Various and Sundry Part 2
It was a wonderful weekend. Tso the yute and I hit 2 wineries on Saturday and 1 Sunday. Our usual schedule of 20 minutes at each winery was blown to shreds at Mastronardi: this was a good thing as we had a wonderful and educational experience with the presenter. I feel I must clarify some of my base ideas at this time so that my writings can be put into context.
First and foremost I believe that wine cannot be taken as a singular event. I read many reviewers who review wines as if they are in a protective bubble. As wine is a part of a bigger social/sensual event, I feel this approach lacks merit. True, to score a wine requires this, but I really do not believe in scores. The taste, or better, the experience of any wine is effected by the immediate atmosphere surrounding said event. That is, take a wine that I would like, say a German Riesling and have me sample it while listening to Brittany Spears Greatest Hits, eating haggis(I actually like it, but it makes a point) with my ex- wife. Now as much as I could and would like the wine I just couldn't enjoy it. Try this combo: Tso, some “Summer Sun”, bar-b-queing some shrimp, Al Green on the stereo, a sunny day and that is wonderful, actually heaven, and since Al Green is a minister now he may get us closer. All I am saying is that wine is part of a larger experience to be shared with people you care about. That my friend, makes it better.
Secondly, I really think that most of the “wine tasting” concept is bunk. If you enjoy it drink it. If I read what I am supposed to taste or smell, I tend to find those flavors. Barnyard smells in a good Pinot appeals to me as much as petrol in my good Riesling. Again, put on some nice music (whatever you like), get some friends and open a bottle or 2 or 3. Explore and drink what you like, not what I say or even the Wine Spectator. Drink what you enjoy. Simple.
Get to know the people who make your wine. If you are like me and believe that wine is made in the vineyard, find vintners who believe this too. You'll like their wine a lot more. If you like chemistry set wine, that's ok too, but I haven't met any vintner like that down here. Everyone I talk to is proud of their vines and tend to point out that the wine is made out there. This my friend is the essence of the difference between here and Australia. Please all Aussie's, I do enjoy your wine but find most of what I get here simply uninspiring.
Also, buying local supports our economy and that my friend is important. If you own a store or a restaurant or work in one, these people buy from you and keeping wine purchases local is good for all of us. I am not saying, boycott the LCBO, but if you don't need a Tuscan, Barolo, nice Napa and want a “good” bottle of wine you might as well buy here. I certainly think if you drink standard Californians or Australians you will be happier here.
Most of all: ENJOY. I worry that the tasting experience has become a religion, simply to make some people feel good that they know more than me and you. Sample, enjoy and try to have fun. Don't make it too complicated.
Oh...by the way, I got so many good wines that I will have beaucoup de reviews starting this week. I just don't know what to have first. I have Cab Francs from Mastronardi and a 2000 from Pelee Island, the 05 Pinot and Gewürztraminer (thanks for that tip) from Pelee though I fear the Pinot is way too young. The heavenly Cab Sauv from Smith and Wilson along with Pinot Gris, Grigios and various other wee little beasties. Since Liverpool destroyed Chelsea, I felt it was time to celebrate, and I did.
