Expert Tips: How to Increase Your Wine IQ

Wine lovers are snobs- at least that’s the long- held perception. But the truth is that the wine consumer is evolving. Reports indicate wine consumption in Canada is steadily increasing and will grow much faster than the world average in the years to come.
In fact, new research suggests that the majority of Ontarians (60 per cent) are comfortable discussing wine. Interestingly enough though, the research indicates that 1 in 10 Ontarians who are comfortable discussing wine have faked their wine knowledge to impress someone else, indicating that there is still room to learn.

Commissioned by G. Marquis, a new local Ontario VQA wine line, the survey shows that while a majority of Ontarians are comfortable discussing wine (those aged 45-54 being the most comfortable), two in five of us are still uncomfortable (those aged 35 to 44 are the least comfortable).


For those Ontarians who need some pointers before becoming true oenophiles, G. Marquis offers the following tips:


· Wine tours –Whether it’s your first or one of many, attending a tour is bound to expand your wine knowledge. On a tour you can learn about wine regions, grapes from around the world, new food pairing suggestions and more. You may even have a chance to personally meet the winemakers behind your favourite wine.

· Compare notes – Taking notes will not only help you remember the wines you tasted but will help you carefully evaluate important aspects of a wine including wine colour, appearance and aroma. This helps guide your critical analysis of each wine and keep them consistent, without missing important details.

· Keep an open mind – While you may prefer only reds or whites from a particular region, keeping an open mind and being willing to try new wines is a great way to compare and contrast your preferences, some of which may surprise even the most skeptical wine enthusiast.

· Attend local events - Attending local events, such as wine conferences where you can convene with thousands of fellow wine enthusiasts and industry professionals, or wine tasting classes to discuss emerging wines, will introduce you to an array of information that will increase your wine IQ.

· Stay in the know – Take the time to get to know the staff at your local wine retailer and share your preferences. You’ll not only get the chance to discuss various wine options but they can also introduce you to new and interesting wines each time you visit the store.

For more information about G. Marquis wines, please visit http://www.gmarquis.com/