How to Pick the Right Wine for You

By Amra B. 

I am no expert on wine. I don't even drink wine: as a teenager, I had an "accident," where I finished an entire bottle of wine alone; this experience left me taunted and not so enthusiastic about wine. However, while visiting French vineyards, I have gained a new appreciation for the art of wine making and how delicate and important this process is. 

Me in the French Vineyards in the South of France

I have learned that there is a different wine for different occasion, i.e., depending on the dish that you are eating or on your mood, you may choose a dry, creamy, intense, or aromatic wine. Also, you may choose a wine in accordance with social situations: a meal with friends, as an aperitif, for a romantic dinner, or celebrations. Furthermore, different regions in France also have different tasting wine. Grapes varieties have a unique physiological make up with aromatic compounds and the result is that the wine reflects the environment of the grapes. Although there is much to say about French wine, I am going to give you some interesting facts on what makes this wine so special and tips on how to pick the right wine for you. 

French May Have the Best Wine in the World 

Chave, Guigal, Raveneau, Dauvissat, Romanée-Conti, Leroy, Coche-Dury, Pétrus, Lafleur, Latour, Haut-Brion, Margaux, Yquem, Krug, Salon, Beaucastel, Huet, and Trimbach, are some of the most famous wines in the world; they all come from France. Also, there is a tradition of wine making in France that has persisted longer than in other parts of the world. According to the French winemakers, wine is chiefly a product of the physical environment (the soil, the microclimate) in which the grapes were grown. The ability of the winemaker to match the right grape to the right soil determines the quality of the end product. French philosophy is that a wine should not just taste good but exude a sense of place. This idea developed in France during the Middle Ages, and it continues to persist today. 

Tips on How to Pair Wine with your Favorite Food

Below are some suggestions on how you can pair your favorite food with amazing French wine. Also, you may check out this chart (http://www.grosvenormarket.com/assets/Food-and-Wine-pairing-chart/WineFoodPairings.pdf) for a more detailed description. 

• Sauternes with bleu cheese.
• Chardonnay with chicken, scallops, lobster, and brie.
• Sauvignon Blanc with shrimp, acidic pork, oysters, and whitefish.
• Pinot Noir with salmon, fatty fish, and duck.
• Zinfandel or red/white Burgundy with turkey, pheasant, and quail.
• Red Bordeaux with lamb.
• Beaujolais with traditional pork.
• Cabernet Sauvignon with beef, venison, and grilled meat.
• Burgundy with braised meat and game.

I hope you enjoyed my article on historical facts about French wine and how to pick the right wine for you. Below, you will find some photos of my recent trip to the South of France and its vineyards. Until next time...