10 Questions With Wine Knowledgeable Karen MacNeil

Wine professional Karen MacNeil says that: “A life with wine is a lot richer and extra scrumptious than a life with out it!” And, we couldn’t agree extra. Life IS higher with wine (moderately, clearly).

And, that will help you love what’s in your glass much more, we requested Karen 10 of our burning vino-related questions. Because the writer of The Wine Bible (which, simply had its third version launched and is taken into account the bestselling wine e-book in America, with greater than 800,000 copies in print), she fairly actually wrote the e-book on wine.

For somebody who’s new to wine, what do you suppose one of the simplest ways to make use of / learn The Wine Bible is?

Karen MacNeil: Simply open the e-book wherever and begin studying! There are fascinating aspect packing containers and tales on each web page. Most individuals learn The Wine Bible (WB) on this unconventional manner. It’s additionally enjoyable to purchase a bottle of wine, lookup that area within the WB, and skim when you sip.

What are a few of the updates on this model that you simply’re most enthusiastic about and why?

Karen: I really like the model new chapter on Nice Britain, which is now making scrumptious glowing wines which have quite a bit in frequent with Champagne. Local weather change has harm many wine areas, but it surely has benefitted England, making the local weather conducive to nice wine. I additionally love the brand new chapter known as “Within the Starting … Wine within the Historic World.” Fascinating!

If individuals are enthusiastic about making an attempt one thing new and totally different from the same old Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabs which are discovered on most wine lists and grocery retailer cabinets, are there any wine areas or grapes that you simply counsel folks strive? Any hidden values?

Karen: Spain and Portugal make sensational wines from native varieties like Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional (each pink grapes). The wine tradition in these two international locations is historic, the wines are improbable and they’re STEALS! Many terrific wines beneath $25.

If somebody desires to start studying about wine however is overwhelmed and doesn’t know the place to begin, the place ought to they begin?

Karen: Wine may be very welcoming. It actually doesn’t matter the place you begin. Simply decide a rustic and begin consuming wines from there. Should you drink the wines of 1 nation for say six months, you’ll uncover that you’ve really acquired a good suggestion of the flavors of these wines. Then transfer on to nation No. 2. And so forth. Simply start!

In your expertise, what’s probably the most extensively misunderstood factor about wine? Any frequent missteps newbies make?

Karen: Individuals usually swallow wine too shortly. Should you swallow too shortly you received’t style something and also you’ll don’t know how scrumptious the wine actually is.

What are a few of your favourite wine and meals pairings? Any that you’ve on the common or that may shock folks?

Karen: Champagne and potato chips are excessive on my record. Additionally rosé and grilled cheese sandwiches.

We’ve seen numerous wines come in the marketplace which are marketed particularly as low-calorie. Acquired ideas on these?

Karen: Low-calorie wines are sometimes extremely manipulated. I’d fairly drink a half glass of the true factor than a glass of (often not superb) low-calorie wine.

Have you ever seen any classes of wine or areas actually acquire in reputation this 12 months? Any you’ve seen folks lose curiosity in?

Karen: Wine curiosity is exploding throughout the globe. EVERYTHING is fascinating.

Are there any wine tendencies you’re anticipating to see take off in 2023? Any you would like would fade away?

Karen: Wine takes time — years of time. Typically it takes 10 years or extra to plant a winery and make and age a wine BEFORE it’s launched. Wine is the last word non-trend. I adore it due to that.

We’re positive that is like asking you to choose a favourite youngster, however in case you may solely have three wines for the remainder of your life in your glass, what would they be?

Karen: Champagne (from France after all), Pinot Noir from California and Oregon, German and Austrian Riesling.

An enormous because of Karen for taking the time to reply our questions! And, for the document, we couldn’t agree extra together with her ideas on low-calorie wine. Cheers, y’all! —Jenn

Some content material / images excerpted from The Wine Bible, third Version by Karen MacNeil. Workman Publishing © 2022