Sommelier Tries 20 Red Wines Under $15 | World of Wine | Bon Appétit

Summary

In this engaging wine tasting session, Andre Mack, renowned sommelier and winemaker, takes viewers on a journey through a curated selection of wines under $15. With his down-to-earth style, Andre offers expert insights on diverse wines from Italy, Australia, Spain, California, Argentina, and France. Each wine is reviewed with detailed tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, and fun emojis, making the process accessible and enjoyable for both wine enthusiasts and beginners. The session concludes with valuable advice on shopping for wines, emphasizing balance, quality over labels, and the joy of discovering hidden gems from lesser-known regions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wine tasting is subjective—it's about personal taste, not expert definitions or technical notes.
• 🍷 When choosing wines under $15, it's important to trust your own senses and not overcomplicate the experience.
• 🍇 Italian wines often evoke a rustic, earthy character, and are great for pairing with rich foods like steak or beef stew.
• 🍒 Acidity in wines can amplify flavors, much like how lemon or salt enhances food. It's a key factor in wine selection.
• 👍 Embracing wines from lesser-known regions or offbeat varieties can provide great value and surprising quality.
• 🍾 Look for wines that are easy to access and enjoyable—screw cap wines can be just as good as corked bottles for casual drinking.
• 🍒 The importance of balance in wine cannot be overstated—quality wines tend to have good acidity, tannin structure, and fruit balance.
• 🍓 Pairing wine with food is key—wines like Barbera and Sangiovese are versatile for everyday meals like pizza or burgers.
• 🌎 Don't be afraid to explore wines from diverse regions such as Spain, Argentina, and Greece—each has unique offerings that can surprise you.
• 🔍 When shopping for wine, it's useful to pay attention to the importer or vineyard details for a more informed choice.
• 😎 Despite the popularity of big-name wines, many lesser-known, affordable bottles can offer just as much enjoyment and quality.

Q & A

What is the significance of using emojis in the wine tasting process?

Emojis are used by the host to simplify and communicate his thoughts on the wines in a fun and relatable way. They represent his feelings about the wine's qualities, such as fruitiness, acidity, or overall vibe, which helps viewers connect with the tasting experience on a more intuitive level.

How does tannin affect the experience of tasting wine?

Tannin provides structure to the wine, creating a drying sensation in the mouth, particularly along the sides of the cheeks. It can help balance the richness of food, particularly proteins like beef, and adds longevity to the wine by allowing it to age well.

Why does the host mention the importance of acidity in wine?

Acidity in wine plays a key role in balancing flavors, much like how salt enhances food. It helps amplify flavors, adds brightness to the wine, and stimulates the palate, making wines feel fresher and more vibrant. Acidity is also a sign of quality in many wines.

What is the impact of oak aging on red wines?

Oak aging imparts flavors like vanilla, leather, and spice to the wine. The wine absorbs these characteristics over time, which can enhance its complexity and texture. Oak also helps soften tannins and allows the wine to mature, developing more depth and a smoother profile.

How does the host approach wine tasting for beginners?

The host emphasizes that wine tasting is subjective and encourages viewers to trust their own palate. He suggests starting with simple methods, like smelling the wine and considering personal impressions, rather than getting caught up in technical jargon or tasting notes.

What does the host mean by 'shopping by importer'?

The host suggests that shopping by importer can be a useful strategy when selecting wines. Importers often curate high-quality wines from specific regions, so buying from reputable importers can help ensure you're choosing wines of a certain standard, especially in a crowded market.

What is the role of wine glassware in the tasting process?

Wine glassware is designed to prevent your hands from warming the wine, ensuring the drink stays at the optimal temperature. The shape of the glass also helps concentrate the aromas, making it easier to smell and taste the wine more effectively.

Why does the host describe the Yellowtail wine as 'unnatural'?

The host points out that Yellowtail, while popular, has an artificial taste, which he attributes to possible additives like colorants or sugar. This gives the wine a more polished, overly sweet profile, which contrasts with more natural expressions of wine.

What is the importance of wine labels and how do they relate to quality?

Wine labels provide key information about the wine's origin, vintage, and producer, which can be indicative of its quality. More specific labeling, like the inclusion of a sub-region or a particular vineyard, typically signals a higher-quality wine. Vague labels can sometimes suggest lower-quality, mass-produced wines.

Why is it important to be cautious with wines that have a 'flawed' bottle?

Wines can sometimes be flawed due to issues like volatile acidity or improper storage. The host emphasizes that while a brand may be trustworthy, individual bottles can sometimes have quality issues, which is why it's important to check the wine’s condition before consuming it.