Gen Z Wine Challenge: Cameron, 21

I recently turned 21 and, as an undergraduate student in Political Science and International Affairs at Florida State University in Tallahassee, I've been basking in the freedom of 21+ bars.

FSU consistently ranks among the top five party schools in the US, yet wine rarely works itself into the conversation. The average student will say ‘How about a shotgun?’, ‘Shots, anyone?’ or the classic ‘Make it strong!’

But, being the son of two wine enthusiasts, and nudged along by a study abroad stint in Spain, I’ve found myself reaching for wine relatively frequently.

I also discovered one of God's greatest creations: the rotating 2 for 1 deal on wine at supermarket Publix. Most of the time I go for Cabernet Sauvignon from various US West Coast producers, snagging two bottles for around $20.

For this challenge, I was granted the freedom of choice. And, after back-to-back exams, the time felt ripe. The evening chosen for my wine tasting was your typical Two-Dollar Tuesday at one of College Town's best bars; always a good time.

Why I chose it

Now, you may be wondering: where does my Decanter bottle come into that equation? Well, dear reader, some of you may find FSU’s drinking culture somewhat… barbaric. My plan was to ‘pregame’ with my chosen wine and then trek to the bar. Don’t judge.

My first thought for a bottle as I perused the range at Publix was Pinot Noir, as I typically prefer light reds.

Nothing initially grabbing me, I drifted over to the European section. And then I saw it: a 2023 Albariño from CVNE in Rías Baixas. The grape wasn't what clinched it, it was sentimental reasons.

During the aforementioned study abroad semester, I attended a wine tasting, tour and meal at CVNE in Spain’s La Rioja region. Enjoyed with some of my closest friends and with some great wines, it was a fond memory.

I scoured Publix’s shelves for my preferred Rioja Reserva, but the Albariño was the only CVNE contribution. So, for $16.99, I took it home with me.

What it tasted like

Running late and with my roommates ushering me to head out the door, I popped the cork on my Albariño and poured myself and a roommate a glass.

The acidity hit hard initially, with a tart bite similar to lemon juice. After that, it slowly mellowed, with more floral, green and fruity notes. The tartness was a bit hard to deal with at first, but actually paired quite well with my hastily cobbled together dinner of fried rice.

I apologise to the wine community for this next bit but, after I finished my first glass and shovelled down my food, I poured the rest of the bottle into a red solo cup and dashed out the door. Got places to be, you know?

I sipped my cup of wine on the way to the bar and, because I wasn't done by the time I got there, I may or may not have chugged the last 150ml at the door. The rest of the night was phenomenal.

As a red wine drinker, I did find this Albariño sharp at first but it became quite enjoyable when I got accustomed to it. I’d still always reach for a red, but if tangy whites are your thing, I definitely recommend it!

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