Wine 101: What you should really know about wines
It’s become a tradition here at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, where the 2nd floor Atrium turns into a worldwide bazaar of vino this time of year. Prowling around The Marketplace’s Wine Fair, running Oct. 8-11, you’re apt to see Robinsons VIPs like Lance Gokongwei on the floor as well as Robina Gokongwei-Pe, head of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., enjoying a glass or two.
With promos of up to 50 percent off, Buy 1 Take 1, Buy 2 Take 1 and P999 deals, this event brings together the world’s most celebrated regions under one roof.
Robina shares that The Marketplace offices actually have their own wine bar on-site for, uh, “research,” which made me feel inggit. Later, I saw a picture on someone’s phone: the bar is a modern, deco-ish affair complete with bartender and wide food selection; along the bar sits a row of UAAP championship basketballs signed by the Fighting Maroons, of whom Robina is a fervent fan. (Note to Editor Millet: If we had a wine bar in the office, I bet more people would opt to not work from home.)
It must be good for relaxing there at the office, I note.
“And good for getting secrets out.”
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I asked Robina if she’s ever had a funny experience with wine. She thought it over: “Maybe finishing somebody else’s wine.”
I then asked, with all the competing health reports on wine, whether she still believes that wine is good for the health.
“It’s good for happiness,” she concluded. “Who doesn’t like a glass of wine?”
One big innovation for the Wine Fair this year, according to Diana Prince Ang, deputy general manager of The Marketplace, is its partnership with Vivino, the phone app that lets you scan bottles of wine on the rack for aggregate taste ratings, flavor profiles and consumer comments.
A Wine Fair display shows us highly rated bottles on sale such as Valpanera Ribolla Gialla Trevene Wine 750ml (Vivino rating: 4.6); La Croix Beaucaillou St. Julien 750ml (4.3); and Trentham Family Frizzante Maestri 750ml (4.2).
Think of it as a digital sommelier while making your way through the Wine Fair, whether searching for something to pair with dinner, a bottle to bring to your next gathering, or a new addition to your wine collection. Just scan the QR, download the app and start shopping.
I asked Ferds, merchandising director for The Marketplace, for the skinny on what to look for in wines. And is it really heavy in calories?
“All alcohol have calories,” he says. “And if it has sugar, many calories. If you’re watching your calories, try to avoid the sweeter wines. Go for drier wines: a cab sav, a merlot. Proseccos, Moscatos, all sparkling wines have higher sugar content.”
There’s conflicting health reports about wine. Is it good or bad for the heart?
“Mahirap. That’s a very hard question, but I think the industry is positioning itself that wine is good for the heart.”
Of course, always in moderation.
“Moderation, but buy as much as you can at the Wine Fair.”
The challenge is not just health reports, but marketing wine to the upcoming generation.
“Yes, it’s more about Gen Z not drinking wine. That’s the challenge for us in the wine industry because we want, of course, to expand.”
Is it a matter of making wine approachable for younger people?
“Yes, it’s still very intimidating here because young people are used to drinking beer, gin, cocktails automatically.”
What’s a good approach to get Gen Z to discover wines?
“Sampling is the best way. You have to let them try. That’s why we are introducing the smaller sizes (bottles, cans) so they can try in different colors. And the flavors are exciting, very refreshing.”
So there’s a lot of wine mixing, like spritzes and mixtures with juices?
“Yes. Sangria is always popular. Would you believe there’s now a wine with mango and chili? They actually put the fresh mango and chili in the distillation process. We’ll be introducing it next year.” He says the Vivino app makes it easier for younger people to explore and discover what’s rated best with their phones.
Of course, you could always go “old school”—and sample all the wines, one bottle at a time.
For more information on The Wine Fair, visit The Marketplace’s official Facebook page.
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