On Wine: Wines Men Prefer

On Wine

Wine

Wines Men Prefer

Men Like These Wines Much More Than Women Do

by Fred McMillin

In my classes, men and women usually rate wines about the same, but not always. Out of the last 80 we've tasted, eight were given much higher scores by the men than the women. Here they are, with the wine rated highest by the men listed last.

Men: "These Are Fair." Ladies: "They're Awful."

Rank		Wine
8th	-	McWilliam's Hanwood Riesling, Australia, 2004, $11, screwcap
7th	-	White Zinfandel, Riverside (Foppiano), 2004, $6, screwcap
6th	-	Syrah, Sobon Estate, Amador County, 2003, $14, screwcap

Men: "These Are Very Good." Ladies: "They're Poor."

5th	-	Merlot, Canoe Ridge Winery, Washington, 2002, $20
4th	-	Pinot Noir, Elkhorn Peak, Napa Valley, 2002, $30

Men: "These Are Super." Ladies: "They're Good."

3rd	-	Vouvray (Chenin Blanc), Chateau de Montfort, Loire, Diageo Imports, 2004, $13
2nd	-	Reynolds Chardonnay, Australia, Trinchero Imports, 2004, $8
1st	-	Old Vines Zinfandel, Sobon Estate, Amador County, 2004, $13

The Surprise

Six of the eight wines were UNDER $14, even though most of the 80 wines cost more than that! In other words, the difference in ratings occurred with the less expensive wines. Why?

Our Explanation

Most women have more taste buds than most men. Therefore, they tend to be more sensitive to excess flavors. So, a robust Zinfandel with 16% alcohol may please the men but the ladies feel so much more bite and heat that they shudder instead of smile. So, the less expensive wines apparently contain more palate-shockers.

Conclusion

If you're having a stag dinner, you don't have to spend so much on the wine. Sorry fellows!

And a Final Wine Smile About the Ladies

A British connoisseur was asked whether he preferred wine or women. After a considerable pause, he replied, "It depends on their vintage."

Credits Research Assistant—Ms. Ophie Mercado

About the Writer

Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history for 30 years on three continents. For information about the wine courses he teaches every month at either San Francisco State University or San Francisco City College (Fort Mason Division), please fax him at (415) 567-4468.

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This page created July 2006

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