Wardrobes, Wine and Women

Comparing a glass of Washington Syrah to a red-hot crimson scarf may sound unusual, but it’s helping demystify wine in a way that makes sense to many of its biggest fans. Wine writer Leslie Sbrocco compares wine to fashion in her award-winning book Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing Wine (published by William Morrow).

According to the most recent survey by the Wine Market Council, women purchase and consume more than 60 percent of the wine sold in the U.S. Sbrocco recognized the trend and the need for a wine book tailored to the female audience.

“Women have a need to learn about things in a way that is relevant to their lives,” Sbrocco said. “Fashion is something most women already have a connection with and can use to better understand wine.”

Sbrocco empowers women with basic wine knowledge, using wardrobe essentials as a backdrop, to understand the different wine varieties and styles.

“Women typically don’t ask about the ratings of wine, but more often ask about the taste and style,” Sbrocco said. “Women tend to be interested in personal recommendations, food ideas and helpful tips on finding wines that simply taste good.”

Linking the grape to the place and the place to the taste helps women navigate the wine aisle and remove some of the guesswork. Sbrocco said the wine labels, listing the grape variety and its birthplace, or the region where it was grown, offer clues as to what the wine will taste like.

“For example, certain grape varieties from Washington, like Merlot and Syrah, really shine because they marry intensity with elegance,” Sbrocco said. “What really matters is figuring out what you like and what you don’t’ like.”

Using wardrobe basics as comparison, Sbrocco associates the fragrant, fruity character of a Gewurztraminer or Riesling with the rejuvenating and refreshing feeling of slipping into a springtime dress. Chardonnay is as versatile, popular and easy as the basic black in many women’s closets. Pinot Grigio is the comfortable denim, and Cabernet Sauvignon is the classic suit.

“Cashmere is a perfect descriptor for Washington Merlot,” Sbrocco said. “It’s ultra smooth and stylish … you can almost wrap yourself in it. Velvety smooth Washington Merlot is nothing short of soft, sensuous cashmere.”

Like clothes and jewelry, wine and food go hand-in-hand.

“I often joke food and wine should dance together, not wrestle,” Sbrocco said. “People get hung up on pairing wine and food, but there’s never a wrong answer.”

In general, Sbrocco said to try to match the texture and weight of the food and wine. For example, pair a lighter bodied dish with a more delicate wine. Drawing back to the fashion comparison, think leather pants with a sweater and linen slacks with a cotton shirt. Serve a big powerful meal, like steak, with a big powerful wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon.

“I have been a huge fan of Washington wines for many years because they are so food friendly,” Sbrocco said. “The intensity of the fruit, married with its vibrant acidity, make Washington wines a perfect, and elegant, companion at the dinner table.”

More information about buying, pairing and sharing wine can be found in Sbrocco’s book Wine for Women.

Related Resources:
Top Ten "Wine Wardrobe" Essentials
Eat Light, Drink White
Wine & Health

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