Selecting cocktail wines...

I've always been a big fan of cooking dinner on a date.  Now, I'm not a love doctor or match maker, but the "date" wine selection is crucial.  As a heads up, this entry is geared for the male reader.  Let's face it, 80% of all wine drinkers are women.  That 20% need help from time to time!  Too many men out there use the infamous wine copout: "I'm a big, red guy.  Give me something that's bold, with tannins and guts!"  Guys, that perspective needs to change.  The majority of women won't follow suit.  You're going to appear narrow-minded, and ignorant, when it comes to drinking good wine.

I have a friend, let's call him Johnny, who used to call me all the time before cooking for his date.  He'd peruse the grocery store for food, and when it came to wine, he'd call me.  First of all, I'd ask how much he was looking to spend.  Always key to know what your budget is, before selecting wine.  Secondly, I'd ask what he was serving.  With phone in hand, Johnny would guide me through the wine department, and we'd decide on a few wines together.  I'm a big fan of always have TWO different bottles of wine with a meal.  I like to have a cocktail wine, and a dinner wine.  Plan on a budget of $20-$30. 

I'd like to focus on the "cocktail wine".  The cocktail wine should always be accompanied by a simple hors d'oveur.  Rosemary & Olive Oil Triscuits w/ cheese are phenomenol, by the way.  Also, as a rule of thumb, you can't go wrong serving anything with "sweetness".  Now, let me clarify this:  Arbor Mist, Boones Farm, Beringer White Zinfandel, and Reunite Lambrusco are OFF limits.  You might as well be serving a Hungry Man, Ramon noodles, or Lean Cuisine for dinner.  Not cool. Anyways, wines with sweetness....first thing that comes to mind is riesling, right?  Over the years, I've become a huge fan of riesling.  I like riesling on a 90 degree day, chilled to slush, and sipping it on the porch.  I, also, like riesling at PF Changs, with General Chang's spicy chicken.  Riesling rocks!  If riesling is the route you take, there are three major regions to look: 1) Alsace (FRA), 2) Mosel (GER), 3)Rheingau (GER).  Alsace gives you the sweetness you're looking for, but also has this amazing petrol, flinty, minerally component that makes it super unique.  The Mosel is known for great wines, at great prices.  The Rheingau is the "king" of Germany.  Ridiculous wines, but you're going to pay some dough for them.  These rieslings also pair well with softer cheeses (Port Salut has been a fav of mine).

As I mentioned, there are SOO many wines out there.  Please stay away from big labels, when it comes to riesling.  Everyone and their mother is producing a style, especially the Californians.  Riesling perform best under cooler climates, because it ripens their acidity...stick to Europe!

NOW, if you're really looking to diversify and impress, try one of these selections:

1)Chenin Blanc - the white grape of the Loire Valley in France.  Typically, produced under the name Vouvray.  Most Vouvrays are semi-sweet, and have great acidity. Depending on the style, Vouvrays can exhibit notes of honey, nuts, ginger, fig, and white flowers.  Pair with a "heartier" soft cheese.

2)Gewurtztraminer - grows along-side riesling in Alsace.  The variety has high natural sugar and the wines are usually off dry, with a bouquet of lychees.  Gewurtz pairs well with Muenster cheese, and all sorts of Asian cuisine

3)Muscat - Moscato d'Asti is one of the most popular wines produce from muscat, because of its slight efforvensence.  These tend to be on the sweetest end of the spectrum, but are always crowd pleasers to dry and sweet wine drinkers alike!

Do your homework, take a risk, and you'll surprise yourself.  Johnny was completely lost when it came to wine.  Now he is a budding casanova, and appreciating the "International Wine Tasting" experience!