Date: Fri 26-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

Small-Wine-Wisdom-Resolutions

Full Text:

WINE WISDOM: Resolutions For The 1998 Vintage!

By Steve Small

I will continue to look for the best values in wines, regardless of country or

grape varietal. Spain and Chile currently offer excellent values for red

wines. Sauvignon Blanc can still be a great value in white wine.

Moderately priced Merlots, Cabernets, and Chardonnays from southern France

have flooded the market lately. Some are quite good but careful tasting is

advisable.

I will drink some of the wines I have been saving for a special occasion.

There is nothing more disappointing than opening that special bottle, and

finding it is over the hill. It is fun to collect great wines, and age them.

It is even more fun to drink them.

I will be open to new wines I am unfamiliar with. We all tend to stick with

wines we know and enjoy. However, excellent wine is now being made all over

the world.

A trusted wine merchant or restaurateur can help lead you to new, interesting,

and delicious wines.

I will enjoy wine as a complement to a meal and not overindulge.

I will not turn up my nose at wines I personally do not enjoy. There are more

wines than there are flavors of ice cream, and there are people to enjoy them

all.

I will work diligently to spread the enjoyment of wine as something fun and

easy rather than requiring study and knowledge. As life becomes more

complicated, choosing a wine should not be.

I will wish all of you a toast with your favorite wine to a healthy, happy,

and prosperous new year.

(Steve Small is the proprietor of Steve's Liquor Store, 71 Main Street

South/Route 25 in Newtown.)