Who else enjoys Karen Mac-Neil Fife's wine column??

[KLynn]

This is one of my favorite parts of each CL issue. I have learned so much about wine pairings, the different varietals, and so many other wonderful things related to wine. I wish CL would expand this column - one page just isn't enough!

[SusieO]

I completely agree, KLynn! If it weren't for this board and her column, I'd still be drinking $4 bottles of white zinfandel. I have learned a lot and really expanded my horizons!

[Jodi]

I agree wholeheartedly with both of you! I love this column, and I also love the wine column in every Friday's Wall Street Journal. Reading that column is how I originally became intersted in wine -- I was able to understand what they're talking about, and I start to expand my horizons slowly but surely!

[KValley]

It's one of the first sections I turn to!

I think Karen M-F does such a wonderful job in writing comfortably and comprehensibly about wine. She takes the mystery and associated snobbery out of enjoying wine and presents information in such a joyful and enthusiastic way- exactly how wine should be enjoyed! I like that she suggests less commonly-known wines, such as this month's feature on alternatives to Chardonnay, dessert wines, less expensive options, and I look forward to her suggestions for wines to serve with CL menus.

I'd love to see CL make wine recommendations with individual recipes and also a feature on pairing wine with food- maybe a special issue!

I've also really enjoyed Frank J. Prial's column in the Wednesday edition of the New York Times.

[Nancy171]

Originally posted by SusieO:
If it weren't for this board and her column, I'd still be drinking $4 bottles of white zinfandel. [/B]

But just think of all the money you'd have saved! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusieO]

True, Nancy171, and too funny.

But I'll still seek out the good stuff. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

[Gail]

I agree with KValley's assessment and comments. Also thinking maybe a wine Q & A--perhaps as a semi-regular feature-- might be nice.

[Missi]

KValley--
CL used to have wine recommendations next to the recipes (1997 issues and some 98). I really miss this feature. I love your idea of a special issue devoted to food and wine pairing. Let's hope the powers that be are listening!

[Gail]

Oh, I'm certain of that!

[pmmahan]

Let me second the idea of an issue devoted to food and wine pairing! Sounds like a GREAT idea!

[aggie94]

Question for you wine lovers: is wine an acquired taste, like beer? I don't like either, and I feel like I'm missing out on something. I can't even tolerate the taste enough to just sip on a glass at a party or other function, so I don't have to explain my "tragic dysfunction" (I'm borrowing from Emily!).

For example, DH works for a non-profit that had a fundraising auction/wine-tasting event last week. Lots of the local wineries (King Estate, Hinman, Amity, etc.) donated cases of wine for auction and for tasting/purchase. There was lots leftover, and DH brought home several bottles of King Estate pinot noir and pinot gris. We had friends over last weekend and they downed a few bottles, all the while raving about how wonderful it was. I tried it, but I thought it tasted awful.

I like the IDEA of wine, and I love picking out wines with DH and wine accessories (glasses, stoppers, wine racks, decanters, etc.), but I don't drink the stuff. Am I missing something??

[Beth H]

For aggie94, I might suggest that you try a wine class in your community. When my husband and I were first dating, he swore that he hated wine. Our (believe it or not) nearby Harris Teeter grocery store offered inexpensive, weekly wine classes that were great. Over a period of a few months, he really learned to appreciate and enjoy wine. Good wine classes should teach you about wine aromas, differences between different varietals, etc. Just an idea -- the classes were really fun socially, too, and had a lot of yummy foods. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[mightyh]

I was exactly like you, aggie94, and thus I only looked forward intellectually to our recent trip to Sonoma, though I knew my husband would have a ball.

However, after a few vineyards' tasting rooms, I did get a feel for what I semi-liked and what I could barely gag down. For me, it's mainly the sweet stuff like Reisling, Gewertz, and (my favorite) the dessert Muscats or the light stuff like Pinot Noir. I rationalize the sweet cause that's what I'm used to in drinks; I mainly drink only water, but when it's something else it's soda or hot chocolate or juice, but never anything like tea or coffee (too bitter).

Now I sometimes actually have a wine with dinner... Tonight we are trying a Sauvignon Blanc--and while I doubt it will be one of my favorites, I will be able to taste enough of it to evaluate it semi-intelligently.

All that being said... I always liked good beer, so maybe neither suits you. But keep trying. I honestly could never have dreamed I would develop any sort of taste for wine.

[LGBurns]

I love this section--I always turn to it first. I grew up in wine country California but in reality I'm woefully ignorant about most wines (if it wasn't made within 20 miles of my home, I have no clue). She has really helped me understand how wine and food work together. I totally agree with Julie, I'd love to see them pair wines with dishes more.