Wine Novice to Expert!

Lately, I have started to notice that my tastes have been changing A LOT when it comes to wine. I used to only like super sweet dessert wines or champagnes, but now I am leaning towards the more full-bodied type wines, but don't get me wrong my heart can still be won with a good, TALL glass of Prosecco. The problem comes in the fact that I know absolutely nothing about wines. So, I have found a fabulous article from The Daily Blog called 'How to Order Wine Without Sounding Stupid.' Does this sound like something you need? Well, I did. So here is a comprehensive guide on the different types of wine, along with a few tidbits from this author, as well as some excellent pairings and label options from your very own ACC.

Cabernet Sauvignon

(cah-ber-nay-so-veen-yawn)

This famous red wine grape, produced everywhere from Bordeaux and California to South Africa and Australia, generally makes high-tannin, full-bodied wines with depth. The flavor of black currants is commonly associated with the wine, as is a quality of being firm and rich.

Food Pairings: This wine pairs nicely with steak and red meat, perhaps an ACC Filet Mignon, New York Strip, or Prime Ribeye?

ACC Menu Options: Becker Iconoclast, Coppola, Robert Hall, Gascon Malbec, Duckhorn, Woodbridge, and Clos Pegase

Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris 

(pea-no-gree-joe and pea-no-gree) 

This widely popular (especially in the U.S. [and with me!]) and generally inexpensive white wine is primarily produced in northeastern Italy, California, Oregon, and Alsace, France, Italy, and California's pinot grigios are typically light, dry, and crisp, whereas the pinot gris from Alsace have more character and body. 

Food Pairings: Light pasta and fish dishes, like any of ACC's fresh seafood options or ACC Signature Pasta, are often recommended with pinot grigio.

ACC Menu Options: Cielo and Woodbridge

Merlot

(mare-lo)

Less tannic than cabernet sauvignon, this red wine grape produces dark wines that are generally full-bodied, high in alcohol, and with notes of chocolate and plum. The most widely planted grape variety in Bordeaux, it can make wines that range from easy-drinkers to prized bottles worth aging. 

Food pairings: Because of it's diversity, there are lots of options here - everything from grilled meats and blue cheeses to salmon and mushrooms. ACC members, come try this with our Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Mignon! AHHHH!! My mouth is literally watering!

ACC Menu Options: Woodbridge

Pinot Noir

(pea-no nWAHr)

Iconic of Burgundy reds, great pinot noirs can also be found in wine-growing regions like Oregon, California, and New Zealand. Lighter than cabernet sauvignon and merlot, pinot noir is generally a medium acid, medium-tannin wine that has fruity red berry notes and a floral aroma (but can sometimes also have earthy qualities as well).

Food Pairings: A versatile wine for food pairing, try it with natural rinded cow's milk cheeses, mild red meats, as well as grilled, roasted, or sautéed foods (ACC members think Smothered Chicken or Chopped Sirloin).

ACC Menu Options: Bogle

Zinfandel

White zinfandel may be a hugely popular white wine, but the grape it's made from is actually red. Iconic in California winemaking, the grape also produces, dark rich, high-alcohol red wines. 

Food Pairings: Red zinfandel pairs well with meat dishes (stews, ribs, legs of lamb), hearty red sauce pastas, rich patés, and terrines. White zinfandels would go perfectly with a seafood option, or more importantly a decadent TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE CAKE made fresh by our very own and very wonderful Lupe.

ACC Menu Options: Bogle, Woodbridge

Malbec

Easily considered Argentina's signature cariety, it is widely produced in the Mendoze region. The lush, fruity red wine is characterized as having good tannins and notes of dark red fruits, and also sometimes tobacco and espresso.

Food Pairings: This bold, structured wine pairs well with foods that have sweet and spicy notes. ACC members, what about some Crispy Coconut Shrimp with some spicy Cajun Remoulade, which is definitely a favorite of this writer!

ACC Menu Options: Alamos, and Gascón

Champagne and Sparkling Wines

(shahm-PAHN-yeh)

Champagne is labelled such because it is made in Champagne, Italy. If it wasn't made in Champagne, it is sparkling wine. When it comes to these bubblies, a lot of confusion can stem from the terms used to define the degree of sweetness. Brut (broot) means it's dry, sec (seck) -though it literally translates to the word 'dry' - means it's a little sweet, demi-sec (duh-mee seck) is fairly sweet, and doux (do) means sweet. 

Foor Pairing: Bubbly is a classic pre-meal apéritif drink, but can also be paired with the popular oyster, as well as salty or fried snacks as the bubbles can cut through the richness. ACC members try this with our shrimp cocktail or crab cakes, or maybe even a chicken fried steak! 

ACC Menu Options: Andre Spumante, Domain Ste Michelle

So now that you are a COMPLETE expert on ordering fine wines, head on down to Athens Country Club, or whichever club you are a member of, and DRINK UP! We are here getting the bar ready for you, and even if you don't feel like a complete expert yet the ACC bartenders and anyone on staff here at ACC will be happy to help you choose a wine that you may like or gladly sit down and have a wine tasting with you!

P.S.: After you finish trying all these different types of wine, you will have lots and lots of corks. So make sure to go have a look at all the things you can create with those leftover wine corks at Addicting2Decorating, in their post 'Wine Cork Crafts and DIY Decorating Projects.' 

She lists 30 different ways to reuse wine corks!