As we wave goodbye to 2014, and say Hello to 2015….many of
us will
be participating in the countdown party all over the world to welcome a brand
new year.
Just like any party, Wine is
probably indispensable for most merry makers.
Before we talk about wine, do you know what is a Sommelier?
A sommelier is a wine steward, who is a trained
and knowledgeable wine professional,
normally working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of
wine service as well as wine and food pairing. The role is much
more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter: In fine dining today
the role is strategically on a par with that of the executive chef or chef
de cuisine.
Now
that you know what a sommelier is, let me introduce you to a Master
Sommelier.Been welcomed into the court of Master Sommeliers is definitely great honour for any sommelier given that in order to do so, one must pass the Master’s Sommelier Diploma exam. It is heralded as one of the world’s most challenging tests. Since the test was introduced in the UK 40 some years ago, only 219 have passed. And Rob Bigelow of Chateau St. Michelle is among the lucky few—so it only seems fitting for me to share with you his wine-drinking tips that I came across from Haute Living by Carla Torres.
For those learning and looking to take their oenophile status to the next level, here are some interesting tips from Bigelow to help you on your way. Oops btw, oenophile means a lover or connoisseur of wine...so the next time you address your lover….impress with oenophile instead.
Here you go !
1.
Never sip and then immediately take a bite of
your food — drinking wine with food should always be a progression. Taste the
wine first and really get a feel for it on its own. Then do the same with the
food, enjoying all the flavors and textures. Just before they are about to
escape the palate, that’s when you want to chase it with the wine.
2.
Lovers of red wine who are lounging pool or
beachside in Miami’s sultry weather don’t have to turn to white. “Pinot Noir is
the go to for poolside drinking,” says Bigelow. “You always have that one
person that wants to order red, so you have to have an option on the menu but
it has to be something that’s going to cool people off and not heat them up.”
Bigelow suggests putting even a slight chill on the wine. “60 or 59 degrees is
perfect. That’s how we would served it at the Bellagio pool.”
3.
Ever get served a white wine that’s just too
cold? Cup it with the palms of your hands for a few minutes to warm it
slightly.
4.
Old world wines are more about earth than
they are about fruit while New World wines are more about fruit. Old World,
which basically includes just Europe have more natural acidity, while new-world
wines include North and South American, New Zealand and South Africa. If you’re
having a wine that’s lighter-bodied and exudes notes of mineral and herbs,
chances are it’s an Old World wine. Something riper, full-bodied and with a
heavier taste of alcohol is New World.
5.
Sweet beats heats. If you’re a lover of Thai
food, which is known for it’s incessant use of spice, an excellent choice for
something like that would be a Riesling — specifically a 2012 Eroica Riesling
from Columbia Valley. In any case, however, if you’re having something with a
lot of heat the way to go is to pair it with something sweet to beat it out.
6.
Always pair wine to the sauce not the
protein. “Everyone thinks fish has to go with whine wine,” says Bigelow. “But
if you have a white fish with a romesco sauce (which is red) then that would
call for red wine.” Big cuts of red meat, however, regardless of the sauce are
usually always going to call for red wine.
7.
There is no right or wrong. “Just start
somewhere. Everyone’s taste is different, but the only question that matters is
do you like it? Does it taste good? If so, continue to explore that varietal.”
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| Isotonix OPC 3 |
Well,
hope these tips embark you on your dream of becoming a "little"
wine connoisseur on this New Year Eve.
For those guests of yours
who are not wine lovers, fret not....serve them Isontonix OPC 3 cocktail
because they would still harvest the health benefits of wine but without
the alcoholic content.
Happy
New Year and Stay Healthy.
Cheers!