Wine Wednesday I

 Over a bottle of wine, many a friend is found.

                                                              ~Yiddish proverb

I like wine. I really like wine. A LOT.

There is a  misconception that I'm some type of wine expert. (not true) But I really like wine.

Case in point. When I went into my favorite wine/liquor store yesterday there was a new woman working. She passes me a few times, focusing on her tasks. Then she comes by and exclaims,
"OH, YOU'RE the WINE EXPERT!"
Um....thanks (flattered-I think), but uh, no.

And just so you know, I frequent this GREAT establishment often.  Even though they do NOT have the absolute lowest prices, NOR the most knowledgeable (wine) staff, NOR a HUGE inventory.
However, they DO have friendly and helpful people.
They ARE also very unpretentious (this is important to me).

They WILL order whatever new and exotic wine I request (if they can get it-SILLY Oklahoma wine laws)  

Yes. I text pictures to my wine shop and they graciously accommodate me.

AND they think I'm a wine expert. (Although slightly untrue-it's not bad for my ego.)

In the big picture, I know very little about wine. But I do know a few things. For example, did you know that wine is produced on every continent in the world except for Antarctica?
And there's about 932 different varietals. From Abbuoto (Italy) to Zweigelt (Austria). Did you think Zinfandel would be the end of the list?
Soooooo I may need to fact check the exact number. There IS a lot to know about to make me a, so called expert, which, I repeat, I am not.

But I do know a little... I know what I do and don't like. I've done my fair share (and yours AND your sister's) of drinking wine. So I DO have some real world experience and have established some rules/guidelines for drinking wine. I am also very interested in learning. So not only do I drink wine, but I read about it as well. And I don't mind sharing my experience with those willing to listen.

Here's the beginning of a loooooong list. There will be a more comprehensive list in the near future. Detailing things such as pairings (scary), varietals, history, etc. But for now, here's a few tips:

1. If it smells like dirty feet, don't drink it. (also smelling like BO or armpits would apply as well)
2. It doesn't have to be expensive to be good (or great) wine.
3. Don't be afraid to try a new/different wine. What's the worst thing that could happen?
4. Wine shared with a friend can be the best therapy. Also it could save you $$$ on therapy.
5. Use your good stemware! And drink that "good" bottle of wine! Think of today as "that special occasion" If you actually wake up, then that's "special occasion" worthy.
6. If/When in Europe i.e. France, Spain, Italy, etc. drink the house wine. What you drink for 3-5 euros ($5-10US) may very well be the best thing you drink that day or perhaps ever. (Not exclusive to Europe either)
7. You don't need special or particular glassware to drink wine. Sometimes a plastic cup leaves the best memories. 
8. Always touch the glass of all present and say "Cheers!" (or "Skol! Proust! Campai! Slainte'! Chin! Chin!"-whatever is  befitting) and look whoever you're with directly in the eyes. (Or according to El Salvadoran tradition, it could ruin your sex life-are you willing to risk it?)

   

   Cheers!
9. Know your limits and drink responsibly. (really this should be #1)
10. Rose' is now back in fashion. (this is not the white zin of yesteryear)
11. Drink what you like and on your terms. You might like your white less chilled or perhaps your red slightly cool. (I'll try not to be judgy about that)
12. Champagne is always appropriate and never goes out of style.

So yeah, this is only the beginning. It's not sacred wine law or anything. Some of it is wisdom and knowledge gleaned over the years. Mostly it's just my observations.

I hope you enjoy it. Stay tuned for more on the next Wine Wednesday.

Salud!