Editor's Letter

Red wine is the drink of choice in my household. My husband is very open-minded about what he'll pour, as long as it's red (or single-malt Scotch, but that's another story). He is very much like the F&W readers we've canvassed over the years. I'm not sure I understand the preference for red wine over white. Is it because red seems more serious, more thought-provoking, and therefore better? (Send me your thoughts about that on Facebook; I'd love to know more!) Whatever the cause, we've responded to the demand and created dazzling stories in this special wine issue for rouge-ophiles.

Americans are particularly obsessed with Pinot Noir. So we sent F&W's restaurant editor, Kate Krader, to France to learn about winemaking's new guard, who are helping red Burgundy evolve. And, because these winemakers are also natural-born cooks, we asked for their best recipes, too.

The Pinot Noir grape is notoriously fickle, but the drinkers devoted to it are not; if anything, they're too loyal. So, to nudge them toward new taste experiences, F&W's associate wine editor, Megan Krigbaum, explored red grapes that have a strong resemblance to Pinot while also expressing their own identity; F&W's Test Kitchen supervisor, Marcia Kiesel, created recipes to match. I'm hoping you might fall in love with Gamay, Bonarda, Xinomavro, Mencía or any of the other varietals that are super-food-friendly, affordable and delicious.

F&W's executive wine editor, Ray Isle, had the tough task of trying the world's best bottles for his Wine-Tasting Room column. Turns out most of the ones he wrote about are red. From Bordeaux, the $4,000 Château Pétrus isn't exactly in my price range, but I might splurge on the $200 Vieux Château Certan.

Is it finally time for white-wine drinkers to speak up in defense of their preference? I'm beginning to think so. I'll start the movement at home by convincing my husband to share a bottle of Riesling, my new favorite.

My Recent Expeditions

Williamstown, MA

Near the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, this restaurant executed simple dishes magnificently, like a pan-roasted salmon served with tomato, beans and olives.

New York City

Food, art, style and scene all come together at Marcus Samuelsson's excellent Harlem comfort-food spot. The fried chicken is perfect. .

New York City

I was dubious about the flatbread with mayo and shaved bottarga, but it turned out to be one of the best minimalist dishes ever.

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