Wine or Whiskey?

[lcfd42]

I'm sure some of the guys here enjoy sitting back in the "cozy" chair by the fire after an exciting 18 holes with a glass of quality Scotch (and maybe a cigar should you indulge in them).
Ok, now the wife likes a glass on wine on occasion, but I can't drink it at all. Wine has to be the nastiest concoxion of rotted fruit someone could come up with. "Oh, it all about the fruitiness and pallatability." What the he11 kind of statement is that? I guess maybe if I can hear another perspective on the subject, it would help. I have tried all kinds of the stuff; supposedly good stuff, some cheap stuff, red, blush, white and I honestly can tell the difference. It all tastes nasty.
I enjoy most quality distilled (from grain) products, as well as good beer. I'm ok with actually drinking the wine, but if I'm doing something wrong, someone fill me in. I've been practicing the perfect whiskey "lift and sip method" for 20 yrs or so, but wouldn't mind expanding into wines if its my technique thats the problem.

[zeg]

People have different tastes. It's possible you just don't like it. There's no magic technique that'll make you like it... There are particular ways to bring out scents or examine various characteristics of the wine, but none of them really improve the basic enjoyment of the drink.

For the basics, getting the temperature right is fairly important, as is having a decent wine glass. The basic rule is that reds should be at a cool room temperature, whites somewhat cooler -- a bit warmer than the fridge. I don't know quantitatively, I'm sure if you google a bit you can find some guidelines, but I'd say take a bottle of white out of the fridge half an hour before you want to drink it. There are some reds that ought to be a bit cooler, but really, if you're just trying to decide whether you like wine or not, it's not going to be that critical.

Glass-wise, any "wine glass" should be ok. You want a fairly large opening and some space inside---don't use a tumbler, pint glass, or champagne flute or you will miss out on the scents.

For variety... I'd suggest trying a few different types. I would suggest Merlot or Syrah/Shiraz (synonyms) as generally easily appreciated reds, and Chardonnay or Riesling for whites. Riesling can be a bit sweet at times so it's not for everyone, but it's a pretty straightforward variety in general. You can get a perfectly acceptable bottle of any of these at your supermarket or liquor store for between $10 and $20. Almost anything in the $15 range should be quite drinkable. Less than $10 and you risk running into some flawed wines that may make it harder to judge whether you don't like wine or you just got a bad one. Of course, don't get me wrong, you can (and I frequently do) get a very drinkable bottle of wine for $7 or $8, but you'll come across a lot that you sorta have to overlook some flaws in.

Note that with some wines, especially reds, allowing some "breathing" after you open the bottle can help. However, if you're not buying old wines, this is usually going to be a minimal effect. Still, if you buy a quality wine and don't like it shortly after opening, it's worth trying again 20 minutes or half an hour later. Sometimes it'll improve.

Anyway, if someone tells you it's "all about the fruitiness and palatability" (whatever that means) they don't know what they're talking about. Wine just tastes good (to some of us). The finer details can be fun if you try to make a hobby out of it, but really, in the end it's about drinking something you like. Please don't drink wine if you don't like it, save it for those of us who do

[SQ Bimmer]

I definitely enjoy both, and they both serve a different purpose. It depends what I am eating, the weather, what activity I may be involved in, what my partners are drinking, etc. Given all that, beer may be a better fit as well. I generally default to red wine though, as I can really appreciate it. Good scotch can't be beat though. I loves me some Laphroaig or Johnny Blue.

As far as forcing yourself to like wine, that's not the right attitude! Drink what you enjoy, but don't bring it down for those around you if someone decides to open a bottle of wine and give you a pour. Just take it slow and enjoy yourself and don't mention how you don't like it, think it's just rotted fruit, etc, you will just ruin the mood. Sip it slowly and if someone offers you a second pour, politely refuse and continue enjoying what's in your glass. Maybe bring up conversation about how you love yourself a good scotch, maybe the host will have some and you can work your way to a scotch for your second drink!

Some very good tips above on how to enjoy it though. I too agree on the "all about the fruitiness and palatability" thing. I have no idea what that means. Maybe I'm not cultured enough with wine? Ehh, I have been drinking wine for a very long time and I have fairly specific requirements for a wine before I may purchase it if I am out tasting somewhere. Palatability is a foundation, for sure. Beyond that, it gets more complex, and only you can decide how complex that is: dry, sweet, flavors of this, that, mouthfeel, aftertaste, etc.

[lcfd42]

I hope I'm not offending any wine drinkers out there as that was not my intention here. I can't seem to get by the sour"ish" taste and then the aftertaste. These are moreso what I don't seem to like about it. And I guess these are the reasons I feel like I may be overlooking something because people will say thing like this, "you can decide how complex that is: dry, sweet, flavors of this, that, mouthfeel, aftertaste, etc. Quote:SQ Bimmer"
It seems that people who enjoy it REALLY enjoy it, and I would like to if I can. If not I can accept that and continue to enjoy a nice short glass of Johnny or Glenlevet.

[SQ Bimmer]

I doubt anyone is offended. I'm certainly not.

I think I see where you are going with this now. I would possibly look into a wine tasting class or gathering of some sort at a local tasting room. Or if you have a friend that is very experienced with tasting and can actually describe things to you, pair foods, etc, that could work out. This is sort of similar to seeing a PGA Pro for golf lessons btw, the person needs to have some skill and experience!

Classes are offered almost everywhere, at least out here. You will likely be tasting a lot of wines from CA and South America, some Europe and "down under." I sort of learned things by utilizing a LOT of experimentation, various "wine of the month clubs," etc. With a lot of trial and error, a lot of money spent on wine that I didn't like, and my girlfriend and I going to tasting rooms here and there, I have my palate figured out for the most part, and can appreciate wines that don't fit my palate exactly.

Being from California, it's very easy for us to find a tasting room at a winery that actually grows their own grapes on site. Other places buy grapes and processes them at their location, those are good too. You may find places such as the latter locally, but they may be expensive since grapes don't travel well, and they need to be crushed fairly quickly after picking. More than likely you will have tasting rooms offering non-local wines bottled well beyond your states borders; however, I don't know much about growing grapes in SC, I could be totally wrong!

Regarding your issue with a wine tasting sour or having a bad aftertaste, maybe that could be resolved with a proper food pairing. Maybe take your wife to a fine restaurant that is known to have an extensive wine selection, and ask the server, host, etc, for suggestions on pairing a wine with your meal, cheese, fruit, chocolate, etc. You will be surprised how well a certain food will make a wine taste. Don't be shy to tell them that you don't know a thing about pairing food/wine and you would like to learn so long as they have the time to explain some things.

Tasting wine is not always a conscious thing, which is what you seem to be trying to make it out to be. That can complicate things, just like with a golf swing. Sometimes you just need to have the right pairing and take a SWI n G !

[NormH3]

Many people don't like whiskey either. As mentioned, it's a matter of taste. Myself...gave up alcohol in 2003. best decision I ever made. Cheers..

[Golf'nBiker]

Johnny BLUE!! Excellant taste in Scotch!! I too enjoy Scotch and Irish whiskies. But on topic, not much of a wine drinker in the past..I have attended a wine tasting event once w/an open mind and came away w/not much of a different perspective. I then tried some Port, and paired w/a fine cigar, it did the trick. One can spend as much on Port as a putter, but siting before the fireplace, FONSECA bin #27 or PORTO Rocha Vintage 2000 is pretty good and not expensive. If that dosen't work for you, stick w/the stuff that works.

[lcfd42]

Thanks Guys,
I think you figured out what I was asking SQ Bimmer. We do have some local vineyards here, just across the line in NC (only 5 miles). We also have the winery at the Biltmore Estate. I've been told they have some quality wines, that are reasonably priced. You can make a trip there to tour the home and gardens, then tour the winery and have a tasting session while there. We also have some specialty wine distributors here that only deal in quality wine and spirits. Maybe they could provide more information as well.
I think this is a step in the right direction anyway.
I agree Norm, many people don't like whiskeys, because it seems to be a like or dislike (its not so much the alcohol that people usually don't care for, its the woods and spices that flavor the spirit ) There are 1000's of ways to blend,flavor and age distilled spirits for different drink and tastes. I'm not getting into mixed drinks as most of them ruin good drink anyway; that is another thing all together. I'm talking the straight drink here. I find most distilled products drink the same (per se') as anything else, you have bad stuff, good stuff that drinks smooth and no biting aftertaste, and then the "really good stuff" thats just a real pleasure to drink; Usually lost of $$$ there.
This is good information. Thanks again.

[Shindig]

I've been exposed to many great wines in the past year or so, although I've been drinking wine in various capacities for about 6-7 years. My little sister just got her first sommelier certification a year ago or so, and when we go for dinner, she picks the wine.

That aside, wine serves a different purpose for me than liquor, as others have pointed out. When I'm having friends over for dinner, I usually pick a wine or two that will go with the meal and offer that as the "default" drink, although soft drinks are in my fridge and my friends know they can request a hard drink too.


This having been said, any alcohol that isn't beer is fine by me (to various degrees). That's a drink I can't stand in any forms I've tried.

[RocketSauce]

i hate wine too. cant stand it. i havent had a drink in over 5 years now, but when i did, it was mostly just beer. i just dont have a taste for alcohol anymore. its not that a quit drinking or anything, i just dont like the taste anymore

[GaijinGolfer]

Hmmm, tough call. If you asked me about 5 years ago I would have said whiskey, but now I think Im going to say wine.
Whiskey is too harsh for my liking. A glass of a quality red wine with some pasta and alfredo sauce. Now thats a pretty good meal!

[Fraser]

Johnny BLUE!! Excellant taste in Scotch!!

The only place for Johnny Blue is in a glass with a mixer. I've done that a few times before for a laugh.

[Fourputt]

I'm beer first, wine second, whiskey never. Some occasions the wine goes ahead of the beer. I've never cared much for hard liquor of any kind.

Good wine paired with the proper food can be ambrosia.

[RIduffer]

Fortunately, we don't have to choose one or the other. That's like choosing which child you like best.

[Three Putt]

Red Wine for sure. Never liked hard liquor at all. Like beer on the course.

[Shindig]

The only place for Johnny Blue is in a glass with a mixer. I've done that a few times before for a laugh.

Oh my goodness... you would give me a heart attack.

A friend of mine was with his girlfriend at the wedding of one of her friends. Open bar, and he sees Johnny Blue. Hands her the keys and tells her she's driving them home.

[Fraser]

Oh my goodness... you would give me a heart attack.

It only happens when I fly longhaul and am after a whiskey and coke. The only whiskey options are usually 20 year old Glenlivet, the Blue Label or Woodford Reserve. I don't like Woodford Reserve and know my father would have disowned me if he found out I'd put Coke in a single malt...

[lcfd42]

my father would have disowned me if he found out I'd put Coke in a single malt...

I would have to side with your father on that one....