Expert Advice: Find your perfect wine match
Not sure which wine to buy for dinner? Award-winning sommelier Joseph Dhafana says WCellar My Wine Match will help you make the right choice.
"We've all been overwhelmed by choice in the wine aisle, or not sure where to start looking for something new to try. That's where WCellar My Wine Match comes in. I gave it a try a few weeks ago and found it quick, easy and user-friendly for everyone from beginners to enthusiasts and the pros. I think it's especially handy as we all come from different backgrounds and are accustomed to different cuisines and flavours. Taking the quiz is a really simply way to home in on your personal preferences and how they will reflect in the wines the tool recommends for you.
"Do you like red more than white? Enjoy bubbles or rosé most of all? Make your choice, then start thinking about whether your prefer your wine sweet, medium or dry. Next, we're on to flavours: berries, apple and pear, stone fruit, citrus or tropical? How about spices: the likes of cinnamon, vanilla, nixed spice, pepper, nutmeg and cloves? And how do you feel about aromas such as leather, smoke, brioche, oak or chocolate? You definitely have your favourites and, based on your answers, you'll end up with six wines to choose from – tailor-made to your unique palate.
"Even better, if you're expecting someone for dinner and aren't sure which wine to buy – send them the link and get them to take the quiz and send you its recommendations. That way, you're guaranteed to find a wine or two they'll love. The flavour and aroma cues in the quiz will even give you and idea of the types of flavours to include in the dish you want to match with the wine on the table.
"We've all been overwhelmed by choice in the wine aisle, or not sure where to start looking for something new to try. That's where WCellar My Wine Match comes in. I gave it a try a few weeks ago and found it quick, easy and user-friendly for everyone from beginners to enthusiasts and the pros. I think it's especially handy as we all come from different backgrounds and are accustomed to different cuisines and flavours. Taking the quiz is a really simply way to home in on your personal preferences and how they will reflect in the wines the tool recommends for you.
"Do you like red more than white? Enjoy bubbles or rosé most of all? Make your choice, then start thinking about whether your prefer your wine sweet, medium or dry. Next, we're on to flavours: berries, apple and pear, stone fruit, citrus or tropical? How about spices: the likes of cinnamon, vanilla, nixed spice, pepper, nutmeg and cloves? And how do you feel about aromas such as leather, smoke, brioche, oak or chocolate? You definitely have your favourites and, based on your answers, you'll end up with six wines to choose from – tailor-made to your unique palate.
"Even better, if you're expecting someone for dinner and aren't sure which wine to buy – send them the link and get them to take the quiz and send you its recommendations. That way, you're guaranteed to find a wine or two they'll love. The flavour and aroma cues in the quiz will even give you and idea of the types of flavours to include in the dish you want to match with the wine on the table.
What was it like?
"What was my experience like? I had fun looking for a red wine – always my go-to when I'm at home. On the day I wanted a bold, slightly rich wine, yet elegant with fine tannins. WCellar My Wine Match recommended wines from some of my favourite producers, including Bellevue, Boplaas, Bosman, Grangehurst and Springfield. But my big hit was the fantastic Neil Ellis No Added Sulphites Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch. I highly recommend taking the quiz. You won't be disappointed!"