Break Out of Your Wine Rut!

By Ricki-Lee Podolecki, DipWSET

How do you know if you are “stuck in a rut”? Do you always order the same item at a restaurant (the classic chicken tenders)? Are you constantly wearing the same black outfits (or, these days, the same pair of sweatpants)? Now, consider the wines you drink: are you always drawn to the same producer or style? Are you picking up the same bottle (or case) of wine each time you come in? In the midst of a year where each day bleeds into the next, perhaps it is time for your wine collection to receive the feng shui that the rest of your home projects are benefitting from.

In the wine industry, we see many regular customers get stuck in wine ruts. People are not willing to bet their $20 that this strange bottle I’m holding up is going to be as good, if not better, than their usual selection—and I understand that. But we’re here to get you out of the rut! I promise, there’s so much more to the wine world than your current go-to wines.

When we examine classic wines, it is often the structure that makes us love them—the acidity, tannins, dryness levels, and texture. The fruit character is built around these elements. When customers ask for new styles, we consider what wines they enjoy and suggest wines that have a similar structure. The benefit of shopping with Jones & Company is that you have access to all corners of the globe: our wine buyers “shop local, globally,” sourcing from smaller familyowned vineyards in some of the best plots of land in the world. The smaller wineries have less money to spend on marketing, which is why they sometimes get passed over for the big guys you see advertising. But because smaller producers put everything they have into a wine, they often put out higher-quality wines at the same price points.

Starting with a list of classic styles, we offer here a few suggestions from smaller wine producers that you can explore. You can also try new styles on your own with a few tips to broaden the collection of wines you bring to the table.

1. When you order from your favourite restaurant, ask your server to select a bottle for you. Wine lists should be chosen specifically to pair with the food, and within that, certain wines are specially selected to go with certain dishes. They might choose a style you have disliked before but, with the right food, can become one you really enjoy.

2. Consider your dislikes as well as your likes. Take two seconds to snap a photo and write down a few notes about wines you try. It will help narrow down options when you come in for a new bottle.

3. Keep an open mind. Far too often, people say: “Anything but Chardonnay.” You may have tried a style of that wine you are not a fan of, but to use this example, Chardonnay styles are all very different depending on the winemaker or the region where they are grown. Don’t let one bad experience eliminate an entire grape variety!

4. Find someone who is educated that has similar tastes. This is a big one. The Sommeliers at Jones & Company have studied every style and can offer great suggestions. However, we also have personal preferences. Finding a Sommelier with the same passion you have for certain styles might be the key to trying new wines. Call us, text a Sommelier, or come in and ask questions—we are here to help. Give us some time to learn your preferences—it is just like finding a hairstylist who gives you just the right cut.

5. Like our brick and mortar store, our online store now has new categories! From smooth and sexy, bold, and natural, you can narrow down the options to find the right style and price. You might find your favourite wine next to something you never thought to try before.

There is a world of wine out there—literally. Use your wine glass to travel to new places (since it looks like we are home for a while). �

If you like Cabernet Sauvignon try:

BIG & BOLD: Alpha Estate 2016 Hedgehog Xinomavro Amyndeon, Greece ($26.99)

EARTHY & FUNKY: Jonc Blanc 2017 Fruit Blend Cabernet/Malbec/Merlot, South of France ($25.99)

FRUITY & FORWARD: Ventisquero 2017 Grey Carménère Maipo Valley, Chile ($24.99)

SMOOTH & SEXY: A.A. Badenhorst 2019 The Curator Red Blend Swartland, South Africa ($18.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: J. Bouchon 2019 Viejo Pais Red Maule Valley, Chile ($32.99)

If you like Merlot try:

BIG & BOLD: Tenuta Sette Cieli 2017 Noi 4 Rosso Tuscany, Italy ($46.99)

EARTHY & FUNKY: Monteraponi 2018 Chianti Classico, Italy ($31.99)

FRUITY & FORWARD: Remo Farina 2017 Ripasso Valpolicella Veneto, Italy ($23.99)

SMOOTH & SEXY: Menhir 2018 Primitivo di Manduria Puglia, Italy ($20.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: Aroa 2018 Le Naturel Tinto Rioja, Spain ($21.99)

If you like Syrah try:

BIG & BOLD: Pirramimma 2017 Petit Verdot McLaren Vale, Australia ($32.99)

EARTHY & FUNKY: Renner and Mitges 2017 Superglitzer Blaufränkisch/ Zweigelt/Saint Laurent/ Roesler, Neusiedlersee, Austria ($26.99)

FRUITY & FORWARD: Les Copains d’Abord 2017 Le Premier Soir Gamay Burgundy, France ($24.99)

SMOOTH & SEXY: Spier Wines 2019 Pinotage/ Shiraz Western Cape, South Africa ($12.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: Armonia 2016 Gioia Rosso Veneto, Italy ($34.99)

If you like Pinot Noir try:

BIG & BOLD: Terra Costantino 2018 Etna Rosso Sicily, Italy ($34.99)

EARTHY & FUNKY: Judith Beck 2016 Zweigelt, Austria ($22.99)

FRUITY & FORWARD: Domaines des Homs 2019 Cinsault Languedoc- Roussillon, France ($18.99)

SMOOTH & SEXY: Akilia 2016 Mencia Bierzo, Spain ($19.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: Alpha Box & Dice 2018 Tarot Grenache, South Australia ($27.99)

If you like Pinot Grigio try:

RICH & ROUND: Montunale 2018 Montunal Lugana Bianco Lombardy, Italy ($24.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: Franz Weninger 2018 Vom Kalk Fumint Burgenland, Austria ($34.99)

ZESTY & LIGHT: Adega Cooperativa de Penalva 2019 Indigena White Blend Dao, Portugal ($14.99)

FRUITY & FUN: Domaine Rollin 2017 Aligoté Burgundy, France ($25.99)

If you like Sauvignon Blanc try:

RICH & ROUND: Terlan 2018 Terlaner White Blend Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2018 ($34.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: Armonia 2018 Brio Pop Bianco Veneto, Italy ($18.99)

ZESTY & LIGHT: Rabl 2019 Langenlois Grüner Veltliner Kamptal, Austria ($19.99)

FRUITY & FUN: Poggio Anima 2018 Gabriel Pecorino Abruzzo, Italy ($17.99)

If you like Chardonnay try:

RICH & ROUND: Paul Mas 2018 La Forge Marsanne Languedoc Roussillon, France ($18.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: Alheit Vineyards 2016 Cartology Chenin Blanc/ Semillon Walker Bay, South Africa ($43.99)

ZESTY & LIGHT: Bat Gara 2017 Uno Taxakoli, Spain ($21.99)

FRUITY & FUN: Bodega Zarate 2017 Albariño Rias Baixas, Spain ($26.99)

If you like Riesling try:

RICH & ROUND: Lingenfelder 2015 Ypsilon Sylvaner Pfalz, Germany ($37.99)

NATURAL & ORGANIC: Davide Xodo 2018 Nina White Blend Veneto, Italy ($32.99)

ZESTY & LIGHT: Amalaya 2018 Torrontés/ Riesling Salta, Argentina ($17.99)

FRUITY & FUN: Sogrape nv Espiral Vinho Verde, Portugal ($14.99)