Wine Basics: If Robert Mitchum Were A Wine, He'd Be A Cabernet

First off, I'd like to thank both people that read the first installment of this blog. As a matter of fact, my mom liked it so much that she printed it out and taped it on the fridge, right next to my crayon rendering of the Black Dahlia murder from second grade.

But, enough about fine art already!

Recently, in between practicing my Amazing Power of Invisibility and helping out with some wine tastings at Grape Culture Wine and Spirits in St. James, it became obvious that not only could my apartment really use a woman's touch, but that many people could benefit from a very basic overview of popular wine grapes (also known as varietals) and the wines made from them.

This time around I’m going to concentrate on some red varietals. Red wines tend to be higher in alcohol than whites, and are served at room temperature (considered about 55 degrees Fahrenheit). Higher-priced reds tend to be built for aging, and generally command higher prices at both the retail and collector levels. Some of the most popular red varietals you’ll run across are:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the Robert Mitchum of wines -- heavy, brooding and somewhat imposing, with a complexity of character that often requires the attention of a more sophisticated audience. Cabernet Sauvignon is the name of a grape, and it's probably the wine people most think of when they hear the phrase "Napa Valley." Although styles can vary, Cabernets are generally more dense and dry than most varietals. Jordan, Robert Mondavi and Rodney Strong are some well-known producers to remember when buying Cabernet.

Merlot

Most wine-drinkers that ultimately graduate to drinking heavy Cabs start with Merlot. Merlot is lighter in body than Cabernet, less dry, and can even be fruity -- if the incredibly likable Kevin Bacon was a wine, he might be an easy-drinking Merlot.  Columbia Valley, Washington is acknowledged to be one of the best Merlot-producing areas in the U.S., but Long Island is also known for its Merlot. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot, Waters Crest Merlot (from Long Island!) and Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Selection Merlot are some great wines to try. Catch Bacon in Stir of Echoes, and ignore the Footloose remake.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a very light wine that surged in popularity after the 2004 Oscar winner Sideways. There seems to be two very distinct Pinot Noir styles; on one hand, some Pinot Noirs are smoky or earthy, like Edward Norton's performance in Fight Club, but others can be almost thirst-quenching with hints of raspberry flavors like Norton in Death to Smoochy. The best Pinot Noirs balance these characteristics, and Willamette Valley, Oregon is the place where these temperamental grape flourish, Argyle (from Willamette Valley) and Hitching Post (from California, featured in Sideways) are two highly-regarded producers. On a tight budget? Get yourself a bottle of Redwood Creek.

Shiraz

The brand Yellow Tail is the one most responsible for the proliferation of Shiraz.  Shiraz is the same grape as Syrah, which is French in origin, but the Australians put their own spin on it. Shiraz can vary in weight, although it’s heavier than the French style Syrah. Two of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, are synonymous with Shiraz. If Russell Crowe was a wine (yes, I know he was born in New Zealand, but he considers Australia home) he’d likely be a heavy, jammier Barossa Valley wine than a more sophisticated and complex one from McLaren Vale. Tintara, from McLaren Vale, is a brand to try, and the entire Mollydooker line deserves exploring.

Zinfandel

A wine that tastes like raspberry preserves which can also help alleviate my social anxiety? I must be dreaming! When most people hear the word "zinfandel," they think of a sweet, pink wine favored by little old ladies and girls barely old enough to drink. As opposed to the popular blush wine most people are familiar with, true Zinfandel can be a robust, heavy wine, high in alcohol (content can be over 15%) and rich in flavor -- like any Kevin Spacey performance.  7 Deadly Zins, Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel are good wines to start with.

Next time I’ll touch on some whites.