We are one week and two days into 2015. How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions?
If you’re like me, a few may already have gone by the wayside. But my wine-related resolutions are still in play… and I fully intend to keep them.
Why? Because they should be easy to keep. Feel free to use them as your own… especially if you’ve already blown a few others…
- Embrace the details.
As we get more and more “into” wine, we realize how many choices we really have. The bottles that fill supermarket shelves are just the tip of the iceberg, and even that relatively small number of options can be daunting.
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge base and discover new gems, embrace the “if you like… you might like…” method. First, pay attention to the variety of wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, etc.), and then try another bottle of that type. Second, look at the wine’s place of origin on the bottle. If you like a Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, try another Cab from that same appellation.
- Keep a journal.
Every time you uncork or unscrew a bottle of wine, take a little time to jot down some notes about it — the aromas, the flavors, the mouthfeel, what you liked about it and what you didn’t like about it.
Over time, you’ll develop your own personal shopping guide.
- Experiment with food and wine pairings.
If you check out this blog’s archives, you’ll find that we’ve provided lots of ideas and suggestions about selecting the right bottle of wine to accompany a specific type of food or cuisine.
But keep in mind that these are just that: suggestions. Some of the best pairings are discovered by accident, when you’re down to that last bottle of wine and you decide to open it with whatever you’re eating.
Remember, when it comes to food and wine pairing, there are no wrong answers; if you like the combination… it’s good!
- Open that special bottle.
Many of us have a bottle or two that we’ve been saving for a special occasion. Well, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that every day is a special occasion, and that tomorrow is not guaranteed.
So, even if it’s not a birthday or anniversary or holiday, treat yourself to a special bottle every so often. Hey, you deserve it!
