There is nothing that shouts “adulting” like knowing something about wine. Most importantly what you enjoy to drink and why! But this does not mean boring the pants off friends and family as a certified wine snob because we all know they exist. We’re talking about being a fun, classy lady who knows what she likes, knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it. We mean when it comes to wine, as well as all the rest of course.
So here are our tips for five this every grown woman should know about wine:
1) How to Find The Right Bubbles For Brunch.
What could be better than getting together with the girls for a leisurely weekend catch up? Brunch is perfect. And depending on the hour a mimosa can be an excellent way to start. But be warned. Not all sparkling wines are created equal. If you are buying sparkling wine rather than champagne you should choose one that is Methode Traditionelle in which the wine is aged “sur lie”, or on the yeast lees. This method allows flavours to develop and gives the wine a complex, biscuity aroma and fine bubbles. And if you are adding bubbles to a cocktail, you don’t want a sweet style as it will feel like you are drinking lolly water. Also, always keep your ratios 80% sparkling wine and 20% fruit juice.
We think our BUBBLES BRUT NV Méthode Traditionnelle hits the spot just perfectly. The Sisters Bubbles is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the two most famous grape varieties for sparkling wine. It’s off-dry in style with a lush fruitiness and a fine, balancing acidity. Although delicious on its own, this wine is lovely with pre-dinner nibbles, tapas, seafood, patés, creamy cheese, cured meats, smoked salmon, creamy pasta dishes and even pizza!
2) How to Pick The Right Wine for Dinner Parties
When invited to a friend’s house, it’s nice to bring something special to enjoy, but hard to know what will please everyone. Do you bring red or white? Do you call in advance to see what’s on the menu? Do you just bring wine, because well, it’s wine- right? The older you get, the more dinner parties you will find yourself invited to. You’ll ask the host, “What can I bring?” And they’ll usually say “Nothing! Just yourself!” That’s a trick, by the way. Always bring wine! So there you are in the wine aisle thinking, what the hell do I bring. We say always go for Pinot Noir. She is often called the seductive temptress of grapes. Pinot Noir is also a lighter style of red wine, so more versatile than say a heavy Shiraz. But Pinot Noir is so expensive! Not true. These days, it’s possible to pick up an easy drinking beautiful Pinot Noir for $25 and under.
Our The Sisters Pinot Noir is bright red with hints of purple. It is a young Pinot Noir and a perfect red for any occasion. This Pinot Noir loves food, especially roast lamb.
3) How to Choose a Bottle of Wine from the Supermarket
Let’s be honest; it can be daunting! There you are staring at hundreds of wines stacked high in the supermarket aisle. How do you choose? Do you just go for what’s on promotion? Could be good for the pocket and maybe not so good for the taste buds. Promotions are a great way to try new wines or stock up on your favourites, so they have a place. As a guide to buying wine, though they may not be so reliable. So knowing what you like to drink is a good place to start. White or red? Most wines are ranged starting this way. In NZ we are spoiled for choice with our wines, so you don’t need to go offshore to enjoy an excellent drop. Once you know this, we recommend Marlborough for white wines (of course), and if you like big red wines, then Hawke’s Bay is always a great choice. In terms of consistency, it is hard to go past a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. It put New Zealand on the wine map and let’s be honest if a winery is producing a bad Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, then they should be out of business.
Our The Sisters Sauvignon Blanc delivers everything you’d hope for from this classic Marlborough varietal. Fresh and forward with a combination of tropical passion fruit aromas and flavours combined with zesty, vibrant tones.
4) How to Order Wine in a Restaurant
Dining out is one of life’s great pleasures. Sharing the ordering of the wine around is fun. That way you might get to try something new. If it’s fine dining, then usually there will be a Sommelier, and they are there to help you enjoy the wine experience. We recommend using them. They know their stuff, and it’s a fun way to discover new wines. If not, then don’t just reach for the most expensive wine on the wine list. That does not mean it is the best. Usually, a safe bet is to go for the middle of the road, even if you are on a budget. Do not be afraid to ask to taste before you try. Most good restaurants will allow this, and it’s the best way not to be disappointed. Another great option is ordering by the glass. Then you can enjoy a taste of new wines without breaking the bank. We tend to think that buying a bottle is cheaper, but by the glass often you can try before you order too!
5) Where to Find Great Wine Events to Enjoy
In New Zealand, we are so lucky that we have so many great wine events. The summer season is jam packed with winery tours, which combine music and wine, not to mention the sell our Marlborough Wine Festival which we attend every year. If you want to get a group of girls together and learn more about wine, there are any number of wine courses. During the winter months, there are events like the Food Show in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland where you can taste great food and try wines and other beverages from producers across New Zealand. There is also Pinot Palooza for fans of Pinot Noir and Winetopia in Auckland and Wellington. Get out and get amongst it. Lots of wines to discover and fun to be had.
And the most important thing of all to remember about adulting? Well, age is but a number! Cheers.