In an age when more Americans are drinking more wine than ever, it is still a daunting task to crack the world of wine aficionados, let alone wine geeks. Here are three easy steps to help you start exploring European wine, the birthplace of it all.
1. Find a Living Guide
If you are not lucky enough to have a friend who’s into wine, head to your local independent bottle shop. I stress “independent,” because you want to get to know your wine merchant. Independent shops tend to attract people passionate about wine as employees. They usually have tasted most of what is in the store, and can give you personalized advice. Since smaller shops only employ a handful of folks at a time, you are more likely to see the same person again and again. As she or he gets to know you, your wine merchant will get a feeling for your palate and be able to make personalized recommendations tailored to your exploration.
2. Turn the Bottle Over
A luxury you have with old world wine in the US is the regulation that mandates the importer’s name on the label. Usually printed on the back, the best of these names have come to symbolize quality in the bottle. When you’re in an unfamiliar shop, these names can help guide your choice. Wine importers abound, to be sure, and getting to know about smaller local outfits in your region will bring you much joy. See the partial list below for a good start with national names. When in doubt, see 1) above.
3. Start Tasting
When you’re starting out, reading about wine doesn’t get you very far. Spend your money (and make friends) by buying and opening lots of different wines. Only after you have tasted a bit will you know what you like and what you should read up on. Now - stop reading, go drink!
Importer Guide
There are a few names that stand out nationally, however, and you shouldn’t be shy about picking up bottles from these purveyors. Some of these are larger than others, but all have national distribution:
- Kermit Lynch brings in a great selection of French wines with an eye toward the boutique and hand-crafted. Besides, how can you resist that name?
- Louis/Dressner Imports has a complementary selection of French wines, focusing on wines with true regional character, farmed in a conscious way.
- Vias is among the top two or three Italian importers – good quality and good selection.
- Domaine Select is another good Italian wine importer.
- Jorge Ordoñez imports very good wines from Spain, perhaps the best overall portfolio from the country.
- De Maison Selections is a much smaller and newer Spanish importer, but brings in excellent, small production wines.
- Terry Theise brings in some of the top producers from Germany and also imports a great selection of grower-producer (French) Champagne, if you can find them.
- Cellars International (Rudy Wiest) for more top quality German producers.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it’s a good start. Don’t be afraid to ask your local wine merchant for their favorites.
