Wine for Your Star Sign
In honor of National Red Wine Day (August 28th), we’ve partnered with winemaker Katie Nelson of H3 Wines and Laguna Beach astrologer Jai-Lin Garrett to come up with a list of amazing wines to try based on our star signs.
But first, for us wine novices, let’s start with the basics…
“The first thing I look for in a good wine is color,” Nelson explains. “I like red wines to be dark and deep, with red and purple hues. Balance is so important in good wine. This means that acid, fruit, oak, length, and body should all be working together.”
Terms like length and body refer to how long the flavor lingers and the relative viscosity of the wine. Tannin and dryness, other terms you often hear tossed around in the wine crowd, refer to a wine’s acidity and bitterness.
When tasting wine, Nelson recommends swirling the wine around in your glass to release the aromas, before taking a deep breath and smelling the wine. Then, take a sip and roll it around the inside of your mouth. Think about what flavors you’re picking up, tapping into food memories to help.
“Learning to describe wine comes from practice and from trying a lot of different things,” she explains. “Don’t be afraid to explore!”
so, like all good explorers, we’re looking towards the stars for guidance.
Jai-Lin Garrett has been studying astrology since she was just 13. “I remember the first time I ever saw my birth chart. A passionate light lit up in my eye and I just needed to learn everything about it,” she remembers. “There has always been this intuitive voice inside me screaming “Do it, read it, learn it!” — and it’s never quit.”
For her, astrology is much more than just telling someone about their personality. It can be an integral tool for self-discovery and finding one’s true purpose. “I can tell you about your personality, but astrology can also help me reveal your innate talents you were given in this lifetime and which lessons your soul is destined to learn,” she states.
But can astrology really reveal something as idiosyncratic as taste?
“The specificity of astrology depends on the one reading it,” Garrett says. “Astrology is like a hammer; two people can be holding the same hammer but will create totally different things.”
When it comes to astrology, she likes to think of the signs in terms of energy, rather than a fixed set of traits. While we may not be able to directly predict which wines you’ll love based on your sun sign alone, we can choose selections that will mirror the energy of that sign.
At the very least, it’s a fun (and delicious) place to start.
Aries
Traits: Aries is like Jack-Jack from The Incredibles; an adorable, people-pleasing baby one second, and then an anger-infested bodybuilder troll the next! Ruled by Mars, the planet of physical energy and aggression, Aries is the war hero of the decade. This sign won’t back down. Any hill is worthy enough to die on for an Aries.
Suggestions: When it comes to wine, an Aries will likely appreciate something as blunt and straightforward as they are. Rich, red fruits like cherries, strawberries, or raspberries are a good bet for this sign. They are also the first sign in the Zodiac cycle, so we suggest something younger and sweeter to reflect their bright and playful nature like a Merlot, Malbec, or Zinfandel.
Try the light-bodied and fruit-forward aromas of McClain Cellars 2017 Chapter and Verse.
Taurus
Traits: Ruling the Second House of finances and possessions, Taurans represent all things materially luxurious. Like Jay Gatsby, they surround themselves with fantastic parties, partners, and pleasure. They love to please everyone around them, but not at the expense of their comfort. They’re suckers for romance, be it candlelit dinners or rose petals scattered across silk sheets.
Suggestions: Taurans are the epitome of “stop and smell the roses.” They know when to save and when to splurge. They’re sure to appreciate a fine, robust vintage with rich earthy tones and an enduring length. Something with a decadent chocolatey base is always a safe bet. We suggest a Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Nebbiolo.
Try a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Laguna Canyon Winery.
Gemini
Traits: Geminis are the most intelligent social butterflies mankind has ever witnessed and can adapt to practically any social situation they are put into. Ruling the Third House, Geminis are masterminds at all things people and communication. They love to debate and “stir the pot,” so always take their eloquent diatribes with a grain of salt.
Suggestions: A Gemini needs something aromatic that sparkles off the tongue like their quick wit. Something bubbly with notes of citrus and a perfect balance between sweet and sour will capture Gemini’s chaotic personality. You might even try a sparkling rose to match their dualistic nature.
Try this sparkling rose from Laguna Canyon Winery.
Cancer
Traits: Ruled by the Moon, Cancerians are nurturing, protective, and sensitive. Although Cancerians are committed partners, they often struggle with self-love. They are reclusive, gentle, and introverted people, but if someone hurts one of their loved ones they’ll come out of their crab-shell with both claws ready!
Suggestions: Cancers will want something rich and heavy that can wrap around their insides like a warm blanket. Like Taurens, these signs are home-makers that appreciate comfort and security and will crave something smooth, yet substantial that can pair wonderfully with hearty comfort food, such as a Cabernet or Bordeaux blend.
Try this sweet and comforting red blend from H3 Wines.
Leo
Traits: Just like the proud Lion for which they are named, Leos will always take center stage. All Leos have that one physical or personal characteristic that stands out (and its almost always their hair). Leos are well-known to be spontaneous, lively, energetic, and creative — making them the perfect entertainer!
Suggestions: When we think of Leos, we think of a dazzling firework show! They’ll crave reds full of passion and drama, with deep cherry and chocolate tones and a taste that lingers like their undeniable charm. We suggest a rich and silky Syrah or a sleek and slender-bodied Pinot Noir.
Try this dynamic 2017 Petit Syrah from McClain Cellars.
Virgo
Traits: Virgos are the Sherlock Holmes of the Zodiac. They are extremely detail-oriented with impeccable intellect and taste. They are the definition of perfectionism and have extremely high standards for others, but are most critical of themselves. They strive for beauty, balance, and purity in all things.
Suggestions: Virgos are likely to appreciate clean, elegant, and pure tastes. A stickler for reputation and tradition, they’ll love a rich vintage that reflects the purity of where the grapes were grown. We suggest a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, with rich notes of pomegranate, plum, cherry, or blackberry.
Try this subtle and elegant Pinot Noir from Laguna Canyon Wines.
Libra
Traits: Symbolized by the scales, Libras crave balance, peace, and tranquility in all areas of their life, especially in relationships. Ruling the Seventh House, the House of partnership and marriage, Libras are true romantics. Whether on a canvas or their Instagram feed, Libras are always beautifying their life and the world.
Suggestions: Ruled by the Planet Venus, Libras are the epitome of beauty, grace, and charm. We suggest rich and romantic flavors, like strawberries, chocolate, blood orange, roses, and other aromatic floral notes. Their easy-going and diplomatic nature makes them the perfect candidate for a rosé or a bright and well-balanced red, such as a Nebbiolo or Grenache.
Try this peachy and floral rosé from Rancho Capistrano Winery.
Scorpio
Traits: Ruled by Pluto, Scorpios are by far the most mysterious sign of the 12. Secretive and deeply passionate, all Scorpios have their venomous stringer that can knock anyone down to size. But under their hard exoskeleton, Scorpios are more sensitive and caring than anyone you will ever meet.
Suggestions: Scorpios rule the Eighth House, the house of sex, death, and birth. They are unafraid to dive right into the depth of human experience and prefer powerful, full-bodied reds that are layered and complex. Think about what Hades would serve Persephone during her first feist in the underworld. We suggest dark fruits such as plum, mulberries, blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry to reflect their dark and mysterious nature, maybe a vintage Barblo or Malbec.
Try this multilayered 2016 red blend from Laguna Canyon Winery.
Sagittarius
Traits: Sagittarius' are fun, hilarious, optimistic, and brutally honest. Spontaneous and quick-thinking, they are always up for an adventure… but they aren’t just a party sign. Of all the fire signs, Sagittarius is the most spiritual, introspective, and curious. They’re constantly seeking to broaden their horizons, be it intellectually, spiritually, or physically.
Suggestions: Sagittarius needs a wine to reflect their adventurous spirit and cheery outlook. We suggest bright, sweet fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. Or perhaps something with a more herbal note to reflect their desire to be out on the open road. A medium-bodied and buoyant red blend would be great for this fun-loving sign.
Try this spicy-sweet Cabernet Sauvignon from H3 Wines.
Capricorn
Traits: Ruling the Tenth House, Capricorns are infamous for being intense workaholics. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of responsibility, obstacles, and ambition, Capricorns can come across as harsh and serious. Deep down though, they can be the funniest, most sarcastic people you know.
Suggestions: Capricorns appreciate discipline and regimen and will likely gravitate towards more stern reds. They’re more savory than sweet, with a dry sense of humor and a dry pallet to match. We suggest a Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or the elevated alcohol content of a Primitivo.
Try a 2017 Darcella Cabernet Sauvignon from McClain Cellars.
Aquarius
Traits: Ruled by Uranus, the planet of intuition and revolution, Aquarians are the innovators of the zodiac. Known for their otherworldly energy, they prefer to walk the road not taken. Ruling the Eleventh House of relationships and social life, their friendships tend to follow the same unique path. An Aquarian's dream is to have a rich and diverse social network, with a foot in every crowd.
Suggestions: The motto of an Aquarius might as well be “make it new!” They’re constantly reimagining themselves and the world around them. They’ll appreciate a wine that’s unlike anything that came before it, or just an unexpected twist on a classic. We suggest the bold and boisterous acidity of a Petit Verdot or a Cabernet Franc.
Try this beautiful and bold Petit Verdot from McClain Cellars.
Pisces
Traits: Pisces are the mystics of the zodiac. Ruled by Neptune, the planet of spirituality and healing, they represent all things mysterious, abstract, and ethereal. Pisces are dreamers in the truest sense and are known to be extremely caring and curious with hearts made of pure gold. If you catch any Pisces being outwardly mean in any way, then you need to RUN.
Suggestions: Pisces will prefer a wine that’s as smooth and mellow as they are. We suggest lighter, more subtle, and mellow wines, such as Grenache, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Franc. However, since they are sensitive and deeply in tune with their intuition, they might also appreciate something with more body and depth like the smooth, chocolatey finish of an Argentinan Malbec.
Carlisle Huntington was born and raised in Dana Point California. She received her B.A. in English and Creative Writing from The University of Puget Sound and has been featured in business and lifestyle publications such as South Sound Magazine, 425 Magazine, South Sound Business, and 425 Business Magazine.