Page 3 - Sips & Suds 2020

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • SIPS AND SUDS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020
3VV
CHARACTERISTICS OF
4 POPULAR WINE VARIETALS
Small businesses sustained considerable losses when stay-at-home measures were implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. e food and beverage industry was hit especially hard, with one report from the National Restaurant Association estimating that industrywide losses in sales would be as high as $240 billion by the end of 2020.
While restaurant owners and their employees bore the brunt of those losses, local beverage providers, including craft breweries and wineries, suffered as well. Many consumers resolved to support local businesses as best they could, placing orders for delivery and curbside pickup. Consumers who are unaccustomed to ordering wine to enjoy at home can benefit from a rundown of the characteristics of these four popular varietals, each of which is no doubt available for purchase at local wineries.
1. CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Widely available and incredibly popular, cabernet sauvignons are typically bold wines that are rich in flavor. Cabernet sauvignons are derived from a full- bodied red grape, which is why they are often described as full-bodied. Tannins are a naturally occurring polyphenol in plants and seeds and are predominantly found in red wines, and tannins in cabernet sauvignons are bold. Some cabernet sauvignons elicit tastes similar to baking spices, while others may taste more like black cherry or black currant.
2. PINOT NOIR
Another popular, widely available varietal, pinot
noirs boast a low-tannin finish that gives them a fruity taste reminiscent of cherry or cranberry. Pinot noirs are light-bodied and smooth. e alcohol content in pinot noirs tends to be lower than that of a typical cabernet sauvignon.
3. RIESLING
Rieslings are white wines that are popular, thanks in large part to their sweetness and floral, citrus taste. Rieslings are a go-to option when pairing wines with certain ethnic cuisine, including Indian, ai and Vietnamese dishes. Some Rieslings can be dry, so wine enthusiasts looking for Rieslings for their sweetness may want to speak with a representative at the winery to ensure that they’re getting the wine they want.
4.MERLOT
Another wildly popular red wine, merlots have an extensive flavor profile. Some merlots may produce a taste reminiscent of black cherries, while others may provide strong hints of cocoa. Merlots are typically made in a dry style, and they are easily mistaken for cabernet sauvignons.
Wine tastings are great ways for novices to get a feel for certain varietals. Consumers are urged to contact local wineries to determine if they are open for in- person tastings or if they provide sample bottles to customers looking to get a feel for wine.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative