Ep 246: Ian Renwick Talks about Unusual Alternatives to Everyday Wines

There are so many different wines that are similar to the standbys most people know and love. This time, Ian Renwick, shop owner of www.jadedpalates.com in the U.K. (Devon but he ships all over the U.K.!), talks with me both about ideas for alternatives and vocabulary you can use to get even more alternatives locally. Another riff on vocabulary and expanding your palate, this is a must-listen!    Here are the wines we discuss with some vocabulary and alternatives, but I'd recommend looking at Ian's site: www.jadedpalates.com to get even more ideas of categories and vocabulary! 1. Sauvignon Blanc: Terms to describe: acidic, crisp, tart OR herbal and grassy OR tropical, OR minerally and tangy Alternatives: Vinho Verde from Portugal, Verdejo from Spain, Rousette from Savoie in France 2. Pinot Grigio: Terms to describe: Tart, neutral Alternatives: Pinot Blanc, Vernaccia from Italy, Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Vermentino 3. Chardonnay: Terms to describe: oaky, creamy, buttery, rich OR crisp, minerally, tart, citrus, not aromatic Alternatives: South African or Loire Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc/Garnacha Blanca, Fiano di Avellino, Etna Bianco (Burgundy alternative) 4. Merlot and Malbec: Terms to describe: Full and fruity, easy drinking, soft, unoaked, Malbec -- spicy Alternatives: Primitivo, Nero d'avila, Negroamaro, Valpolicella -- Italian varietals from warmer places, Bobal from La Mancha in Spain 5. Rioja: Terms to describe: Dusty, tannic, medium bodied Alternatives: For Elizabeth -- Bordeaux only, for Ian -- Garnacha, Bordeaux, Ribera del Duero, Toro, Navarra 6. Cabernet Sauvignon: Terms to describe: Dry, tannic, fruity, or earthy and dry Alternatives: For Ian -- other Cabernet, For Elizabeth - Douro, for both -- Uruguayan Tannat 7. Pinot Noir: Terms to describe: Earthy, spicy, acidic, tart, crisp, lightly tannic (Burgundy) OR ripe, red berry notes, full flavored, heavier (most U.S. Styles) Alternatives: for light styles: Zweigelt, Sankt Laurent, Blaufrankisch, Loire Cabernet Franc, Arbois, Spätburgunder. For heavier styles: Gamay, Grenache/Garnacha, Syrah   Thank you to our sponsors this week: YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help!Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople      The Great Courses Plus  Who doesn't want to learn!? The Great Courses Plus makes you smarter and more well rounded. With thousands of outstanding video lectures that you can watch or listen to any time and anywhere, The Great Courses Plus is an easy way to stimulate your brain and make you smarter! For a free trial, support the show and go to my special URL www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/wine    HelloFresh! A meal kit delivery service that shops, plans and delivers your favorite step-by-step recipes and pre-measured ingredients so you can just cook, eat and enjoy! Delivered right to your door, with a variety of chef-curated recipes that change weekly, this is a new way to eat and cook! We love it!  For $60 off your first three boxes of HelloFresh, visit www.hellofresh.com/wine60 and enter WINE60. You won't regret it! Get the back catalog on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.