Breaking Out of Self-Induced Molds

While I understand preference, and each person is certainly entitled to their own taste, I have heard a lot of statements about what people will and won't try lately that make me cringe. I also have to say that as I watch those that are open to new experiences, I certainly see people who have more fun. This is true in wine as well. There is such a diversity of what one can buy and drink out there that completely eliminating broad categories is really a loss to the individual. This post is dedicated to the idea of branching out, revisiting what it is that you think you do not like. Below are some things I hear frequently that make me cringe, and my suggestions to combat the preconceived notions that are really only limiting to your own experience:

"I don't drink white wine" - I'm not sure if this is primarily driven from a fear of residual sugar, or the idea that white wine is inherently feminine. Both of these are blatantly false. My suggestion for someone who thinks they do not like white wine is to try a dry Australian riesling, like St. Hallett Eden Valley Riesling. The wine is crisp, slightly complex, and bone dry. While it is nothing like the profile of a red wine, it surely can be appreciated for its food worthiness, and interesting flint components.

"I hate Chardonnay" - I don't know if this comes from an aversion to oak flavors, or extra rich profiles, but to dismiss chardonnay out of hand is short sighted. Chardonnay is such a popular grape because it is so receptive to a winemaker's influence, thus there are many profiles that chardonnay takes on. Try C. Donatiello's 809 Clone Chardonnay for a more citrusy, almost spicy flavor profile that will show you a side of chardonnay you may not have experienced before.

"I don't drink California wine" - This one makes my blood boil. I think it is supposed to sound sophisticated, but to me it just sounds arrogant. I'm okay with someone saying that they don't drink overripe, high alcohol wines that are not balanced. It is okay to feel that you want to spend your money on food friendly, earthy wines, with great acidity. But you can find those in California as well. For my money I'm going with the Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane. Some may balk and say that there is still quite a bit of fruit forwardness to this wine, and I say 'yes' because I want to show that California wine (even in its own style) has a place on the dinner table, and below 14% alcohol. This wine is no fruit bomb, very drinkable, with great earthy elements.

"I don't care for any sweet wines" - If this comes from your diabetes, fine. But if it comes from a fear of bottom shelf domestic riesling, lambrusco, or white zinfandel then you have the wrong idea. You must splurge and try something like NW Totem Cellars Late Harvest Viognier. Don't drink this with dinner, drink it as a dessert. The aromatics and tropical fruit explosion is truly enjoyable. Please, it is not a replacement for your dry wines of choice, but will show you not to fear the sweet.

What wine 'absolutes' have you heard that you just know are limiting people, putting themselves into their own boxes? What recommendations do you have for those who only limit themselves?