A Simple Question: "What Type of Wine Would You Like?"
How to Choose the Right Wine
Selecting the perfect wine can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice:
Understand Your Preferences: Begin by exploring your own taste preferences. Do you favour red, white, rosé, or sparkling wines? Consider the sweetness, acidity, and tannins you enjoy. Experiment with different wine styles to develop your palate.
Occasion and Pairing: Think about the purpose of the wine. Is it for a special occasion or to complement a specific meal? Different wines pair better with different foods. For instance, a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is ideal with seafood, while a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon goes well with steak.
Research Wine Regions and Varietals: Familiarise yourself with various wine regions and their characteristic grape varieties. Each region has its own distinct style. Some popular regions include Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, Tuscany, and Rioja, and grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc are widely appreciated.
Consider Vintage: Vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested, and it can greatly influence the wine's quality. Some years produce exceptional wines due to favourable weather conditions, while others may be less consistent. Research the best vintages for specific regions and grape varieties.
Seek Recommendations: Consult wine experts or friends with good wine knowledge. They can offer suggestions based on your taste preferences and budget, steering you towards reputable producers and reliable brands.
Read Wine Labels: Wine labels provide useful information about the wine's origin, grape varietals, and sometimes tasting notes. Look for quality indicators like appellation designations (e.g., AOC in France), or specific vineyards and wineries.
Price Considerations: Set a budget. While some expensive wines can be exquisite, there are many affordable options that offer great quality. Explore wines at various price points to find what best suits your taste and budget.
Wine Tastings: Attend wine tastings or visit local wineries. This hands-on experience allows you to try different wines and get expert advice on what might suit your taste.
Remember, selecting wine is a personal choice, and there’s no wrong answer. The joy lies in experimenting, discovering, and enjoying new wines that suit your palate.
Walking into a Wine Shop and Hearing: "What Kind of Wine Would You Like?"
(And you think, "Oh dear...where do I even begin?")
Wine is an endlessly fascinating subject, with its vast array of choices spanning Old World and New World varieties, not to mention the many different grape varieties and styles of production. The more you explore, the more you realise there’s always something new to learn about wine.
I recently came across an insightful article on wine, published in Matichon on 13th December 2007 (Vol. 30, Issue 10869, Page 33) by Panida Sangwansereewanit. The article discussed how wine has increasingly become a part of various festive celebrations, from Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year, all the way to Songkran. As we can’t have celebrations without a bit of indulgence, wine has become an essential part of these occasions.
World-renowned wines familiar to most connoisseurs include "Chateau Pichon Longueville Lalande," a top-quality red wine from Pauillac, and "Chateau Angelus," hailing from the Saint-Emilion region. Hubert de Boüard, owner of Chateau Angelus, describes his wine as one of the finest from Saint-Emilion, a title it has held for over 15 years.
In the New World, California wines are particularly popular, with some fetching eye-watering prices. The most expensive is Screaming Eagle, priced at a staggering 144,000 THB. Among Thai wines, those from Wang Nam Khiao in Nakhon Ratchasima have gained recognition abroad, such as the premium "Chateau des Brumes," made from Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
By now, I hope you haven’t been ‘wined’ out! Remember, whether you’re exploring Old World classics or discovering New World gems, there’s a wine for every taste and occasion.
Wine Regions of France
French wine regions can be broadly divided into six main areas: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace, Loire, and Rhône. For red wines, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône are celebrated, while Alsace is known for its white wines.
Wine Classifications
Wine can be categorised into several levels:
- Grand Cru: The highest level, with prices reaching thousands or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.
- Cru Bourgeois: A step down, with prices typically between £20-70.
- Vin de Pays: Lower-priced wines, often around £10-20.
- Table Wine: Everyday wines, affordable and often locally produced, though some can taste just as good as higher-priced wines.
