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By Steven Jackson from USA (Arborio RiceUploaded by Schwäbin) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
By jlastras [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Question: I have an ongoing argument with a fellow chef whether arborio or carnaroli rice makes the best risotto.  Would you please settle this for us Sid?

Answer: Flattering of you to ask but not sure I can. Arborio is a shorter grain rice most widely available in North America. Carnaroli is a longer grain newer strain which is becoming ever more popular. Some of the keys to a successful risotto include starting with a good broth and the skill in crafting your desired rich creamy texture by the release of starches through long patient stirring. You need skill because you want the finished risotto to flow perfectly cooked so the rice grains and the liquid are not too separate yet not overcooked so that it becomes thick, soft and too dry. You don’t want oatmeal. With arborio you have to be extra careful not to overcook it while carnoroli seems “starchier” and is easier to work with to get that firm right texture. Vialone nano is another alternative for a shorter grain less starchy lighter style rice. At home we usually prefer and use carnoroli but both are capable of producing an outstanding risotto dish. On our visits to Alba we still find arguments among chefs there as to their preference though there is a growing trend for carnaroli!

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By kerinin [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Question: I am into the detailed study of fine wine the last few years but I am not yet an expert. Would appreciate your recommendations on subscribing to the best current wine publications to expand my knowledge.

Answer: Congratulations. A fascinating lifetime pursuit where you will discover the more you learn about wine the more you realize that there is so much you still don’t know. In the old days publications were quite limited including Andre Simon, Harry Waugh, Alexis Lichine, and Robert Finigan’s Private Guide to Wines. Along came the icons of Wine Spectator, Decanter and Robert M. Parker’s Wine Advocate all still influential and informative. Check out Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits and James Suckling too. Don’t forget the many excellent general reference books out there from Hugh Johnson to Jancis Robinson. You undoubtedly will focus on many different wine regions and now there seems to be an authoritative new book for every specific wine region. John Schreiner has some thoroughly researched books on the emerging BC Canada wine scene. For example, my latest book purchase is focused only on Barolo and Barbaresco by Kerin O’Keefe. There are many specialty guides out there including many on the internet – free and by subscription. Recommend The World of Fine Wine published 4 times a year, Allan Meadow’s Burghound on Burgundy and knowledgeable John Tilson’s free www.undergroundwineletter.com. Your question is very topical because this week brought the announcement that Vinous Media (Antonio Galloni) has just acquired the wine journal of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (including critics Tanzer, Josh Raynolds, Ian D’Agata and Joel Payne). Check out the newest hottest publication out there: www.VinousMedia.com.

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By Joseph Temple

In the world of wine, there’s no shortage when it comes to gender stereotypes.  Many guys of course prefer beer, but men who drink wine want a bold red to pair with that juicy grilled steak.  Women on the other hand enjoy lighter white wines while they’re relaxing in the bathtub after working all day and finally putting the kids to bed.

But is there any truth to these assertions or are they just clichés?  Using various market research, we present ten provable gender differences in terms of wine consumption.

1. Women buy more wine than men

According to a study conducted by the market research firm Canadean, women were responsible for 59% of all wine purchases in the United States for 2013. And when seeking out a bottle, females are more likely to be motivated by value than the opposite sex. According to senior analyst Catherine O’Connor: “Being more regular drinkers of wine than men, women look to find affordable offerings that allow them to enjoy the drink frequently without feeling guilt over their spending.”

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2.  Men spend more money on wine than women

Although they represent only 41% of the market, when it comes to price, men are more likely to open up their wallets.  Based on studies published in the 2012 Journal of Wine Research, Dr. Liz Thach of Sonoma State University shows that men on average spend $4.04 more per bottle.

3.  Men are more likely to purchase wine based on its rating

Ever had a guest bring over some wine for dinner and talk at length about the score that bottle received from Robert Parker or the Wine Spectator?  Well the odds are that person was male.  That’s because Dr. Thach also concluded in her study that “men are attracted by wines that score highly … they like to show off and to boast. Most women are not likely to do that.”  O’Connor also reaches a similar conclusion: “while women are looking to wine to accompany conversations as they unwind with friends, for men, wine is the conversation.”

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4.  Men are more likely to buy wine online

In America with the laws varying state-by-state and outstanding issues involving storage and authenticity (see: should I buy wine on eBay), internet purchases represent fewer than 2% of all wine sales.  But amongst that small market of online consumers, the majority is male according to the Wine Spectator.  More specifically, married men over the age of 40 with children and a high household income seeking out higher priced vintages.

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5.  Men and women both prefer reds

Contrary to the popular myth that women prefer whites, current research shows that males and females are both fans of reds – Cab Sauv and Merlot to be exact.  Using a sample of 300 Californians, the top five wine varietals for the two sexes are:

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6. Women are more likely to be hypersensitive tasters

While both men and women gravitate towards reds, the former is still more likely to choose red over white.  The reason according to Dr. Thach is: “more women than men are hyper-sensitive tasters.  These very sensitive tasters have a tendency to dislike highly tannic or highly acidic wines.  They gravitate towards whites, rosés and sweeter wine.”

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7. Women and men agree on their reasons for drinking wine

What motivates both sexes to uncork a bottle?  The #1 reason is because it enhances their food.  #2 is they like to taste and #3 is it helps them relax after a hard day.

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Question: Nice blog update on caviar Sid but what is your advice on the best utensil to use for serving and eating?

Answer: Good point. Lots of special fancy spoons and forks out there to choose from made of tortoise, mother-of-pearl, horn, porcelain, ceramic, bone, glass, wood – everything except silver or other metals. Issues of tarnish, oxidation, and the interference with the purity of caviar persist if you use an active metallic substance. Even little plastic spoons could be a cheap useful item to consider. Gerry Stein’s preference in his book Caviar! Caviar! Caviar! is a lot of fun: “a wooden tongue depressor, of the type used by physicians when they tell you to open wide and say Ahhhhhh!”.

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