Amy Lu's View

It’s National Drink Wine Day. 

Or, to use one of Chad’s favorite comic chestnuts, for me, it’s a day that ends with a “y”. 

Yes, I do like drinking wine. I also know that drinking less wine, and less alcohol of any kind, is a good idea for me, and I am working on that. So as I celebrate National Drink Wine Day, it’s in the “spirit” of appreciating it more, but drinking less of it. (Drinking “less” still gives me quite a bit of space for drinking). 

Even though I really like wine, and have for many years, I’m an enthusiast, but not an expert. No one would ever confuse me with a sommelier (which is convenient, because I can’t spell the word without Googling it). Years ago, when my sister-in-law had “red wine glasses” on her Christmas list, I thought she literally wanted glasses that were the color red. 

Now I know, or think I know, that the size and shape of the glass has some impact on the flavor of wine. Bigger glasses are better for bringing out the flavor of red wine–and not just “convenient” because they require fewer refills. Occasionally I flirt with the idea of aerating my wine, but usually I can’t be bothered.  

They’re not classy, but I do have my wine preferences. I usually prefer red, but I won’t turn down a white, and warm weather definitely puts me in a white wine mood (although I don’t like my white wine too chilled). I usually go for cabs and red blends, but am up for almost anything. If I had a taste test I don’t think I could tell the difference between a shiraz, tempranillo, zinfandel, etc. Malbecs are a go-to because Chad likes them as well and I like how the name sounds. I do tend to avoid pinot noirs because cheap ones (like I tend to buy) can taste weak and disappointing. I like red wines that I think would be described as bold and fruity (although not sweet) so I’m not ashamed to have merlot. 

When ordering at a bar or restaurant, I often get the house wine or the cheapest wine, because I’m just not that discerning. How cheap is cheap? I rarely buy a bottle of wine that costs more than $10 (it has to be a really special occasion) but I get nervous if it’s below $6. I don’t have any qualms about boxed wine, and boxes are a better choice for the environment (wine bottles are environmentally problematic), but boxes of wine aren’t always a good choice for me. I like the visual cue that a bottle of wine provides–the easy way to see how much I’ve had. I also like buying a variety of wine and picking out wine based on the labels. Fun names and/or colorful and artistic labels make me happy. 

I never worry about pairing wine and food–taking the same approach that I do to fashion, decorating, socializing, and blogging, I just hope that if I like all the individual elements, they’ll all work well together. And I don’t think anyone would argue with me that most wine pairs well with chips.