The Super Market Situation: how to buy a bottle of wine with no stress, no mess and a lot less guess

Both ‘Gym Intimidation’ and ‘Gym Anxiety’, though yet to actually make it into the dictionary, are now actual bona-fide terms – you’ve got to love the 21stcentury. But frankly, I’d be the first to jump on that band wagon; there is little worse than walking into a gym to find yourself surrounded by 5 Adonis’, 3 near-Schwarzenegger’s and 8 girls who look like they’ve just escaped from Victoria Secret runway. ‘Life’s not fair’ is all too apt when you’re up to your armpits in sweat on a treadmill next to a demi-god.

​It seems though, that the public trauma doesn’t end here. I know for a fact that at least 90% of you will all, at some point in your lives, have suffered from what I have now termed ‘The Super Market Stress’ or, more specifically ‘Wine Wall Worries’ (or ‘WWW’ from hereafter, the World Wide Web is a little dated now I feel, so I’m claiming it for my own). I might actually go so far as to say that WWW would trump Gym Anxiety…demi-gods are indeed intimidating, but they’ve got nothing on 500 bottles of wine staring down at you in the midst of your bottle induced fluster. Almost soldier like in their regimented formation, the rows upon rows bottles do little in the way of making your life easy when it comes to choosing what to drink. 

​         Having now spent 2 months in France, I have realized certain aspects of life here really make England pale in comparison – my all time favourite of said aspects being the wine section in the supermarket (I know, my life is really THAT exciting). And this is for 2 simple reasons: 1. There is SO much choice, and 2. It is SO cheap…and actually drinkable when compared to England's £3/£4 vinegar that they stick a wine label on. 
          However, while doing a quick booze run the other evening with some friends, I was caught in the act, mid-gawk, happily perusing the epic selection of bottles on offer. But on turning to my right, I realized that though my gawk was being mirrored by those around me, it was for a very different reason. WWW had set in and a fluster storm seemed imminent.
​          All and any implosions were avoided, but it did make me think…(that’s to say the few brain cells I have left sprung into action). It’s true that I can’t quite provide you with Clueless-Only Wine Shops as there are Women-Only Gyms, but I can at least try to ease your WWW woes with a little guidance as to how to take the wine aisle by storm. So buckle up folks, after this your local Saino’s won’t know what’s hit it…

4 Steps to Wine Wall Wisdom according to V & V

1. Approach wine aisle
   Very much a necessary step or you won’t be going far. Believe it or not the bottles cannot smell your fear; they are after all inanimate objects, so no need to sneak up as though you’re about to be bitten, let’s inject a little confidence here folks.
2. Know your purpose
   Or rather, your bottle’s purpose. Is it A) a present, B) something tasty for dinner (breakfast or lunch, no judgment here), C) a dinner party, D) an upgrade for a student who’s had enough of vodka with sh*t mixers or E) other? So let’s break it down a little…
   If it’s A then consider who you’re buying for. You’re future mother-in-law isn’t likely going to appreciate a £3 bottle of Echo Falls, on the other hand most students won’t bat an eye as long as there’s alcohol in it. In an ideal world you’ll have a rough idea of their taste to narrow things down a little, even if it’s just a colour preference. Also take the season into account, a super heavy red isn’t going to be ideal in the summer months, just as a rosé would be a bit odd in the middle of December.
   For the B’s and C’s amongst you, it’s a good idea to match your wine to your food for the ultimate Wine Win. Check out the Dare to Pair page for all the info there.
   As for the D’s, a group very close to my heart, I suggest you just hop straight on to step 4, fear not though, just because price range can be limiting, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find that doesn't taste like vinegar. 
   And to the E's, I really have no idea what you're going for so I'd just suggest you keep reading!
   
   
3. Know what you like
   Are you a fruity fan? Are you a sucker for the citrus? Or perhaps the tougher tannins really tickle your taste buds? Different grape types have different characteristics, so when you enjoy drinking something check what it is so you’ll have a little inspiration for your next supermarket trip. Equally, if you tend to buy the same thing the whole time, try branching out and trying a grape variety that has a few of the qualities you like, but maybe with a bit of a twist. For example, if your go-to wine is Sauvignon Blanc you could mix it up a little with an Austrian Grüner Veltliner. Read more about grape variety options here.
   
   
4. Read the label
   Don’t just look at the pretty picture, actually read the words – I see you. Funnily enough they are there to serve a purpose and they really are informative.​

• Some bottles are labeled with the grape variety (e.g Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot etc.). Often blends of different grape varieties are used in one wine, and the percentages of each respective variety can often be found on the back label of the bottle. To find out more about grape varieties and what you’ll be getting, click here!
• Some wines are labeled by region (or appellation more specifically), something that’s tends to be more common in Old World (European) wines. Often only certain grape varieties are grown in certain regions (e.g. Chardonnay in Chablis or Sangiovese in Chianti), so it’s a good way of working out what’s in the bottle if the variety isn’t on the label. Climate also has a big impact on wine, so whether it’s New World or Old World is definitely something worth noting. Read up on wine regions here to have any homework made easy for you!

​So there you have it, wine without worry and shopping without stress. Good luck to you on your booze buys, if you get stuck mid fluster why not try and whip out V & V for a bite-sized info on exactly what’s in front of you...it might just come in handy (I hope!)!
 
Until next time,
P x