I know you’ve already got your list of the usual suspects, but here are a couple more (just two!) that are wine-related. While this seems self-serving, I’m doing this for your own good. You’ll thank me down the road.
Resolution #1: Open your mind, forget stereotypes and pre-conceived notions, and allow yourself to enjoy some truly great wines. I’m talking about wines from Beaujolais in France, and German, Portuguese and, yes, our beloved New York State wines to name a few. Beaujolais is a wine (from the gamay grape) that goes so with so many different foods, is affordable, delicious, and so much more than the “holiday” version you have in mind when you here the “b” word. Riesling is another Rodney Dangerfield of wines. Forget those thoughts of “sweet” or “fruity” or “grandma’s wine”, and take the plunge. Rieslings are one of food’s best friends, they’re low in alcohol, and you get a lot of wine for your buck. Know that cheap doesn’t mean bad, and Portugal should be celebrated for giving you terrific wines for ridiculously low prices. What are you risking, eight or nine bucks? I promise you won’t go blind. But you will get a headache when you slap yourself in the forehead for waiting this long to try these wines. Some of the best wines are right under your nose or just to the east and the north of you. The Finger Lakes, the East End of Long Island and the Hudson River Valley are rocking with both reds and whites. Gone are the days of inferior “local” wines, so embrace what these wines have evolved into. For whatever reason you’ve avoided these or other wines, take another look at them and as always, try something new.
Resolution #2: Ask more questions when you’re buying a bottle of wine. Don’t be afraid to put your wine merchant to the test. Questions like, “Is this any good?” or “Is this drinkable?” aren’t going to tell you anything about the wine — just that you won’t die drinking it. Try an easy, fool-proof approach like “Tell me about this wine.” That’s not so tough, and the answer will tell you a lot about not only the wine, but about who’s selling it to you. Good information means that you’re in good hands.
So, I hope I haven’t added too much on your resolution plate. My resolution to you is to keep coming up with fantastic wines that are great values that you’ve never heard of, and to stay in touch more. Happy New Year, gang. And cheers.
