Your Style, Your Red Wine

What is, in fact, style? The term “style” is most commonly used to describe the outer appearance or the fashion sense of a person. However, I would like to remind you that there is much more to it – Style = Expression. So what we wear, how we talk, move, dance – it all determines our personal style and uniqueness.

Style is nothing but a way of expressing our individuality. Each and everyone one of us has our own style even though we may not be totally aware of it. Have you ever asked yourself why you’re attracted to that particular type of shirt or that shade of red? The way we dress up on a particular day reflects as much on our individuality as does speaking in a particular manner or listening to a particular genre of music. Style is an integral part of a person’s personality. With the evolution of fashion came an evolution in style. But some individuals will be known for decades to come for their bold and unique styles and determination to not conform but be their own trend setter.

In order to properly manage your “outer” persona, you should clearly establish your personal brand, clothing/fashion sense, your lifestyle and values. Basically, everything you do should reflect your personality.

In a much similar way wines have their styles as well.  Wine experts and sommeliers have the ability to recognize a wide repertoire of flavors and tastes of wine varieties and make a connection between them, therefore forming the 4 main wine styles.  These are: fruity, bold, earthy and light.

• Light n’ Fruity

If you are of a more elegant nature and prefer simple more sophisticated cuts, then lighter wines are right for you.  Basically an elegant wine tastes lighter and leaner than a bold wine.  The finesse and graceful qualities of fine Burgundy, Pinot Noir and Counoise wines cause many wine aficionados to refer to them as light and elegant almost feminine even. Our recommendation is our Barbera, 2012 by the Famiglia Otto Destefanis, a typical Red Light n’ Fruity.

The most iconic elegant style icon of all time for men would definitely be Cary Grant and for women is Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. With their timeless style that will always be classic would definitely match with light and elegant wine.

• Big n’ Bold

Bold wines are forceful and fill your mouth with their taste; they are richer, rounder and creamier than an elegant wine. Therefore, these wines are more for demanding mouths, strong personalities and indie style.  The wine with strong taste and personality are something like Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico. Not to forget our astonishing Ornellaia, 2010 by Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, 25^th Anniversary limited edition. A wine that will definitely catch your attention with its personality.

And when I think of bold personality style icon, I would think of James Dean and Jane Birkin or Brigitte Bardot. With their bold and strong personality that get them to hold on to the fashion icon of all time and if you have such bold style of course the bold taste would definitely match you.

• Rich n’ Fruity

Fruity flavors include some fruity flavors (surprisingly?!) but herbal notes as well. These flavors are usually preferred by the free spirited minds, lovers of eternal spring and easygoing style. The tiptoe fruity tasting wines are Merlot, Malbec, Montepulciano. Our suggestions are a Negresco Garda Rosso, 2009 from Provenza, Italy; a Gravel Pit Red, 2012, Wild Rock from New Zealand or a Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010 by Yering Station in the Yarra Valley, Australia.

Free-spirited style icons that would definitely represent the fruity style are definitely those 1960s icons such as The Herd (Peter Frampton’s first band) with the Peacock style and Edie Sedgewick with her colorful attires in her Andy Warhol’s superstar days.

• Earth n’ Spices

On the other side earthy flavors include mushroom, olive and bacon notes fitting well with risk takers, daring and open-minded personalities. Think savory wines like French Syrah, Sangiovese or Grenache. Our ideas? A Barolo, 2009 by Famiglia Otto Destefanis or a Neprica, 2011, Tormaresca from Italy. In both cases you will not be disappointed.

The perfect characters for such style are those icons in the hippies rule the world, so think of someone like Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Patti Smith.

So, first off all think about your style and then explore all the wine options out there to match!

Learn more about wine categories with our easy infographic!