Why Wine Communication Is Tricky & Wine Whispering - Part II
Why Wine Communication Is Tricky & Wine Whispering - Part II
In Why Wine Communication Is Tricky & Wine Whispering - Part I, we discussed the body of a wine. In Part II, we dive deeper into how wine drinkers communicate and how to interpret the words they use when talking about wine. It is crucial to choose accurate words and descriptors to representing what one enjoys. After all, enjoyment is what it is all about, right?
Allow me to illustrate how two phrases we often hear— "easy drinking" and "dry"— can sometimes result in confusion.
Term 1: Easy drinking wine
For example, "easy drinking" can mean a wine that is light-bodied and can be enjoyed without food. This usually means it is not too high in acidity or tannin. Acidity and tannin are like opposite sides of the same coin. Tannins make your mouth feel dry, while acidity makes your mouth water. However, both can be perceived as harsh, which, of course, is the opposite of easy drinking.
"Easy drinking" can also mean that the drinker wants some sweetness in the wine. Sweetness in wine is called residual sugar, which is the sugar from the grapes that convert into alcohol during fermentation. This residual sugar can make a wine easier to drink, especially for younger or new wine drinkers, as wine is an acquired taste.
Term 2: Dry wine
On the other hand, "dry" in the wine world means a wine with very low residual sugar or no detectable sweetness on the palate. However, some people may interpret higher tannins as a sign of a dry wine because tannins make your mouth feel dry. Conversely, when someone asks for a sweeter wine, they may mean a wine that is not tannic, as opposed to a wine with residual sugar.
There are many more terms we could discuss, but I think you get my drift! Ideally, you should learn the technical wine terms like body, acidity, sweetness, and tannic, so you can accurately describe what you like in a wine without needing a wine whisperer to interpret for you! This will take some exploration and experimentation! But that is part of the fun!
Check out this value wine*. I define value as a wine that punches above its weight in terms of price! A find at ~$20 (with Cork discount)
Clos La Coutale Malbec Cahors 2020 - southwestern France, just east of Bordeaux
Style: Full body old world oaked red wine
Variety: approx. 85% Malbec & 15% Merlot
It has a very long finish of red cherry, blackberry, cedar, pepper, & hints of earth. It has well integrated tannins smooth enough not to require food to be enjoyed. (It is on the lighter side of full body). Ideal pairings are grilled steak, roasted pork, sautéed mushrooms, and blue cheese. Serve at ~18 degrees Celsius.
*click to link on where available in Alberta, Canada. It is also available in Manitoba (MLCC ~$18) & Québec.
