’Tis the season for making promises to ourselves that we rarely keep.
Yes, it’s time for New Year’s Resolutions.
Fortunately, the resolutions we as wine drinkers can make are a bit easier to stick to, simply because there’s often a reward for doing so.
For instance, when one resolves to try many different kinds of wine in the new year ahead, that’s not exactly a “chore” — particularly if you belong to one of the wine clubs of Vinesse.
With that in mind, here are three “painless” resolutions for 2012…
1. Resolve to diversify.
If you’re primarily a white wine drinker, try a few reds. If you tend to drink red wines for the most part, try a few whites. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Hint: A good way to “discover” different types of wine is by experimenting when you go out to eat. Examine the wine-by-the-glass list, identify the type of wine you want to try, and then ask your server to recommend a dish that would pair nicely with that wine.
Especially when you are trying a new wine, it’s likely to “show” best when accompanied by food.
2. Resolve to become more “global.”
When opportunities come along to try wines from different countries, take advantage of them. If possible, start out with varieties for which a particular country is known — such as Tempranillo from Spain, Malbec from Argentina, or Riesling from Germany.
3. Resolve to be a smarter diner.
At most good restaurants where wine is taken seriously, the price range in any given category of wines can be quite wide. You don’t need to select the most expensive bottle in order to have a positive experience. Over the years, I’ve found that going with the second least expensive bottle in a category is a good way to enjoy a good wine without breaking the bank…
… thus leaving enough room in your dining-out budget for the most important course of any meal — dessert.
From all of us at Vinesse… Happy New Year!
