UP here in the gleaming glass tower at HiredBelly worldwide headquarters, we're making our list and checking it twice.
Speaking of glass, what better way to spoil the wine lover in your life than to grace them with the gift of decent stemware.
You'd think after all these years people would finally understand. It really does make a difference. You don't have to buy every different glass that Riedel has come up with, but having even a semblance of the "right" glass can make a big difference.
We were surprised recently when a winemaker poured his Pinot Noir (think Burgundy) for us to try in a decidedly Bordeaux-looking glass. At the time it was underwhelming. it didn't show its fruit at all well and didn't taste in balance.
Luckily, we had a chance to taste the same wine later in a Burgundy bowl, where it blossomed to show its true character, supple and silky with a finish no longer cut short.
Yes, good stemware takes a little work to maintain. Many more delicate glasses won't last long in your average dishwasher, so be prepared to spend a little extra time with the dish towel - although even that activity can become more satisfying than you might imagine. Then again, you can always invest in some (stemless) "O" glasses.
If you're spending money on wine (and, come to think of it even if you're not) it makes sense to have at least a choice of Bordeaux (which can also make do for Syrah/Shiraz) and Burgundy (which will also work for Sangiovese and similar lighter reds).
For the whites, a decent Riesling glass is pretty versatile and will show off most whites fairly well, a long as they're not too chilled - the most common mistake made in serving wines. As a rule, don't forget to take whites out of the fridge at least 10 or 15 minutes before serving. And pour big reds into the glasses 10 or 15 ahead of time.
Champagne and sparkling wine is another area where good glass will make all the difference, so don't even get us started on whether or not you need decent Champagne flutes.
Shop around for prices - talk to your local private wine store for advice and quotes. But don't be scared to take the plunge. You'll be glad you did. Speaking of killer Pinots, here are a couple for the serious B.C. drinker in your life . .
- Herder Estate Pinot Noir 2009. This first Pinot Noir from the Similkameen leader suggests great things to come. Strawberry and raspberry on top with some good earthy, mineral notes, well balanced with juicy acidity and supple tannins. c. $35 PWS
- Meyer Family Vineyards Okanagan Valley 2010. This producer's hallmark is quality single vineyard, usually small lots Chardonnay and Pinot. This "entry level" wine yields red fruit with some earthy, mushroom notes on top followed by an intensely fruited strawberry-raspberry palate with an appealing savoury edge, good acidity and a precise, clean finish. $24.95 from the winery, Dundarave Wine Cellar, Everything Wine and Liberty Park Royal, $25 and up.
- Little Yering Pinot Noir 08 (Yarra Valley). Looking for a bargain wine that will flourish in your new bowls? Check out the value-priced, black cherry and spice-packed Little Yering - still likely the best Pinot deal around at BCLS $14.99 - Tastes like way more in the right glass.
