Beginner Wines

Many people think of wine as an acquired taste or a drink to be enjoyed only by people who like heavy alcohol.  In truth, wine varies so greatly from one varietal or blend to the next that there is a wine out there for every taste.  Wine is a culture, an alluring habit thought of as sophisticated and mature.  More than that, it is a wonderful way to highlight the best flavors in any dish with the right pairings.

Anyone under the impression that they hate all wines has simply not tried enough of them.  No matter what particular taste someone is looking for, there is a wine that will appeal.  Most people who dislike wine complain that it is heavy or bitter.  Hogue Cellars Late Harvest Riesling is an excellent choice for introducing a new take on traditional wine flavors.  Bright and fruity, this wine is sweet and smooth enough to please any palate.  Late harvest wines are traditionally sweeter and, if made well, pleasant for everyone.

Another fantastic choice for the wine reluctant is Moscato d’Asti.  Ceretto Aziende Vitivinicole is a fantastic option and sells for $20 or less per bottle.  This slightly sweet wine offers an added bonus for wine opponents by including a light effervescence that illuminates the gentle fruity flavors of the wine.

A favorite among several avowed wine haters, St. Jacob Kellerei Liebfraumilch is a a lightly sweet, fruit wine with a juicy flavor that pairs perfectly with spicy foods.  Unlike many white wines, this complex wine is bold enough to stand on it’s own with heavy spice but not so overwhelming that it turns off skeptical wine drinkers.

If red wine is preferred, Elio Perrone Bigaro is a wonderful blend of Moscato and Brachetto grapes with a beautiful ruby color and a refreshing light carbonation.  Slightly sweet with a low alcohol content, it pairs perfectly with hazelnut or chestnuts. 

Finally, particularly in summer, Sangria is a wonderful wine drink that pleases even the harshest of wine critics.  Santa Rita Cellars Sangria is a wonderful option, full of rich red wine paired with sweet fruit flavors and generous spice.  It pairs perfectly with spicy foods and is especially enjoyable over ice and garnished with sliced citrus fruits.

Encourage wine haters to try every wine they come across to find the one that suits their taste and preference.  If you’re serious about finding a wine you enjoy, it is only a matter of time and taste testing before you find the perfect match for you.