Up-ing your wine game, Part 3

I really like being able to open the door or remove an obstacle from someone’s wine journey. The door is the realization of how fun and enjoyable wine can be, and an obstacle can be anything; like being able to describe what you actually like.Your wine journey can appear overwhelming at the start. Thousands of wines from thousands of grapes and combinations. As a wine guide I enjoy giving fellow tasters a few simple and easy tools that enhance the enjoyment of each glass. Once you realize how fun the journey is going to be it will no longer feel overwhelming.Here is a quick recap of some of those simple tools.In the first part of Up-ing your wine game I said how important it is to go to wine tastings, especially the unique ones, like the monthly tasting held by the Emerald Coast Chapter of the American Wine Society. Going to tastings like these show you how to taste wine. Even just going to your favorite local Wine Shop tasting will help you begin to find what you like.Yet, are you still getting frustrated because you cannot describe what you like? In Part 2 of Up-ing your wine game I gave a few easy words to use. Most important - Think about what you actually taste!So, taste wine, describe wine. The next step is to ASK QUESTIONS. Do not be afraid to ask! Why did that wine taste like that? Why was it dry? Why did I taste grapefruit? Asking questions will allow you to start putting it all together. It will also show you who can you trust to ask your wine questions to, someone who can and will enhance your wine journey.Tonight’s Crowd Favorite at EastHill, Altocedro La Consulta Select Red Blend 2019 from the Uco Valley, near Mendoza Argentina, is a good example. It was bold, had a satisfying level of complex fruit; black plum, blackberry, followed by some coco with medium tannins; all from using six different grape varieties. Could you describe that if you tasted it. If so fantastic. If not don’t be afraid to ask! Just like any puzzle, the help of a second set of eyes finding that one piece can really get you over the hump, and back to enjoying your journey.

Aragon’s April Cru Tasting

I will keep saying it: Make it a point to go to the local monthly and special wine tastings!Everyone has a lot going on in their personal lives, and I understand not getting out regularly to our local wine tastings, I get it. But if you can get to one every now and then go to a venue’s once-a-month or special tasting. They are so worth it!Aragon Wine Market has a tasting every Thursday. 3 out of 4 are free. The 3rd Thursday is their “special” Cru tasting.  You are going to get higher quality wines, food, and live music.Why I go? Higher quality wines! This evening didn’t disappoint with a Wine of Note, our highest category of wine! A white blend from the oldest winery in South Africa. Constantia Uitsig Natura Vista, 2019, is a blend of 72% Semillion and 28% Sauvignon Blanc. What made this wine so unique?This was the best “seafood” white wine that I have had in a LONG time! With its vineyards right on the coast of the Western Cape, it had a wonderfully flora nose with a layered palate consisting of a complex mix of pear, citrus, and salinity.This white can be paired with any shellfish, any white flaky fish, cooked in almost any way. Unique, everyone liked it, and a great overall wine equals a Wine of Note. Look for the once-a-month and special tastings on our calendar.  Hope to see you at the next one!