Wine Not?

Sharon and I will be opening a 1999 Tenimenti Angelini Brunello di Montalcino. My favorite wine opening gizmo? The classic waiter's corkscrew.

By Walter Sanders

I’ve never met Dorothy J. Gaiter or John Brecher, the informed and entertaining proprietors of the “Tastings” column in The Wall Street Journal, but I’ve heard them on NPR and have been reading their column for a long time. They are smart, real, and fun-loving in their approach to wine.

They created the “Open That Bottle Night” concept 10 years ago … and what a wonderful concept it is.  It grew as a response to the most common question they receive from people who are saving a bottle of wine for a special occasion. “When is the bottle ready to drink?”

Their answer is perfect. “You know that bottle of wine you’ve been keeping around for that special occasion that never arrives or because the wine is always going to be better tomorrow? Open that bottle!”

OTBN is celebrated on the last Saturday in February … so this year, the 28^th. What a perfect time of year to invite friends over for a wonderful dinner and share the wine you’ve been saving.  And while you’re at it, propose a toast to Dottie and John for helping you open that bottle.

You can watch Dottie and John talk about Open That Bottle Night at www.WSJ.com/Tastings

Speaking of opening that bottle, tell me what kind of corkscrew, equipment or gizmo you prefer to get the job done.