In university, I would say wine is the least consumed type of alcohol. Wine is one of those things where you either love it or you hate it, and you just try to like it to look cool. There is also the issue of price/versus intoxication ratio. It is not the preferred alcohol choice to get hammered. However, wine is a noble drink to study and make a passion. Or simply a social tool to shine with friends and loved ones.
Red or White?
Most students generally prefer one over the other, but there is more to it than just red or white wine because there are several styles. I like to think of it as different levels from the complex to the lighter wines that are easy to drink. If you are just starting out with drinking wine, especially red wine, I would start with the lighter ones first, such as a pinot noir, then work your way up.
Red wine glasses vs. white wine glasses
Some university students serve wine in plastic cups and this is not very optimal. The shape and material of the wine glass really matters. Note: if someone serves wine in the wrong glass, it’s the first sign that they don’t necessarily have a lot of expertise on the subject. Some wine consumers talk about the wine needing to “breathe” or “air out.” When wine is exposed to oxygen, the flavors open as a result of volatilization and they tend to be more complex which is the purpose of letting the wine “breathe.” The red wine glasses have a larger base and surface area to allow more space for swirling than a white wine glass for the purpose of allowing the wine to breathe properly.
Buying and ordering wine from restaurants
Follow your budget when choosing wine in a restaurant list or at the SAQ. It is not necessary to focus that much on the brand as long you choose the wine you are in the mood for, then pick the one that best fits your pocket. Be wary of the specials as sometimes they might not be exactly the best wines out there.
Here is a beautiful selection to get the students started, tasty and friendly on the student pocket as well.
Vincente Faria Gloria Douro Reserva 2018 – SAQ # 11156297 $13.70
Heady black fruits, menthol, cacao with hints of smoke complemented by nutty caramel nuances. Full body, on the vinous side but quite tasty. Beautiful creamy texture and tannins complemented by a beautiful milk chocolate finale.
Michel Gassier Costières de Nîmes Buti Nages 2018 – SAQ # 14011384 $17.40
Aromas of dark blue fruits with roasted herbs and licorice and soft nuances of bacon fat. Full body, rustic but at the same time quite elegant. A solid value for under $18.00
Bernard Series Chenin blanc vieilles vignes 2018 – SAQ # 11154911 $26.35
A bit pricey but worth it. Beautiful buttery aromas with nuances reminiscent of white orchard fruit. On the palate, dry and creamy with a mouthwatering acidity and savoury finale.
Humo Blanco Sauvignon Blanc Edicion Limitada 2019 – SAQ # 13727903 $18.40
Great and solid Chilean value white wine featuring tropical fruits and a textbook grassy and green bell pepper note of the variety. Clean and refreshing on the palate. Smooth and stylish white wine from Chile.
Rosso Toscano, Citto 2019, Compagnia di Volpaia – SAQ # 14044653 $16.55
Aromas reminiscent of sweet plum, licorice. Quite floral. Medium to full body. On the palate, leathery with redcurrant notes with a hint of mint in the finale. Quite wellmade. Humble wine but extremely beautiful.
Domaine de Puech Redon Apparente 2018 – SAQ # 14339056 $20.50
Floral and quite fragrant with juicy and delightful red berries fruit and garrigue nuances that are a tease for the senses. The kicker is the juicy acidity. Way too fun to drink. 80 % Cinsault, 20 % Mourvedre.
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