Mea Culpa
While it is often very difficult to admit error, revise one's viewpoints or utter the famous "mea culpa" it can often lead to education and possibly sea change.
I had one of these experiences on Friday. I had some time, so I decided to go to Harrow and see what is happening and well maybe get some wine.
I visited the usual suspects and on the way back home I decided to stop somewhere where I usually wouldn't.
Well, I stopped in at Colio. To be honest, I wasn't expecting a whole lot. My memories of Bianco Secco are not the best, but I just knew that Carlo Negri could make a good bottle of wine; he wins tons of awards; he is just too talented. So I figured, give it a shot.
So when I explained to the wonderful lady in the store that I wasn't exactly a fan, but decided to give them another chance; she took the absolutely correct tack. She calmly looked at me and then said "tell me what you like and you'll see". A challenge you say. Well to the field of honor, the tasting bar.
She first parried by finding what I liked then employed a Gewürztraminer as her opening salvo. So I tried it and it was.........good. Yes I said good. I actually like this. Then she struck again with a Riesling and yes this isn't bad either. I rather enjoy this. I was feeling rather embarrassed at this point and I really think she was enjoying my pain. Then a Cabernet Franc: now this grape is really hitting for me now and this one was very good. Then reality set in, she went to the well one too many times and tried to get the home run. Merlot: just like the fellow from "Sideways" I really have issues with Merlot, and well it was ok, but if she was a major league hitter she would be getting about 15 million a year.
What is the lesson here??
Personally, I have just been taught a little lesson to keep my mind open, forget preconceptions and take life with open eyes, kinda like a child.
For any company: employ people like her, that really believe in your product, take an interest in improving the brand image. She spent a lot of time with me and won me over. A wonderful and impressive job and kudus to you. Just tell Carlo that I demand he gives you a raise.
So in the end she managed to sell me four bottles: Gewürztraminer(tso liked it too), Cabernet Franc(I am really looking forward to this one), Gamay Noir(a Bourgundian grape so its my Pinot light and well I like Pinots and I grew up on Beaujolais so this one is for my misspent youth) and a Late Harvest Cabernet Franc(yummy!!!!). Overall, the wines exceeded my expectations, the service was exemplary and to quote Arnie "I'll be back".
