Here’s my opinion about that…
Opinion – White over Red
Why do you like white more than red wine? When someone tells me they like white wine over red is it because reds are not as popular as mixed drinks and white wines?
It’s actually the other way around when you ask more wine drinkers because most wine drinkers prefer red. However, when I hear someone telling me they prefer white wine, what they’re telling me is that they haven’t explored the world of wine.
I’d like to share my thoughts, (as a wine drinker of preferably reds) because when you tell a wine drinker that you typically like white over red, at least for me, this is typically what I’m thinking when I hear this.
Are you ready?
Whites can sometimes appear to be an easier drink to try. Maybe you think there’s nothing complex in most white wines because they satisfy your palette in a way that is kin to a tonic and gin. White wines go great in warm weather and seafood which is the only way to drink wine and I get that.
However, is this the only time you drink wine? If you’re a pescatarian, I can understand but why not try a light red? Especially if seafood is prepared in rich spices which it can be, why not explore the blends, the pinot noir or the Barbera which can be very light and match perfectly? A Rose?
Have you ever had a plate of different cheeses, crackers with some herbs where you could sample a variety of different red wines? Jordan Winery only serves one type of wine in different vintages.
Knowing the difference between a Pinot and a Zinfandel can take a little effort. It can take a few wine tastings, lessons, some curiosity and even a few pairings. This is work my friends! Who knew wine tastings could be so much work?
For some of us who really like music, are we only going to listen to one band or even one type of music all the time? When you say you either like white or red or prefer one over the other, it’s like telling a musician you only listen to one type of genre and that it doesn’t matter which band.
These are my cowboys we brought back from Paso Robles
Am I too much of an optimist to believe most people know what they like and what they don’t? If you find it hard to know what you like, then my opinion is meaningless here.
However, if you do know what you like, why not sample more reds and find out why you’re just not liking it? Do you find reds too heavy, bitter or too alcoholic leaving you with a bad headache?
If that’s the case, try to find wines with the same characteristics as white. Say you don’t like the heavy tannins but a lighter wine with more acidity. When you’ve gone to tastings, are you typically trying the Cabernet Sauvignon after chewing gum or just relating all reds to the Cabernet Sauvignon?
Do you drink it after you’ve had white wine? (If you have, that’s a no-no.)
I believe in you. I think that with a little effort, you will find the wine in perfect combination of smooth and soft flavors that cut through sharp cheeses and fried fish bringing a whole different ambiance of flavor you never have experienced before.
Starting out in the world of wine can be bewildering. For many, wine is an acquired taste, and uninitiated palates may need to start with lighter wines in order to learn to appreciate the various flavors in the wines before moving forward. Hey - it’s a start!
Give your taste buds a chance and find out what kind of red wine you like. Do you like it dry, fruity, well balanced, linear (my favorite), long lasting, flavored or earthy?
When people tell me they only like white, I probably should be asking what kind of white wine they prefer. I was star struck with the buttery chardonnay when I first had it, now I’m over it.
Now I love the flowery, citrus flavors with a little dryness (not too much) in a white wine. I don’t like too much acid in a white wine and I don’t like the heavy tannins in a red either.
I love how the white wine paired with a simple fresh fish is like walking with bare feet on fresh cut grass in a summer dress. That’s my favorite type of white wine.
I love red wine with a light and bouquet taste.
I’ve purchased a $100 bottle of the best chardonnay I’ve ever had. It was a Stonestreet Upper Barn Chardonnay from the Alexander Valley - my favorite region in Sonoma for reds. If you like white wine, what kind do you like? How long did it take you to discover this kind of wine?
If you say you only like white wine, what you tell a wine drinker is that you’re just starting out and that’s ok too. Just know that if you like only white wine, go a little further and discover a whole new world you’ve never experienced before.
That’s all.