Wine. Quite possibly the most ancient and complex drink known to humans. But how do you know what differentiates the good types of wine from the two-buck-chuck that’s always on sale? We can’t all be experts, but we can at least be knowledgeable about the basics when it comes to wine.
It’s not always about the brand of wine or how much it costs either. There are some pretty good bottles out there that are decently priced and taste better than stuff that costs $100 a bottle.
And the holidays may be over, but when there’s a party there’s booze.
What kind of booze? Well, that’s the million dollar question, now isn’t it?
Every wine has it’s outstanding elements, and they all have their prime qualities to look for. And certain wines are going to be better suited to different circumstances.
Cocktail parties, for example, might call for a variety of fun vibrant flavors. Or if you’re on the hunt for a good wine keg for the office then you’re going to want to invest in a standard wine that all your employees will enjoy.
From the everyday office to the random party to the picnic in the park. Learn how to choose the right types of wine for the right occasions.
Variables To Consider When Buying Wine
Food
Is food involved? If so how?
Certain wines pair well with some foods and not at all with others.
If you’re looking for good types of wine for the workplace, then you’re going to want to look for a simple wine that can pair well with just about anybody’s lunch choice.
Or if you’re in charge of the party planning, then find a variety of wines that pair well with the food options at the event.
There’s a definite science behind food and wine pairings. A very extensive science that can be best explained in our earlier post on The ABC’s of Wine.
There are some go-to rules that we’ll get into later, but for now, just remember that food and wine pairings also have a lot to do with personal taste as well.
Occasion
What’s the reason for buying wine? In other words, what’s the occasion?
If you’re looking for a celebratory drink then Champagne or sparkling wines would be your best bet.
Or if it’s a fine Gala that you’re planning on hosting then a bold red wine will definitely impress your guests.
Easy going get-togethers and summer gatherings are best suited for fruitier, more refreshing options like a light Rose.
Or you’re looking for a steady everyday kind of wine then a red blend wine keg is an ideal option.
There’s plenty of different routes you can go here, and feel free to stray away from the conventional.
Audience
Take into account the people you are catering to.
Statistically, you can never go wrong ordering a keg of red wine for a party or for the office.
According to a survey done by the Wine Market Council, 42% of the US population consumes red wine over any other style of wine.
This is followed closely by white wine and Rose with 33% and 11% of the population consuming these styles.
Types of Wine & Their Identifying Qualities
Cabernet Sauvignon
A mixture between a Cabernet Franc and a Sauvignon Blanc, a Cabernet Sauvignon is considered one of the bolder types of wine on the spectrum.
Some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines come from our local Napa and Sonoma areas. They’re full of rich flavors and leave you with a long and lasting finish.
It can be a little overwhelming by itself so it’s best to drink this with a hearty meal.
Flavor Profile:
- Black fruit
- Cedar or something akin to pencil shavings
- Green vegetation
- Spice
- Graphite
- Medium to high acidity range
Food Pairings:
- Roasted or grilled meat
- Umami is perfect for softening the tannic tastes often noted in Cabernet
- A high acid Cabernet is best paired with rich flavored dishes
- A low acid Cabernet pairs best with simpler dishes
Chardonnay
So there are two distinct styles of chardonnay.
There’s the oak aged style and the non-oak aged style. The oak-aged style tends to be richer and creamier in taste while the style not aged in oak tends to be crisper with more mineral flavors.
Because of this, some Chardonnay varieties can be radically different from others. For the most part, though, there are some standard features.
Flavor Profile:
- Buttered bread or baked tarts
- Tree fruit
- Citrus
- Pineapple
- Coconut
- Pralines
- Low to medium acidity (if oaked)
- Medium to high acidity (if unoaked)
Food Pairings:
- Soft cheeses
- Vegetables like asparagus or squash
- Herb-infused dishes
- Lighter meats like chicken/turkey breast and fish
- Unoaked Chardonnay styles pair better with seafood like oysters clams or shrimp
Pinot Noir
One word commonly associated with a Pinot Noir is ‘earthy.’ This is because it’s not one of the more fruit forward types of wine.
This grape varietal is very difficult to grow well, thus it’s a very difficult wine to perfect.
But when it’s done nearly to perfection, the result is absolutely outstanding.
Flavor Profile:
- Soy sauce
- Black pepper
- Mushrooms
- Cherries
- Raspberries
- Clove
- Licorice
- Low to medium tannins
- Medium to high acidity
Food Pairings:
- Just about anything with mushrooms or a savory sauce
- Medium weight meats or oily fish like duck or salmon
- Dishes with fruit-based sauces
Sauvignon Blanc
The best way to describe a Sauvignon Blanc is ‘crisp.’ Between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc definitely packs a punch to the taste palate.
Its vibrant flavors and crispness make this the perfect refresher to any day.
Enjoy it alone or pair it with the perfect meal if you want to get the most out of this wine.
Flavor Profile:
- Lime
- Green apple
- Passion fruit
- Guava
- Peach
- Jalapeños
- Celery
- Wet concrete
- Medium to high acidity
Food Pairings:
- Most anything containing parsley, rosemary, basil, cilantro, or other green herbs
- White meats and seafood
- Briny and sour cheeses as well as soft cheeses
- Dishes high in fat content so the acidity in the wine can cut through it
Merlot
Merlot is not the most popular types of wine among snobs. But it’s still a prime pick for any dinner party or office get-together.
The funny thing is that Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are very similar since they’re both derived from the same grape: Cabernet Franc. So you might notice subtle nuances that remind you of one or the other.
Regardless of origin, the smooth finish and lasting mouthfeel make Merlot an ideal pick for any occasion.
Flavor Profile:
- Black fruit
- Cocoa
- Chocolate
- Baking spices
- Medium acidity
- Gravel
- Forest greenery
- The most notable is the smooth tannins on the palate
Food Pairings:
- Ethnic cuisines that are not spicy
- Grilled meats or lamb
- Dishes with a sweet or fruit element
Zinfandel
Like Chardonnay, there are two types of Zinfandel. There’s the Rose type of Zinfandel that we like to call ‘White Zinfandel’ and then you have your traditional red Zinfandel.
A white Zinfandel is a perfect wine for beginners. If you’ve tried a White Zinfandel, you’ll know that these guys are low in alcohol, and perfectly sweet.
With a red Zinfandel, you’ll get more complex flavors and a bolder style.
Flavor Profile:
- Blueberry
- Cherry pie
- Jam
- Raisins
- Black tea
- Low to medium acidity and moderate tannins
Food Pairings:
- Barbecue dishes
- Curry
- Lighter meats, pork, and ham
- Vegetables high in flavor to complement the fruit noted in Zinfandel
Malbec
The biggest give away is its color. With a Malbec wine, you’ll notice its deep purple-red color right away.
It’s full-bodied flavor and fruit notes bring out the best in this one.
As Argentina’s signature grape varietal, go ahead and try the full-bodied flavor of a Malbec for yourself.
Flavor Profile:
- Black fruit
- Raspberry
- Plum
- Blueberry
- Cocoa
- Coffee
- Gravel
- Medium acid and tannins
Food Pairings:
- Lean red meats, duck, lamb, and beef
- Earthy and smoky herbs and spices like black pepper, clove, cumin, coriander, and green onion
- Mushrooms
- Roasted vegetables
- Potatoes
Conclusion
Choosing the right wine is not an easy tasking. If anything, it can be pretty intimidating, especially if you have no clue where to start.
We’ll admit, it’s a daunting task made even more difficult by the endless list of factors to consider when making a decision.
Food pairings, alcohol levels, and flavor profiles, and occasions are all variables to consider.
So while you’re sitting there trying not to tear out your hair over having to decide on options, keep one thing in mind.
The rules for choosing the best wine, whether it’s a keg for the office or an array of bottles at a party, are not set in stone. Wine is a completely subjective matter.
What baseball is to Americans, wine is to the French. Think of it as a pastime.
The best qualities in wine are brought out by good food, good people, and good times.
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This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.
