Sips and Tips...

Welcome to our "Sips and Tips" page. On this page we will try to help take some of the mystery (and fear) out of wine.

So often we are so concerned about the technicalities of wine, and about doing the right thing, that we can forget that what it all comes down to is enjoying the wine. Hopefully the information presented on this page will help to make the choosing and enjoying of your wine a little easier.

What to choose....?

1. The general rule of thumb has always been red wine with red meat and white wine with fish or poultry. Red with red and white with white. It's not a bad rule as rules go but it's also not an absolute. The reason being that we believe that you should drink what you enjoy. If you like pinot grigio with steak then go for it. It's your food and your wine and you have every right to like what you like.

2. If you are going to a dinner party ignore what's written above and follow the general rule of white with white and red with red. This is not because we believe the rule is absolute (see above) but because we want to spare you any embarrassment that may come from bringing a white wine to a steak dinner. We don't believe the rule is absolute but, unfortunately, there are those who do and it's best not to make them crankier than they already are.

3. So what goes with what? Good question but one that will require a long answer. The wine you choose can not only depend on what food is being eaten but also on when you are eating said food. Just as there is a general rule about "red wine with red meat and white wine with fish or poultry" there is also a general rule about lighter wines in warmer weather and heavier wines during colder times.

Spring and Summer

 

In the Spring, just as the weather slowly transitions from cold to warm,  we begin the transition from heavier, full bodied red wines to lighter crisp white wines. A perfect way to begin that transition is with Rosé wines.

 

Rosé wines come in a wide variety of styles. It is always lighter than full on red or white wines making it a perfect choice for Spring.

Note that the Rosé wines that are made in Europe tend to be dry, while the Rosé wines from the U.S. lean toward being sweet. In the U.S. a truly sweet Rosé will often be called "Blush". If you don't like sweet Rosé then stay away from anything labeled blush.

 

Rosé wines are not the only choice for spring weather. When the weather gets warmer you want wines that feature bright, light, crisp fruit, with little or no oak, good acidity, and a refreshing and light attitude.

 

Our favorites are Albarino's from Spain (great for white wine sangria), Chenin Blanc (light floral notes with hints of citrus), Soave Classico (spring flowers, gentle fruit, and fresh minerality on the palate) and let's not forget a perfectly chilled glass of Champagne or Italian Prosecco.

 

To be continued