Who's the best judge of a wine and how is it done?

Many visitors have asked: What wines do you recommend? I’m interested in learning more about the types of red wines available?

I will start by addressing the first one. 

Concerning what wines to recommend

The truth is that the best wines are really the wines that you in particular enjoy.  Let me repeat that: the best wines are the wines you enjoy. 

I am being funny here, but I want to make a point: If you don’t like a wine, but an expert gives it a 87 rating, is that rating really going to make that wine more enjoyable for you? Of course not.  It just means you have a different preference than he/she does.

Unfortunately most people rely on others to recommend a “good wine” and discount their own judgment.  I think it’s never good when people stop using their own judgment, particularly with wine, it is absolutely not good.

Many people fear trusting their own senses. 

While peoples’ trepidation to use their own discretion with wine is understandable, as you’ll see, it’s unnecessary. 

I maintain that properly sampling and describing wine is far more important than worrying about the ratings of experts. It is paramount. 

Why?

Handling this ritual will ensure that when you’re reading descriptors on labels, or consulting with salespersons, friends, or anyone about wine, you’ll be able to confidently describe what you like and not have to rely on anything else other than your own preferences. 

It also means you’ll then have a great foundation to learn more and more about wine in a way that makes sense.

One of my motivations for this newsletter was to help others eliminate their intimidation of wine-speak.  Well, once you can adequately sample and describe wine that will happen.  In others words you will become an empowered wine enthusiast.  (I will let you know a great resource in this regard at the end of this installment.)

Learning more about the different types of red wine available

There are many reds available and I would like to share with you more information about these wines. 

That’s why this and future weekly installments will feature a different type of red wine, in addition to continuing to provide more of the tips and information I’ve been sharing (and answering the questions I receive from visitors).

I will now discuss this week’s featured red wine: Chianti.

This is my favourite type of wine, in particular Chianti Classico.  The first bottle of wine I really enjoyed was a Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva.  

Chianti comes from the Tuscany, Italy.  Tuscany is Italy’s fifth largest wine region. 

Chianti is a dry red wine that ranges from light to almost full bodied and its descriptors typically include tart or cherry and sometimes violets.  Chianti may appear quite subtle at first but once the wine has moved across your palate the full richness is present.  This is what I love about it.

Chianti is made primarily from the Sangiovese grape which is the main red grape variety of Tuscany.  Since 1996 regulations required that Chianti and Chianti Classico include at least 75% Sangiovese.  While it can be made from 100% Sangiovese, it can also be made have up to 6% of Trebbiano and Malvasia (white wines) and 10% Caniolo.

Chianti wines have two separate designations: Chianti Classico DOCG (wines between Florence and Siena) and Chianti DOCG (broken down into six sub-zones) 

For your information, DOC refers to regulated place name and DOCG, is a higher status, and refers to regulated and guaranteed place name.

Chianti is Tuscany’s most famous wine and one of the most famous wines in the world. (I’m sure those of you who’ve seen Anthony Hopkins famous scenes from the Movie The Silence of the Lambs will remember the reference to Chianti.)

What’s the bottom line of this installment?

The best wines are the ones that you enjoy.  It is paramount to properly learn how to sample and describe wine and doing so that you can clearly and confidently know and indicate what you like in a wine.  It is also important to sample a variety of red wines so that you know.