The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert
One of the best, most entertaining, and clearest books I’ve ever seen on the enjoyment of wine is Master Sommelier Richard Betts’ New York Times bestseller, ‘The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert: Take a Whiff of That.’ Betts is one of fewer than two hundred master sommeliers in the world, but he’s no wine snob, and he hates wine-speak. In the first book of its kind (yes, it really is scratch and sniff), he introduces the basic components of wine—the fruits, the wood, the earth—enabling anyone to discover the difference between a Syrah and a Sangiovese and get the glass they love every time.
There are clever illustrations with 16 scents, and best of all, you can order it from Amazon for a mere $12.61! It’s such a deal that if you give it as a hostess gift, you can afford to include one of the outstanding wines Betts recommends, for under $15 per bottle.
Here are some suggestions that even the most erudite of wine lovers will appreciate:
1. Barone Fini Pinot Grigio ($11.99) – Summer isn’t the only time to drink Pinot Grigio. It’s the perfect food-friendly wine that can be enjoyed with appetizers through the main course. Barone Fini comes from Northern Italy, an ideal location for growing Pinot Grigio, and it’s crisp and clean with balanced acidity.
2. HobNob Pinot Noir ($10.99) – HobNob’s philosophy endorses social gatherings, so what better wine to pour at holiday meals? This French Pinot Noir is medium bodied with soft tannins which create a smooth, rich texture – pairing well with prime rib, duck or lamb.
3. Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend ($14.99) – Josh Legacy is an easy-to-drink red blend that pairs well with favorite Thanksgiving staples like turkey and stuffing. Winemaker Joseph Carr created this wine in honor of his father – making it a meaningful choice and a perfect wine to enjoy with family during the holiday season.
4. My Essential Rosé 2013 ($14.99) – The world over is making better rosé these days and is now hip to how good rosé actually is. From the South of France, this blend of predominantly Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah is dry and refreshing. My Essential Rosé can be enjoyed alone after dinner but can also stand up to the abundance of holiday desserts. This wine is created and blended by Betts himself.
Now, if you happen to pick up a bottle of the HobNob at a place like BevMo that’s having a 5 cent sale and you end up with a little for yourself, you might try brewing up some Mulled Wine with ingredients you probably have on hand, to serve to your own guests. Here’s a recipe from Cooking Channel stars and mixology duo Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark:
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bottle of Red Wine (we recommend HobNob’s Wicked Red: the sumptuous, bold flavors will enhance the quality and flavor-forwardness of your mulled goodness)
- 1/2 cup of cognac
- 3 whole cloves
- ½ cup of sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 orange and 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer for 25 minutes. Let it sit overnight if possible (in the refrigerator is fine). Strain out the fruits and other non-drinkable ingredients and serve it warm in glass mugs.
Me thinks this sounds delicious. Happy wining!
