(Based on true events that happened to my son) Ok, so you want to be the big man in the group (insert appropriate silver back sounds.) You want to be the go-to guy, the in-the-know man of the crowd. You look at the wine list as everyone is expectantly looking at you. They are embarrassed to have ordered a Bad Cab prior to your arrival. Now, the group's proclaimed "wine expert" has arrived and they will finally get to enjoy a delicious wine chosen by one who has impeccable taste.
Aaaaahhhh! So many choices! So many labels! So many varietals! But, the group is counting on you. You can't let them down. Worse yet, you can't let the truth be known that you REALLY don't know that much more about fine wines than the rest of them. You, my friend, are in a real conundrum. Here's the puzzle….What red wine will universally appeal to a variety of palates within a group of wine novices wanting desperately to enjoy reds, but not quite ready for a primetime big, bold red. One that will be smooth with some depth, easy on the tannins, but still a respectable member of the red family?
Sangiovese! (San-ge-o-vay-zee) You can't go wrong with a Sangio! The sangiovese is a medium bodied red.. Chianti with a fancy name. What I like to refer to as "A Gateway Red!" As a whole, the group will be quite pleased and sufficiently impressed with your selection and you will continue to enjoy your status as "resident wine expert." Case closed. You saved the evening from becoming a wine novice's nightmare! And, you didn't even have to defer to the snobbish server's overpriced suggestion.
Since I offered a pronunciation key on the Sangio, let’s discuss pronunciations. Let's talk about the relatively new kid on the block…the Meritage. Oh, I know it's tempting to give it a romantic sounding French pronunciation, which you are more than welcome to continue doing. However, if you must know, the word is a made-up American word that combines the two words Merit and Heritage. Meritage was created to describe an American style Bordeaux because the French just really don't like us to use their sacred wine words. So, next time you order a Meritage, order with confidence. Tihj not Tahj.
For my last bit of random wine thoughts, let's talk wine and art! My husband and I were recently in Hawaii for some R&R and decided to take in the Thursday night Lahaina art scene. Taking advantage of the free flowing wine, we began to fancy ourselves true connoisseurs of art. To quote Pee Wee Herman, "Hehe...SCARY!"
Fleeing one gallery, which shall remain nameless, we felt as though we'd escaped from a used car lot and subsequently stumbled into the lovely Lahaina Gallery with the knowledgeable, friendly director, Nils Kullander. He guided us to the most stunning, realistic painting depicting our favorite subject – Wine! This gorgeous painting was by the modern master of realism, Dario Campanile. We loved the rich, bold colors and depiction of cheese, fruit, and wine. What truly sold us on the painting was the whimsical touch that Campanile added; both, at first glance, of the tipped over bottle with one last little drip suspended in air to the oh-so-subtle, darling pair of mice savoring the remnants of the party. Originally, we made our purchase for a classy addition for our winery until we realized how very personal art could be and knew that this had to be the beginning of our own original art collection.
Art comes in many forms. Take time each day to enjoy the beauty of art in everyday living…from a painting to a sunset to a well crafted glass of wine.
Until we meet again…..keep it real!
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