More people read horoscopes than admit it. Even most scoffers secretly try to glean hope from astrologers’ words. It’s calming to be boldly told when your next raise will appear or when a romance will “round the corner.” But what if you’re looking for guidance of the wine-specific variety? What if, for example, you want to know how to get out of your wine rut, or better yet, what if you’re looking for a wine that aligns with your very soul? The general characteristics of each sign are out there for everyone to read, but I wonder if anyone has ever applied this celestial data in a wine drinker-specific way. This quick wine tour around the sun might help you navigate your star sign.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 — Jan. 19) Capricorns are multitaskers and goal-oriented, and stay physically active. They need a complex red blend with a lot going on, like a California Meritage (rhymes with “heritage”). A Meritage is a blend of three or more Bordeaux grape varieties, specifically cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 — Feb. 18) Aquarians exhibit friendly, principled, and practical traits, yet are fascinated by the odd and unique. A unique varietal to explore is Gewürztraminer, a spicy, sometimes-sweet-sometimes-dry wine originally from Germany.
Pisces (Feb. 19 — March 20) Pisces adapt well to change, are imaginative and love to mold themselves to other people. They also crave perfection. Soft and supple French red Burgundies change constantly in the glass, as the wine mixes with oxygen. They’re as close to perfection as you can get.
Aries (March 21 — April 19) Aries love taking risks, and are bold and confidently aggressive. But they show a careless, soft side as well. Spicy and audacious California syrah or southern Rhone wines are the ticket for Aries.
Taurus (April 20 — May 20) Stubborn and stable, Taureans get things done come what may. Yet their sensual side yearns for luxury and comfort when it’s quitting time. Cabernet sauvignons can be stubbornly tannic, but deliver a sensuous experience with coaxing.
Gemini (May 21– June 20) Intellectually curious, adaptable and clever, Geminis prefer simple things. Reliably delicious Australian shiraz comes in many styles, from bold to fruity, which will satisfy a Gemini’s thirst for variety.
Cancer (June 21 — July 22) Emotionally driven, Cancers live by feelings. They are shy and crave the comforts of home. With its tried-and-true reputation, California chardonnay lights the way to please a Cancer.
Leo (July 23 — Aug. 22) Leos want the best of everything. Prideful, determined and pleasure loving, the lion folk love entertaining. The best bubbly in the world, French champagne, is the only beverage that will satisfy the Leo and his guests.
Virgo (Aug. 23 — Sept. 22) Practical and focused on serving others, finicky Virgos don’t like the spotlight. But they have excellent taste. Virgos should grab a well-known and classy merlot.
Libra (Sept. 23 — Oct. 22) Great at bringing people together, Librans need to be liked. They bask in beauty of all kinds, and have a knack for being comfortable in all situations. Librans should try a smooth operating varietal, like an Australian grenache shiraz blend.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 — Nov. 21) Strong-willed, passionate and dogged, Scorpios have magnetic personalities. They should embrace a juicy, bold varietal that stands up to them, like red zinfandel.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 — Dec. 21) Sagittarians are freethinkers, require a constant flow of information, and seem at home anywhere. They would benefit from a multitalented wine that differs bottle to bottle. Riesling, an adaptable white wine suitable for any occasion, fits the bill.
