Old World, New World wine views

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Updated: January 24, 2012 9:04PM

Here is the thing: although America now drinks more wine than any other country, we are not exactly drinking wine in the way that Europeans drink wine.

Here’s what I mean: When you go to book club, someone asks if you want a glass while you discuss Unbroken; when several couples come over for dinner, one of the first questions is “red or white?” no matter what appetizer you are serving; or you call your girlfriend and say, “Let’s get together for a glass of wine.”

Nothing wrong with any of this, but what it means is that at this time we are a “wine as a cocktail” culture more than a “wine with our meals” culture. I’m told that this will change as Americans get more knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, wine. We’re on a march, ladies and gentlemen, and what a fine trek it is. One of the ways we can move down the road is to begin to experiment (yes, in our own test kitchens) and learn about wine and food pairing.

My VKWF (very knowledgeable wine friend) is a little farther down the road — he thinks Old World. He will buy a particular bottle of wine and plan for weeks the type of meal that would complement his choice. No serving his wine with a variety of random, although perhaps delicious, appetizers.

Here’s a fun and simple exercise that I’ve tried many times with different groups and it has always been eye-opening. The ingredients are easy to find. Four bottles of wine — two white and two red — all different varietals. How about Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon to start? And you will need four different types of cheeses. I happen to be a big fan of Kerrygold, an all-natural cheese made in Ireland. You can find a variety of Kerrygold cheeses at Sunset Foods.

Line up four glasses and pour about two ounces of wine into each. Label the cheeses and put them in cubes on four plates. Now you are ready. Take a sip of wine and pay particular attention to the characteristics. Now, take a bite of cheese. Then, back to a sip of the wine. 

 Here is what to notice: Did the wine taste differently? If the pairing isn’t right, often the wine will taste watery or sometimes even a bit soapy. Did the wine taste the same or even better? If so, then you know you have a match. 

Bon appetit!

Susan Holmer is an award-winning television producer, reporter and magazine writer living in Lake Forest. The Cheeky Wine Guide helps readers explore the world of wine with her keen insights and unique sense of humor.