Wine on a Plane

Ever notice that wine sipped on a plane doesn’t taste quite the same? There are reasons for this. Because of the altitude, lower air pressure and lack of humidity, taste buds and sense of smell are drastically affected. Our sinuses dry out and the odour receptors do not function properly. As wine appreciation is approximately 85% smell, this is vital. Liquids tend to expand and contract as pressure changes, so taste-wise, the mid palate deciphers less fruity notes. Our perception of sweetness and saltiness decreases. The solution, if there is one, is to sip wine that has more vibrant flavours and perhaps spiciness. You might also try sipping wine earlier in the flight rather than later when your sinuses have dried out substantially more.

Wine Toys

On the market today, are many wine toys and tools (aerators, chillers, thermometers, preservers, etc.), all of which are supposed to enhance the wine experience in some way. Some actually work reasonably well while others are downright silly and stupid. I know I’d be put off if I went somewhere and they had a thermometer sitting in a full bottle of open wine to measure its serving temperature or there were metal ice cubes submerged in a glass of vino to keep it cool. In my mind, treating your wine naturally (chilling in an ice bucket, aeration by decanting, etc.) without much of this paraphernalia is probably a more sanitary and aesthetic way to enjoy the nectar of the grape.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

One of my all time, favourite, big reds is Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This blockbuster, blended vino from the most southern part of the Rhône Valley in France is a gem. By law, it can be made from as many as thirteen grape varieties, including some whites, but it is mostly produced from the red Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cincaut. As a rule, it is spicy, bold, dark-fruited, oaky, alcoholic and long-lived. Notes of black raspberry, earth, game, pepper, tar, leather and dried herbs are common. Absolutely fabulous with big, full-flavoured dishes in dark sauce, game, spicy fare and old, hard, seasoned cheeses! You can tell those that are produced from a single estate by the embossing on the bottle.

New Years Resolution

Happy New Year wine lovers! Here’s a great resolution for 2015. Why not try drinking less, but better and maybe experimenting a bit more. This means looking for wines from specific regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux. Vie for wines labeled “Chateau” or “Domaine” indicating all the grapes came from one property. Wines with specific grape varieties on the label, like cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay, guarantee a certain taste profile and are usually a good bet. Vintage-dated wines, especially from better years, showcase a single year’s quality. And don’t be shy, expand your repertoire by checking out wines from countries like Portugal and Hungary, that are less known to you. There are certainly some great offerings to be had.