Getting beyond Moscato; the New White Zinfandel...

I fancy myself as a reformed Wine Snob.  When I first ventured to WineLand more than ten years ago, I was a basic White Zin girl.  Moscato wasn't available then so I dabbled in White Zinfandel, Arbor Mist and the more fruity sparkling wines.  I would learn later that my palate had to develop. 

White Zinfandel wasn't an issue until I traveled amongst what I thought to be more refined connoisuers of this seemingly complicated beverage, as they ordered their Merlot (mer-low), Cabernet Sauvignon (Kab-er-nay Saw-vin-yon) and Pinots Grigio/Gris (Peen-oh Gree-gee-oh/Gree).  Always desperate to learn, I jumped right in.  At my first opportunity, I tried a Chardonnay (Shar-doh-nay) and almost choked.  I assumed trying the common white wine would be best, it was just a step up from the pink stuff I had been consuming for two years and probably a natural progression.  But I admit, that sip almost turned me away from wine completely.  It was awful and I thought how in the world does one drink this stuff? 

So, still trying to appear sophisticated, I'd order wine in the company of wine drinkers, only White Zinfandel and if it wasn't available, I'd pass.  Finally, I was in the company of a friend, Ericka--she doesn't know this--and I watched as she ordered a Pinot Grigio.  As we waited for our beverages, she expressed that she didn't like Chardonnay and was glad the "Pinot" was available.  I thought, "whew" that Chardonnay stuff was for the birds and since she expressed the sentiment I felt, I thought let me try that Pinot, I wouldn't look out of sorts even though I didn't know what I was doing, really.  The waiter brought the Pinot Grigio, I knew enough to click my glass to say Cheers, we did and I sipped.  I didn't gulp.  I sipped and a natural instinct to allow the liquid to dance on my tongue a moment before swallowing emerged.  I swallowed and thought, wow, I like this one.  I would later come to understand I had to learn and remember why I like what I like.

From there on, to order, purchase or indulge in White Zinfandel, Asti Spumante or Verdi never crossed my mind or lips again.  I had gotten beyond the White Zinfandel; the new Moscato because I tried something new.  I tried it and I liked it.

Next Up....Why and How to try something new...