Thing to know about “wine rules”—most people ignore them.
Woodbridge Wines commissioned a OnePoll survey of customers. Findings were interesting, even shocking.
• Although wine is most often enjoyed with or around dinnertime, more than one in four said they drink wine with breakfast or brunch. Similar number said Happy Hour should start before 5 p.m.
• Drinkers aged 21-24 were greatest followers of wine rules—89% did so.
• Only 60% of millennials and a slim 12% of baby boomers follow wine rules.
• Forty percent of men said their favorite wine-food pairing was mac and cheese.
• One-third of women said their favorite wine-food pairing was chicken wings.
• More than 60% of men and 50% of women said they prefer wine over beer while watching sports.
• Drinking location offered surprises—43% enjoy drinking wine in bed, 42% at the beach, 30% while taking a bath.
• When asked if proper etiquette improves wine enjoyment, only 22% said following guidelines “greatly enhances” their experience.
Here are the top nine ways Americans violate wine “rules”:
• Drink white wine at room temperature instead of chilled—46%.
• Hold the glass by the bowl instead of the stem—44%.
• Add ice to the wine—43%.
• Fill their glass to the top—42%.
• Sniff the cork—36%.
• Taste while wearing strong perfume/aftershave—34%.
• Drink “out of order” (red before white, sweet before dry)—32%.
• Drink without swirling or sniffing—32%.
• Gulping instead of sipping—25%.
Takeaway: When it comes to wine, the best rule to follow is to enjoy wine in any way and anywhere you want to.
Tasting notes:
• Torres Sangre de Toro Rosé 2020: Fresh, bright, red-fruit tasty. Enough citrus-raspberry-acidity to make it interesting as a food wine and as a solo/aperitif sipper. $8-12 Link to my review
• Geyser Peak Winery Chardonnay, California 2018: Will not challenge your palate or deliver depth and complexity; same time will not rough up your bank balance. $12-14 Link to my review
• Las Moradas de San Martín Senda Garnacha 2016: Bright-fruit-forward side of grenacha without being obnoxious. $14-16 Link to my review
• L’Ecole No. 41 Walla Walla Valley Syrah Estate Seven Hills Vineyard 2018: Impressive flavors, polished overall experience. Syrah lovers will lap this up with glee. $37-48 Link to my review
• Cakebread Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley 2018: Flaunts black fruits; classic merlot repertoire of flavors. $60-70 Link to my review
Last round: I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She immediately gave me a big hug. I have to sip some wine to process her response.