Great wines have a balance between tannins, alcohol, acidity and fruit. But that’s not all! In my analysis I also take into consideration the balance between oak aging and fruit. This is because some producers exaggerate in the use of oak, leaving the fruit and the expression of the terroir in the background. How can this be good ?! In my view, there must be a harmonious integration between all the attributes of a wine.
Another point is that technically a wine can be perfect, within the parameters of the laboratory and what the legislation of the appellation of origin requires. However, it can be a wine without personality. I encourage people to be curious, to seek authenticity, to give preference to wines with less intervention … I cheer for biodynamic wines, but I also know that there are producers who do their best within their realities. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the context.
It is fundamental to understand the context in which the wine is, its purpose, tradition, climate, soil, aspects related to the production process and of the winery (including cleaning and infrastructure), among many other influences that make up the terroir. It is knowing what to expect from a high quality wine from a particular region.
Is the consumer able to tell if a wine has a good quality?! Has he tasted most of the world’s wines, does he have the knowledge to understand a wine context, does he have the time to visit the wineries around the world ?! In most cases, no…
My objetive and I believe it is also for many in the wine industry is to share the maximum amount of information, teach the consumer to better appreciate your wine, guide them to make better choices.
Some say good wine is whatever you like. Obviously, any sommelier or wine advisor should take into account individual preferences, but the fact is that for the most part,the consumer does not know how to evaluate a wine, whether if he is paying a fair price for it.
That’s why I share the maximum amount of information here and also in my classes. I hope to help you drink better 🙂
