KEY POINTS:
Growing up, alcohol was not an issue at home. A bottle of wine never graced the table - not once. In the 50s and 60s not many New Zealand families drank wine - we didn't have a wine culture as such and there wasn't much of it about.
My mother, at a social gathering, would have a glass of blackberry nip, an appalling, super-sweet concoction, mixed with tonic water. My dear mum suffered from migraines. I blame the blackberry nip. Dad had an occasional beer, most often in the privacy of his home - he was not one to grace that awful post-war tradition, the 6 o'clock swill. Moderation ruled.
I, from a relatively early age, was allowed a shandy. This gave me a sense of inclusiveness and was used as both introduction to, and education about, alcohol. The shandy was a mix of beer and lemonade: beer 4 per cent, lemonade 96 per cent. No chance of ever being drunk while still at primary school.
Shandys, I suspect, have been relegated to the twilight zone or, along with airlines' lost luggage, become part of the rings of Saturn - victims of that ad agency creation, alcopop.
The other night, my 9-year-old grandson who'd been staying with us, asked to eat later at the dining room table with the adults, rather than the "early dinner" with his younger siblings and cousins. No problem, but as I was pouring the wine, Jackson asked if he might be allowed a glass.
Given the wine was from my own tiny, first vintage, non-commercial vineyard and bears his name as the eldest grandchild, I felt he could hardly be denied.
I explained that it was an adult drink to be treated with respect, contained alcohol which is easily abused and so on.
"Just a wee taste, then," he replied.
He received a thimbleful in a proper wine glass.
After two discreet sips he declared it was okay and pushed it gently to one side, saying he'd save the rest for another day and then requested a glass of water.
I am from the school of demystifying alcohol from an early age. Treated with respect now, there's a chance it'll be respected later.
RECOMMENDED
2007 Alexia Sauvignon Blanc
From Wairarapa, this is a crisp, stylish sauvignon. Look for usual characteristics - gooseberry, capsicum and passionfruit - with only 12 per cent alcohol.
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2004 Balthazar Estate Magi
A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc, with flavours of cassis and chocolate on the nose, dried fruits, liquorice and mocha on the palate. Lovely.
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