This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
As Nairobi's wine enthusiasts continue to expand their tastes, good wine shops are responding to their increasingly sophisticated demands. Published on July 10, 2020, by Wendy Watta, this article offers valuable tips for buying wine at a supermarket.
When it comes to choosing the right bottle, personal preference plays a significant role. Do you prefer white, rosé, or red wine? Sweet or dry? Full or light-bodied? The tasting notes on the back label can help you make the right choice within these various styles.
Wendy Watta recommends sticking to wines within the Sh800 to 2,000 range. For white wine, she prefers chenin blanc, chardonnay, or sauvignon blanc, while for red wine, she opts for merlot, malbec, or cabernet sauvignon. However, she notes that personal preferences can vary.
When it comes to food pairing, red meat generally pairs well with red wine, while white meat pairs well with white wine. Spicy food, on the other hand, goes well with semi-sweet styles of wine. However, rules are meant to be broken.
Wendy also emphasizes the importance of checking the label quality. Run the back of your hand over the label; if it feels cheap, it's likely that the producers cut corners in other areas too.
Another crucial factor is the punt, the indent at the base of the bottle. A deeper punt generally indicates a better-quality wine that can be stored for longer. Most supermarket wines have a flatter base and should be enjoyed sooner.
For those who need help navigating the world of wine, there are great apps with online wine communities that can provide valuable insights. Vivino, for instance, allows you to scan the label of a bottle and ranks it based on user reviews.
When it comes to age, it's essential to choose bottles that don't look like they've been sitting around on the shelves for the last three years. Supermarkets often place older bottles at the front, so make sure to check if there's a more recent vintage at the back.
Finally, price doesn't always equal quality. A bottle may be expensive due to startup costs, and wines from traditional regions like France, Italy, Spain, and Australia are often pricier than equally good ones from lesser-known areas. Set a budget and stick to it.
