Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
Merlot, Sangiovese, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat win
Please describe to the best of your ability the difference between Merlot, Sangiovese, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat wines? (For example: What is the difference in PRICE? What is the difference in the origin of the grapes? What is the difference in sweetness/acidity?
Answer From Expert Becky Sue Epstein
This is a bit like asking what is the difference between a daschund, collie, labrador retriever and poodle. They are all lovely, and your own preference -- and budget -- are the deciding factors.
If you want to learn about wines, start with one and taste only that for the next two months. You'll find a wide variety in flavors and prices. Make a note of which bottles you like, and what foods they go with. Then move on to the next varietal. In a year you'll be an expert in what you like -- the most important factor!
About The Expert
Becky Sue Epstein is an experienced lifestyle writer and editor, concentrating on wine and spirits. For the past twenty years she has provided food, wine and spirits coverage for local, regional, and national publications including Art & Antiques, Food &
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Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
This could be a very long answer, so let me try to be concise.
First, we should be clear that there is considerable variation in price and origin within each of these grape varieties. You could find any of them in the US at retail prices under $10 per 750ml bottle to many times that amount. They are also grown in many countries and regions, so there are substantial variations in origin as well.
Both Merlot and Sangiovese usually make "dry" red wines without any noticeable sweetness as well as dry and off-dry roses. Merlot customarily yields a "softer" wine (lower in acidity) while Sangiovese usually has more pronounced acidity, depending on origin and vintage. Merlot is the most planted grape in Bordeaux but is cultivated around the world. Sangiovese excels in Tuscany where it figures in most of famous red wines (Brunello, Chianti, etc.), but is planted in numerous Italian regions and in other countries.
Gewurztraminer and Muscat are both considered aromatic white wine varieties and can be found in a range of styles from dry to sweet. Acidities vary, but Gewurztraminer is often noted for its "lower" acidity. There are many types of Muscat with individual characteristics, including ones that go by the names Hamburg, Alexandria, Ottonel, and Muscat a Petits Grains. Muscat (as Moscato) is responsible for the popular sweet Italian sparkling wine, Asti Spumante, and for many fortified sweet wines from France, Italy, Greece and Australia.
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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