CANZE | Wine: Not just for the posh
Upon mentioning an affinity for wine, many will reply either that they dislike the taste or they "don't know anything" about it.
This usually means that they have never tried much, if any at all.
Wine, like beer or liquors, is not for everybody. It's a different experience, with a different culture surrounding it.
For about a year, I worked with a wine distribution company. Driving from grocery store to grocery store, stocking their shelves with wine - the company handled over a 100 or so different varieties - I naturally became curious about what all these different wines tasted like.
Thus began my own journey discovering wines, finding the good and the not-so-good - in my opinion, Malbec and Asti Spumante, respectively.
At the same time, I started to help my employers at wine tasting, which opened up my eyes to all sorts of new wines, styles, ideas and insider tricks.
However, the most important thing that I've learned about wine is that it really doesn't matter what you know about wine. As has been repeated by many a wine professional in many different ways, the only thing you need to know about wine is what you like.
Many wines can be found for relatively cheap, and a person can discover what they prefer pretty quickly.
Start with a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Too sweet? Try a Cabernet or Merlot.
Not sweet enough? Go towards Rieslings and dessert wines.
Just right? Try different kinds of wine within that type.
Within a couple of glasses, somebody can start to define their tastes and delve into a deeper world of beverages that many people never know about.
And while we're at it, let's kill this idea that wine is a snobby drink for dinner parties and upper-crust dates right here and now.
Sweeter, fruitier wines are just as good for partying as any cocktail or flavored liquor. Just watch yourself - stick to Riesling and more agreeable whites. The last thing you want to happen is taste the more abrasive red wines on the way back up.
Also, there are really good South American wines that can be found for $4 to $10 a bottle, which is just as good for sitting around watching the tube as a six-pack of beer --- and as far as alcohol content, packs just as much punch, if not a little more.
Wine isn't for any certain class or type of person. It's fun, complex, interesting, exciting and above all, darned tasty. Raise a glass and broaden your horizons.
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