October 1st, 2007
The October 2007 issue of Food and Wine magazine is a must read.
The October issue is full of pairings, pairing rules, wine selections and of course recipes.
I really can’t say enough about this issue and I’m not going to try and paraphrase all of the useful information contained between the covers. This issue speaks for itself. Don’t wait - get your copy now … Enjoy …
June 3rd, 2007
A classic Burgundy/Pinot Noir style stem.A good wine glass should be bowl shaped and taper towards the top but with a large enough top so that you can stick your nose inside and smell all of the wine’s nuances. This is true of both red and white wines. A white wine glass does not have to be small and there is nothing wrong with using the same style glass for both red and white wines.
A classic Bordeaux/Cab/Merlot style stem.Always hold the glass by the stem to prevent your hands from warming the wine, unless of course you are intentionally trying to warm it.
Use a clear glass so that you can appreciate the wine’s color.
Don’t buy glassware that you can’t afford to replace.
I must admit however, that I really enjoy bringing out crystal stemware for compnay and when drinking a special wine. I have bordeaux/cab/merlot style crystal stemware, burgundy/pinot noir style crystal stemware, generic white wine crystal stemware and
port/dessert style crystal stemware. My goal is to increase the numbers of these basic styles before branching out and purchasing other different styles. But again, this is not necessary - I just enjoy the sparkle of good crystal stemware.
April 24th, 2007
A little education is always a good place to start. I recommend The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil as a basic resource manual. Karen MacNeil is comprehensive, covers the fundamentals well and gets you out the door for a great adventure of fun and wine appreciation.
You may also want to consider Wine Enthusiast and/or Wine Spectator magazines. Check them out at your public library or magazine stand before purchasing, and visit their websites. While you’re on the Wine Spectator website, be sure and sign up for “Sips & Tips” for regular wine selections at affordable prices, recipes, dining and other tips.
Your local liquor store or wine shop is an excellent resource. A well stocked store with knowledgeable staff is one of the best places to learn about, select and purchase wine. I do most of my shopping at Star Liquor in Durango, CO. The owner and his long term staff usually place a sticker marked as their “pick.” It is my understanding that they have regular staff wine tastings, compliments of the store’s distributors, and they are always willing to intelligently discuss and recommend wines and pairings.
Enjoy the process as much as the wine!
