— by Averill Shepps

 

I have written before but not recently, about one of my favorite wine books, Reading Between the Wines by Terry Theise. Terry is a poet and the use of language is important to him, so that the book is beautifully written.  He helps the reader to look at wine differently.

 

I opened the book in anticipation of this column, and the first thing I saw was, “Have you ever tried to field the question, what kind of wine do you like?”  I thought of many times when I have been asked exactly that. Pourers at wineries or wine shows ask it.  At least they have a reason; they are trying to find out what to pour for you.  I am asked it often because    people know of my serious interest in wine.  I assume they are after gems of wisdom or guidance on what to buy.  I am asked it in social situations where the asker is just making conversation. I can go on.  But my answer in each situation is different. I often answer it with “It depends” or “It varies”.

 

Thus, “It depends on what I am eating”.  Sometimes I just say, “French” or “European”, just to get past the awkwardness of the question.  Terry says he responded that he liked moderate wine, but while he had an idea of what he meant, the asker was flummoxed.  At a winery they expect you to answer sweet or dry.  I like my wine wet is an accurate answer to that query.  And then they ask red or white?  Again, it depends.  Sometimes I say I like good wine. T he better it is the better I like it.  We can all agree with that answer.  I would enjoy hearing any of your responses to the question.  Do let me know of any gems.