It seems that almost every single "wine person" I know (with the exception of a very fortunate few who own a zillion bottles) is always holding on to a few 'special' bottles for the proverbial 'special occasion'. I guess it's normal to do that and I know I've been guilty of that sin myself... but... as I age along with my wines, I've come to the conclusion that every day is special, so why not be willing to open that special bottle to celebrate it?
Over the years I've developed the habit of segregating my coveted little wine collection into three categories: (1) Wines to share with those who don't know or care much about wine - i.e., most people; (2) Wines to share with those who DO know a little about wine, want to learn more about it, and generally appreciate getting to try something different - a smaller group of mostly neighbors and close friends; and (3) Wines to share with those who GET IT and are appreciative that I'd be willing to open that bottle and share it with them - a very small and select group that includes my wife, the Mad Dawgs and a handful of very close friends with whom I'd share anything in my cellar. Do other people do that, too? Or am I just an oddball? Whatever; it works for me.
Twelve years ago, a couple of wine people decided that there should be a special occasion to Open That Bottle just in case you seem to be one of those people who is always waiting for a special occasion. Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher of the Wall Street Journal founded Open That Bottle Night and designated it to be the last Saturday of February. Iver the years it's really caught on and nowadays a lot of people celebrate that as just such a special event to justify opening that bottle they've been saving. Well, while I love the idea and applaud them for it, I believe the good Lord only gave us so many days on this earth and that every single one of them is special. So, henceforth, anytime you feel a need to treat your self, significant other and/or friend(s) to a special bottle, I implore you to OPEN IT! For heaven's sake, don't wait... because none of us is guaranteed a tomorrow. And who the heck wants to unexpectedly meet his Maker knowing that he's left a cellar full of great wines behinds for other people to drink?!?! You can't take it with you.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Does the glass really make a difference?
Lately I've been keeping up with a zillion posts on a LinkedIn wine group in which I'm a member regarding the question of whether the glass actually makes a difference in the taste/enjoyment of the wine. So far I've been pretty amazed at the diverse answers/assessments/evaluations and sundry judgements from far and wide. It would seem that the consensus is that a "proper" stemmed glass does indeed make a difference.
As one who has attended a presentation/seminar/tasting event on behalf of the makers of Riedel stemware, I can say unequivocally that there was an impressive improvement when tasting the same liquids (wines and some cheap Scotch) from everyday glassware versus the Riedel glass designed for that particular liquid. Interestingly enough, I personally thought the most astonishing difference (i.e., improvement) was with the Scotch. Maybe it was because I was not a scotch drinker at the time, but over the years I have continues to be amazed at how the Riedel Single Malt glass improves almost any small batch whisky/whiskey. That having been said, maybe there were not enough variables to do a true scientific research study but the the purpose of the event was to sell Riedel glasses! Go figure.
Anyway, fast forward to the present... this I know. A high quality stemmed glass will almost always improve the enjoyment of a decent wine and will enhance the best attributes of a great wine more so than a jelly jar or a paper cup. We can probably all agree that a good glass will not make a bad wine good but a cheap glass won't do an extraordinary wine any favors either. And it definitely differs from person to person. My wife still loves her favorite plastic thrift shop stemmed "glass", regardless of what goes in it. I rest my case.
As one who has attended a presentation/seminar/tasting event on behalf of the makers of Riedel stemware, I can say unequivocally that there was an impressive improvement when tasting the same liquids (wines and some cheap Scotch) from everyday glassware versus the Riedel glass designed for that particular liquid. Interestingly enough, I personally thought the most astonishing difference (i.e., improvement) was with the Scotch. Maybe it was because I was not a scotch drinker at the time, but over the years I have continues to be amazed at how the Riedel Single Malt glass improves almost any small batch whisky/whiskey. That having been said, maybe there were not enough variables to do a true scientific research study but the the purpose of the event was to sell Riedel glasses! Go figure.
Anyway, fast forward to the present... this I know. A high quality stemmed glass will almost always improve the enjoyment of a decent wine and will enhance the best attributes of a great wine more so than a jelly jar or a paper cup. We can probably all agree that a good glass will not make a bad wine good but a cheap glass won't do an extraordinary wine any favors either. And it definitely differs from person to person. My wife still loves her favorite plastic thrift shop stemmed "glass", regardless of what goes in it. I rest my case.
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