Walk into any wine aisle and you’ll see names like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Moscato, Barbera, and dozens more. For many shoppers, those names can feel like a test they’re somehow supposed to pass before picking a bottle.
The reality is much simpler.
Most people already know enough about their own tastes to make good wine decisions. They just don’t realize it.
“Everyone knows more than they think they do.”
That’s one of the lessons Scott Atkinson, Birmingham’s Wine Specialist, has learned after helping thousands of customers navigate the wine department at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham. The challenge usually isn’t a lack of knowledge. It’s a lack of confidence.
Many shoppers assume they need to learn a new language before they can enjoy wine. They worry about saying the wrong thing, choosing the wrong bottle, or ordering the wrong varietal.
The truth is that varietals aren’t rules. They’re clues.
Once you understand how to use them, wine becomes much easier—and a lot more fun.
What Is a Varietal, Really?
A varietal is simply a wine made primarily from a specific grape variety.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape. Pinot Noir is a grape. Riesling is a grape.
Different grapes tend to produce different styles of wine, but that doesn’t mean you need to memorize every grape in the world.
Instead, think of varietals as road signs.
If you’ve enjoyed a particular wine in the past, the varietal can help point you toward similar bottles. If you’ve had a disappointing experience, it can help you avoid styles that may not fit your preferences.
The goal isn’t becoming a wine scholar. The goal is finding wines you’ll actually enjoy drinking.
As Scott often reminds customers:
“The question is not, do you like this wine? It’s, is this wine right for me?”
Mature man with a beard holding a shopping basket, browsing various wine bottles on shelves in the liquor section of a modern grocery store while making a purchasing decision
Start With What You Already Know
One of the biggest mistakes new wine drinkers make is assuming they have to start from scratch.
You don’t.
Think about the beverages and flavors you already enjoy.
Do you gravitate toward sweet tea, fruit-forward cocktails, or desserts? Do you enjoy bold coffee, dark chocolate, and rich flavors? Are you someone who loves bright, refreshing drinks with lots of citrus character?
Those preferences tell a story.
Wine is simply another expression of flavor.
Someone who enjoys sweeter drinks may naturally gravitate toward Moscato or Sweet Riesling. A person who prefers bold flavors might find themselves at home with Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. Shoppers who enjoy crisp, refreshing beverages often connect with wines like Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling.
Your palate already knows more than you think.
The trick is learning how to connect those existing preferences to wines on the shelf.
The Problem With Wine Vocabulary
Wine terminology can be helpful, but it can also create confusion.
Scott spends much of his time translating wine language into real-world preferences because different people often use the same words to mean completely different things.
“I have to understand what words mean to you.”
Take the word smooth.
For one customer, smooth might mean soft tannins. For another, it means low acidity. For someone else, it simply means slightly sweet.
As Scott puts it:
“One person’s smooth is another person’s sweet, is another person’s soft.”
That’s why wine conversations work best when they’re built around examples rather than definitions.
“The vocabulary is one thing, but examples is another.”
If you tell Scott you love a particular bottle, he immediately has a reference point. If you tell him you enjoyed a wine at a restaurant last month, that’s useful information. If you know you generally like lighter reds or sweeter whites, that’s helpful too.
The goal isn’t mastering wine terminology.
It’s learning how to describe what you enjoy.
“Get comfortable with your own vocabulary.”
Understanding Varietals Through Real-Life Taste Preferences
Instead of memorizing grapes, think about varietals through the experiences they often create.
If You Like Bright, Refreshing Wines
Some wine drinkers are looking for freshness more than richness.
These are the wines that feel lively and crisp, making them perfect for warm Alabama afternoons, seafood dinners, and casual gatherings with friends.
Sauvignon Blanc is often a favorite in this category because of its refreshing character and bright fruit notes.
Dry Riesling deserves more attention than it gets. Many shoppers hear the word Riesling and immediately assume sweet, but some of the world’s most food-friendly Rieslings are completely dry. These wines often pair beautifully with seafood, spicy dishes, and Southern favorites.
Sparkling wines also belong in this conversation. While many people think of sparkling wine only for celebrations, it can be one of the most versatile styles on the shelf.
If You Like Rich, Bold Flavors
For shoppers who enjoy bigger flavors, fuller-bodied reds often provide a natural starting point.
Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of the most recognizable varietals because it consistently delivers the kind of structure and richness many red wine lovers enjoy.
It’s a natural companion to steaks, burgers, barbecue, and other hearty meals.
Zinfandel often appeals to the same audience but delivers its boldness in a slightly different way. Rich fruit flavors and generous character make it a favorite alongside smoked meats and backyard cookouts.
If you’re already comfortable with bold reds, these varietals provide excellent places to continue exploring.
If You Want Something Versatile
Not every wine occasion calls for a powerhouse red or a razor-sharp white.
Sometimes you simply want a bottle that works with a variety of foods and appeals to a variety of people.
That’s where Pinot Noir shines.
Pinot Noir is often one of the most flexible red wines available. It tends to be approachable, food-friendly, and adaptable enough for everything from roasted chicken to holiday dinners.
Rosé belongs in this category too.
Modern rosé has become popular because it fits so many situations. It can be refreshing enough for summer cookouts while still offering enough character to pair with a meal.
When you’re not quite sure what everyone likes, Pinot Noir and rosé are often safe bets.
If You’re Curious About Italian Reds
Italian wine can feel intimidating because bottles are often identified by regions, traditions, and grape varieties that may be unfamiliar to American shoppers.
That’s why Scott often encourages customers to focus on approachable entry points.
Barbera is one of them.
Known for its food-friendly personality and bright fruit character, Barbera pairs beautifully with pizza, pasta, and weeknight dinners. It’s a great introduction to the world of Italian wine without feeling overwhelming.
Once shoppers find an Italian style they enjoy, the rest of the category becomes much easier to explore.
If You Prefer Sweeter Wines
Wine conversations sometimes create the false impression that every wine drinker should eventually move toward drier wines.
That’s simply not true.
“Drink what you like, and it doesn’t matter what anybody, including me, says.”
Moscato remains popular because people enjoy it. Sweet Riesling remains popular because people enjoy it.
There is no trophy for forcing yourself to drink wines that don’t fit your taste.
The best wine is the one you’ll actually look forward to opening.
Why Examples Matter More Than Categories
One of the most useful things you can do when shopping for wine is remember bottles you’ve enjoyed.
Not tasting notes.
Not technical terminology.
Actual wines.
If you enjoyed a Pinot Noir at a dinner party, remember the bottle. If you loved a Riesling during a vacation, take a picture of the label. If you found a Cabernet Sauvignon you couldn’t wait to buy again, make a note of it.
These examples give wine professionals a starting point.
As Scott says:
“The vocabulary is one thing, but examples is another.”
Examples create connections. Connections create confidence.
And confidence is what turns wine shopping from overwhelming into enjoyable.
Don’t Guess. Ask.
One of the advantages of shopping at Piggly Wiggly Birmingham is that help is never far away.
Scott’s approach has never been about convincing shoppers to buy his favorite wines.
“What I like is completely immaterial.”
His job—and the job of The Pig’s wine team—is helping customers find bottles that fit their own tastes, budgets, meals, and occasions.
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, shopping for a holiday gathering, picking out a gift, or simply trying something new, a quick conversation can often save you from unnecessary trial and error.
The more examples you provide, the easier it becomes to find wines you’ll enjoy.
Find Your Next Favorite Bottle at The Pig
Wine varietals don’t have to be intimidating. They aren’t categories you need to memorize or credentials you need to earn.
They’re simply tools that help you navigate the shelf with a little more confidence.
Start with what you already enjoy. Pay attention to examples. Use varietals as guides instead of rules.
Most importantly, remember that the goal isn’t becoming a wine expert.
It’s finding a wine you’ll be excited to pour.
Browse the selection at Pig Wine Online, Birmingham’s Digital Wine Cellar. You can also explore our Shop by Taste, learn more through our Wine Pairing Guide, or get to know Meet Birmingham’s Wine Specialist.
For eight consecutive years, readers of About Town have voted Piggly Wiggly Birmingham the Best Place to Buy Wine in Birmingham. Whether you’re just beginning your wine journey or expanding a collection of favorites, we’re here to help you find the right bottle for the occasion.