Wine Resolutions For 2009
Anyone can throw out the claim that they like to expand their palates, especially because this usually requires drinking wine, which doesn’t take much arm-twisting. But when the topic of New Year’s wine resolutions came up, I realized that it required more effort than saying, “I’d like to try more wine.” Duh. So, to take the topic seriously, I want to lay out some specifics:
1) Try a varietal you’ve never tried before. Heck, if you’ve never even HEARD of the varietal before you get extra props. Anyone can drink loads more Cab and Syrah from various areas, but to REALLY explore new varietals is a true sign of a dedicated wine drinker. I suggest you lay out a list of at least 10-12 wine varietals you’ve never tried before (perhaps the one per month motto might be a helpful way to stay on top of it) to try throughout 2009… after all, can many people say what a Nerella Mascalese or Gaglioppo wine tastes like? Nope, but now you have, and it’s time to school the casual wine-drinker with your knowledge!
2) Read more books about wine. Personally, my goal is to spend more quality time hitting the (wine) books. Flipping through magazines and reading occasional news is a pretty easy way to keep up to date with current events within the wine industry, but obtaining real wine knowledge comes from learning the history and science of all things wine. Maybe you can convince a friend, co-worker or fellow wine-lover to read at the same time, book club style, and exchange notes, have a discussion, etc.?
3) Incorporate wine into your gift-giving. I always enjoy giving people gifts, I think we all do. However, wine is typically relegated to occasions such as weddings and anniversaries. Well why stop there? Birthday it up! Some nice vino can also spice up Valentine’s Day. Or how about a nice congratulatory bottle of wine for a job well done? Whichever route you take, wine is a great way to celebrate.
4) Try more dessert wine. I have to give some credit to the Good Wine Under $20 blog for inspiring this resolution. Dr. Debs points out that we generally EAT our desserts, not drink them. However, sometimes late at night (as well as the obvious after-a-meal scenario), you crave something sweet, not caffeinated, to tide you over. And at this time of the year, I’d certainly put some port on your docket to help warm you up.
At the end of the day, your best bet is to custom tailor your own New Year’s wine resolutions. The aforementioned ideas are partly for myself but also to help bounce some ideas out there to get you thinking. One thing we can all agree on is to raise a glass and give thanks when the stroke of midnight comes on Dec. 31st while eagerly looking forward with optimism to 2009!
