Wine and Women
Discover what kinds of
wine women prefer. Find out about women’s growing importance
in the world of wine. Learn to understand wine terminology and
rediscover rosé — so much more than just an aperitif.
It’s that whole Mars and Venus thing again.
Discover what kinds of wine women prefer. Find out about women’s growing importance in the world of wine. Learn to understand wine terminology and rediscover rosé — so much more than just an aperitif. It’s that whole Mars and Venus thing again.
Men have long dominated the world of wine from production to consumption and everything in between. But the times are changing. In Québec, women account for 50% of wine sales and 60% of the membership of the Quebec chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, more than in any other association in the world!
Women’s tastes differ
from men’s. Women appreciate a flowery or fruity bouquet. Old
World wines with their natural elegance appeal more to them than
New World wines. Women like fresh, lively wines with a complex
aroma, a lingering aftertaste and a silky or velvety texture. As a
general rule, they prefer mellow wines with mature tannins. Unlike
men, women are not particularly fond of rough, woody wines.
Red or white, lush wines are particular favourites of women with Muscat varietals topping the list followed by Sauterne and Alsace wines. Reds that appeal to women are Gamay varietals, Beaujolais, and the wines of the Rhone and Loire valleys.
Woody: A woody scent imparted to a wine by the wood (usually oak) barrels in which it was matured.
Varietal: A wine bearing the name of the principal variety of grape from which it is made.
Lush: A term used to describe a rather heady wine with a sweet flavour.
Aftertaste: The taste left in the mouth after a wine is swallowed, also called length or finish, the latter term is always accompanied by a descriptive qualifier — “this wine has an appley finish”.
Rough: A term used for a harsh, mouth-puckering wine with high tannin content.
Tannin: A naturally occurring substance (polyphenol) in grape skins and seeds. Some varieties of grape contain more tannin than others.
Tannic: A wine is tannic or puckery when its tannin (astringency) overshadows its alcohol or acidity.
Light and fruity,
rosé is an ideal summer wine. A chilled glass is a
refreshing antidote to 30o days. Besides being the perfect summer
aperitif, rosés offer an enticing palette of aromas and
flavours to enhance summer menus, such as:
- Grilled Tuna Niçoise Salad
- Eggplant Delight with Tomatoes and Prosciutto
- Chicken Liver Mousse with Pistachios
Impress guests with this unique dessert.