Two Palates, One Passion—Uncorking Wisdom, One Article at a Time!

SOMM&SOMM

Category: Wine Experiences

  • Enthusiast to Sommelier: Getting Started

    Enthusiast to Sommelier: Getting Started

    Fueled by the restlessness of confinement, Tammy and I decided to take advantage of the unplanned stay-at-home new normal of 2020 and jump eagerly into the Court of Sommelier certification program. In late June, I enrolled in the closest 2-day Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam. It took Tammy a few weeks to decided whether or not she could rearrange her work schedule and join the pursuit of Sommelier Level 1. The classes and exam are scheduled to begin in just under three(3) months. This should be plenty of time to prepare–right?

    In addition to the Introductory Sommelier Course Workbook necessary for the course and exam, The Court of Master Sommelier also prescribed additional study materials–including:

    Windows of the World – Complete Wine Course, Kevin Zraly

    The Wine Bible, Karen MacNeil

    With over 1700 pages of wine history, varietals, countries, regions, regulations, vintages, viticulture and vinification to study (and hopefully retain), this journey promises to be a labyrinth of learning and frustration. While the outcome is unknown, we am looking forward to sharing knowledge, ideas and opinions along the way.

    Here we go…

    Next article in the series: Enthusiast to Sommelier: Appreciating Viticulture

    Cocktails at the Primrose, Park MGM, Las Vegas
  • Where It All Began

    Where It All Began

    Just over three decades ago, we were invited to a friend’s house for a wine-tasting party. The host wasn’t really into wine, but was very interested in the hostess gift offered by the wine distributor…

    laurent-siret-rochefort-grapevine-corkscrew-0561 copy

    I don’t believe that corkscrew made from a grapevine has ever been used to open a bottle of wine. It is, however, a reminder of our first wine tasting and education gathering.

    Several couples (all close friends) gathered in the hosts’ living room for what promised to be a introduction to wine. The wine distributor was carrying a large metal box containing six (6) entry-level wines. At the time, we were not opposed to drinking Liebfraumilch and Blue Nun. These wines were cheap and sweet–two important characteristics to a young couple new to the world of wine.

    “He described our pallet as typical, and one defined by Coke and Kool-Aid.”

    The wine distributor was gracious and accommodating. He described our pallet as typical, and one defined by Coke and Kool-Aid. “Germany makes wines that are sweet and fruity,” he said with excitement. “I brought several reds and whites for you to try.” He began to pour.

    That evening, we were introduced to Spatlese and Auslese wines of Germany from PRP International. These white wines were similar to the grocery store varietals we’ve enjoyed in the past. One of the biggest differences, however, is that we were taken on a journey beyond the label. The wine distributor explained every aspect of winemaking in Rheinhessen–from viticulture to vinification. We were hooked!

    Decades later… here we are. Still fascinated by all things wine, and eager to share our experiences.