Understanding Wine Ratings
Wine ratings have always been a hot topic in wine circles. How can someone tasting a single bottle of wine, probably after having tasted a dozen or so wines already, be responsible for rating a wine for the public? While the system has its flaws, there are quite a few benefits if you take the time to learn a bit about how to use wine ratings to your own benefit.
Due to the fact humans are testing the wine, the system can be deemed flawed right from the start. Give two experts a glass of wine at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day, and they are likely to rate the wine two different ways. Unfortunately for the public, we have no idea of knowing when these wines were tasted. Therefore, we can only use these ratings as a general scale.
Wine Enthusiast publishes wine ratings each month in its magazine. Wines can score as high as 100, but you will rarely see a wine that is scored lower than the low 80s. The point of this scoring system is to make things easier on the readers and so they can figure out which wines they are going to buy on their next trip to the store. However, using only these wine ratings, meaning the actual number, is hardly the way to go about buying wine.
In addition to the actual score, the magazines wine guide will publish tasting notes. These notes are actually available for just about any wine made. If they cannot be found online, where they are readily available, wine reviews with tasting notes should be available through the vendor. These notes that offer the characteristics of the wine are the true key to buying the wines that you will actually like.
In most wine reviews, tasters use terms such as dark fruits, tobacco, plum, oaky, creamy, and buttery. All of these are common terms used in wine reviews, but what they mean to each person is the key. It is important to be able to identify each taste, as you actually perceive it. For instance, what I taste as tobacco, you may taste as a bit earthy. So how can you possibly figure out wine tasting if everyone's palate is different?
Anyone who wants to self-teach the nuances of wine tasting can purchase an essence kit. These kits enable an individual to taste each essence individually so they are better able to identify the characteristics as they are offered wine reviews, wine guides, and wine ratings sheets. The next step would be grab the winemakers notes about the wine and then try to identify each essence as they winemaker explains it. Now the wine ratings can be used much better as a guideline to single out wines that you should enjoy.
Wine ratings are important, but only if they are used properly. They are not the be all and end all in deciding which wines are going to go into your rack. The bottom line is that what a person likes is what they like, it really is as simple as that. Learn how to identify essences names in the wine and then use the wine ratings in wine reviews and wine guides to narrow down the list of bottles you are interested in purchasing.
Different Varietals Of Red Wines
For wine lovers, nothing beats a full-bodied glass of red wine with their dinner. Merlot has long been a favorite of the casual wine drinker, and then with the popularity of the movie Sideways, Pinot Noir was thrown into the spotlight. However, there are quite a few other varietals of red wine that can make dishes even better when paired properly.
Beaujolais - this is one of the lightest reds available, and very popular when available. Because the wine is low in tannins, it is often considered a great starter wine for those looking to venture away from whites. The wine itself is harvested from the Gamay grape.
Sangiovese - lovers of Chianti are very familiar with this varietal. Italy is the origination of this grape, although other areas, such as California, have successfully grown this varietal. One of the unique aspects of this particular grape is that it is just as likely to be full-bodied as it is lighter. Due to this very reason, Sangiovese pairs well with many different foods.
Pinot Noir - this was a true wine lover's little secret until Sideways hit the big screen. The moment the movie can out, common Pinot Noir selling for under $20 a bottle suddenly rose to over $35 a bottle. Wine lovers truly appreciate Pinot Noir because of how difficult the grape is to grow and turn into good wine. The wine is characterized as light to medium bodied. Depending on the region, some of the most dominant flavors will be strawberries, black cherry, and spice. For something truly special try a Pinot Noir from the Carneros region, as it will feature distinct flavors of coffee and chocolate. It is the perfect red wine for fishes such as tuna and salmon, but also pairs well with lighter meats, such as chicken and ham, along with game, such as goose, pheasant, and deer.
Merlot - one of the more popular reds and is some circles, has an unwarranted reputation. Merlot is very flexible and pairs well with many foods. It is not as full-bodied as the Cabernet grape, but shares many of its characteristics. California Merlot's continue to be in the forefront of this particular varietal. It is characterized by flavors of chocolate, dark plums, blackberry, and will often show a hint of vanilla. It is also used to cut many Cabernets to mellow out the wines and reduce some of the tannins.
Malbec - this is the new Pinot Noir. Argentina wines are currently very affordable and for some reason, casual wine drinkers remain unfamiliar with many of the varietals being made in this region of the world. It presents a true bargain for wine lovers and some absolutely incredible flavors. The wine is often characterized by strawberry and cherry. It goes perfectly with zesty barbeque sauces.
Petite Syrah, Syrah, and Shiraz - all of these wines share very similar characteristics; however, it is important to note that while Syrah and Shiraz (a term coined in Australia) are the same grape grown in different regions, Petite Syrah is but a distant cousin to the Syrah grape. All of these wines are great for peppery steaks, barbeque, and even cheeses. The most common flavors noted in these wines are blackberry, pepper, and spice. Petite Syrah will also have a jammy flavor, highlighting its distinctness.
Cabernet Sauvignon - this is the beginning of the really big reds. While Cabernet is grown all over the world, California Cabernets are among some of the best. Chile is also beginning to show some very nice progress with this varietal. Typically, the wine features flavors of cassis, dark plums, black currant, tobacco and vanilla. Because the grape ages so well, oak will often show an obvious presence. In fact, it is not uncommon for a vintage to need 10-15 years before being fully matured and ready to drink. It pairs well with steak and can accompany dark chocolates for dessert.
Zinfandel - the best Zinfandels are generally considered to come out of the Dry Creek Valley. This is located in the Russian River region of Sonoma, California. They are very big in flavor and very flexible. The unique flavors of the wine (jammy, with darker fruits) makes it a perfect match for not only barbeque, but also foods like pizza, pasta dishes, prosciutto, and certain cheeses. It is for this reason that many chefs love this particular varietal.
Nothing beats pairing up the perfect wine with your favorite meal. We always say that in the end, the only thing that matters is what a person likes. However, because casual wine drinkers are usually uneducated about the different varietals, they will rarely venture into unknown territory. Hopefully, this guide will offer a little more confidence the next time a wine is chosen for dinner.
Different Varietals Of White Wine
Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are often the bailout drink for people who consider themselves casual wine drinkers. However, if they are willing to take some chances, they may find that they like more than just these two varietals. In fact, exploring different whites will often lead to the exploration of red wines. Before they know it, they are a full-fledged wine connoisseur! We will do our best to educate everyone on the many different varietals of white wine.
Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris - the grape for both of these wines is the same, but like Syrah and Shiraz, different regions call it by different names. Pinot Grigio originated in Italy, but California calls the varietal Pinot Gris. The wine is extremely light and crisp, often showing a pale straw color. It pairs nicely with white, flakey fish and is the ideal companion for salad. It is typically characterized with flavors of citrus, peach, flowers, and pear.
Chenin Blanc - a lesser know white, which means great bargains abound! Like Pinot Grigio, it will feature floral aromas and peach, but it will also have flavors of honey and melon, making it truly delightful on a summer day. Match this with salads, lighter sandwiches, white fish, and very light and plain meats.
Riesling - one of the more famous German wines but found throughout the world. Simply put, there may not be a more refreshing wine on the market. It is characterized by flavors of apricot, pear, and peach. There are semi-sweet and even dry Rieslings, but they are hardly as popular as the sweeter variety. Spicy seafood pairs perfectly with this wine, as it cools the palate after the spice is consumed.
Gewurztraminer - also popular in Germany and often confused with Riesling. It is easily spotted at the local wine store because of the taller and thinner bottles. Other than the unique bottle, it is also easily distinguishable for its bouquet. A deep breathe will quickly reveal a delightful combination of spice, peach, roses, and lychee. On the palate, flavors of rich tropical fruits are abundant.
Viognier - a wine that has been hiding for some time, but one that is trying to make a breakout in recent years. Viognier is to white wine what Malbec now is to reds, a secret that is just dying to get out. Winemakers have experimented with all different types of fermentation, so finding an oak flavored Viognier is just as likely as one that has been aged in stainless steel. Peach and apricot are very prominent in this varietal.
Sauvignon Blanc - this wine has roared into the spotlight over the last decade as New Zealand has seemingly perfected the art of making Sauvignon Blanc. It is a medium-bodied wine that offers quite a bit of flexibility with food. This wine is known for the "citrus zing" it presents on the back end, often filled with flavors or grapefruit. For those avoiding Champagne, this is a great substitute when eating oysters. It also pairs well with fried fish and some lighter meats.
Chardonnay - the true champion of white wines. This is the primary grape in the making of Champagne, and it is regarded as the most popular of all white wines. Great Chardonnay's come from all over the world, so it merely becomes a matter of preference when picking a bottle. The wine will feature flavors of pears and apple, but if aged in oak, will also feature vanilla. It is common for oak-aged Chardonnays to be described as buttery, due the creaminess the aging process brings out in the wine. While some Chardonnays are aged only in stainless steel, they hardly stand up in flavor to oak-aged wines. The wine pairs well with all seafood and can stand up to creamy sauces.
As is now abundantly clear, white wine offers the same variety as red wines. It is easy to see how a Pinot Grigio lover may decide to try a Viognier. It may only be a matter of time before they hold a glass of oak-aged Chardonnay in their hands and are looking over the section of red wines on the menu. Regardless, there is quite a bit of flexibility with white wines and the lighter ones are perfect for spring and summer nights. Take the time to explore all of the different types of white wines and when experimenting, seek out wines that have similar characteristics as the white wines you already enjoy. It may make the transition to the more full-bodied whites easier to make.