So much suggests how we enjoy wine. Most often it is our setting. Whenever we’ve sipped on a glass at a Fattoria in Italy, Domaine or Chateau in France, Bodega in Spain or Chateau Bodega Domaine in California we are experiencing and tasting the place itself. It’s hard to deny manicured or wild vines, a sunset, mountains, a small and extremely hospitable host. These places offer ease and relaxation, but decisions are made easily and often by someone else, whether it be by a winemaker or a curated list. To have things handed to us is nice but oftentimes making things and taking things home is better. To be truthful, some of our greatest experiences with wine have happened in house: alone or with friends and family.
At home you can experiment by trying a wine out of a different glass, playing around with decanters, and truly deciding if you like wine in its youth or reaching maturity. Discovering the importance of how your wine has been stored is also key. Has it been in control of humidity? Have the wines been on their side or upside down? Have they been stored dark and cool? 45 to 65 F is a great window, but around 55 degrees is best. Too cold can advance a cork into drying out. Although storing a wine on its side isn’t a must, it will help to keep that cork wet. Don’t worry too much about humidity. Around 70 percent is nice, but a few percentages this way and that won’t hurt the wine that much. Keep in mind most wine was shipped in a container over the open ocean. Wines are durable. Consistency is important. Just remember to avoid major swings in light/dark, humid/dry, cold/warm.
Right now your dollar also goes a lot further at home. Find a local store you trust and ask about some of those rare bottles you’ve seen or read about. In a retail setting you’ll likely be able to buy two for the price of one.
In the comfort and creativity of your own kitchen, you can have an Alsace inspired lunch of Pinot Blanc and Tarte Flambee or Quiche Lorraine. On a cold night, grab a bottle of Cote Rotie and barbecue some duck breasts. Drink and eat at your own pace, relaxing and enjoying what is around you, like loved ones, or that bottle of vintage rose champagne and roast venison. Curl up by that beautiful fire place and grab a bottle of Quinterelli or Dal Forno Amarone and a plate of pheasant with walnuts and truffle.
But, don’t forget to treat yourself to dessert! Pedro Ximenez Sherry with biscotti or almond cookies, Sauternes with strawberries and cream or crème brulee. Vintage Port with Stilton accompanied by nut and dried fruits, or be adventurous with 20 year white port and include olives and salted almonds.
However you make a memory or stamp a room with your own touch, remember to go big, go decadent and always have an extra bottle at hand!
Daniel Brashi is a wine buyer at South Lyndale Liquors. Find a great selection at www.southlyndale.com or in person at 5300 Lyndale Avenue South (612) 827-5811. Follow @southlyndaleliquors.com
