that will make up the 2005 vintage are still
dormant in the Northern Hemisphere, now is
a good time for wine lovers to make
themselves promises that will lead to a more
enjoyable and delicious year.
Following are New Year's Resolutions for the
wine lover.
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Every wine drinker has a friend or family member who consistently buys and
pours bad wine. Whether it's a jug of Paul Masson, anything with the word
"White" before the grape or a box of Franzia, there are still horrible wines
being sold frequently.
Some people choose these wines based on low price others because
they're intimidated to choose something new from the thousands of options
staring from the retail shelves. But price is no longer a valid reason for
buying bad wine. There are plenty of inexpensive wines that are perfectly
enjoyable, even if not particularly complex or inspiring.
The wines of Yellowtail, Columbia Crest and even Gallo are very drinkable
and usually available for $6- $10. These entry-level wines won't win
awards, but they will satisfy the tastes of both the wine neophytes and
their more-experienced friends. They're good starter wines that help new
wine drinkers move into enjoying more complex wines.
Travel the World of Wine
Wine is being produced in more parts of the world than ever before and the
quality of international wines has never greater. Limiting your enjoyment
to traditional countries such as the U.S., France and Italy is a huge mistake
for your wallet and taste buds.
Many of the most exciting wines are coming from emerging wine powers
including Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. And
the value of wines from these countries are often superior when you factor
in the quality and price. But don't stop at these new-world producers. The
quality and consistency of wines from Spain, Austria and Germany have
dramatically improved over the last five years. Try wines made from local
grapes such as Spain's Tempranillo and Austria's Gruner Veltliner. They're
a wonderful change of pace to another Merlot or Chardonnay. Many
restaurants have beefed up their wine menus and now offer a wide variety of
selections by the glass. Be experimental.
Visit a Winery
You don't have to go to the West Coast to see winemaking first-hand. There
are bonded wineries in all 50 states. And while the quality of wines from
the prairie is no match for Napa or the Willamette Valley, you're almost
guaranteed to learn something from visiting even a small, local producer.
If possible, talk with the winemaker. Ask how they got into the business.
She what works for them. And of course try the wines. Are they made from
the classic wine grapes or local varieties that are better suited to the
climate? How do they compare to what you've had before? You may not find
a new favorite, but you'll pick up new knowledge to make you a savvier wine
consumer.
Break Into Your Cellar
Many wine collectors invest in certain bottles and then save them for a
"special occasion." There's nothing wrong with that, but too often these
wines sit past their ideal drinking date. Sideways is new movie set in
Santa Barbera's wine country. There's a scene where the main character
talks about a '61 Burgundy he's saving and another character tells him that
he has it backwards. Drinking a great bottle makes the occasion special,
not the other way around. Now I wouldn't personally drink that Burgundy
with fast-food burgers like in the movie, but I would invite good friends
over to share it. I'd rather enjoy a great wine now than wait too long and
have it turn into expensive vinegar.
Store Your Wine Properly
And speaking of cellars, are you still storing your wine next to your
off-season clothes or under your bed? Improperly stored wines can
deteriorate quickly. The primary enemies of wine are heat, light and vibration
– with low humidity another potential problem. As long as the temperature is
fairly consistent (55 – 65 is best) and you’re not frequently moving the
bottles, you’ll be okay. I don’t recommend storing bottles in your fridge over
the long term, as most are too cold. And DO NOT store wine in those
custom racks that seem to be installed above the fridge in all of today’s new
homes. They are a triple-whammy with light, heat and vibration in one.
Of course if you have expensive bottles that you plan to hold for many years, I
highly recommend getting a small wine fridge or using an independent
storage facility. The fridges allow you to control the temperature and off-site
facilities are worth the price – usually $1-$2 per bottle per year – for
expensive wine. Otherwise you’ll end up with expensive vinegar.
Champagne Anyone?
Similar to my advice of drinking your cellar collectibles, I encourage
people to drink more bubbly. From the pop of the cork to the bubble in your
nose, Champagne and other sparklers are elegant and fun. And you have a
world of choices here too. The wines of France's Champagne region are still
the standard-bearer, but there are inexpensive and enjoyable offerings from
Australia and the U.S. Spain's Cava and Italy's Prosecco are fun
alternatives as well.
Taste, Taste, Taste
The bottom line is that wine should be about enjoyment not pretension or
confusion. The most important thing is to taste often. Try wines from
different grapes, countries and styles. Try wines by themselves and with
food. The more you taste the more you learn. And that knowledge enhances
your wine experience.
Best wishes for 2005.
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