Wine Lists on iPads

Have you heard the buzz? Some restaurant wine lists are now on iPads. Instead of paper lists, diners are presented with an iPad containing the establishment’s wine collection, as well as, tasting notes, ratings by experts and maps. Eateries around the globe who are adopting the idea report that, since introducing them, sales are up and diners more experimental with wine choices and price range. Although monitoring and updating inventory is easier, many sommeliers are concerned that the gadget will pre-occupy diners, de-personalize the dining experience and put them out of work. My concern would be damage or theft. It comes down to whether we can control technology without it controlling us.

Mysterious Allergens in Wine

8% of the world’s population has some sort of allergy and reaction to components in wine, resulting in headaches, stuffy noses, itchy eyes, rashes, etc. Only 1% involve sensitivity to sulfites that naturally occur and from added amounts in the winemaking to kill bacteria and prevent spoilage. The remaining 7% are now believed to be caused by glycoproteins, proteins coated with sugars that are natural by-products of fermentation. Through their analysis of Italian Chardonnay, researcher Giuseppe Palmisano and colleagues found that many of the grape glycoproteins had similar structures to other known allergens that trigger reactions to ragweed and latex. Interesting stuff to be sure!

Sediment Trapping Bottle

Many red wines, as they age, produce sediment in the bottle. That’s why we decant them, leaving it behind. However, Spanish Chef, Martín Berasategui, has come up with a new bottle design that captures sediment in the bottle at the bottom. Its odd shape is pinched close to the base, adding a sediment capturing chamber. Many wineries using the bottles are abandoning the filtering process, claiming that the wine remains purer and filters naturally in the bottle. The Chef even claims that the bottle shape actually acts as a decanter, aerating the wine, as well. This bottle would certainly make the time-honoured tradition and ceremony of decanting defunct. Could revolutionize fine wine drinking!

Macho Wines

Okay guys, it’s time to come clean. I can’t believe what I’m hearing from some of you about wine selection. Apparently, you would rather undergo a prostate examination than order some wussy wine in a restaurant. You think wine with a pretty flower or cutsie animal on the bottle makes you any less of a man? Pinot Grigio is too fluffy for you, Gewurztraminer rather perfumey, Gamay awfully bubble-gummed and Merlot much too identity-challenged? Well listen up. What you sip is definitely not a reflection of who or what you are. Choose wine this way and you’re missing out on a lot of great sippin’ because of ridiculous machoism. This is the 21^st Century, for God’s sake. Get over it.

Sale Wines at the LCBO

Ever notice cases of wine at reduced prices at your local LCBO and wondered why and whether you should chance buying them? Well here’s the scoop. Generally, product is reduced to create warehouse and shelf space for other wine, especially new vintages. These products include too much of something that doesn’t move fast, seasonal stuff, obscure varietals or wine styles that the public is not familiar with, overpriced items and licencee orders that were not picked up for one reason or another. Occasionally, a specific region’s inventory must be trimmed down. All good buys, however, be aware of product that is reduced because it is getting old or stale. Just buy one to try. If OK, then stock up.