An illuminating (do you see stars??) and not terribly serious look at the Signs of the Zodiac and the Wines, Grapes Varieties and Wine Regions that might have a leaning or affinity with the temperaments and personalities of the Horoscope!

Instead of gazing into a Crystal Ball – I peer into the (sadly) empty wine glass in front of me and try to make sense of the sediment from the bottle…….

ARIES
The first sign of the Zodiac has their vineyard ruled in California and their birthgrape is Zinfandel, which best expresses Aries energetic and enthusiastic nature. If, however, there is a major earth sign influence, Syrah / Shiraz could become a second planting with some vineyards rooted in France or Australia. In the land of movie-stars and easy-riders, Aries feels right at home, then combine it with the strong willed, extrovert and spicy Zinfandel and you have a match made in heaven!
Food & Wine match:
Beringer Zinfandel with Salt ‘n’ Pepper Pork Ribs with Chimi Churri Sauce

TAURUS
The earthiest of signs, Taurus has it’s vineyards ruled in Spain, although it is not uncommon due to their laid back, easy going nature to find that it could extend into the whole of the Mediterranean. Their birthgrape is Tempranillo which lends itself to mellow, earthy, soft wines. With Tauras’s love of agriculture and farming, it is not out of place to find influences of Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, but this is only for the most vinacious of Bull!
Food & Wine match:
Bodega Muriel Rioja Reserva with Leg of Lamb (Gigot) with Anchovy, Rosemary and Caper Bearnaise

GEMINI
Champagne rules it’s vineyards and its birthgrapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, because there are two sides to every Gemini. The lively, expressive character of character of Champagne complements the sharp-witted and mentally active nature of the Geminian. It is important to pay close attention when admiring their attributes, for they impart at lightening speed but at their least, make interesting companions.
Food & Wine match:
Vilmart Grand Cellier Brut NV Champagne with Potted Prawn & Soft Herb Terrine with Lemon Oil

CANCER
The sensitive, home-loving Cancer has it’s vineyards in Burgundy and the birthgrape Pinot Noir. The world’s most mood inspired, impulsive grape integrates sublimely with the emotional and passionate Cancer. Given the right conditions you could find a second planting in Oregon, Central Otago or Tasmania. So please, just give them a big hug whenever you find them away from home, they need to feel loved.
Food & Wine match:
Fumée Blanche Pinot Noir with Crispy Peking Duck Wontons and Sweet Chilli & Plum Sauce

LEO
Leo has its vineyards ruled by the noble Hermitage with its birthgrape being Syrah / Shiraz. It is only right that the fiery, spicy, generous Syrah epitomise the proud and theatrical Leo. Depending on the particular influences you will certainly find second plantings in Australia, the cleverly disguised but no less dramatic Shiraz, regardless of where, just sit down, ease back and enjoy the performance.
Food & Wine match:
Terlato Shiraz / Viognier with Stir-fried Beef with Black Beans and Avocado Salsa

VIRGO
Germany rules the vineyards and the serious, intellectual Riesling is the birthgrape. Often underestimated they take a back seat to those more extroverted, but if given the opportunity they can communicate on intense levels. The adaptability of Virgo is identical to that of their birthgrape, of discerning character that deserves its place at the table.
Food & Wine match:
Mosel Riesling Kabinett with Perch (Sandre) in Creamy Riesling Sauce & Buttered Spinach

LIBRA
Possessing charm, refinement and a well balanced character (is this Vinous Horoscope compiled by a Libran????), is it any wonder that Libra’s vineyards are ruled by Chianti and that its birthgrape is Sangiovese. The beauty and the culture of Tuscany creates the ideal environment to grow and develop. Chianti and romance are synonymous and that’s just what the Librans ordered, so ignite a candle and wind up the old phonograph (an archaic player of vinyl records – with better sound!), it doesn’t get any better!
Food & Wine match:
Chianti Classico Riserva with Pappardelle alla Lepre (Pasta with a rich Hare ragu)

SCORPIO
Barolo controls the vineyards of the Scorpions and Nebbiolo is the birthgrape, with it’s powerful, intense and emotional nature. Although they can be very closed and secretive, when they do open up their depth and strength is profound. Scorpio can be so focussed that patience is best exercised, to avoid the possibility of a sharp, stinging finish.
Food & Wine match:
Barolo with Truffle and Porcini Risotto with Parmesan Wafers

SAGITTARIUS
South Africa rules Sagittarians vineyards. Pinotage is its birthgrape. The storied history of land and grape epitomise the Sagittarian’s need of freedom and optimism. Pinotage is very forthright and honest, it has a distinct character that some may not appreciate. Regarded as the luckiest of signs this cannot be embodied by any other grape as it was through good fortune that Pinotage was created. Remember to pack a bottle in the saddlebag on your next equine adventure!
Food & Wine match:
Graham Beck Pinotage with a Classic Cassoulet (Confit Duck, Pork Belly, Toulouse Sausage and Haricot Beans)

CAPRICORN
Capricorn has the world ruling it’s vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon as it s birthgrape. So hard-working and ambitious is their nature that they out perform all others. Their intrinsic standard of high quality is often revealed but at it’s worst, is at least average! Their sense of duty and reliability usually has them establishing the norm to which all others are judged. So next time you BBQ with Capra Hicus, pop a bottle of Cabernet!
Food & Wine match:
Los Arbolitos Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile with Rare Roast Beef, Pickled Red Onion and Blue Cheese Salad

AQUARIUS
The complex, gifted but somewhat aloof Aquarians have their vineyards ruled by the Loire valley in France with forthright and challenging second plantings in New Zealand, and their birthgrape Sauvignon Blanc.  The uniqueness of this grape’s character stimulates the intellect and yet it’s green fruit, herbaceous and steely nerve can make it and Aquarians, appear unapproachable. 
Food & Wine match:
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ with Scallops with Pancetta and Boudin Noir and a Minted Pea Purée

PISCES
Pisces vineyards are ruled by Burgundy and their birthgrape is Chardonnay. Unfortunately for Pisces, if they are not careful they can lose focus on their special relationships and have their vineyards located globally! Their dual naturedness gives them the capacity to reach the greatest heights, but also allows them to sink to the lowest depths. Just as no two fish are alike, don’t judge a Chardonnay by the label.
Food & Wine match:
Chateau de Cray Montagny 1er Cru with Garlic Roast Chicken and Tarragon Bread Pudding

Please note that some of the Wine Suggestions are available from www.finewineworks.com

Image supplied by CLIX - www.rodolfoclix.com.br

The winner of the Vimart Champagne Competition is Andrea Staerke of Nice!