by Catalogs.com Info Guru Terri Wallace
Wine is something that many of us treasure and keep at the optimal temperature in our wine fridge or display with fondness in our wine racks.
But not everyone feels the same passion for the vino. Fortunately, there are so many different types of wine that often even those who are wine ambivalent can find a wine to their liking. Here are some wines to help convert those those don’t (yet) love wine.
10. Sauvignon Blanc
Depending on the climate of where the wine was grown, made, and bottled, the wine could either taste pugnaciously grassy or sweet and tropical. This sweetness is often appealing to the those new to a Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp and elegant wine pairs very well with fish, cheese, pasta, and salad–perfect for Book Club night or a casual brunch.
9. Zinfandel
In the United States, it is mostly a semi-sweet blush-style called White Zinfandel.The taste usually depends on how ripe the grapes were where it was grown. In cooler areas, it is more likely to taste like red berries, like raspberry. However, in warmer areas, it tastes like blackberries, licorice, and pepper. The wide range of tastes make it easy to find a taste compatible to nearly every palate.
8. Sparkling Rose Champagne
Usually light pink in color, not dark enough to be a red wine, the smell and taste depend on only the type of grape used to make it. Rose can be paired with anything and everything; this versatile drink pairs well with anything pink (lobster, shrimp, ham, pork, chicken, etc.). This sparking wine is an easy-to-drink offering.
7. Rioja
Rioja is a Spanish wine, crisp and smooth. It has distinct smells, including oak, smoke, fruit, and laurel leaves.The tastes aren’t far off from the smell. With ranges of crisp fruits, woody oak, and the warm spiciness of vanilla and cinnamon, it pairs very well with seafood, lamb, cheese, hot/spicy foods, and (preferably roasted) game. Its versatility earns it a place in any newbies wine rack.
6. Riesling
Typically a dry, semi-sweet to sweet, sharp, acidic, sparkling white wine, this choice is a wonderful summer wine. In cool climates, it tastes more like apple or other tree fruits. While in warmer climates, it takes on a more citric or peachy note. The wine also pairs well with white fish, and pork. It is one of the few wines that can withstand the stronger flavors and spices of Thai and Chinese food. This easy-to-drink wine is perfect for a casual night in.
5. Pinot Gris
This wine is often consumed young. It smells of lemon, apple, pear, and vaguely of floral elements. This choice boasts tastes of vanilla, smoke, almond, and vaguely sweet and is perfect for a Girls’ Night Out.
4. Moscato d’Asti
This is a wine that pairs well with appetizers, particularly grilled salmon. Also is great with fresh fruits, cold cuts, semi-sweet desserts, soft cheeses, and buffets like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It should be drank young, no more than a few years after it is bottled. It smells of different floral aromas, dried fruits, spice, honey, and citrus. Tastes of citrus (lemon especially), honey, jasmine, and fruits. It is bubbly and acidic, and even avowed wine haters can enjoy this sweet and effervescent wine.
3. Moscato
Moscato is a sweet, dry wine with a usually low alcohol level (about 4-7%.) It is much more than just a dessert wine; however, dessert Moscatos are more typical. Smells of vanilla, orange, and caramel. Tastes of peach, lemon, orange, and vanilla. Pairs well with Chinese food, Thai food, Vietnamese food, firm cheeses, carrots, turkey, duck, and crab. Similar to Moscato d’Asti, this choice lacks the bubbly characteristic but retains the sweetness.
2. Inzolia
A crisp white wine that is characterized with a nutty aroma. Inzolia often boasts fruity and floral notes and tastes of spices and vanilla. This a somewhat heavier wine and would well suit those who prefer a more substantial offering.
1. Chardonnay
Chardonnay frequently tastes of berries, fruit, citrus, herbs/flowers, and spice. An extremely ripe Chardonnay will taste more like tropical fruits, like pineapple, mango, etc. A not-so-ripe Chardonnay will taste more along the lines of green apple or lemon. If it is aged in oak, it will have different flavors and will taste sweeter, like vanilla, coconut, tarts, etc. The smell of vanilla, butter, coconut, and dill are all contributed to oak aging, and this contributes to the creamy notes characteristic in some Chardonnays. This wine pairs well with soft cheeses, fish with herbs, turkey, chicken, pork, and almonds, and is a classic offering that often becomes a favorite.