I want to learn more about wine.
I rarely drank before the age of 28. My first husband claimed to be a recovering alcoholic (and also someone with moral values) so we just didn't drink. At all. Ever.
Once the marriage ended, I did the expected thing and became a club-goer. My girlfriends at the time were beer drinkers but I hadn't yet developed a taste for the stuff, so I started to experiment with drinking wine.
The only kinds I liked were sweet. White Zinfandel was my go-to. I also felt sophisticated when ordering it, and rather adored the image I believed I projected whilst carrying a wine glass around the club. I probably even adopted a little Thurston Howell accent. That would be vintage Fawn.
I have never been one to drink at home. I don't usually keep alcohol in the house at all. To wit - I bought a 12-pack of Bud Light for my football draft in August and finally used the last can in a French Dip crock pot roast about two weeks ago. So yeah, not much of a drinker. I have trained myself to enjoy beer occasionally, mostly because it's everywhere and, let's face it, guys dig a chick who will drink a cold one and watch a ball game. Also? Cheaper. WINNING!
Occasionally though, usually in a fancier setting, I will want to have a glass of wine, and I am clueless about what to order. In the liquor store, I am overwhelmed by the selection. I recently purchased a bottle for a friend's birthday and ended up having the cashier select it for me. Luckily, it was a hit, but I can't take any credit.
I'd like to remedy that. I'd like to order with confidence.
"Yes, I'll have the 1983 Blooo dee blah"
"A fine selection, madam."
On my own, I have branched out to other safe options - Pinot Grigio, Moscato, occasionally a Pinot Noir. I'm not sure what the best way is to learn...but I'm certainly willing to investigate. I'm even willing to bet I could find a friend or two willing to learn with me and, if I'm lucky, a knowledgeable friend who will point me in the right direction.
So tell me...what's your poison?
There's a good podcast called "Wine for Normal People." They have some great tips and suggestions.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago the Dummies folks put out a Wine for Dummies book. I've been meaning to pick one up because like you, I've always wanted to learn more about wine. Also I've wanted to learn how to make blackberry wine since I have some of the best blackberries here on my property.
ReplyDeleteI don't really go for alcohol, however growing up in the Bourbon state, it's my favorite to cook with. Bourbon balls, Bourbon cake, Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie(OMG)! I also add a dab of bourbon to roasts, and chili. Bourbon makes wonderful Vanilla as well.