Wine knowledgeable Karen MacNeil says that: “A life with wine is so much richer and more delicious than a life without it!” And, we couldn’t agree extra. Life IS higher with wine (moderately, clearly).
And, that will help you love what’s in your glass much more, we requested Karen 10 of our burning vino-related questions. As the writer of The Wine Bible (which, simply had its third version launched and is taken into account the bestselling wine e-book in America, with greater than 800,000 copies in print), she fairly actually wrote the e-book on wine.
For somebody who’s new to wine, what do you assume one of the best ways to make use of / learn The Wine Bible is?
Karen MacNeil: Just open the e-book wherever and begin studying! There are fascinating facet containers and tales on each web page. Most individuals learn The Wine Bible (WB) on this unconventional method. It’s additionally enjoyable to purchase a bottle of wine, search for that area within the WB, and browse whilst you sip.
What are among the updates on this model that you just’re most enthusiastic about and why?
Karen: I really like the model new chapter on Great Britain, which is now making scrumptious glowing wines which have so much in widespread with Champagne. Climate change has damage many wine areas, however it has benefitted England, making the local weather conducive to nice wine. I additionally love the brand new chapter referred to as “In the Beginning … Wine in the Ancient World.” Fascinating!
If persons are fascinated by making an attempt one thing new and completely different from the same old Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabs which are discovered on most wine lists and grocery retailer cabinets, are there any wine areas or grapes that you just recommend individuals strive? Any hidden values?
Karen: Spain and Portugal make sensational wines from native varieties like Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional (each purple grapes). The wine tradition in these two international locations is historical, the wines are unbelievable and they’re STEALS! Many terrific wines below $25.
If somebody desires to start studying about wine however is overwhelmed and doesn’t know the place to begin, the place ought to they begin?
Karen: Wine may be very welcoming. It actually doesn’t matter the place you begin. Just decide a rustic and begin consuming wines from there. If you drink the wines of 1 nation for say six months, you’ll uncover that you’ve got really acquired a good suggestion of the flavors of these wines. Then transfer on to nation No. 2. And so on. Just start!
In your expertise, what’s essentially the most extensively misunderstood factor about wine? Any widespread missteps newbies make?
Karen: People typically swallow wine too rapidly. If you swallow too rapidly you gained’t style something and also you’ll don’t know how scrumptious the wine actually is.
What are a few of your favourite wine and meals pairings? Any that you’ve got on the common or that may shock individuals?
Karen: Champagne and potato chips are excessive on my record. Also rosé and grilled cheese sandwiches.
We’ve seen loads of wines come in the marketplace which are marketed particularly as low-calorie. Got ideas on these?
Karen: Low-calorie wines are sometimes extremely manipulated. I might relatively drink a half glass of the actual factor than a glass of (often not excellent) low-calorie wine.
Have you seen any classes of wine or areas actually achieve in reputation this 12 months? Any you’ve seen individuals lose curiosity in?
Karen: Wine curiosity is exploding throughout the globe. EVERYTHING is fascinating.
Are there any wine tendencies you’re anticipating to see take off in 2023? Any you would like would fade away?
Karen: Wine takes time — years of time. Often it takes 10 years or extra to plant a winery and make and age a wine BEFORE it’s launched. Wine is the final word non-trend. I like it due to that.
We’re positive that is like asking you to choose a favourite baby, however should you might solely have three wines for the remainder of your life in your glass, what would they be?
Karen: Champagne (from France in fact), Pinot Noir from California and Oregon, German and Austrian Riesling.
An enormous due to Karen for taking the time to reply our questions! And, for the document, we couldn’t agree extra together with her ideas on low-calorie wine. Cheers, y’all! —Jenn
Some content material / images excerpted from The Wine Bible, third Edition by Karen MacNeil. Workman Publishing © 2022