Nothing can spark fluid interesting conversation more rapidly then when a passionate person meets a keen ear. This is most certainly true of those passionate about wine, especially the ones who have dedicated a life to working with the drink of the gods.
Sommeliers get a bad wrap though. The gap between the regular bottleshop drinker and a so called wine expert is vast. It is like the difference between the very poor and the very rich in a country like Russia. There is no rising middle class or a Robin Hood character stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Sadly it is not possible to steal knowledge and those are the riches of which we speak when classifying the difference between the wine rich and the wine poor.
Most of the time the poor are intimidated by the fancy words and practiced customs of the upper class. The swirling of the glass, the sniffing of an array of aromas that would be more suited to a fruit salad and the taste of great length which would mean to any normal person the distance from Bondi Junction to Bondi Beach when one can not find a bus. It is almost like another language and the secret, well guarded manners of behaviour is what prevents those at the bottom of the ladder rising into the middle class.
There is a sub culture emerging though, a rumbling under the pace of the city where those who are passionate about wine are teaching those who are keen to explore without the fear of being ridiculed while they learn the dance. You have probably seen them popping up around town. They are small cafe sized bars that offer wine from here to kingdom come. In these little havens if you are keen to learn, you are most likely to find a teacher more than willing to spend a little time with you and impart some of their wisdom.
I recently met one such tutor at the Wine Library in Paddington. He was tall and handsome, (which didn't hurt) but it was his 20 years in the industry and willingness to share with two simple wine enthusiasts that made for a great evening. When approaching the wine list with wines from every region of the globe we were at a loss. With more words that we could not pronounce than could, some inside help was required.
My friend Stephanie and I were looking for something within the realm of Pinot Gris. I remembered that I had tasted the most divine Pinot Blanc from Bar H in Surry Hills, and was looking for something similar. Within 2 minutes there were four glasses on our table and four distinctly different bottles of wine that were along the same lines as what we had requested. The first one we tried was the Luis Pato from Portugal. Quite a dry wine somewhat like a sauvignon blanc, it wasn't particularly to my taste however it was interesting to taste a wine from Portugal which was a first for me.
The traditional Pinot Grigio from Italy was next, again a nice wine but was missing that extra something that we were looking for. The third wine was an Austrian named Gobelsburger which turned out to be the hero of the night with a medium build and floral essence. Finally we finished with a taste of a South Australian viognier. Steph noticed that the fruit in this wine could be tasted at the front of the mouth. After something I had read recently I concurred agreeing that the wine had upfront fruit characteristics, to which I got a sideways glance and a half smile from Gavin who responded 'hmm... you sound like a right wanker'. Note to self, ridiculous words to which I really do not now the meaning are not cool.
Our little tasting worked a treat. We were shown a progression of wines made in the same style from around the world and could identify some differences. We settled on a nice wine which we enjoyed over some delicious foie gras and good conversation. The perfect evening really.
The point of the story is simple. The people who generally work in these quaint little bars do so because they have a passion for wine. Do not be intimidated to ask for their opinion or for them to show you a few different wines to taste. More than likely they will be so thrilled to share their passion with you that you will be asking them to leave your table to enjoy your wine in peace.
Until next time, have a glass for me. Love Alex Mac
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