Wine resolutions for the New Year

It’s easy to head into the new year with a pile of resolutions–heck, I do it almost every year, and rarely manage to stay true to any of ‘em. Increase productivity, lose some weight, eat better, get in shape–all significant goals that can be daunting.

But nobody said your New Year’s resolutions had to be monumental, Earth-shattering or ambitious, right? Well, if you like wine, it’s as good a place as any to start. So take a deep breath, grab a pen and paper, and tack these five wine-related resolutions to your refrigerator…

I will attend a blind tasting.
What’s a blind tasting? Quite simply, it’s a great way to break down preconceived notions about a certain grape, winery or wine-producing country, having fun in the process. Each guest brings a bottle concealed in a brown paper bag. Guests try each wine without seeing what they’re tasting, and make a few notes on each. At the end of the night, the wines are removed from the paper bags for the big reveal. If you can’t convince one of your friends to host a blind tasting, take the plunge and do it yourself. Get everyone to bring one bottle of wine in a brown paper bag, one or two wine glasses and a finger food-ish dish–if there’s a theme, the dish can be thematically inspired. Blind tastings are fun, educational and might even help you find a new favourite. Which brings me to…

I will try a new region or grape.
If there’s only one of these five resolutions that you stick to, it should be this one. Too many people get stuck in a rut when it comes to the type of wine that they drink. It’s a boring way to drink wine, and won’t let you experience Ithe joys of a new and exciting food and wine pairing. You don’t have to go way off the map here–it can be as simple as checking out that wine parked next to your favourite bottle on the shelf of your local shop. If you’re still not sure, ask for help–tell a staff member at your shop what you normally drink, and they’ll be able to help you find something similar-but-different.

I will try to serve wine at the proper temperature.
Without getting into the science of molecules expanding and contracting, there’s a bit more to serving wine at the correct temperature than “whites chilled, reds at room temperature.” While sparkling wines and very light whites can be chilled right down, heavier whites like Chardonnay or Viognier can be served a few degrees warmer. Leave them out on the counter for about 15-20 minutes before serving. “Room temperature” for red wines is typically 16-18 degrees Celsius–in fact, it should be called “cellar temperature,” as that’s what it’s meant to convey. Lighter red wines (a fruity Pinot Noir or Gamay, for example) can even be chilled for 15 minutes or so before serving.

I will return a wine if I think it is off.
If you open a bottle of wine and have even the slightest inclination that there may be something wrong with it, don’t drink it…and whatever you do, don’t pour it out. It depends on whose numbers you believe, but a middle-of-the-road guess would suggest one bottle out of in ten is flawed. Sooner or later, it’ll be your bottle. If your wine smells or tastes like wet dog, wet cardboard, nail polish or vinegar, it’s probably flawed–the cork wasn’t properly sterilized, air got in to the bottle, etc. Stick the cork back in the bottle, grab the receipt and return it ASAP to your local shop–it should replace the bottle. If the flaw really turned you off of your initial choice (or if it happens again), chances are the shop can apply the credit toward a different bottle.

I will strive to use good glassware.
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to get decent-quality glasses for drinking wine. For years, Riedel was the big name in glassware, leading the pack in innovation (and often at a steep price). The arrival of other quality stemware producers like Eisch and Spiegelau have helped bring the price of glasses into check. Thinner glass is better–thick glass goblets don’t let the wine aerate as well when you swirl it around in the glass. Try to avoid glasses with a funny shape, a lip, any sort of colour or tint, or anything else that might impede on truly appreciating the colour, aroma and flavour of a wine. And while size doesn’t matter entirely, a larger glass allows you more room to swirl your wine, which will get more aromas and flavours going in the glass. Lastly, don’t use soap when washing your glasses–hot water and a clean cloth will keep your glass from picking up soapy/dishrag smells.