07/09/08

Tasting Notes—How to Drink Wine

As I’ve said before, I don’t consider myself a Wine Snob. I’m someone who likes wine, just like you do. Over the years, I’ve discovered some things that have helped me learn more about wine, including the “proper” way to evaluate wine at a tasting. Here are a few helpful pointers for the next time you’re at a formal tasting, or if you just want to impress your friends.
First, look at the color. Tilt the glass about 45 degrees, and look at the liquid against a white background. Pay particular attention to the rim of the liquid. That’s where the true color will show. The deeper the color, the younger and more concentrated the wine will probably be. Amber, brick-like tones in a red wine are typical indicators of age—this could...

Posted at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1

05/02/08

Stop and Smell the Rosés -- and Oh Yes, Drink Them, Too

Ah, the merry month of May is upon us, with outdoor events and more reasons for parties than you can shake a swizzle stick at. Unique to us in Delaware, our Point-to-Point is one of the year’s most celebrated events. There’s the Kentucky Derby (Run for the Roses!), Mother’s Day, weddings, graduations, communions… the list goes on. Wine is not only a great gift to bring to these events, but should be an essential part of any celebration… and what better wine this month than rosé?

May is typically the release date for last year’s vintage of rosé. The typical fruitiness of this pink apparition will appeal to the...

Posted at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

04/09/08

The New Wine Snob

The New Wine Snob
By Lisa Sands
Vino 100 – Independence Mall

Let’s get something straight, right up front: please don’t call me a Wine Snob.

Yes, I own a wine store. Yes, I grew up in California when the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris took place, when a few of the most prestigious (read: expensive) wines of France lost in blind tastings to the “priced for the people” wines of Napa Valley. (Just because I know that tidbit doesn’t make me a Wine Snob, either). I’ve traveled to major wine regions around the world, I’ve taught wine seminars, and I’ve tasted a heck of a lot of wine. Experienced – yes. Opinionated – yes. But that doesn’t make me a Wine Snob.

Wine is no longer the private domain of the educated or...

Posted at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0