THEWINEMONOLOGUES.COM: New Varietals for 2010- A new and bigger goal!

New Varietals for 2010- A new and bigger goal!

At the beginning of this year, I made a resolution to try one new varietal each month. I have done well, if I say so myself, but I have recently come across an idea that modifies the resolution a bit. Its the Wine Century Club.

Established in 2005, this group of wine enthusiasts has each tasted at least 100 different varietals of wine from around the world. www.winecentury.com/about.html

Now, for some, that may not seem like a daunting task, but if you sit down and think about all the varietals that you have enjoyed, chances are, you have not tried more than 20 different varietals. Most wine drinkers have not tried more than 10! We have all tried the old standbys like Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet and so forth. But, have you tried a Picpoul, a Tannat, a Malbec, or even the dreaded Petit Verdot!

To join this exclusive organization, there is simply an application to download, fill out and return to the group once you have attained the 100 varietals. You are on your honor in completing the application. The Wine Century Club website reports though, that only about 3% of those who download an application actually complete it and send it back to join the group. That is my new goal and that is now what I am setting out to do.

I love to preach, "try new things" and "expand your palate". Well, that's what I intend to do and I hope you will follow along as I chart my progress in my "Monologues".

Now, onto the initial "count" of my "varietal experience" and a plan of how I get to 100!