Part of the appeal of a wine auction is that it's just so gritty.
The bottles could be 100 years old. They could have been through the war (literally). They could have yellowed labels, or curled foil, or they could even be in pristine condition after some 40 years of solitary confinement in a cave in Burgundy.
Every bottle has a story. And every bidder at an auction has one too.
It's fun to watch these stories unfold. Which are bidding in order to complete a vertical? Which are bidding just to say they have a Petrus? Which are bidding because they actually intend to drink the wine?
Those are the ones to look out for.
Be one.
A watcher, that is, or -- better -- a bidder.
Because there are more deals to be had at wine auctions than you'd guess at first.
It just takes a little homework, and a little timing.
Just show up. This Thursday at 6.
Drinks after.
WHAT: Skinner and Lower Falls Wine Co. Fine Wines Auction
WHEN: Thursday, May 13 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: 63 Park Plaza, Boston
COST: $0 to attend or bid.
NOTE: Online preview is available, as is absentee bidding and online bidding
DAILY TIDBIT:
Here's another use for leftover red wine: use it in a caramel sauce. Make the caramel by bringing granulated sugar and water to a boil over medium heat. Then remove from heat, add the red wine, and cook again for a few more minutes. (Full, easy recipe is here.) Lasts a month! At least, it would if only it weren't so good drizzled over fruit sorbets, or as a dip for dark chocolate, or or or.
DAILY TIDBIT:
Here's another use for leftover red wine: use it in a caramel sauce. Make the caramel by bringing granulated sugar and water to a boil over medium heat. Then remove from heat, add the red wine, and cook again for a few more minutes. (Full, easy recipe is here.) Lasts a month! At least, it would if only it weren't so good drizzled over fruit sorbets, or as a dip for dark chocolate, or or or.
