To help you answer that question, I’ve created three basic categories to unravel this fashion mystery. Some of you may be able to identify with more than one, or perhaps even all three. Hopefully, most of you will find one that is your choice. This should help lead you down the red-brick road to your wine style of choice.
The first group is the blue jeans and T-shirt wearing crowd. Casual, relaxed, and easy going. Fancy or famous isn’t your speed and your wine is meant to be just as you are…uncomplicated and enjoyable. I suggest you stick to the tried and true wines of the New World-this includes basically all countries aside from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain/Portugal.
Now more than ever, winemakers are trying to experiment with unique grapes varietals, methods of production, and styles of fabrication in an effort to be taken more ‘seriously’ from the European market share. You, however, do not need to spend your time on this. Think California Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Other big scores for you include Malbec from Argentina, Shiraz from Australia, and Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The reason these wines are so popular is because so many people buy and love them!
Often there is criticism towards these ‘ordinary wines’, but not everyone needs to be a wine geek. If you like it, get it…and enjoy it! If you want to branch out from your staple wine, I suggest stick to these regions, but try some other wines that are similar. For example, Petite Syrah from California is a great wine to try if you like Australian Shiraz. And for you Napa Chardonnay lovers, try one from Chile as they will offer similar tasting styles.