Things are getting pathetic here in this country. Today a customer sat at one of our work computers, squinting ( and I mean squinting!) and staring with complete and utter devotion to the words on the big wine review sites. (He put back wine after wine upon finding less that desired “Scores”) We all know who they are (these reviewers) and, I could care less about them. This guy could not buy a wine without a big time review!? “Has to be 90 points or above!” The guy lost a few days (or month’s) off of his life making his decisions. I wanted to scream. Is this the pleasure of the beverage? We need to (in this country) get back to a dependence on our local, neighborhood wine, and beer shops. You don’t see the Europeans gawking at the scores when they need a wine or beer for dinner! They just buy one. Listen to your local folk here! We have some pro’s on hand! Find someone locally who shares your tastes and let him or her take you on a personal journey into the things he or she is passionate about. It is really that simple. In my now nearly 17 years in this business I have come to the following on my ideas about wine and beer. Please read on, as this is where we need to go as wine and beer drinkers. And hey, this applies to food as well. I’ve had my own 3 star Michelon experiences at places that cost nothing and take me to “The Place.” You can do it too. Shop local and build allegiance to someone with passion! I just had to re-post my thoughts on this subject as it is gnawing on my brain.
Here is the re-post: (Sense Of Place)
One of the things I’ve learned as I’ve traveled through this world of wine, food and beer is that I like these things to have a sense of place. One of my favorite importers of fine wines-Terry Theise (awesome writer-I mean really!) spoke recently when asked by an interviewer “what kind of wines do you like?” He replied something like this: “I like moderate wines. Wines with a sense of place. I want my wine to taste like something, and not like everything.” This thinking is pure genius! This is where I’ve arrived on my personal journey.
We (as Americans) are now deeply entrenched into thinking like Robert Parker (that certain wine writer who loves hedonism in his wine.) we need to hear from him. We can’t buy a wine unless he’s rated it 90 or above. When we shop we don’t depend on the help from the wine department (in which a world of love for wine exudes, and tastings are regular)-unless it is for requesting they look up the score of any wine they bring for appraisal. “What does Parker Say?” Good God! Times have changed-we might be best with just leaving a computer on so customers can find scores before buying. I don’t see this in Europe. Last time I was there I did not see Parker reviews on any wines. The people like to drink-and they could give a crap about Parker. In fact, ask the folks in Burgundy what they think about this guy-Out! they say. And, they usually are looking for a wine with a sense of place. Or they put their faith in the wine person who has tasted the wine. Just give me a nice wine to pair with my dinner and company tonight. Scoring wine sucks, and it destroys the magic that is wine or beer or food. Therefore I refuse to “score” wine or food or beer. This takes the soul out of these things. I desire simply to discover, and have you discover all things classic and unique and true to origin. Like having a Kolsch with friends next to the surreal cathedral in Cologne. Now that is a sense of place-pure bliss. As Terry Thiese added: I want a wine to taste like something-not like everything! Amazing!! Have you noticed as Terry has that a Bordeaux might taste like an Argentenian Malbec, like an Aussie Shiraz, like a California Cab, like a Spanish Garnacha? Parker and such have homogenized the world of wine and we have lost the sense of place. Now, the market is flooded with “boring” formula wines. But Parker rated them high. I’ll take a case!! It is that easy now at the retail level. Oh Boy! I’m sticking with Terry. Give me something moderate-with a sense of place and I’m going to be happy. This is my theme as well, and I’m sticking to it on all things food wine and beer. Imperial Chardonnay anyone?
\m/.
