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I understand that many of my lifestyle choices are not popular on this here website. That’s fine. Different strokes for different folks and all that. But today I want to hit you with a challenge to get out of your comfort zone a little bit and just hear me out.
Let all of your preconceived notions about white wine fall by the wayside for a moment. I understand that many of you reading this are afraid to drink white wine. You’re concerned that you’ll look a tad effeminate to onlookers or that someone in your group is going to razz you.
If you can just get your head out of your own ass for two seconds and realize that no one really gives a shit what you drink, I promise that you too can enjoy white wine. It’s long been considered a fou-fou drink – this morning I aim to dispel that belief, because before last year I wasn’t a huge fan of the stuff, either.
Christmas Eve of last year I found myself sitting alone at a large dining room table with my grandmother while the rest of my extended family was congregating in the living room. My grandma and I were in a setting straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
The dishes from dinner had only just been cleared from the table, and from the large window where her and I sat we could see snow falling outside, the sun having just gone down with lights now illuminating the neighborhood beyond.
Christmas holly, tinsel, and lit candles surrounded us, all of it placed thoughtfully and with care. We sat there chatting, I with a crystal glass full of scotch, she with a white wine accompanied by two ice cubes.
At some point during the conversation I asked her – “What’s with the ice cubes, Grandma?”
She responded with a simple, straightforward reply – “I just like it. Keeps my drink cold.”
I’m positive that this was a forgettable portion of the conversation for her, but for me it opened a whole new world of possibilities. Before that fateful night last December, I was a guy who really only drank red wine, partly out of ignorance but more so because I was fresh off of a trip to Tuscany and that’s all I drank while I was there.
It’s worth mentioning in the last year or so that I’ve mellowed out quite a bit. I think this is a natural progression for everyone after the age of 25. Today I’m able to let things slide off of my shoulders a little bit easier than I would have been able to a few years ago.
I try not to let silly, everyday inconveniences ruin my mood and I like to think that I’m improving day by day. I embrace the absurdity of life. And with this newfound maturity and sense of calm, I’ve found that my taste in alcohol has changed quite a bit. I look for easy, tasty alternatives to light beer.
I no longer care about the optics. Wine magazines will tell me that throwing ice in my white wine is faux pas. That I’m a trash human being. I just don’t listen to that shit.
I’m not drinking to please anyone other than myself, and it’s why I’ve adopted the two ice cube and white wine approach that my grandmother introduced me to.
I’ve found myself going straight for the white wine menu on most nights when I’m dining out, foregoing beer because (and I’m paraphrasing my grandmother here) I just like it.
We’re in the dog days of summer here, and with football quickly approaching you’re going to be guzzling Miller Lites like no one’s business. So why not give your pallette a reprieve from the harsh notes of domestic light beer for just a few weeks? There isn’t a better way to enjoy these last few peaceful days without meaningful football than with a white wine on ice in your backyard or on your balcony. It’s equal parts refreshing and intoxicating.
I understand the trepidation. I get that for many of you it’ll be difficult to sit at a table with friends and ask a waiter or waitress to toss a few ice cubes in your glass of Pinot Grigio. But please. I’m imploring you. Just try it out..
Image via Unsplash
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jduda@grandex.co
Grabbed a white wine last night at the bar. They tossed it in a scotch glass to protect my fragile masculinity
If you’re outdoors in Florida its gotta be white wine with ice. Red wine is way too heavy and its nice to mix up my usual routine of Busch Lights
Duda, we rarely see eye to but on this I say “Cheers”. I’ve been IN on pinot or a nice sauv blanc for awhile now. It’s dangerously good, and refreshing. And you’re still consuming water between (during) which is good!
Pass on a chardonnay, though.
If you don’t want to dilute your wine, reusable ice cubes are well worth the investment. Or you can freeze a few grapes or strawberries to throw in your wine. Cheers!
I know this is a trash move but sometimes I’ll throw some ice in a red blend as well… I like my drinks cold, what can I say?
“You’re concerned that you’ll look a tad effeminate to onlookers”
Duda, all your pics in that DeFries article were textbook effeminate. gotta disagree with this advice now. blame Will
Love Riesling. Doesn’t hurt that after a few glasses I can say that I’m beasting on the Riesling.
You could just, you know, chill it. And get a wine chiller to keep the bottle cold. Props for the blanc though.
You can’t say that