How to choose your wine

How to choose your wine

There is a lot of pomp and ceremony when it comes to wine. It is, to some, a life's obsession, discussing the nuances and subtle depths of flavour, acidity, body, etc.

However, to many, wine is simply an enjoyable and relaxing end to a stressful day or a great addition to your meal.

You’ve probably already found the wine you like and don’t really change your wine type too much unless there is a financial incentive.

I promise you, you are missing out.

Trying new wine can really work in your favour. There are many offers on many different wines. The key is to have some knowledge about the wine before you buy it.

New World versus Old World

If we go back to the early 90s and before, European wines ruled the world. France, Italy, Spain being the producers (old world). However, in the past twenty years there has been an emergence of new world wines from Australia, South America and New Zealand. These wines have grown in popularity year on year.

One reason for this is the label on the bottle. Old world producers tend to show the region or vineyard that it was produced. For example, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Bordeaux. It tells us nothing about the grape and you need a grasp of French geography to know where it's from.

The Australians decided to make it easy for us by putting the grape on the label, for example, RockBare Shiraz Mclaren Vale, Australia.

There was also another reason that these wines came to the forefront. They are very good to drink without any food. This fits well with our drinking style. 
Our appetitive seems to be for coifing wine.

Wines are made from grapes and as such react very similarly to most fruits which are grown around the world.

When they start their life they are very high in acidity, sour and subsequently possess low levels of sugar. In this state the grapes are un-palletable.

As time goes by the tartness decreases and sugar increases.

Depending on which part of the world (how hot the climate is) this can happen gradually, as in cool climates such as parts of France and Italy. Conversely in hot climates the sun quickly ripens the grape giving lots of strength of flavours as well as high sugar. This creates more alcohol.

Hotter countries equal bigger bolder wines with greater alcohol.

Cooler countries more mineral wines, generally higher acidity and more subtle flavours than their counterparts.

If you want to see how temperature (and terroir) can effect a grape, try a Sauvignon Blanc from France then try one from New Zealand. France will give you slightly acidic more mineral style. The Kiwi will be packed with fruit, guava, papaya, melon and the alcohol level will be up making it easy to drink all on its lonesome.

Take a look which country the wine you buy comes from and what the alcohol level is. Try the wine from the same country or that are near to it. The further south you go, the hotter it is the more flavour and alcohol you'll get. It's a great way to find new wines. You won't always get it right. This guide is a bit of a generalisation but it's a lot of fun experimenting.

Food & Wine by Paul Sheerin
Pshearse@gmail.com