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Love By the Glass
With by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher
Authors and Wine columnists
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002; 3 p.m. EST
Wall Street Journal "Tastings" columnists Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher share their memoirs and love story in the book, "Love By the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage." They tell their story through the wines they've shared from their first date, the birth of their daughter to Gaiter's struggle with cancer.
Looking to share wine moments with your loved one?
Brecher and Gaiter were reporters and editors at the Miami Herald, Newsweek, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. The have also jointly written "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine."
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Hi. Thanks so much for joining us. We're in Chicago at the moment on tour for our new book, "Love by the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage," but we're also preparing for Open That Bottle Night 3, so there is plenty to talk about. We used to have our own Web site and really enjoyed these events, so we're glad to have this opportunity to chat.
Washington, D.C.:
Any booksignings in the area?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Not at this time. We hope we will in the future. We are going to appear on the Diane Rehm show on Valentine's Day (and we're on Martha Stewart that night).
Rosslyn, Va.:
I loved, loved, loved your love story (which I read in The Wall Street Journal)! It was beautiful!
My question: my husband and I just returned from paris where we bought wine for $3 a bottle and it was GOOD wine, according to our unsophisticated tastebuds. What would your tastebuds say about such bargains? Are we fooling ourselves by thinking it's just as good as a $50+ bottle?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: If you loved the excerpt, you'll love the book, "Love by the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage." Please take a look. Your experience is exactly what our book is all about -- so much of wine is about the experience, not just the taste itself. So many of us have had the best wine of our lives in Paris on vacation, or on our honeymoon, or on a first date. Why is that? We think it's because there is more in each bottle than a liquid. And, by the way, don't be troubled by a price. As we said in our first book, "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine," wine always tastes better when it's a steal.
Arlington, Va.:
Why did you decide to write your book? Also, did both of you start writing about wine together or separately and found wine a common interest?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: This is really what our book, "Love by the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage," is all about. We met and fell in love on June 4, 1973. We were always very serious journalists, and only started writing about wine in 1998 as a favor to a friend who was the first editor of Weekend Journal. In our 30 years together, we've pretty much always worked at the same newspapers, so we're used to working together. We ultimately wrote the book because we found that many people enjoyed our column because it is really about life, not about wine--and we thought we could expand that philosophy into a book. The idea of the book is to put wine into the context of a full, lovely life.
Arlington, Va.:
Have you always worked together? How did you meet?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: We both started on the same day at The Miami Herald. It was love at first sight. We fell in love with wine soon after.
Arlington, Va.:
What do you consider to be the most romantic wine (and one I can actually find in the D.C. area!)
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Well, Champagne is always appropriate to romance. Pink Champagne is especially appropriate. We personally consider red Burgundy the most romantic wine because it's so velvety and sensuous. For specifics on Burgundy, drop us a note at wine@wsj.com and we'll send you our most recent column. Dessert wines are great for the same reason as chocolates--sweets for your sweetie. If you haven't tried an Icewine from Canada, here is your opportunity. In the long run, the most romantic wine is the wine that's most romantic to you--even Mateus is maybe that's the wine you fell in love over. (And don't forget wines from Virginia. Visit a winery for Valentine's Day--what could be more romantic?)
Washington, D.C.:
Are you concerned about alcoholism?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation. We think wine is a great accompaniment to food, making meals more pleasurable.
Virginia:
My Valentine and I are interested in learning more about wine. Are there any books or particular classes you would recommend (we are novices, at best).
Thank you.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Well, first, of course, you should read our new book, "Love by the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage." You will leave it with more knowledge of wine, though the real idea is to leave it with maybe even more appreciation of life and romance. Our first book is a more straightforward wine book, "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine." But in the long run, the only way to really learn about wine is to be bold and try some. Set a target -- say, $84 a case -- and buy a mixed case of wine for that amount. Try them. That's how we learned, and there isn't a better way. (And, of course, read our column every Friday in the Wall Street Journal. It's good for novices, as well as Valentine's.)
Arlington, Va.:
I find myself very depressed not to have a Valentine. Is there anything I can do besides eat boxes of chocolate? Thanks.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Be yourself. Some lucky person will find you.
Washington, D.C.:
What wineries do you recommend for a romantic getaway? Are wineries in Virginia and the east coast just as beautiful as the ones out west?
How old is your daughter now? washingtonpost.com:
In your book, you write about the birth of your daughter and her first sip of wine. Would you say that this is the most memorable wine story in your book?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: All wineries are romantic, especially the smaller ones. Winemakers are romantic--and interesting and artistic. East Coast, West Coast, Missouri--you really should drop by.
Media turns 13 a month from today, though John won't admit it. Zoe is 11 and a half. We touched Champagne to their lips as they were born--we had heard it was an old French custom, and who cares if it really is? But that is what our book is all about--life's special moments.
South Arlington, Va.:
I hear host Kim O'Donnel is preparing a lovely Valentine's meal on Thursday for her What's Cooking Video Live Online. She's doing a shrimp dish served on rice with a mango, cilantro chutney, of sorts, I think. What romantic wine would be nice with this? Considering the shrimp may set me back a few ducats, price does matter.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Two suggestions: 1) German Riesling, a highly romantic wine because it tastes like roses. Look for "Kabinett" and "Riesling" on the label and you'll be fine. We know how daunting those German labels are. 2) Not as romantic but equally fun is Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, the new hot thing. Crisp, grassy, bouncy--just plain fun. Get the brand new 2001 vintage if you can. Villa Maria is a good name, and should just not much more than $10, but don't be choosy on the specific label
Annapolis, Md.:
Hi,
I'm going to be having dinner with my sweetie on Valentines day. I would love for you to recommend a moderately priced wine or two to accompany the dinner. Here are the courses:
1. shrimp bisque
2. wild field salad
3. salmon with puff pastry
4. chocolate cake for two
Thanks for any help you might be able to give me!
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: You can't miss with these: 1) Start with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (see previous message). Your sweetie will be amazed that you know about this very special treat. 2) For the salmon, trust us on this, a Pinot Noir from Oregon, slightly chilled. Pinot is so romantic anyway, and this is a perfect pairing, like you and your sweetie. WillaKenzie is a great name if you see it; Sokol Blosser is good, too. Firesteed is very good and quite reasonable if you happen to see it (actually, the first Firesteed we ever had was in Washington, but that's another story).
Baltimore, Md.:
My significant other and I love wine and I was thinking of incorporating it into a valentine's day gift. Say, one bottle of a particular year to drink this year and one of a later year to save until next year, to make it a tradition. Thoughts, suggestions of a red, moderately priced vintage that would fit the bill (he tends toward italian, french)? Thanks so much!
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Price is an object, of course, but Dolcetto from Italy would fit the bill. It means "Little Sweet One," so you've got something going right there--though it's a dry wine. It's delicious and plump today, but evens out in a year or two--so this could be a lovely tradition.
Princess Anne, Md.:
Avia Wines from Slovenia are an incredible value. How can their Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay be so great when they sell for only $4.99 or less.
I tried their Pinot Grigio and found it better than many at twice the price.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: If you have found a wine you like for a very reasonable price -- what we call a house wine -- you are very lucky. Everyone should have one. For some more suggestions for house wines, drop us a note at wine@wsj.com
Washington, D.C.:
Can you tell me why restaurant's wine by the glass seems to be so expensive? I'm thinking the mark-up must be at least 500%! Sometimes, it makes me want to eat at home, even when I don't feel like cooking. Thanks.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: The markups on wine in general at some restaurants are outrageous. But not at others. Our advice is simply to avoid places with outrageous markups.
Rockville, Md.:
Your story kind of reminds me of "the day's of wine and roses", remember that movie? Do you usually listen to music while drinking wine? If so, what's your favorite kind? I think jazz is great with chablis and classical is good with red wine.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Here's a trivia question: Who were the stars of the original "Days of Wine and Roses" on television?
Alexandria, Va.:
Neither my husband nor I like white wine. We prefer reds and don't pay too much attention to food pairings if it's just the two of us. We did, however, come across a white burgundy once that we really liked, but it's not so easy to find. Is there anything like a white burgundy that you'd recommend for us? we'd like to expand our horizons.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Try a Macon. It's a pretty inexpensive white Burgundy made from Chardonnay grapes. It's widely available. Another suggestion: a white wine named Viognier that's so flavorful that it's almost like a red. R.H. Phillips makes a very good one that's widely available and very affordable.
Rosslyn, Va.:
I love wine, but have a very difficult time remembering the bottle I liked or one that someone has recommended. And when I do happen to write it down, it's nearly impossible to track down the bottle. There are just way too many labels out there. What's a girl to do? Any tricks?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: We actually have a whole chapter on that in our first book, "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine." Save labels. It's easier than it sounds. We all think we're going to remember that wine we enjoyed tonight, but we never do. We have saved labels for years -- not just so we could remember the wine, but that we could remember the moment. In the long run, you have to find a wine shop that's helpful. They should be able to help you track down that wine, or at least one that's similar. You can never tell what is available anywhere, but a good shop should be able to help you find something that you like at least as much. Finally, if you had it at a restaurant, call them and ask about it--they will be flattered.
Washington, D.C.:
Do you think that giving wine is a good Valentine's gift? If so, what would be appropriate for someone who knows little about wine - esp. the giver who knows little to nothing about what kind of wine to give.
Any suggestions for a woman vs. a man?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Wine is a great Valentine's gift because it can be very romantic. There's really nothing like a Champagne or a half-bottle of a dessert wine with a ribbon on it. Sauternes is ridiculously affordable--try one.
Washington, D.C.:
Do you know Washington Post wine critic Michael Franz? washingtonpost.com:
Join Michael Franz for The Grapevine Valentine's Special on Wed. Feb. 13 at Noon EST.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Only by excellent reputation. We do, however, think we know personally every other staffer at the Washington Post because all of us used to work together at the Miami Herald.
Richmond, Va.:
John & Dot - I was pleasantly surprised to see that you were doing this today - I am a loyal reader. You have helped fuel my increasing appreciation of wine, and right now you are also an inspiration for other reasons. Following my marital breakup, I have recently become closer with a lovely young woman, and one of my first goals will be to introduce her to a world outside of white zinfandel. In addition, we are also learning to live with reactions to racial differences, and your excerpt on your 'Barbra Streisand Experience' was fun in light of that. What would you suggest as the first step up from white zinfandel? Keep up the great work!
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: You might want to try a Beaujolais and a good --we emphasize good -- Pinot Grigio. Drop us a note and we'll send you details.
Saving labels:
Okay, but how do you get those suckers off the bottle?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: First, drop in hot water. Some labels (Burgundy) will float off. Some (Australia) won't budge. Then try boiling. Then scraping with a knife. Then these new plastic strips that rip them right off. If all else fails, call Dottie.
Bethesda, Md.:
Dorothy and John, you both have a lovely romance story (that's not too mushy!) and I love the way you wrote excerpts of your individual thoughts in the book. Are people surprised that you are a couple?
Since both of you have such different backgrounds, did you have to deal with issues of race, religion or even differences in the type of news or styles of writing?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Well, to some extent, that's what our book, "Love by the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage," is all about. We've been a couple since we were 21, so we're pretty well used to each other, now that we're 50. We were very lucky. We had wonderful parents, great bosses and we're not very different from each other.
Arlington, Va.:
While I had big plans for OTBN, I've learned that I will be out of town that weekend on business about 60 miles from Napa. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Really, the whole idea of Open That Bottle Night is to open that one special bottle of wine that you're saving forever and celebrate it. Any night can be Open That Bottle Night, though we're all going to try to do it together on Feb. 23, since we know it's hard to do by yourself. It's just so hard to open that one special bottle, isn't it?
Baldwin, N.Y.:
We really miss your wine website! I'm sure a lot of readers would agree with me. Any chance there will be a new Tastings website?
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: We hope so, but we don't know. By the way, trust you're familiar with Baldwin Vineyards, more proof that good wine really is being made in everybody's backyard.
Austin, Tex.:
How do I get an autographed book of Love by the Glass? I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: If you send us a copy with a return slip, we'd love to. You're so nice to ask. Just drop us a note at wine@wsj.com and we'll work it out.
Washington, D.C.:
I am going on a short business trip to Cape Town later this month. Any suggestions for great wine to pick up - particularly something you can't easily get over here (not
more than $30 a bottle please!).
Dortohy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Actually, South Africa is making such good wine right now, but we never see most of it here. So just ask about smaller wineries that don't export and it'll be hard to lose. Meantime, though, drop us a note and we'll send you our latest column about South African wine. There are great values in South African wine these days
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: ....The only way to learn about wine is to try new things. And it's fun, too. Don't get into ruts. Seventy percent of all wine drunk in the U.S. is made in California. There's a whole world of wine out there that people miss.
Washington, D.C.:
Re: labels - even cold water works, as I learned when I put two chardonnays in an ice bucket Sunday night, now I don't know which is which, the capsules don't say. It will be fun to figure it out!
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Why one label floats off and another doesn't is a mystery. But we wish they all did!
Vienna, Va.:
What are your favorite wines and do you both like specific regions? And what has been the most exotic type of wine that you both have tried? Any mentioned in your book?
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: We have tried garlic wine from Miami, Always Elvis from Italy and birch wine from Scotland...but the book mentions many wines from all over the world and all over the U.S. that we've tried. Experimentation is fun.
washingtonpost.com:
Do you have any plans for writing a new book or teaching at wine lectures and/or tastings?
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: We're busy enough with the column, the books and so on for anything else! We do hope to write more books, expanding on the idea that it's about life, not just about wine. But see what you think of this one first. Let us know!
Phoenix, Ariz.:
In preparation for Open That Bottle Night 3, what should those of us do who don't have an old bottle saved?
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: It's not really about old bottles. It's really about friends and celebration and life. Invite over some friends and tell them to bring a bottle that conjurs memories--Mateus, or Cold Duck, or Lancers, even. Those wines have starring roles in "Love by the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage," since, after all, we all grew up with them.
Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher: Thanks for joining us. That was really fun. We wrote "Love by the Glass: Tasting Notes from a Marriage" because we found that readers enjoyed having wine put into the context of a full life. Please take a look and let us know what you think. We're at wine@wsj.com. Bye!
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