:: Life on Planet Dan-E ::

:: Friday, July 25, 2003 ::

I had a rather interesting culinary experience last weekend. I was dining with some new friends who are apparently wine connoisseurs. The host had a very well stocked wine fridge and one of the guests brought a couple of bottles as well, so it seemed there was something for everyone. So naturally when I arrived and was asked what I'd like to drink, I say "beer." I had a Grolsh Amber Ale, which was a nice, refreshing beer after what was a fairly hot and muggy day. He also cooked up meatballs, gourmet sausages, veggies, bread, and salsa. Once my beer was finished I grabbed a wine glass to see for myself what the big deal was.

Now those of you who know me know that I approach beer in manner similar to a sommelier approaches wine. Okay, maybe not quite that fanatically or discerningly but there is still some degree of snobbery involved. Any major brands – Bud, Miller, Coors – and Corona for that matter, is considered swill. I tend to avoid anything containing the word "Lite" (If I want to drink water, I'll drink water). I’m partial towards the darker brews, especially the stuff that comes from Europe. Not to say America can’t make a good beer but you have to look to the smaller breweries. Fortunately Southern California happens to be the home of many a fine microbrew.

However, I am aware that for the most part, beer is a blue-collar beverage which suits my blue-collar tastes but I’m always up for trying something different. I've had wines before but mostly at the behest of my more accomplished wine drinking friends. And usually with a nice meal. They started off the night with a couple of bottles of Pinot, which according to them were better examples of that particular variety. I couldn't tell you their names because I don’t remember and quite frankly I had trouble pronouncing them even when I had the bottle in front of me. For that matter, I couldn't tell you the difference between a Pinot, a Merlot, or a Chardonnay. My initial impressions? I didn't hate it. It's not like I had a point of reference to work with since it's been a while since the last time I had a drink... of anything. It might have been better if I had nice steak to go with it. Everyone else said they were good wines so I’ll take their word for it.

After that we finished with a couple of samples of Port wine, a much sweeter dessert wine. It probably helped that we had some excellent cheesecake to accompany it but I really liked that glass of Port. That surprised me since I really don't have that much of a sweet tooth but this stuff was great. Again, I can’t remember what it was called.

It was a fun evening but I don't think I’m gonna become a wine expert anytime soon. But at least I expanded horizons a little.

:: Miscellaneous Ramblings by Dan-E at 10:25 PM [+] :: | 0 comments
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