Like hailing from two completely different planets, wine (and genders) can often be something of polar opposites. While this might be a bit of an overgeneralization, there is still an undeniable element of truth running through. So, let’s use our creative palates and take it one step further and say Men are Red Wine and Women are White Wine; substitute the wine for the gender and see what I mean:Men are always running at least 10 degrees warmer.
Women feel like they’re living in a refrigerator.
Men are smooth, forward, bold, dark, brooding, spicy, intriguing and, well… just a little bit dirty.
Women are the life of the party—bright, zesty, flirty and sometimes giggly or even bubbly.
Men are happiest to sit down with a big, juicy steak.
Women love finger food.
Men proudly display their bigger package.
Women’s shapes are dainty and slender.
Men think they get better with age.
Some women get old and flat, but there are a few who know the secret.
Men think they’re the best.
Women know better – the most expensive drinkable bottle of wine in the United States (according to Forbes.com) is a 1978 Montrachet from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti… um, that would be a white wine.
In all seriousness, white and red wines can be as different as night and day—just like the people who drink them. But, if I were to try and turn a white wine lover onto red wine, well, that one’s easy; I would select a fucking Merlot.
While I am loyal to my luscious and most favorite Pinot noir, I wouldn’t recommend this wine for the novice. A Pinot noir is a black diamond ski run, not suitable for a beginner. A Pinot’s delicacy and intricacy would be lost on someone who’s never enjoyed red wine and the high acidity might possibly even burn their mouth. Merlot is light, approachable and easy-drinking. While some (older-vine) Merlot can be bigger, bolder and spicier, it’s generally a soft, supple, not overly tannic and very fruit-forward quaffable wine sure to lure that white lover over to the dark side.
I chose a Ravenswood Winery 2006 Merlot ($18) from Sonoma County, California, well balanced with friendly plum, cherry and vanilla flavors and an irresistible and delightful chocolate finish; who wouldn’t like that? Until we sip again…
Cheers!
This post was written in response to this month’s Wine Blog Wednesday #67, hosted by Joe Roberts at 1 Wine Dude, who challenged us to “pick a red wine you would use to introduce a white wine drinker to red wines for the first time.” This is actually my first contribution, thanks for hosting Joe!
