Billy’s Wine Categories

FINALLY! AN EASY WAY TO UNDERSTAND~  WINE!

Categories make subjects manageable by creating logical groupings. We learn the groupings and then know what to expect from the hundreds or thousands of choices. And categories tell us where things fit in relation to each other. Life would be way too chaotic without them. This is why I created categories for wine.

BILLY’S WINE CATEGORIES AKA Wine by Mood

Categories

Virtually every product/subject has some form of categories making it relatively simple to understand, and to make choices. For instance, we “˜understand’ music through broad categories such as classical, jazz, rock etc., which allow us to know and organize thousands of songs so that nobody mistakes country for classical.

I have always selected wines intuitively, based on what I was in the mood for. Say, a refreshing jolt, a relaxing time or a big bold experience. Thus, the wine is always appropriate to the occasion. Therefore, when developing categories for wine, I considered the total experience wine delivers, rather than dwelling on the components or details, such as flavour, grapes or styles. This required a new perspective ““ from merely analyzing what’s in the bottle to focusing on the “˜experience’ the wine drinker has while drinking the wine. I call this approach “˜Wine by Mood.’

“˜Wine by Mood’ categories enable you to make appropriate wine choices without knowing anything about wine. You simply pick the category that’s going to satisfy your need. We understand this in music ““ if we’re in the mood for jazz, we pick a jazzy tune, and enjoy it without knowing details about the tune or how it was constructed. Seeing wine in the same light as music makes the subject less intimidating. Both wine and music are emotional experiences.

“˜Wine by Mood’ categories offer wine drinkers a fool-proof approach to choosing and enjoying wines that are appropriate for the occasion.

Download a PDF of Billy Munnelly’s WINE SPECTRUM HERE.

 

HOW MANY CATEGORIES & HOW DO THEY WORK?
The thousands of dry wines in the world essentially deliver six different emotional experiences ““ three for red and three for white. (Sweet and fortified wines are in a separate category ““ SWEET)

WHITE-CATEGORIES

3 WHITE WINE CATEGORIES
Understanding these three categories will enable you to choose the white wine that’s right for your particular mood or occasion.

FRESH WHITE~ 
THE MOOD: When you’re in the mood to be refreshed on a warm afternoon, to get the party started or to jazz up a dinner party ““ the appropriate pick for the moment will be a refreshing, zesty and even jolting white. The experience of a FRESH WHITE is like taking a bite from a juicy green apple ““ or driving a convertible on an invigorating spring day!

NICE & EASY WHITE
THE MOOD: When you’re in the mood to relax, chat with easy going friends or sip while making dinner or reading a book, the best choice for these easy times is a laid-back, smooth and sociable white. The experience of a NICE & EASY WHITE could be likened to lounging in your blue jeans, tucking into your favourite comfort food or relaxing with friends.

RICH WHITE
THE MOOD: When you’re in the mood for a big experience, a romantic moment or a special occasion ““ the perfect selection is a big, full-bodied and rich-tasting white. The experience of a RICH WHITE could be likened to dressing up, lighting the candles and putting on the Ritz.

RED-CATEGORIES

3 RED WINE CATEGORIES
There’s more to red than Shiraz. Take a moment to study these three categories before opening your next bottle.

FRESH RED
THE MOOD: You’re in the mood for a red but you want it light, lively and refreshing, and lower in alcohol than most reds. Perhaps it’s early evening, or you’re going on a picnic, or you simply want to be refreshed with a red. The best wine choice will be a light, perky red ““ served “˜slightly chilled’. The experience of a FRESH RED could be likened to an invigorating walk on the beach, or the high spirited atmosphere at the start of a summer party.

RUSTIC RED
THE MOOD:You’re in the mood for gusto ““ lively times with friends around the barbecue, or hunkering down to everyday comfort foods. This situation calls for an invigorating, earthy red. The feeling of a RUSTIC RED could be likened to having country/folk music in your glass. It’s perfect for adding a bite of authenticity to a plate of pasta. Italy is the home of RUSTIC.

RICH RED
THE MOOD: You’re in the mood for drama, romance or big warm-hearted excitement ““ so the best choice will be a nourishing red. The feeling of a RICH RED provides the platform for heavy, flavourful meals such as steak. It can also strike the mellow, comfy chord of late-night jazz.