Differences in wines

[Zinner]

Well, don't sell yourself short. If you've tried those wines, you are getting an idea of what's out there. Good for you.

Perhaps you would like to know that not all wine is meant to age. Quite a lot is meant to be drunk up young. Like some people, as some wines age, they develop more complexity, character and yes, one might say dignity. But like some people, other wines, as they age, tend to fade.

There are many wines that aren't expensive or older vintages, that I would consider dignified wines. Particularly so, if the winemaker has a passion for producing the best wine he or she can with the fruit they have.

I came to wine from first being a foodie, so I tend to choose wine to go with the dish...merlot with steak or grilled vegetables for example. Or white zin with Southern barbeque. I also take into consideration the occasion...is it a picnic or a formal dinner? And the weather plays a part. You probably will like lighter wines best if you're sipping them outside when the weather is hot.

Do be aware too, that the same varietal from different producers can taste quite different. Chardonnay for example is a chameleon in terms of picking up what the winemaker does with it. In stainless steel, it can be crisp with clear fruit flavors. Oak might make it more spicy or toasty or give it a vanilla flavor, depending on what kind of barrel it spends time in. And another process can make it taste of caramel.

So that's why it's best to taste for yourself. Do check with local wine shops(and some restaurants) and see what they have on offer. Here you can find a tasting most evenings of the week. Often they try to catch the crowd as they're going home from work.

Another possibility is to find some other folks who are beginning to explore wine and get together, each bringing a wine and a food(appetizer, cheese, ect.) that they want to try with it. That way you can try different wines for the cost of one bottle.