
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 27, 1994                   TAG: 9408180011
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SHE'S PUTTING TOGETHER THE WINE LIST

With his affinity for trivia and memory for numbers, connoisseur Rob Crittenden easily recalls names, vintages and ratings of wines he's tasted. But it's his wife, Beth, with her passion for cookbooks and cooking, who remembers or knows what should have comprised the wines' complementary meals.

"Judging from my experience and the phone calls I get, I'd say that people are more interested in what wine to serve with what food. The years and ratings seem to be of less interest," said Beth Crittenden, whose monthly wine column, The Wine List, begins on Page 3 in today's food section.

Crittenden, a Virginia wine wholesaler, has traveled extensively in the United States and Europe during the past 10 years broadening her knowledge of wines. She'll rely on that knowledge as well as input from column readers and members of the 7-month-old Roanoke Valley Wine Society, to determine areas of highest interest.

The society, which the Crittendens founded, meets the fourth Thursday of each month for wine-tasting programs at Corned Beef & Co. in Roanoke. For information, call 992-3285. Crittenden said the society's attendees spans many age and socioeconomic levels. She wants her column to reach a variety of people, as well.

Today's kickoff topic is a beginner's guide to perfect pairings of wines and foods. Future subjects will include how to order wines when dining out; best bets in selecting sparkling wines for special occasions; and as the weather cools, a profile of the venerable cabernet sauvignon.

Crittenden, who is especially fond of Cuban-inspired dishes and does a lot of cooking with wines, also occasionally may include a recipe. She invites readers' inquiries addressed to her at The Wine List, in care of the features department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. However, because of her wholesale affiliations, she will not make specific brand-name recommendations.

"Most people say they like wine but want to know more about it," Crittenden said. "I want to do a basic education about wine and how to enjoy it, especially with foods. Selecting wine and matching wine and food can be very intimidating; there are so many countries and tastes. But it doesn't have to be."

by CNB