Sommelier Tries 20 Red Wines Under $15 | World of Wine | Bon Appétit
by Bon Appétit
📚 Main Topics
Introduction to Affordable Wines
- Andre Mack, a sommelier, shares his expertise in selecting wines priced at $15 or less.
- Emphasizes that wine enjoyment is subjective and personal.
Wine Selection by Country
- Wines are categorized by country, starting with Italy, followed by Australia, Spain, the United States, Argentina, and France.
Tasting Techniques
- Importance of smell in wine tasting (80% of taste comes from smell).
- Use of emojis to express wine characteristics and personal opinions.
Wine Characteristics
- Discussion of tannins, acidity, and flavor profiles.
- Importance of balance in wine quality.
Shopping Tips
- Recommendations for shopping by importer and understanding wine labels.
- Building a relationship with local wine shops for better selections.
✨ Takeaways
- Enjoyment Over ExpertiseYou don't need extensive knowledge to enjoy wine; personal taste is key.
- Tasting Notes Are SubjectiveWhat one person tastes may differ from another's experience.
- Acidity and Tannins MatterThese elements contribute to the structure and pairing potential of wines.
- Explore Lesser-Known VarietalsOff-the-beaten-path grapes often provide great quality for the price.
🧠 Lessons
- Wine is PersonalEveryone has different preferences; embrace your own taste.
- Quality Over PriceAffordable wines can be just as enjoyable as expensive ones.
- Be Open to New ExperiencesTrying wines from different regions and varietals can enhance your appreciation of wine.
- Trust Your Local Wine ShopEstablishing a relationship with knowledgeable staff can lead to discovering hidden gems.
🏁 Conclusion
Andre Mack encourages everyone to explore the world of affordable wines, emphasizing that enjoyment and personal preference should guide your choices. Drink outside the box and have fun with your wine journey!