www.cheersonline.com
42
Cheers
• September 2014
BACK 2 BASICS
When it comes to wines people order when they visit bars
and restaurants, chardonnay and merlot still top the list in
the U.S. I can remember selling these two varietals by the
gallon as a waiter in 1984.
But while wines from the more familiar grapes continue
to lead in by-the-glass sales across the country, Americans
are discovering that there are many other delicious vari-
etals out there. And not only do these other wines offer
up enjoyable fl avors, they're typically available at attractive
price points because demand for them is lower.
It's a great time to help your customers expand beyond
the basics by offering up some of these unsung varietals.
Here's a quick look at some of the "other" wine grapes.
FRUIT OF THE RHÔNE
Syrah and grenache grapes are grown all over, and fi t right
in with Americans tastes in wine—especially new world
examples. Their big, fruity and spicy fl avors make these
reds drinkable on their own, but they also pair perfectly
with casual American foods such as burgers, barbecue
WINES FROM
THE OTHER GRAPES
By
John
Fischer
DRY
RIESLINGS
OFFER
INCREDIBLE
FLEXIBILITY
LURE
MERLOT
DRINKERS
TO
A
MALBEC
FOR
A
BETTER
VALUE
