Big, Bold and Rich

What best describes big, bold & rich wines?

Hedonistic, Concentrated, Aromatic, Intense, Powerful, Full-Blow, Aggressive, Opulent, Extract.

Very often, we can use these terms with other style definitions, but are often used with big, bold, rich wines. These wines tend to show best when paired with food. They exude extracted, powerful fruit, like a Cabernet/Shirz from McLaren Vale, sweet oaky Merlot from Washington, fabulous rich white Burgundy, or perhaps a full-blow Russian River Chardonnay.

Look for icons that characterize the depth of components in the wine.

Oak, Buttery, Tannin, Extracted, Juicy, Minerally, Spice, Age-worthy

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Smooth, Luscious, Juicy

What best describes smooth, luscious & juicy wines?

Soft, Ripe, Layers of Flavors, Subtle, Aromatic, Mouth Watering, Seamless, Elegant, Silken, Quaffable, Tangy.

These terms give examples of a large style selection of wine. They can encompass ripe, aromatic Shiraz, elegant Rhones, a tropical barrel fermented Chardonnay, a crisp, yet ripe minerally Vouvray, or a soft juicy Chilean Merlot. These wines also have the broadest food pairing application, along with being enjoyable without food. You will probably not find as much oak in these wines, or as much “butter”. Look more minerally, lusciousness and elegance.

Look for icons that characterize the depth of components in the wine.

Oak, Juicy, Tannin, Spice, Age-worthy, Minerally

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Light, Fresh and Fruity

What best describes Light, Fresh and Fruity wines?

Crisp, Refreshing, Fruity, Tart, Thirst Quenching, Fresh, Minerally, Vibrant, Citrus, Zippy, Bright, Tangy, Aromatic. Elegant, Concentrated, Juicy.

Light, Fresh & Fruity is a delicious category often overlooked because “fruity” is not always “in”. Fruity is fabulous, brimming with bright, zippy flavors and quaffable on its own. It is often lower in alcohol, with a trace of oak, if none at all. Think Pinot Grigio, crisp Vedejo from Spain, dry Spatlese from the Rheingau, tangy quaffable Beaujolais from France, thirst quenching Riesling from the Mosel, Muscadet from France, Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and pink wine from just about anywhere.

Look for icons that characterize the depth of components in the wine.

Juicy, Age worthy, Minerally

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Bubbles

What best describes bubbles?

Effervescent, Delicate, Toasty, Rich, Creamy, Minerally, Crisp, Yeasty.

Bubbles! It’s not just for celebration! Sparkling wine has incredible food pairing versatility. If it goes with beer, it can go with Champagne or Sparkling Wine. Champagne, of course, can only come from the Champagne region in France, but Sparkling wine can come from anywhere. There are many regions worldwide that produce terrific sparkling wines, from sweet Spumantes, subtle refreshing Cava, to elegant California Brut and Blanc de Blancs. When to drink Champagne?

Perhaps it was Madame Bollinger who said it best….”I only drink Champagne when I’m happy, and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I am not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.” ….. Lily Bollinger

Look for icons that characterize the depth of components in the wine.

Oak, Age Worthy, Minerally

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Sweet and Sticky

What best describes wines that are Sweet & Sticky?

Honey, Acid, Viscosity, Tongue-coating, Rich, Intense, Fruity, Elegant

Sweet & Sticky probably speaks for itself, but while these wines are obviously sweet, they have a much broader appeal than just desert and very often have incredible longevity.

Take a rich Auslese from Germany that can last for decades, or smooth, ripe Sauterne from France, and sweet intense Canadian Ice Wine. All these age with complexity and grace. In this category you will also find Ports, maybe not as sweet and sticky, some are fortified with Brandy and oh so delicious! Ruby or Tawny, they can be sipped with foods and not just on their own. Tray a rich-aged Tawny or a vintage Ruby with chocolate.

Delicious!

Look for icons that characterize the depth of components in the wine.

Oak, Juicy, Tannin, Extracted, Age-worthy

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