Taking The Mystery Out Of Wine
Sommelier Jodi Fritch
The other day I came across the statement “taking the mystery out of wine and making it fun.” For some reason this statement became stuck in my head, like a bad jingle. For days, I walked around wondering why I could not let this statement go, and then it occurred to me . . . the mystery is what makes wine fun for me.
Wine is a journey of discovery and like any learning experience, there are going to be some mistakes along the way, but that’s okay. I can tell you that after several years in the business, I still pick out bottles that are less than stellar, although far less often that I used to.
Someone once told me that the most important thing you can ever take to a wine-tasting is an ‘open-mind.’ Especially during the summer months, when the weather heats up, I encourage you to embrace an open minded approach to wine. There are so many delicious white wines from more obscure varietals that pair with summertime foods beautifully.
I recommend this approach: Instead of buying two bottles of your favorite Chardonnay the next time you are at the wine store, 
pick up your usual and commit to picking up a bottle of a white wine that is new to you. Invite some friends over and share your new discovery.
Another great idea is to plan a ‘summer white’ event. We used to hold a dinner at the restaurant at the end of summer. We served five courses paired with only white wine. I find that it is always a surprise to even the most serious wine drinkers how well white wine can pair with so many dishes.
To help you get started, these are some of my favorite ‘off-the-beaten-path’ white wines for summer:
Fiano (Italy) – aromas of honey, almonds, and dried fruit.
Greco (Italy) – rich, fruity flavors, with hints of smoke and pine nuts
Muscadet (France) – citrus fruit flavors with hints of mineral, toast, yeast from sur lie aging (the wine is aged on its yeast cells) crisp with lovely acidity,
Torrontes (Argentina) – aromas of stone fruit and dried hay, a perfect summer patio sipper.
Comment about your favorite off the beaten path white wine. I am always looking for new recommendations.
I think this article is very inspired and something I too have unwittingly pondered, yet never sat and wrote about it. You thoughts rang a bell for me! I hardly drink whites, but once in a while I am surpised by one that I am drinking because its either Death Valley hot out or its all they’ve got at a party! I really tend to lean towards stuff that is 50/50 oak and stainless…but those are mostly Chardonnays or Chardonnay blends, so not an unknown or exotic sounding grape. But the approach harnesses both fruit and creamy texture. Ventana out of Monterrey makes a nice one!
Also, I don’t really know why, but Semillon comes to mind. Wish I know if that was the grape, or the blend. Thanks for the inspiration to try some new wines!
Jakki
Thanks so much for your comments. I truly appreciate the feedback. Here in Tampa Bay it has been oppressively hot and humid this year, so drinking more white wine has become not just an interest, but a necessity.
Commonly, people assume that white wine lacks complexity, but this could not be further from the truth.
I am also particularly fond of dry Rose for the summer time and right now, I favor the ones from Spain, particularly if they are a blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, which gives them great color, and a good bit of body and complexity.
Semillon is a grape variety. It is mostly found blended with Sauvignon Blanc to give it a little roundness on the palate. It is not always easy to find a single varietal Semillon, but look towards Australia for some interesting bottles.
I hope this helps.
Jodi a/k/a tampawinewoman