Should you play the rating game?
You know what you like in a wine, but sometimes you want to try something new. Some folks believe that’s the time to check out wine rankings from magazines and experts to eliminate the guesswork.
“How wrong can I go when I show up with a 91-point-rated wine for my hostess?” asked Jolin Cordalis, wine buyer for Star Liquors.
But others disagree.
Wine shop owner Alan Cuenca of Put a Cork in It considers the rankings of magazines like Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast and well-known wine experts like Robert Parker to be a gimmick. Worse, a good ranking can convince a winemaker to chemically alter wine so it produces the same flavor year after year.
“Winemakers chase points versus making a unique wine based on terroir and vintage,” he said. “Many have lost their individuality, craft and art in lieu of points.”
Beyond rankings, however, both Cuenca and Cordalis suggest asking the experts at a wine store for information about a particular wine or a recommendation for a particular type of wine. You can never go wrong going with local knowledge.
For a fast burger fix, place your order online
Hungry and in a hurry? You can order online at Grassburger, Durango’s first all grass-fed burger joint.
“Oh, I hate to see anybody wait,” said co-owner Jessie Kileen as folks milled about the front waiting for take-out orders.
To motivate customers to make their lives easier, Kileen is offering 10 percent off your first online order, which you can place for an immediate bite or time for later. The button is located at the top of its website, www.eatgb.com.
Montrose hosts food and agriculture convention
If you’re a farmer, a rancher or a grocer, you might want to check out the Colorado Food and Farm Forum, Jan. 9-10 in Montrose. With the theme of “Unlocking the secrets of raising great food,” the conference highlights the importance of maintaining seed, soil and livestock and marketing farm fresh produce to local customers.
Breakout sessions include topics such as maximizing crop and livestock production, how to create innovative agricultural marketing and management strategies and growing specialty crops.
“This year’s conference demonstrates the commitment the industry has in developing, sharing and harvesting knowledge to increase the long-term sustainability of farms and ranches,” said Carol Parker, president of the Valley Food Partnership.
The conference website is www.foodfarmforum.org or call (970) 249-3935.
Pamela Hasterok
