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10 more wine tips that will change your life

By Carolyn Evans Hammond, published in Outreach Connection and distributed privately on 6/11/09

"Always keep a bottle of brut champagne in the fridge. Second to a fire extinguisher, it is the best emergency equipment in your house."

Were truer words ever put to paper? These were written by GQ magazine’s wine and food critic, Alan Richman recently in his article, “11 wine tips that will change your life.” It inspired me to write my own list—or at least carry on where he left off. So I’ll number mine, 12-21. Here we go.

12. To get a guest to ask, “What is this? I want a case of it!” without blowing the budget, serve Malbec (red) and Torrontes (white). These two flagship varietals from Argentina may well be the most undervalued wines on the planet right now.

13. Let really great wines speak for themselves. They’ll say far more than you ever could.

14. Chill disappointing bottles. It hides imperfections, and can sometimes even make undrinkable bottles drinkable.

15. To improve any wine, serve it in crystal stemware. You don’t need Riedel or a glass for every wine type but thin rims feel more elegant, and a smaller to rim to bowl ratio captures aromas. Presto. Better wine.

16. Don’t let anyone tell you to uncork the bottle to let it breathe. This exposes only the surface of wine in the bottleneck to air. It does nothing. If you want to let a wine breathe, decant it.

17. Steer clear of Chardonnay over 14% alc. unless you’re into wine-flavoured vodka. Asking any dry white to remain balanced with that much booze is a tall order. Hot regions like California are the worst offenders.

18. Memorise these two food and wine pairings: Sauternes and fresh peaches, and Moscato d’Asti with fresh pineapple. These killer combos are easier than pie, will leave your guests speechless, and may be the only dinner party desserts you’ll ever need.

19. Love Amarone but find the price a little rich? Buy Ripasso Valpolicella instead. Ripasso is made by “re-passing” young Valpolicella wine over the dried grapes used to make the more premium Amarone, adding ooomph without much cost.

20. Don’t dismiss big brands as big letdowns. Big makers often use economies of scale to make excellent wine at great prices. So when wine snobs snub your bottle of Citra Pinot Grigio or Barefoot Shiraz, just nod, grin, and refill your glass.

21. Take it from me and every wine expert I know, wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. Need proof? Taste any of the following delicious, sub-$15 bottles listed by price. Ironically, they also prove tip #20.

Citra Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2007, Abruzzo, Italy (446633 $7)

Citra Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2007, Abruzzo, Italy (522144 $7)

Citra Pinot Grigio IGT 2008, Sicily, Italy (17483 $8)

Trapiche Varietals Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina (501551 $9)

Barefoot Merlot, California, USA (53991 $10)

Barefoot Shiraz, California, USA (54015 $10)

Folonari Soave DOC 2007, Veneto, Italy (176461 $11)

Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2008, Australia (142117 $11)

The Little Penguin Merlot 2008, South Eastern Australia (598912 $11)

The Little Penguin Shiraz 2008, South Eastern Australia (621870 $11)

Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2008, Australia (145367 $12)

Jacob’s Creek Shiraz 2006, South Australia (548644 $12)

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Grigio 2008, California, USA (523431 $12)

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc 2007, California, USA (40501 $12)

Folonari Bardolino DOC 2007, Veneto, Italy (12344 $12)

Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Australia (119628 $12)

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot 2007, California, USA (494492 $14)

Stone Cellars by Beringer Merlot 2006, California, USA (462473 $14)

Martini and Rossi Asti Sparkling Wine NV, Italy (1875 $14)

The wines noted show their Ontario product numbers and prices. If you live outside of Ontario, go to http://www.wine-searcher.com and search for a stockist in your area.

Carolyn Evans Hammond’s latest book, Good Better Best Wines, A No-Nonsense Guide to Popular Wines, hits shelves in April. Her critical articles and reviews have appeared in such eminent magazines as Decanter and Wine & Spirit International in the United Kingdom, as well as Maclean’s, Taste, and Tidings in Canada and her first book, 1000 Best Wine Secrets, earned critical acclaim and international distribution with the distinction of being a best-seller by Canadian standards. Qualified sommelier and seasoned journalist, Carolyn holds the Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a BA from York University. Carolyn has lived in many cities in North America and Europe, and now resides in Toronto, where she was born.