Be a Better Buyer: 5 Tricks for Better Wine Shopping (Via Serious Eats)

As I've mentioned, my idea of wine shopping usually involves picking grape varieties that I know I like (or bottles with amusing labels).  There's nothing wrong with this strategy, but I'm trying to become more knowledgeable about wine, so I should probably learn how to be most effective when browsing wine shops.  Luckily, the folks over at Serious Eats have shared a few tips to make shopping for wine a little easier.

At the top of the list: Don't be bashful about price.

Christy Frank of Frankly Wines in New York agrees: "Don't be afraid to tell us what you would like to spend! Yes, it's tricky to find a variety of really interesting wines in the $10 range, but once you get into the $15 to $20 range, the world opens up. Often we'll have people ask sheepishly 'can I get something good for $20?' Yes, you can! And we can help you," says Frank. Be realistic about your budget, and specific when you mention it—'affordable' means different things to different people, but a number or small range will help the shopkeeper narrow down the options fast.

2011 Coriole Chenin Blanc

There are two open bottles of white wine in my refrigerator -- the sauvignon blanc that I reviewed earlier this month and this chenin blanc from the Coriole Vineyards that I picked up from a market in my neighborhood (knowing, of course, that I have plenty of white wine in my apartment).

Chenin blancs are sometimes used to produce off-dry whites -- which add just a touch of sweetness. The first part of the sip uncovers a slight sweetness and, even with a stuffy nose, I can detect the scent of fruit.  It's very good, but nothing about the flavor stands out enough for me to purchase a second bottle for drinking.  

But, I do have high hopes for what this bottle can do for a risotto with a sweeter vegetable.  Fall is just around the corner, and it's only a matter of time before I score a sumptuous butternut squash.

2012 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc

One of my favorite things about having many bottles of wine on hand is that I easily have something that i can bring as a contribution I'm invited as a dinner guest.  Of my most recent wine haul, I've shared the 2012 La Petite Tour Classic White and 2012 Edgewater Viognier.  Both were delicious and paired well with their respective dinners.

I received this bottle, a 2012 Sauvignon Blanc from the Cliff Lede vineyard, from a neighbor as a thank-you for feeding her cat while she was away.  The wine was released from the vineyard in May 2013.

The wine comprises sauvignon blanc, sémillion, and sauvignon vert varieties and is 14.7 percent alcohol/volume.
 This pour is aggressive for a tasting.

The tasting notes describe aromas of white peach, cantaloupe, and orange blossom.  Opening the bottle, the smell of fruit was strong -- especially the cantaloupe.  The taste reminds me of summer; it's the kind of wine that I most want to drink when I'm sitting on a patio with good friends or a good book. I noted a slight bite of citrus at the end, which I enjoyed.

I'd definitely purchase this bottle again.