Wine is often viewed as one of those things that everyone should know about. Not being knowledgeable or asking questions about wine can sometimes make people feel uncultured in certain circles. I recently had a conversation with Walter Hartman, the sommelier and founder of Walter on Wine, a membership website that helps beginners and experts discover their next favorite bottle. Hartman shared some valuable insights on wine and how to navigate the vast and often confusing world of wine.

One of the first steps on your wine journey is visiting a wine shop. While grocery store chains like Trader Joe’s offer convenient wine sections, local wine shops are staffed with knowledgeable industry professionals who can help you discover your taste preferences on a personal level. In Long Beach, you can check out Buvons Natural Wine Bar, M Wine Cheese Etc., Willmore Wine Bar, and more.

According to Hartman, people’s taste profiles can generally be divided into three categories. Knowing which category you fall into can significantly increase your chances of selecting a wine that you’ll truly enjoy. Approximately 25% of the population has a heightened sensitivity to strong flavors. These individuals may prefer sweeter beverages, like heavily sweetened tea or coffee with cream and sugar. For this group, white wines are often a safer choice than most reds. Bold red wines are typically high in tannins, which are natural compounds found in grapes that can impart a bitter taste to wine. The tannin levels in wine vary depending on factors such as climate, grape variety, and harvest time. Grapes harvested earlier tend to have more acidity. As the grapes mature and ripen, the sugar levels increase, and the acid levels decrease. For those who lean towards white wines, Hartman recommends enjoying the last of summer with a crisp sauvignon blanc by the poolside. He specifically suggests trying Greywacke’s sauvignon blanc from 2022 or 2023, or if it’s difficult to find, a Whitehaven sauvignon blanc. Prices for these bottles can range from $10 to $32.

If you’re in the 25% of the population that isn’t as sensitive to bitterness and enjoys black coffee or strong tea without sugar, you may find pleasure in bolder red wines like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah. These wines have distinct flavors and can withstand robust pairings.

For the 50% in the middle, there’s a wide range of options, and finding the perfect wine may require some trial and error. What you already enjoy drinking can offer clues about the wines you might like. Visiting a wine shop and understanding your taste profile can be a great starting point.

If you’re not only interested in drinking wine but also want to pair it with food for dinner parties, consider these tips. Pizza and beer are a classic combination, but if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, Hartman suggests pairing pizza with Chianti wine. Chianti has a high acid level that cuts through the richness of a pizza. The same applies to red meat dishes. Rich, flavorful dishes, like those featuring red meat, pair well with bold red wines, such as cabernet sauvignon. However, if the dish has earthy flavors like mushrooms, sommeliers often recommend a pinot noir as a pairing. Keep in mind that spice on the palate can enhance the sensation of alcohol in the mouth. For spicy dishes, Hartman suggests opting for an aromatic wine, like riesling.

Remember, there’s no good or bad when it comes to wine preferences. It’s all about what you enjoy. Taking the time to explore different wines, seeking guidance from professionals, and understanding your own taste profile can help you find your next favorite bottle and make your wine-drinking experiences even more enjoyable.

Welcome to a new edition of our “Demystifying” series, where we aim to unravel and simplify the intimidating aspects of the food world. Today, we’re delving into the often perplexing topic of wine pairings.

When dining out, have you ever come across a menu item that left you completely clueless? Did you feel uncomfortable asking the waiter to explain it to you? Well, fret no more! We’re here to answer all your culinary questions and help you navigate the sometimes bewildering world of food and drink.

Let’s start with wine pairing, a practice that can seem quite overwhelming to those unfamiliar with it. The general rule of thumb is to pair lighter dishes, such as chicken or seafood, with white wines. The delicate flavors of these dishes perfectly complement the crispness of a chardonnay or pinot grigio. Imagine a refreshing glass of white wine elevating the taste of your perfectly seasoned salmon or succulent shrimp.

Surprisingly, there are also instances where ice cream pairs exceptionally well with wine. Yes, you read that right – wine and ice cream! At the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant, Heritage, they serve a unique fig leaf ice cream. To enhance the flavors of this delightful dessert, they have expertly paired it with a luscious merlot. The combination of the sweet and creamy ice cream with the rich and velvety wine creates a truly decadent experience for your taste buds.

Now that we’ve uncovered the secret of wine pairings for you, we’re eager to tackle the next topic in our series: hot sauce. Ever wondered what sets one hot sauce apart from the rest? Are you curious about the different spicy flavors that can elevate a simple dish to new heights? Send us your burning questions about hot sauce or any other food-related terms or concepts at [email protected], and we’ll make sure to provide you with all the answers you need.

We hope that by “demystifying” these aspects of the food world, we can make your dining experiences more enjoyable and less intimidating. So the next time you encounter a perplexing menu item or find yourself in a wine conundrum, remember that we’re here to help. Stay tuned for more enlightening articles in our “Demystifying” series, bringing you closer to the fascinating world of food and drink.