Why you shouldn’t always drink the same wine

Before I start listing the reasons why you should diversify your wine drinking, I need to tell you that — of course — I have some “favorite labels” in my cellar. They are the wild cards for difficult and pleasant moments, for achievements, but they are not the only ones!

I remember a very dear friend who introduced me to the world of wine, but who would never give up on drinking Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. Regardless of the menu at our dinners, he would always have a great wine from a great producer, but with the same grape varieties, that is, wines with the same typical descriptors: power, body, intensity and tannins.

Since I was a child, I have always been very curious, so I never hesitated to try different combinations or try unusual wine styles. So, I would often try to come up with a new option. I didn’t always get it right, but sometimes I scored a great goal.

Little by little, my great friend changed his preferences and discovered new flavors and aromas. I can say that, nowadays, he already has some “intruders” in his cellar. In fact, even the menu for our get-togethers has changed and made us seek out new recipes and experiences in front of the pans.

But it’s no coincidence that I mentioned this example above. According to Embrapa, even with more Brazilians drinking wine in recent years, 89% of the varieties consumed in the country are composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot.

So, here is my challenge for you to try as many different types of wine as possible, after all, how are you going to gain new passions in your glass without knowing new possibilities?

Studies indicate that there are around 11,000 varieties of vitis vinifera grapes worldwide. It is practically impossible to try all the existing types, but it is worth the risk.

I recently tried an Assyrtiko produced in the southeastern mountains. Originally from Santorini, Greece, the grape variety was a smart choice for the gaúchos at Manus winery. With only 690 bottles produced, the wine is still very young and it is not possible to know “all that it promises”, however, it was a pleasant surprise and one of the great experiences of 2024: drinking a Greek-style wine made in Brazil.

If you’re afraid of making a mistake when taking a risk, here’s a golden tip: buy a Coravin. The device allows you to drink your wine without having to open it. A needle pierces the cork and removes the amount you want without damaging the rest. So, you can try it before offering the bottle to your friends.

Drinking wine is an art, a pleasure and an experience. So take risks, try new wines and recommend them. Just never serve Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with sushi!

*The texts published by Insiders and Columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of CNN Travel & Gastronomy.

About Stephen Limana

Stêvão Limana is a journalist graduated from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), has a postgraduate degree in oenology, is a professional sommelier candidate and runs marathons in his spare time. On TV, he talks about politics and elections; on the internet, he talks about wine and gastronomy.