Keith’s “I’m Just Saying…” Blog – The Wine of the Season

As you have probably figured out by now, I really do enjoy beverages of all kinds.  My appreciation has always existed somewhere just below the surface of my consciousness and was most definitely coaxed out when I began to work in coffee.  It was during my tenure at Arbuckle Coffee while under the tutelage of owner and coffee maven Denney Willis that I began to understand just how many flavors, tastes, and aromas that the palate and olfactory senses are capable of detecting.  This started on me on a path where I was no longer drinking, but savoring, every beverage that I put in my mouth.  It is a blessing and a curse (mostly a blessing) that whenever I drink something, I now analyze its every facet.  It has also been brought to my attention that on numerous occasions I still draw in air-alright call it what it is, I slurp-many of the things that I drink in order to fully reveal all that the beverage has to offer.  After having discovered so many new flavors and aromas while subjecting my drinks to this scrutiny, I honestly can say that I would not have it any other way.

One of the beverages that I enjoy is wine.  As far as the world of wine goes, I have only scratched the surface of what there is to learn.  Fortunately, I am a willing student and I am going to continue to search out new wines and the people who can teach me about them.  One thing that I have learned in regards to myself and wine is that for the most part, I am a “seasonal” wine drinker.  What I mean by that is that I find myself leaning more toward white wines or roses in summer, and red wines in winter.  The explanation for this seems fairly straight forward to me and goes as follows.

White wines are generally served either chilled or with a slight chill to them.  This may seem obvious, but in this cooler state, they certainly help to fend off some of the heat of summer.  In addition, when it is warm outside, the type of food that we eat changes and most white wines lend themselves to this style of cuisine.  Conversely, when it is colder outside, it is nice to have a glass of red wine close by helping to warm the body and spirit.  Red wines, in general, also pair better with the heavier, richer soups, stews, and heartier dishes associated with winter.

I am by no means saying that I do not enjoy red wines in summer or white wines in winter.  Far from it.  One of the best experiences I had recently was enjoying a glass of Montepulciano in early August at an Italian restaurant while we visited some family in California.  Conversely, I am sure that I will enjoy some white wines during the winter, most notably, with Thanksgiving dinner.  Here in Arizona, we do not get a real severe winter season, which further clouds the seasonal distinction and makes it a little more difficult to sort this out.  However, more often than not, my tendencies seem to follow the afore-mentioned pattern.

I guess I’m Just Saying that this is something that I have noticed about myself.  What patterns have you noticed about yourself?  Post a comment to this entry or start a discussion in our Round Table.  Thanks again for being a part of AboutBeverages.com and I look forward to hearing from you!

Keith