Open Mind

Oh, to have an open mind about wine is a glorious thing!

There are approximately 60,000 registered wine labels in California (according to http://www.californiawineinfo.com).  Can you imagine the number of labels around the world?!  Considering this fact, I am still astonished by some shoppers who are put off when they walk into my shop and I do not carry their wine.  BUT, I am the kind of person who likes to try new things and with all the many different styles of wine available, why stick to just one? Granted, I have tried wines blind and some of them I didn’t like, but the point is I can say “I tried that one and it sucked, now I know what I like and dislike.”  I also love how each grape exudes it’s own characteristic and it is important as a sommelier to know these differences. You learn to appreciate them all in there own unique way, whether you think they’re bad or not.

For example, my employee (Kat) and I have very different preferences in wine. One night we tried the 2007 Bodegas y Vinedos Luna Beberide, Mencia from Bierzo, Spain.  It was very concentrated, dark with black currant, blackberries and strong, tight tannins. True Mencia character. Kat loved it. Me, not so much. It wasn’t bad, it’s just not my style.

So, I suppose my point is, try something new because wine is all about the experience. There are so many options of wines and if you go into a wine boutique and there is an expert there that would love to get you to try something new and fun, do it!