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Started By
Message
Advice on stepping up my wine knowledge?
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:33 am
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:33 am
Im a wine newbie. I know very little. Im interested in learning more.
Im overwhelmed with options on resources. Im interested in recommendations for encyclopedia type resources, websites, or specific blogs that could give me some broad general understandings. I dont need anything super in depth yet.
Help me out food board!
Im overwhelmed with options on resources. Im interested in recommendations for encyclopedia type resources, websites, or specific blogs that could give me some broad general understandings. I dont need anything super in depth yet.
Help me out food board!
8
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:37 am to skygod123
Kevin Zraly's Windows on Wine book is the best place to start. Start there.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:41 am to skygod123
Are you in Lafayette?
If so, start hanging out at Philippe's. Walk in introduce yourself to Philippe or Ben Leger, and tell them exactly what you've written. "I don't know a lot, I want to learn more, I like "X" kind of wine and I typically spend "X" dollars on a bottle."
They'll be able to point you in the right direction to start. The key to me is figuring out what you like in wine, and being open to trying other wines from other places that share some of the same characteristics that you like but also has some noticeable differences.
There are always the standard resources Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Jancis Robison, etc.
If so, start hanging out at Philippe's. Walk in introduce yourself to Philippe or Ben Leger, and tell them exactly what you've written. "I don't know a lot, I want to learn more, I like "X" kind of wine and I typically spend "X" dollars on a bottle."
They'll be able to point you in the right direction to start. The key to me is figuring out what you like in wine, and being open to trying other wines from other places that share some of the same characteristics that you like but also has some noticeable differences.
There are always the standard resources Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Jancis Robison, etc.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:45 am to skygod123
What kind of knowledge are you looking for? Red vs. White? Merlot vs. Moscato? Central California vs. New Zealand? Varietals? Regions? Terrior?
Best way to gain knowledge is to experience. Just go out and try new things every time and get to know what you like and dislike. Do you care to know about all the different regions in Spain if you find out that you don't like Spanish wine? Probably not. Find what you like and go from there.
Also, if you really want to learn more, go and seek out wine tastings. Usually they are a cheap (or free) way of discovering different wines. Talk to the people at the wine tastings and don't be afraid to ask questions. No one is born immediately knowing the difference between a Bordeaux and a Chateauneuf du Pape, but can learn if you ask. However, if you are looking to learn about wine so that you can impress people (and not enjoy it), then you are doing it wrong.
Best way to gain knowledge is to experience. Just go out and try new things every time and get to know what you like and dislike. Do you care to know about all the different regions in Spain if you find out that you don't like Spanish wine? Probably not. Find what you like and go from there.
Also, if you really want to learn more, go and seek out wine tastings. Usually they are a cheap (or free) way of discovering different wines. Talk to the people at the wine tastings and don't be afraid to ask questions. No one is born immediately knowing the difference between a Bordeaux and a Chateauneuf du Pape, but can learn if you ask. However, if you are looking to learn about wine so that you can impress people (and not enjoy it), then you are doing it wrong.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:50 am to skygod123
I learned a great deal by attending a beginners wine tasting class that Martin Wine cellars did. We went one evening a week for 5 or 6 weeks. It was great because they focused on different styles each week. They even had cheese, olives, nuts, etc so you could understand how different things change the taste of wine and vice versa.
The above mentioned windows of the world book is good.
The above mentioned windows of the world book is good.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:51 am to duffer8008
specifically, there is a business that needs a psuedo sommelier (they dont actually have a position).
its not an official position, but the guy who is leaving made more than the managers at this establishment. he graduated and got a big boy job. im returning to school and it will be better hours for my class schedule. Id like to be the new person racking in the dough.
So, I want to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as I can. I will also be sampling lots of the wine with this particular menu on my own time.
its not an official position, but the guy who is leaving made more than the managers at this establishment. he graduated and got a big boy job. im returning to school and it will be better hours for my class schedule. Id like to be the new person racking in the dough.
So, I want to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as I can. I will also be sampling lots of the wine with this particular menu on my own time.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:51 am to skygod123
Take notes and keep a journal of everything you drink. I always forget the names of stuff and the things I liked about them.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:53 am to duffer8008
quote:not anymore
Are you in Lafayette?
quote:love this place. ive gone to tastings and they were very knowledgeable.
Philippe's.
I lived in lafayette for 3 years, and I learned a lot there.
I dont know nothing, but I want to become an expert and feel like im behind the curve. want to get a good foundation.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 10:54 am to LSUJuice
quote:definitely,need to get better at this.
Take notes and keep a journal of everything you drink. I always forget the names of stuff and the things I liked about them.
I will randomly take pictures of wine menus to remember what I ordered. But, I dont recall what I ate these things with which changes the experience so much.
Thats really what I want to get better at. The pairing.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 11:20 am to McVick
quote:this is not what i want to do.
However, if you are looking to learn about wine so that you can impress people (and not enjoy it), then you are doing it wrong.
I want to begin experiencing wine the way I already experience food. I appreciate a chef's choice and the nuances in flavor profiles.
I have enjoyed wine for a few years, but not ever really delighted in the details. More, specifically, paying attention to how wine changes with food. I haven't done this until the last year or so....
Its something that I've slowly been getting into, but with this new opportunity on the horizon, I would like to accelerate my learning with some text book like resources to supplement my lack of experience.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 11:21 am to notiger1997
quote:
Martin Wine cellars did. We went one evening a week for 5 or 6 weeks. It was great because they focused on different styles each week. They even had cheese, olives, nuts, etc so you could understand how different things change the taste of wine and vice versa.
The above mentioned windows of the world book is good.
ill be seeing about enrolling in this class!
Posted on 1/20/14 at 2:58 pm to skygod123
Go to the free tastings at wine shops.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 3:08 pm to duffer8008
quote:
If so, start hanging out at Philippe's. Walk in introduce yourself to Philippe or Ben Leger, and tell them exactly what you've written. "I don't know a lot, I want to learn more, I like "X" kind of wine and I typically spend "X" dollars on a bottle."
They'll be able to point you in the right direction to start. The key to me is figuring out what you like in wine, and being open to trying other wines from other places that share some of the same characteristics that you like but also has some noticeable differences.
There are always the standard resources Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Jancis Robison, etc.
Great advice. I almost never buy wine that isn't based off of the owner's recommendation. Just too many bottles out there and I don't have the knowledge of varietals and regions in order to pick out quality wine of value on my own. I also enjoy going to tasting and talking with whomever I'm with plus the person pouring about what I feel like I'm tasting. It helps to put it into words with other people.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 3:16 pm to skygod123
quote:
specifically, there is a business that needs a psuedo sommelier (they dont actually have a position).
If you are trying to learn wine "professionally" or semi-pro. then your only option really is to enroll in a few classes some where. I would couple the classes with some beginner books, that is as good a starting point as any without going to school for it.
I can't suggest any specific classes but a quick google will probably give you everything in your area.
Posted on 1/20/14 at 3:55 pm to hiltacular
read a book
Posted on 1/20/14 at 4:07 pm to skygod123
You can contact me directly:
Screen name at yahoo
I've got my certified sommelier degree and my CSW. Hopefully get a couple more this year. Maybe my CWE, CSS, or FWS. There are plenty of references if you know where to look. Are you in the baton rouge area?
Screen name at yahoo
I've got my certified sommelier degree and my CSW. Hopefully get a couple more this year. Maybe my CWE, CSS, or FWS. There are plenty of references if you know where to look. Are you in the baton rouge area?
Posted on 1/29/14 at 10:12 am to lilwineman
quote:ygm
lilwineman
Posted on 1/29/14 at 10:29 am to BlackenedOut
quote:
Kevin Zraly's Windows on Wine book is the best place to start. Start there.
This.. read the book and drink along.. If you know of a tasting happening try to read up on the region/varietal before going and take notes
Posted on 1/29/14 at 10:36 am to skygod123
I'd say buy random wines and see what you like.
Maybe a book for basic knowledge but I think it would be freeing to make your own preferences.
Maybe a book for basic knowledge but I think it would be freeing to make your own preferences.
Posted on 1/29/14 at 10:56 am to skygod123
Replied...hope that helps. Let me know if u need anything else.
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