DOMESTIC OR IMPORT

[stevebody]

I refer all the time on this forum to the "journey of wine". To me, learning about wine was exactly like that: a wonderful, exotic trip with hundreds of little, out-of-the-way sidetrips along the path. People you interact with will take you onto some of those sidepaths. Certainly, hearing from Foodie and me, you'll get two entirely different courses, if you ever ask. But what Foodie says is right on the money: you can't generalize. People try to do that all the time, when they buy wine from me. They'll say, "Well, I heard that American wines are more fruity than European wines." Then I have to gently point out that the emphasis on any aspect of the wine can be different from winery to winery and that the country has little to do with it. Case in point: Two of California's biggest and most successful wineries, Beaulieu and Beringer, couldn't be more different in house style. Beaulieu embraces a more French style, especially in their Cabs, which leans toward a more restrained, less fruit-forward flavor curve, while Beringer makes 'em oaky, smoky, and warm/fuzzy.

If you like the softer, less restrained style, you have, literally, a whole world of things that will light you up. I have had a long and rich love affair with Spanish wines and a newer, more intense one with Italians. For sheer fruit, warmth, and accessibility, I'll always lead my customers to those two countries.

Wine tastings are so valuable, it can't be overstated. You get to try a lot of different wines, for FREE, and buy what you already know you like. Better yet, make friends with someone who works at a wine shop and see if they'll invite you to some trade tastings, the tastings distributors do for wine salespeople. I've taken a lot of friends to these and they always have a great time, AND help me make better choices about what to buy.

Most of all, stay OPEN to everything. Never just accept what anyone says about any class of wines being bad, having common characteristics, or being made a certain way. Try them for yourself and you'll enjoy the journey more.