Wine writing

[anna]

I've been asked to write a wine column, so to speak, for my law firm's newsletter. It's just for fun, especially since most of the firm consists of beer drinkers. Any tips/guidelines? And how do I write this column without feeling like a complete fraud? I'm thinking of concentrating on very basic topics, targeted toward the absolute novice. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Bucko]

Basics works well, Anna. Convert those !@#$% beer drinkers. Many folx do not drink wine because they are 1) intimidated 2) overwhelmed by all of the selections 3) Turned off by some wine snob like Foodie. :O

If you can run a series of articles starting with something as basic as the various grape varietals and food matches, this goes a long way, believe me. Then advance on........

Bucko

[Jerry D Mead]

Anna...Bucko's advice is good. Let me add to it. Give them at least one (two or three is better) wine recommendations each time. Beginners need "permission" to try something they haven't tried before...in the same way that we might read software or stereo or DVD reviews to make a purchasing decision.

They should be wines that are easy to find...not esoteric collectables.

Even with a law firm where presumably the readers have a few bucks...I'd still keep the wines mostly in the $10-$15...no more than $20...range. Champagnes for the millenium of course would have to go higher.

So...you might do a column explaining basically that Champagne is not wine with CO2 pumped into it...and then give them a few recommendations...something inexpensive like Korbel or Domaine Ste Michelle...something mid-range like "J" or Schramsberg...and then something Frenchy like Bollinger NV...getting across the point that they don't have to buy D.P. to have a good beverage.

Give me a direct e-mail on the subject and I'll give you some additional device.

Curmy