Growing your palate beyond California’s favorite brand

Written by Alana Bynes-Richardson

Artwork by Cindy Nguyen

 

Stella Rosa, either you love it or hate it… There’s been an ongoing online debate in the wine community questioning if Stella Rosa is “real” wine. Whether you’re a novice or wine connoisseur, you like what you like – right?! However, as with age and experience, your palate develops. Some wine enthusiasts believe that Stella Rosa isn’t considered a real wine because of their mainstream tendencies. But, these are a small portion of opinions from a huge community of wine-loving folks.

Did you know that Stella Rosa is California’s favorite wine? As Emily Bell of VinePair puts it, “Stella Rosa might not command such solemn respect as more “serious” wines, but its bottles are the best-selling wines in California. Which, considering Stella’s intentionally lighter style and some of the beefier output from the Napa Valley, is kind of like selling out of beef jerky in a steakhouse.” Lovers of Stella Rosa have rightfully been defending the wine brand in Black wine lover groups on Facebook. Because who wants to be ridiculed for their preference? Even so, serious wine consumers justify their harsh criticism by trying to “help a sista out.” 

As a family brand, Stella Rosa was born in Los Angeles at the San Antonio Winery just minutes outside of diverse DTLA. It’s also the No. 1 imported Italian wine brand in the U.S. So the brand definitely has street cred and bridges “the gap between the bubbly feel of luxury and actual economic accessibility.”

Wine elites may turn their noses up at Stella’s sweeter than most varietals, but as we know with experience comes wisdom. The more diverse wine you consume, the more refined your palate becomes – which is developed with time, patience, and true eagerness. Though it can be said that some enthusiasts are stuck in their old ways. Why else would restaurants refuse to serve this popular brand?

Now, the average consumer would bulk at a wine tasting quiz! However, by approaching the experience with intention and a student mindset, you’ll develop your palate and give tasting notes like a pro. Before you dive headlong into the vastness of the wine community, try having a “Stellabration” of your own! Stella Rosa, either you love it or hate it… With everyone having more time on their hands, there’s an online debate in the Black wine community questioning if Stella Rosa is “real” wine. Whether you’re a novice or wine connoisseur, you like what you like – right?!