DISCOVERYING YOUR FAVORITE WINE

PERSONALITY & STYLE

by Seana Marie Sesma

Wine is so much like people. We are all slightly unpredictable; we have varying personalities and we change with age. Some people - like wine, can have split personalities, a pretentious side and a relaxed side. Maybe even many layers of style and nuances that change depending on what is happening around us at that time. I have always enjoyed assisting people in discovering all these aspects of wine and people. Discovering your palate and unknown wines is always an adventure; it is like meeting new friends. Friends teach you new things, share new styles and that is a part of our own evolution as a human being. Going wine tasting with friends gives you the same opportunities – learning about wines that they like and what is appealing to their palate. You will discover that your styles of wine preferences will evolve and this gives you the opportunity to discover new wine personalities and styles.

Next time you taste a wine that you like, forget about the varietals name. Do not think about that fact that it is a Cabernet or Syrah. Think to yourself about the style of the wine. Swirl the wine in your glass for a few swirls and stick your nose in the glass. I mean really stick it in there and take in the aroma. What is the first thing that comes to your mind? Whatever you think or say- you are RIGHT! Yes, everyone experiences different aromas and you are all right. Now, sip the wine...but wait as you are swallowing it take in a bit of air and swirl it over your tongue. Somewhat how you used to slurp your soup, just try to be a bit more grown up about it. I know your mom would be so disappointed, but the rules have to go out the door here a bit so you can really let yourself be free to experience the wine on your taste buds. As you are rolling it across your tongue, just think about the flavors. Now swallow, and as you think about the finish, what did you experience? Dryness, another flavor, or was it the same? Nevertheless, take another sip and think about what you are experiencing on the front, middle and back of your tongue. We are now discovering the style of the wine, how it evolves from the nose, to our tongue, to the finish. Some wines are the same from point A to B and are consider “simple or easy drinking” and some evolve and change in the glass and in our mouths, therefore considered to be more “complex.” When you learn to describe the style of wine you like, you can now describe that to a wine shop or wine steward to help you with options that are your wine style of preference. Try not to limit yourself with, “I only drink Cabernet.” What is it about the cabernets that you have drank, that you liked? Did you like the dark chocolate nose, with a palate that is intense in flavor and a mid palate that changed to a dark rich fruit and a slightly dry finish? So now, you can describe that to me and I would have you try a few Zinfandels, and maybe even a Bordeaux varietal blend and expand your desires.

Take the time to discover your favorite wine personality and style, just as you discover new friends and we can have so much fun together.

Salud, Amor y dinero y tiempo para gastarlo,

Seana-Marie Sesma, Your Wine Rack Lady