It is no secret that those of us 55+ love our wine. Boomers remain at or near the top of the list when it comes to wine consumption.
But, with more than 10,000 varieties grown around the globe, and a complex vocabulary all its own, it can be intimidating. No wonder you might feel overwhelmed in a wine store or when ordering from a restaurant wine list.
It is easy to buy what you know and be comfortable with your choices, but it’s fun to branch out if you dare. That’s why I am writing this column. I have but one goal: to demystify wine and make it more approachable and enjoyable.
We will focus on a practical aspect of wine, from understanding the critics’ rating systems to serving/storing wine and picking glassware, just to name a few. That’s where you come in. I want to make this interactive, so please send me your wine questions.
Each month we will answer a couple in a bid to make us all a little smarter. You can send your questions to: winenot.column@gmail.com. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll tap a stable of savvy, local wine folks for help.
One of my favorite wines to drink this summer is a Greek varietal called Assyrtiko from the island of Santorini. It is light-bodied, with light alcohol. It tastes of citrus and sea salt.
It pairs exceptionally well with Oysters, Calamari, Greek salads, and Mezze platters. It is also refreshing on its own. Total Wine sells a couple of brands ranging from $13 to $25.
Look for Hermes or GWC Flowers in the “other whites” aisle, but don’t buy too much. Leave some for the rest of us to enjoy!
I discovered Assyrtiko when I went to a Greek restaurant on the Strip and consulted the sommelier. Also known as the wine steward, he asked me what types of wine I liked and what we would be having for dinner. His recommendation turned out to be a match made in wine heaven. Cheers!
