Wine can be confusing and often intimidating. Many people end up reaching for that familiar brand or bottle, rather than seeking wine education. We are often afraid to ask the experts questions, for fear of looking stupid. After all, what do you ask?
To help de-mystify wine, I recently spoke with Hank Bremer, partner of Pacific Southern Wine Company in Atlanta. Bremer's wine knowledge is extensive, but he is no wine snob. "I sort of fell into the wine business. I started out working in a wine shop when I was in college," said Bremer, "I read everything I could get my hands on about wine, and asked lots of questions." Which is exactly what Bremer recommends the consumer do. Read, ask questions, and of course, taste.
"The most important thing to remember, is to drink what you like," exclaimed Bremer, "the old hard and fast rules like drink red wine with red meat, and white wine with fish, just do not apply anymore. In fact, one of my personal favorite combinations is a good Pinot Noir with grilled salmon." If you really want to learn about wine, the best thing to do is find a reputable wine shop and start frequenting it. The owner or expert will need to know what kind of wine you like, your price range, and then you can begin your wine-tasting voyage.
For Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Bremer had several recommendations.
"Pinot Noir is delicious with roasted turkey, and Kenwood's Russian River Valley (retailing for about $14.99) is one of the best values on the market," said Bremer, " Pinot Noir can be a very fickle grape to grow, but the Russian River Valley produces the perfect grape." Of the Pinot Noir, Bremer said "You taste cherry, it is very floral and aromatic, with nice balance, and a smooth finish. It has an essence of smoke, making it the perfect pairing for roast turkey." For those who prefer white wine with their turkey feast, Bremer recommended Erath's Pinot Gris (retailing for about $12.99) or Valley of the Moon's Pinot Blanc (retailing for about $14.99). Erath's Pinot Gris is floral, with flavors of pear and vanilla cream, finishing with a hint of red apples. The Pinot Blanc is crisp and fresh, with flavors of pears and pippin apples, followed by pineapple and a hint of French oak.
WINE TIPS AT A GLANCE:
·Wines are usually grouped either by type or region. For example, in most grocery stores, wines are grouped by type: Chardonnay wines are all together, Cabernet Sauvingnon, etc. In many wine shops, however, wines are often grouped by region, that is, where the wine was produced: California, Spain, France, etc.
·California labels specify the type of grape; the same is true of Australian wines. European wines, however, might or might not specify what type of grape. The European label focuses on where the wine is produced, the winery, the village, etc.
·A bigger price tag does not necessarily mean a better wine. The higher price may have more to do with rarity than flavor. Again, knowledge is power. Ask questions from a trusted source.
·Often, if you purchase a case, wine shops and liquor stores will offer you a discount (usually 10%). Keep a record of the wines you try, what you liked, what you did not and why. Some people save the labels and paste them in a special wine-record keeping booklet, available at many specialty stores.
·Ask your local wine shop about wine tastings, or visit one of the local winery's right here in Georgia.
·Read magazines or books about wine, and definitely check out these informative web sites:
Adlen Robinson is a free lance food writer and columnist. Feel free to send her an email with your questions at [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/11/187383