producing country and try to taste as many of its local grapes as possible. You’re planning a trip to Greece? Have fun with tasting some of their 337 indigenous varieties! Have fun with that and a bit of cry when pronouncing their names! J
-Attend wine tastings
Wine tastings can be so much fun, interactive and educating. Join one of the events that go on in your community or why not organise it yourself amongst friends. Each one can bring their favourite wine and then you can start wondering what’s wrong with your friends and their choices. J
That was it! Easy!
And because I know you’re putting your shoes on already to head down to the wine shop, I’ll give you one more tip!
-Your +1
Talk to your wine shop people. Build a rapport with them. Ask them for suggestions, for the new and the different. They’ll be happy to help and they’ll love you!
Enjoy it and keep tasting!
