The Sipping Sommelier

Sipping to Learn…Learning to Sip

By L. Denise Jackson

Fall Wine Tips during the Recession—Part 1

Hello SisterDivas!

This is such an exciting time!  History is happening in politics, financial areas, as well as the housing industry.  All of these pressures do not need to make you change your life.  You can still enjoy the sipping pleasures of life.  Keeping everything into perspective, I wanted to make sure I continue serving you, my audience, as best I can.  So for the next 3 issues, you are going to get some other practical wine information.

This first of my three part column will be for the wine newbies.  The second will focus on entertaining and the last is maintaining your lifestyle with wine, whether the recession continues or not.

If you are lacking wine appreciation and tasting savvy, you don’t have to let the thought of dining with wine lovers and connoisseurs can be quite intimidating. The one thing you should know is that many wine lovers are not pretentious thought they take their love quite seriously. The last thing you want to do is to embarrass yourself by making unsuitable remarks as you try to keep up. Wine tasting is not as complicated as some people may want you to think. This little elite seeming group are drinking grapes that have different characteristics…it is not that deep. It’s a bit like appreciating a fine painting – you simply need to know what to look out for. There are complexities but enjoying wine is one of the simplest pleasures in the world.

Making wine is very much a complex art and many of the fine wines worldwide are the result of generations’ knowledge being handed down and refined by master wine makers. Paying $1,000 for a bottle of wine may seem crazy to some, while others may feel it is warranted and even others may say it is a bargain. To the untrained nose, it just tastes like alcohol, as my nephew began to say until he really began to taste it and now, he gets it.

If you think of wine like you would any other passion, you will learn to appreciate the beauty and will begin to learn what to look for. Wine is obviously about taste, but to the more discerning wine lover and as you grow in it, there is also smell, texture aroma, color and all the other senses.

Now, do not get discouraged easily.  Learning to appreciate fine wine does not happen overnight or after a few glasses. There is a ton of information to learn. Familiarizing yourself with the “wine speak” is quite a task in itself. It is interesting and can go on forever. Thus, you will not know everything in the next 5 years even. So, whether you are going to meet your significant other’s family for a dinner or you are planning to entertain someone important, below are some helpful suggestions to avoid making a fool of yourself.

·         Do not pretend to know “all about wine.”  Even the Master Sommeliers that have taught me have heard some wine descriptions that they never caught. Sure if you get a wine enthusiast that knows a lot about wine will be more apt to show how much they know.  Do not let that get to you and do not compete. Simply state that is interesting and that you are just beginning this wonderful wine journey. Show the interest but do not let them monopolize the talk time and turn something into a teaching session unless invited to do so.

·         When dining out, let someone else choose the wine unless your guests insist. And even then, let them know that you are not a connoisseur and it would probably be best if someone else makes the selections.  If you have to choose and are uncertain about which wines to pick, as the waiter to bring a suitable selection for what everyone orders and point to a wine in the price range while you add “at around this price range.” 

·         Having diner with a wine master, follow their lead. From sipping to holding the glass and etiquette being important, follow their lead. When asked for your opinion of the wine, be honest and be very wary of making negative comments. An easy response to something you do not like, “this is working with my palate.”

·         Know and understand that tasting wine is a lot about personal opinion and taste buds. Be sincere and give accurate comments of your sensory experience of the wine. That will be more appreciated to provoke more conversation.

Some cool wines to try for the fall.

Affordable Luxury

2007 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County‑16.95

Well-defined berryish fruit is the centerpiece in both the outgoing aromas and the full, fleshy flavors of this weighty effort, yet, for all of its volume and richness, it stays nicely on the varietal track with its background notes of dry spices and briar. It is youthfully exuberant and somewhat juicy in character, and it will be at its best in service with savory roasts of pork marinated in brine and basted with young port.

2007 Stafford Hill Cameo White, Oregon‑$14.98

Taste this dazzling wine, brand new to the Holloran line, a blend of 75% Pinot Gris and 25% Riesling from several Willamette Valley vineyards. Excellent value from winemaker Jay Somers and Holloran's second label. We are sure that it will delight your table as well as your palate. With or without food, this easy sipper is a great bargain.

Moderate Spending

2005 Yarraman Hell Raiser Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot ‑$10.99

Deep ruby purple black color. Mild aromas of cream, berry custard pie, and graphite. A rich entry lead to a very fruity sweet medium full body with vibrant cassis, raspberry, and cinnamon bark flavors. Finishes with a long tangy sweet fade.

2006 Milton Park Shiraz South Eastern Australia , Australia‑$10.99

Ruby-red. Jammy blackberry and mulberry on the nose; reminds me of a zinfandel. Fresh, juicy dark berry flavors display a nice combination of poise and sweetness, with mocha and candied licorice notes adding complexity. Soft, silky and sweet on the concentrated, persistent finish. There are no apparent tannins to get in the way of the vibrant fruit. This is one serious bargain.

The 2006 Shiraz contains 6% Nebbiolo. Crimson-colored, it has an attractive nose of spice box, blueberry, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, it has more than ample ripe fruit, good depth, and solid length. It is a Best Buy in savory Shiraz . The Milton Park label is produced by Thorn-Clarke. The wines have been Best Buys year after year and the current releases continue the pattern.

Economical Satisfaction

2006 Farnese Sangiovese Farneto Valley Terre Di Chieti‑$8.95

Finding a good quality $10 Italian red wine is a neat trick for most wine buyers, but believe it or not, we’ve found one that is everything a great Italian value should be. Bright fruit character, subtle tannins and moderate acid make this the perfect table wine to pair with your home-cooked Italian favorites.

2007 Terre Di Passione Bardolino, Italy

From the hills just outside of Verona , this, 100% Bardolino is fresh, bright, and snappy. Light bodied with plenty of strawberry and cherry fruit plus hints of herb and tar. Bright acidity and very fine tannin make this Bardolino the perfect pizza wine and great for just sipping on cool autumn afternoons.

2008 Election Special

Fleuraison Blanc De Blanc Sparkling Wine, France‑$9.98

This beautiful Blanc de Blanc is the delicious life of every party. The Fleuraison is a fun, frolicking, fine wine choice for any feast. At such a great value this gorgeous wine has a perfumed scent of flowers, butter, brioche, almond, and hazelnuts. Grab a bottle and start the party!

FREE Wine Classes have begun.  Our teleseminars began October 16, 2008

Ask The Sipping Sommelier

Any wines you cannot find, the Sipping Sommelier will help you locate for free.  The Sipping Sommelier is here to help you enjoy your sip.  She is available for wine consultations via telephone, email, or in person.  Contact me at ladivadevin@yahoo.com or winenouveau@yahoo.com or call 202-302-3213.  Mention SisterDivas to receive a quick response!

Go to thesippingsommelier.blogspot.com for wine events, information, and weekend certifications. We are updating our website so please be patient with us.

Email your wine comments, questions, and recommendations to winenouveau@yahoo.com. All questions will be answered on The Sipping Sommelier website and blog and a select will be used for the next issue of SisterDivas’ The Sipping Sommelier.