Wine Wisdom—

Sips And Swallows From

Around The Wine World

*Beware of animals: They are coming from Australia, France, New Zealand and California.

Yes, critters have invaded the world of wine. A quick glance of wine labels at your friendly neighborhood wine shop will reveal a veritable invasion of moose, dogs, kangaroos, monkeys, penguins, toads, lizards, and any other animal you can think of.

The labels may also have eye-catching colors to prevent wine drinkers from confusing their Cabernets and Merlots.

How do they taste? Most are made for everyday drinking, so they are light, dry and uncomplicated.

*Get ready for 2005: How, you may ask, can one prepare for a year that has already passed?

I am not talking about the events of 2005. I am talking about the wines of 2005.

More specifically, I am referring to Europe’s red wines of 2005. My tasting experience and reports of some leading wine publications confirm that many red wines from the 2005 vintage should be terrific.

Start saving your nickels for those collectible Bordeaux, Burgundies, Barolos, and Barbarescos. Europe’s 2005 vintage looks to be spectacular!

A Sideways look: About ten years ago, the CBS news show 60 Minutes filed a report on the healthy aspects of drinking red wine called the French paradox. Subsequently, red wine consumption boomed.

About two years ago, a little movie called Sideways expounded on the merits of drinking Pinot Noir. The wine market has still not recovered from the growing demand for Pinot Noir.

Wine drinkers can continue to expect shortages of some of their favorite wines made from Pinot Noir. They can also be assured that prices for Pinot Noir will continue to rise.

It takes three years from the time a vine is planted until it yields grapes that are worthy of being made into wine. Until these newly planted vines become usable, shortages will continue.

*Red wine, white wine, and Blue Ribbon beer?

In 2005, wine consumption surpassed beer consumption in the United States. Augie Busch and Adolph Coors must be turning in their graves.

(Newtown resident and wine enthusiast Steve Small is the general manager at Yankee Wine & Spirits on Queen Street.)