WINE-  A BEVERAGE, A DESSERT, A STAPLE

Have you ever been at a restaurant and panicked as you were handed the wine list?  Did you freeze when the sommelier handed you the cork?  And what is a sommelier anyway?  Have you ever arrived at a dinner party with a bottle of wine in hand only to have the host shriek, "Oh look! A twist-off top!".  I have.

The history and complexities of wine are vast.  However, hopefully this web site will provide just enough basic knowledge about wines to put any wine novice a bit more at ease.  This web site has not been designed to provide comprehensive information on any one wine related topic as volumes have been written throughout the years.

The popularity of wine has increased wildly in recent years.  Winery tours, wine festivals, and wine tasting events are favorite social and tourist attractions.  Wine is quickly becoming the most prevalent of social beverages, in some cultures it is the staple beverage of the dinner meal, and in many of the world's religions it holds spiritual meanings.

WINE VARIETIES

When first entering a well stocked wine store, the shear number of bottles can cause any beginner great anxiety.  Although, when broken down into categories such as red, white, rose', sweet, sparkling, and fortified, you can quickly narrow your search.

WINE REGIONS

Italian, French, or Napa Valley?  Which is best?  Well, an easy question, not an easy answer.  Wine experts will debate relentlessly about whose wine is the best.  However, simply stated, there are no major differences any longer.  It comes down to a matter of personal preference.

WINE AND FOOD PAIRING

Finally, having pasta with pesto sauce?  Which wine will you choose?  Filet of flounder being served?  Is a chardonnay the best choice?  Here is where a little basic knowledge can go a long way as a good choice can really compliment a great meal.   Wine and food pairing is a basic skill that can easily be learned and there are many tools to help!


HAVE ANY WINE QUESTIONS?  E-Mail: lystasht2@scranton.edu