You can really get a lot out of your local wine shop. But, you have to be smart, and willing. Don’t be the typical customer. Voice your passion, and express your desire to learn. You will learn. Here are a few tips on how to navigate a wine shop-with success. This coming from one who has observed the wine shop scene-for well, too many years. I am the one who says: Can I help You?
-The first thing to do is to find someone who shares your taste. This is vital! Go to this person!
-Now, express your taste. Mention wines you have enjoyed-if you can remember.
-Don’t say, after someone recommends a particular wine, “what else do you like.” Chances are the person you have been speaking with has just recommended to you his or her favorite wine in the shop at the moment. Why do you want a second choice?
-Ask for wines that express a sense of place. If you were in the Rhone, what would the locals be drinking at dinner?
-Tour the wine world. Try a wine from a different place. Try it with an open mind, and a realization that your palate will change. Keep on trying!
-Focus your selection on what wine would pair with a particular food you have in mind. The pairing of food and wine can lead to addiction. Pick the brains. Wine folk love a solid pairing. And, they’ve had many.
-When visiting California wines, go beyond “the names” such as Kendall Jackson, Cakebread, Sterling, etc. There are really cool wines to be had here. Pick the brains of those who dedicate their lives to tasting them. Geyser Peak is not the only Sauvignon Blanc in California. Move on! Blackstone, the only Merlot? I think not.
-Do the same in Italy. For God’s sake, Santa Margherita, is not the only Pinot Grigio. Find a great one, with help from the shop. Chances are you’ll find one better. And, you’ll save $ as SM charges for all that advertising they do. 20 bucks for a Pinot Grigio? I don’t think so. Shoot for a great one under twenty.
-Look to the back of bottles for importers names. This is very important. Find an importer you like, and run the spectrum of his or her wines. Take note as to which importer brings passion to your palate.
-Explore varietals. This means try different grapes, develop your palate. Don’t just be a California Chardonnay guy,or a Pinot Grigio Girl. Ya bore the crap out of us.
-Pay attention to vintages. The wine folk can clue you in to what is hot, and what is not in a particular year. Listen, drink, discover, and stop being an outsider. Wine shop people live to turn you on to this stuff.
-Don’t be a sulfite geek. If you have been tested for an allergy to sulfites,then OK. If not, you are probably having problems with the many, many histamines found in wine-not merely “Sulfites.” Get tested before you come in crying.
-Last but not least. Don’t continue to frequent a wine shop that does not respect your intellect. We are all on our own places in our journey to discover all things. Wine is not about snobbery. The real fun, instead is in finding out what the locals drink, and sharing their experiences. Think of this when you next buy a bottle. What are they drinking? And, how can I share in this most glorious sense of place.
-Please consider this rumination. More to come. Suck the life blood out of your wine shop. These people are getting paid to make your visit one of ease. Make them earn their money. But, treat them with the same respect in which you deserve. If you don’t, you might just go home with one hell of a crap bottle. Patience wears thin when dealing with the “usual customer.” Become an un-usual customer, and you will reap very interesting rewards. Andre anyone?
-I can’t get enough of this Beatles tune: “I’m Down.” Try it with a glass of your latest find. Never stop trying new things!! Profites Bien!
Sante!
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