The Basics of Wine

By Jonathon Kalik

Summer is officially here. With Charleston’s summer brings high temperatures, soaring humidity, and afternoon rain showers. But with that, also comes the opportunity to escape the daily grind. In Charleston we are lucky enough to have beautiful beaches, expansive waterways, and a local restaurant scene unmatched by cities three times our size. From local seafood, imported New York steak houses, to Gullah cuisine- Charleston has it all- and it’s all good.

As summer continues to roll through the days get longer and the opportunities to dine out become more available.

For any great meal the perfect complement is a great bottle of wine, but where to begin? In many local restaurants the wine lists are expansive, each bottle sounding more foreign then the next. Of course there are those people who know the difference between a Riesling and a Gewurztraminer, but the majority of diners have get lost in a wine list that seemingly never ends.

The best way to truly become a skilled wine drinker is to take classes paired with wine tastings. For those who want to enjoy and choose a bottle of wine, and have the opportunity to impress both your server and friends, the basics of wine are vital.

To begin, there are a few major types of white wine. Each of these varietals has unique origins, tastes, and abilities to be paired with specific foods.

The most popular and one of the most versatile varieties is Chardonnay. Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy region of France, and remains the primary grape of the region. Primarily fermented in oak barrels takes buttery notes, and should radiate citrus flavors, vanilla, and creaminess. Chardonnay can be consumed by itself on a warm summer day or paired with fish and chicken courses.

Chardonnay like many whites can be both dry and sweet. It is important to distinguish which taste is preferred in each specific wine variety.

Sauvignon Blanc is also a popular wine throughout Charleston and the world. Sauvignon Blanc originated in the Bordeaux region of France, and is now popularly grown in New Zealand and Australia. Sauvignon Blanc is most known for its herbal qualities. Tastes of bell peppers, sour apple, and tropical fruits all are possibilities with a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The flavors of Sauvignon Blanc are perfectly paired with seafood and salads.

Another popular white wine throughout the world and in Charleston is Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio originated in Italy. The qualities of a Pinot Grigio are crisp, dry wines with a tannic note at the finish. Due to its versatility in flavors, a Pinot Grigio can be paired with all types of food, from cheeses to meat.

Riesling wine originated in the Rhine region of Germany, but there are great distinctions depending on where the grape itself is grown. Riesling white wine tends to be much lighter then the varieties listed above. Its flavor comes from the region in which it is grown, but remains very fresh tasting, with hints of apple.

Gewurztraminer is a second white wine originating from the Rhine region in Germany. The grapes are high in natural sugars and provide a unique drinking experience. Gewurztraminer is flavored with aromas of roses, and “bites” of peaches and allspice. A well-rounded Gewurztraminer is ideal for Asian food, pork, or to be enjoyed by itself.

Red wines give a consumer numerous verities each with their own unique origins, tastes, and abilities to be paired with specific foods.

Syrah or Shiraz is a unique red wine the origins are not quite known. Many believe that what we call “Syrah” originated in Europe, and “Shiraz” originated in the Middle East. Both Syrah and Shiraz are the same variety of grape. The Syrah is a bold and spicy wine, with notes of black pepper and roasted meat. The food pairings for a Syrah tend to be meat, stew, or wild game.

An easy to drink red wine is a Merlot. Merlot is originally from the Bordeaux region of France. Merlot is slightly tannic, but incredibly easy to drink. It is best paired with any type of food, and denotes flavors of berry, black pepper, and slight tannic notes.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold red wine, but has become very popular due to its incredible assortment of flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon originates from northern France, but grows anywhere that grapes thrive. Cabernet Sauvignon is a great wine to allow to age. With the aging process comes a smooth silky texture that Cabernet Sauvignon is known for. It is best paired with red meat, and or to be drank alone.

Malbec like many other grape types is from the Bordeaux region of France. Malbec like Riesling takes the earthy flavors of where it is grown. It is generally an easy drinking wine with notes of berries, plums, and spices. It like the Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with red meat.

The Pinot Noir is also one of the more popular varieties of red wine. It originated from the Burgundy region in France but is now like most wine types grown throughout the world. It is most different from the Cabernet Sauvignon, with light fresh notes, and lacking the tannins associated with a nice Cab. It is a soft wine with notes of cherries, strawberries, and leather. It is excellent with grilled foods especially salmon, chicken, and lamb.

Zinfandel is the world most multipurpose grape type. The grape type originated in Croatia, but is now grown throughout the world, including California. It is a unique wine with flavors of berries and pepper. Depending on where the wine is grown it can be rich and heavy, or light and smooth. A good Zinfandel should be paired with pasta, pizza, and barbequed meats.

There are a tremendous amount of different varieties of wine, each with their own distinct flavor and texture. It is important to get out, have fun and really enjoy tasting each of the varieties.

For more information of wine types, pairing, and origins feel free to take one of the many wine classes located throughout the Charleston, or use the Internet to keep learning.

Enjoy.