Being black in the wine industry (which isn’t very black) for the past 10 years, I’ve gained so much information and experience that doesn’t make its way to us

This time of year feels like a good time to give out some tips & gems

A thread

Champagne - A sparkling wine from the champagne region of France

Prosecco - Sparkling wine from Venato region of Italy

Cava - Sparkling wine from Spain

They all have bubbles. You don’t need “champagne” to enjoy sparkling wine. It’s overpriced IMHO

If a wine is “Dry” - it’s NOT sweet. It has savory bitter notes which can be enjoyed with or without food. Red or White

A “sweet” wine description is usually reserved for dessert wines or Moscato, and some Rieslings, which are for the most part white wines.

Next: “Sweet” Reds

Typically, Red wine is NOT sweet. You’ll hear the phrase “fruit forward” meaning semi sweet

there are exceptions. If you’re looking to try a couple in 10$ range:

Apothic Red - More fruity then sweet

Or

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz - More sweet then fruity (+it’s from South Africa)

Common Wine Misconception:
“The more expensive, the better”

I can show you a trash 80$ wine.

I can show you an amazing 20$ wine.

you don’t really need to stray outside 20$ range. Unless you’re knocking back high end Cabs every week your palate won’t know the difference

Typically:

Pinot Noir - Dry, lighter, aromas/flavors of Ripe Cherry Strawberry & raspberry

Merlot - Dry, more body and weight, aromas/flavors of mocha, dark cherry, and savory cloves

Cabernet Sauv - Dry, bold, more full body, aromas/flavors of blackberry, cocoa, oak

There are numerous more red wine grapes i can dive into but those are going to be the core of the majority.

“What’s a Bordeaux ?”

A Bordeax is a Cab or Merlot from Bordeaux region of France. They like to be different and label by regions instead of grapes (Cab,Merlot)

White Wine
Typically:

Pinot Grigio - Dry, light crisp, simple aromas/flavors of lemon, citrus

Sauvignon Blanc - Dry, more body, flavors/aromas of grapefruit, grassy minerality (if it’s from New Zealand) or Apricot, tropical stone fruit (If it’s from California)

Chardonnay:
Is grown EVERYWHERE = Different Styles

Cali w/ Oak - Buttery, Creamy, Tropical pineapple, toast

French no oak (Chablis) - steely, green apple, lean

French w/oak - Apricots,Biscuity, toast, savory

After opening a bottle.

LET THE WINE BREATHE !

I promise you it will be worth the wait and taste better. You can even test the science for yourself. It’s been bottles for years. Needs to stretch a little bit.

Can also invest a cpl $$ into a Decanter. Gives true expression

Any questions about a wine or need some help picking out a bottle ?

Collab on a wine get together to share some knowledge & stories ?

I’m easy to reach on here or IG

IG: kenplush

Cheers