I Have a Bone to Pick

posted by Annie in Wine, Guest Bloggers

I like to drink wine. I like fruit. I even like juice. And I even like it when you dump all those things together in a pitcher, stir it around with some ice, and serve it. On paper, this sounds like a pleasant beverage. Its fresh, and fruity, and has the nice smooth finish of wine. But since when did those serving this drink for a profit get together and decide to serve the crappiest wine possible? Did they think we wouldn’t notice?

There are a few ways I’ve noticed.

Number 1 - My favorite after effect, as you well know, the wine headache. Cheap wine makes these things hurt like theres no tomorrow. So, the cat’s out of the bag the next morning when I’m calling for my mommy and some pain killers.

Number 2 - The proud display of jug wine on the bar counter. Sometimes they don’t even bother to hide it and at least keep up the hope that the wine might be from a bottle.

Number 3 - those huge scary vats. Nobody wants to see that. For all we know there could be an underwater ecosystem in there.Yes, I realize that the establishment will be serving the sangria to more people than just me. But really. Whats wrong with smaller pitchers or even smaller vats? The big ones make it look like a bathtub and I don’t know if I’m down for a long soak in some jug wine.

Sangria isn’t too different from its distant cousin, the mimosa. Or the Bellini. It’s a nice way to add some fresh fruit flavors, and also to allow some good wine/sparkling wine go a longer way. So, then what gives? Why cant sangria be the same way? A nice Rioja Crianza and some fresh oranges and apples shouldn’t be too far of a stretch. The restaurant still gets more bang for the buck!

Annie Kops holds the International Wine Center’s Intermediate WSET Certificate and is currently working towards her WSET Advanced Certificate. A singer/songwriter - listen to her music at www.anniekops.com.

Wine vs. My Couch

posted by Annie in Wine

Who’s brilliant idea was it to get a beige couch???? Yes, its a “hip” and versatile color. Looks nice with most accent colors and really makes a room pop. It also makes people believe I’ve got some style. But it shows dirt and stains like you wouldn’t believe. And, yes, I admit it. I’m quite the clumsy one. Especially if you feed me alcohol.

I love my couch - it was a college graduation gift from the ol’ grandmother. It’s comfy and does the job. But man, I have spilled more cabernet on that thing in the last few years than I’d like to admit. I could probably add many more wines to “My Wines” simply by flipping over the cushions and reminiscing. And other than the famous “flip the cushion” trick, I’ve never quite gotten my wine mishaps to disappear.

On clothing, wine stains are easy to get out. White wine on top of the red wine stain works. Immediate Shout and a rinse in the sink works. Even rubbing the stain with the floor cleaner Lestoil works like a charm. But lets see someone try to put my 84 inch long Jennifer Convertibles couch under my bathroom faucet. Not so easy now, huh?

I’ve thought of the no-red-wine-near-the-couch rule, but thats no fun. Then’s there’s the no-stemware-on-the-couch rule, but then the new found stylishness I’ve gained from owning said couch is negated. There are always plastic couch covers, but I am not living in the 50s. Or in that vacuum cleaner commercial. None of these seem to give me the opportunity to enjoy wine and my couch at the same time, thus making them unacceptable.

Are there any other quick fixes for my problem? Ive got the expensive couch cleaners on speed dial, but I’d prefer not to spend my life savings on washing overstuffed seating. And don’t say I should get a Tommee Tippee cup.

The Gift of Wine

posted by Annie in Wine

Last night I was lucky enough to be gifted a few bottles of wine. As I generally make my wine likes and dislikes abundantly clear (yes, I’m quite opinionated), I received a great selection. I have to give my boyfriend props for knowing the intricacies of my palate - a Chilean Malbec, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, a Saint Emilion, and a wine we drank on a trip to Central America that brings back memories. When I visit my parents house, they often bring out wines they know I like to drink with Mom’s home-cooked dinners - New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux, Oregon Pinot Noir…

So yes, these people know me. And I know their palates. But then I realized, if tasked to bring a bottle of wine as a gift, do I know anyone palates enough to get what they like or am I just perusing based on my own likes?

Recently, I had to buy a bottle of white wine for a couple that was coming over for drinks before dinner. I’ve seen them drink beer - I’ve seen them drink martinis - I’ve seen them drink wine at a bar (which is really no help - see my blog on Bar Wine.) I was stuck. I guess I don’t pay attention very well. I squinted my eyes as hard as I could and pursed my lips hoping that this would bring me some good ideas, but alas, it just gave me a headache. With nothing gained, I ended up choosing a Gruner Vetliner that I knew would be to my liking - and would probably be easy drinking for someone who doesn’t really drink a whole lot of wine.

As we all sat and drank later that evening, I saw her face contort as she swallowed. She exclaimed “I like sweeter wines, but this is nice too!” What a good friend. Trying to make me feel better. But I was saddened that I didn’t know what she liked, especially since I think about wine so often, I should be paying more attention - which is a new goal of mine.

Do you know anything about your friends’ palates? Could you gift the perfect bottle of wine? I know I could for like, two people!