Several years ago I organized a wine tasting night, hoping to take advantage of my neighbor’s expertise in that area. Everyone brought a bottle of red wine, each one wrapped in a brown paper bag so we could taste without being influenced by the label or price. The least expensive bottle on the table, a California Zinfandel, won raves. It surprised those of us who splurged on a $20 bottle – about twice the price of the winner – thinking that more expensive meant better quality. That’s only one of a few good reasons wine tastings exist. Milwaukee native Michael […]
Steakhouse Wine Lists
Don’t be surprised if it’s easier this month to get a reservation at Smith & Wollensky. The reason: With the economy in decline and expense accounts under increased scrutiny, businesspeople may be skipping the steakhouse–and the overpriced wines that flow there. That appears to be what’s happening at Morton’s and Ruth’s Chris. In the last year, Morton’s stock has dropped 75%. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, which owns the Ruth’s Chris chain, has followed a nearly identical downward trajectory. In Depth: Most and Least Pricey U.S. Steakhouse Wine Lists “There are two major problems facing both of the steakhouse operators,” says Chris […]
Internet & Wine 3
As my close friends know painfully well, I’m not exactly good at making decisions. At the wine store, I’m the customer who gets asked “Can I help you?” twice by the same salesperson because I’ve meandered between shelves for so long that they have forgotten our first encounter. Then I usually say something brilliant like, “Can you help me find a red wine that tastes…you know, tasty…um, like the one I bought a few weeks ago…I think it was French…?” It’s not that I’m a complete oeno-idiot. I know most of the major regions and varietals, and my palate can […]
Economy & Wine 4
Looking ahead to 2009 seems to be a scary proposition if you listen to the economists. Stocks and the housing market haven’t hit bottom, they say, while uncertainty about jobs and a new president are adding to our jitters. While it isn’t fun to live with uncertainty, it is fun to talk about wine. This time of year, it’s especially fun to make educated guesses about what trends are afoot. For their insights, we asked Guy Stout, master sommelier for Glazer’s distributing; Ray Ayala, wine specialist with Republic Beverages; and Natalie MacLean, wine expert and author with a popular newsletter, […]
Malbec
Until recently, the Malbec grape was known primarily as a minor player in French Bordeaux blends. But it is becoming better known as a varietal on its own, with some excellent vintages coming from Argentina, and price points that make them very attractive. Malbecs are known for their deep purple color, hard tannins, and earthy coarseness, said Al Spoler, co-host of Cellar Notes on WYPR radio. “The adjective ‘rustic’ applies to it very easily,” he said. “It’s wine made by peasants for their own consumption.” Argentina grows the most Malbec, with the stars coming from the Mendoza region. Exports to […]
Economy & Wine 3
In the world of wine, vintage 2008 was a blend of economy and ecology as financial woes put the brakes on a bull run in prices and more producers went green. “The marketers got into the green word for wine,” said Alice Feiring, author of “The Battle for Wine and Love or How I saved the World from Parkerization.” Boisset, the second-largest producer of Beaujolais Nouveau, bottled its entire 2008 harvest in plastic bottles. The lightweight PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles drastically cut shipping costs without affecting the young Gamay wine inside and created packaging that was “absolutely recyclable,” according to […]
Internet & Wine 2
As the kids go back to school and newly arrived overseas students crowd into Haidian, there’s a buzz of learning is in the air. As the Beijing wine world continues to expand, more and more Beijingers want to learn something about the pleasures of the grape. Just as a course in music appreciation can help you sort what’s Baroque from what’s not, a bit of wine knowledge makes it easier to tell your Cabernet Sauvignon from Cabernet Franc or, as you advance into the murky world of wine labels, your Pouilly-Fumé from Pouilly-Fuissé. Here in Beijing, probably the easiest way […]
Bubbly Bargains
Trying to sate Champagne tastes when you’re stuck with a beer budget can be a problem, but, say wine experts, there is frugal fizz to be had. Champagne, to be precise, generally is considered only sparkling wine from the region of France of the same name. And quaffing bottles that bear that name comes at a premium. But there are lower-priced options, including U.S. and Australian sparkling wines, Spanish cavas and Italian proseccos. “As the years go on, they’re getting better and better because the technology and the skill of making these products is increasing,” says Wilfred Wong, cellar master […]
Gifts for Wine Lovers 2
It’s getting perilously close to Christmas and some of us have not finished shopping for the important people in our lives. I know that it can be a daunting task to buy a wine gift for somebody who is really, really into wine, especially if you are not particularly wine knowledgeable yourself. It doesn’t need to be exasperating or expensive to get a great gift for the wine geeks in your life, but here are a few important things to keep in mind: Do – Decide how much you want to spend before you start looking for a wine-related gift. […]
Terrific Turkey Wines that will Make Your Holiday Meal More Festive – The Province
When hosting a holiday meal, the wines you serve are just as important as the food when it comes to making a sparkling impression with guests. From beginning to end, pairing the best wines with appetizers, the main course and dessert will not only show your guests you care enough to make the effort but will also give them an unforgettable experience this holiday season. Start the night off with a toast of bubbly to celebrate the occasion and the New Year to come. “Champagne is a very festive wine,” says Jennifer McLagan, an Australian-trained chef and author of Fat: […]
