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 (sparsely, 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 assume the easiest way to make use of / learn The Wine Bible is?

Karen MacNeil: Simply open the e book anyplace and begin studying! There are fascinating aspect bins 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 browse when you sip.

What are among the updates on this model that you just’re most enthusiastic about and why?

Karen: I like the model new chapter on Nice Britain, which is now making scrumptious glowing wines which have rather a lot in frequent with Champagne. Local weather change has damage many wine areas, however it 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 taken with attempting one thing new and totally different from the same old Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabs which can be discovered on most wine lists and grocery retailer cabinets, are there any wine areas or grapes that you just recommend folks attempt? Any hidden values?

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

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

Karen: Wine could be very welcoming. It actually doesn’t matter the place you begin. Simply decide a rustic and begin consuming wines from there. When 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 essentially the most extensively misunderstood factor about wine? Any frequent missteps newbies make?

Karen: Individuals usually swallow wine too shortly. When you swallow too shortly you gained’t style something and also you’ll do not 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 listing. Additionally rosé and grilled cheese sandwiches.

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

Karen: Low-calorie wines are sometimes extremely manipulated. I might moderately drink a half glass of the actual factor than a glass of (normally not superb) low-calorie wine.

Have you ever seen any classes of wine or areas actually achieve in recognition 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 want would fade away?

Karen: Wine takes time — years of time. Usually 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 certain that is like asking you to choose a favourite little one, however in the event 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 due to Karen for taking the time to reply our questions! And, for the report, we couldn’t agree extra together with her ideas on low-calorie wine. Cheers, y’all! —Jenn

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