If you live in the United States or the United Kingdom, there are two fine wine clubs to keep you apprised of the latest and best to be had in the world of wine. The New York Times Wine Club services those aged 21 and above in half of the states (see list below), and the Sunday Times Wine Club, located in Berkshire, delivers to customers 18 and older throughout the UK.
The New York Times Wine Club
Expect selections from this club from small, family-run, boutique wineries from around the world. Actually, this club has two categories of membership: There is the Times Sampler, which provides six bottles during a one-year membership, for a membership fee of $90. Four will be red, and two will be white. You will receive recipes to match each selection as well as a bottle’s wine notes.
You can also choose the Times Reserve. Selections cost $180 per six-bottle shipment of four red and two white selections.
What might a wine’s notes include? For a recent Rhone Valley syrah selection, the customer learned about the vintners and their roles in the wine yard. The soil composition of the area was discussed—a clay, flint, and limestone mixture that resulted in grapes better than the average Côtes du Rhône vintages. Half of the grapes fermented in tanks made of stainless steel, and the other half matured in oak tanks; the two wines were then blended to create a woody, fruity flavor with a hint of spice. You will also learn about tasting tags—which included, in this case, violet, dried rose, and brandied cherry. Aromas are also covered; you do not have to swirl a glass of wine to release its aromas before you taste it, but many people insist that this does heighten the experience.
Benefits of the New York Times Wine Club include a ten percent discount per case ordered. Selections are sought from places the world over that you might not ordinarily come across. You can cancel your membership at any time. You will also receive ideas on menu pairings for your wines. And you cannot match the experience of the experts who make the selections.
This club will also keep you abreast of what’s in the news in the world of wine, as well as food and travel notes from all over. Note that this club cannot ship its products to AK, AL, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MN, MS, MT, NC, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WA, or WI.
Bugwhana.com