It’s... Wine Time Here’s to the winemaker!
Let me just start by saying this: I have tasted … correction … drunk a lot of wine. I love wine tastings. From Taste Washington, the Spring Barrel Tasting, Hospice Wine Tasting and Cork and Keg to the occasional overnighter in Walla Walla, Wash., and the overabundance of wineries available to us, we are, at the very least, spoiled. It’s glamorous, cultured and sophisticated, for the most part. But, and correct me if I’m wrong, there is nothing more annoying than tasting through a show-stopper line-up, unearthing this really cool small-production winery making brilliant Carmenère and Malbec, meeting the winemaker you have idolized for years, only to be cornered by the gentleman who has dedicated his life to the eternal protection of the perilously endangered meerkat, and since he’s consumed about four pints of wine, feels you, too, should be saving the meerkat. Not to mention the complete frustration caused by the abrupt over-swirl onto your somewhat costly Coach purse by the unceremoniously intoxicated stranger standing next to you. And then, simply put, the boozers. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m all for boozing in the right situation. In fact, it has reached hobby status for me, as I’m quite good at it. However, there’s a definite time and place to get your drink on, and I’m of the strong mind that it
122
See what’s new @ SizzlenCuisine.com
by: Summer Little
is not whilst wine tasting. Call me old fashioned—and I hope you do—I believe we should pay homage to our resident winemakers. Enchanting as it appears, these guys are indisputable scientists, master craftsmen and true artists. Most have an education in chemistry (thank God) and understand geology, soil composition, weather patterns and a plethora of other things I’m not sure are a part of my vocabulary. Long story short, they are sheer genius. I almost forgot … add philanthropist to that list. Yes, winemakers are givers. They give their time and energy to events and functions for us! But the most phenomenal act—the most noteworthy—they give bottle after bottle after bottle of that sweet nectar of the gods, the fruit of their labor, for us to taste, appreciate and, in a perfect world, buy. So, I’m climbing up on my soap box and writing for anyone who is still reading this article. … Just for a minute, imagine yourself a winemaker. It’s been a rough summer, late bud break, too much rain, soil didn’t drain properly, insect infestations, fear of freezing and your grandma’s in the hospital. All of this angst, toil and determination, it all goes into the bottle. But alas, much to your surprise, the wine is good—no, really good. Flash forward to the flocks of