Couples weeks ago I had this crazy idea that since I like spending hours making a tasty dinner on a nightly basis, maybe I should start enjoying it with more then water and Diet Coke. Thus begins my most recent obsessions (move aside chess, video games, and collecting books from the warhammer IP’s). Imagine my surprise when I realized all red wines aren’t super tannic affairs that remind me of getting dragged to Sunday service! I was super lucky to find this book, signed by the author, for $20 at a local used book store. I do love me a 700 page hyper focused textbook on a subject I probably need more general knowledge of to really appreciate (I’ll try to at least finish the wine bible before diving in to deep).
Also I’ve got to say, I’ve never gotten as good an excited help from store owners as I have at wine shops. A few days ago I walked into one and asked for suggestions to pair with grilled swordfish in a caper & vinegar sauce, and the owner not only gave me three different suggestions within my price range but took the time to explain exactly why my menu would pair with these three bottles. It was as much an education as it was a transaction.
Today I’m sipping a 2016 Bordeaux from Chateau Lestrille Capmartin which tastes…. like it’s definitely wine (hey at least I can tell it’s definitely different than the port I was drinking yesterday. I’ll get there eventually).
by nwrobinson94
6 Comments
I love your enthusiasm for this new pursuit. Enjoy the book (it’s an excellent one!) and your current / upcoming sips!
p.s. it’s a fun moment when you realize that tannins aren’t always evocative of Sunday service!
Damn, I didn’t realize there was an Inside Bordeaux (I have Inside Burgundy). Does anyone else know if there are other “Inside” wine books?
I use to tell my wife when I kick the bucket she needs to have my guns, booze, and cigars appraised before doing anything with them. Over the last year I have now had to add wines to that. Lovea good Bordeaux, and even some of the $20 bottles. I need to order a copy of that book.
BTW, welcome to your new addiction.
It’s a great book! My issue is it obviously lacks any tasting notes (impossible due to space constraints). To bridge this gap I quite like the Wine Doctor blog for deep dives on chateaux/domaines in Bordeaux and the Loire (it has lots of tasting notes, which might help you develop your vocabulary, but in the early stages it’s more about trying different bottles to find what styles you like and not overthinking it too much). You have to pay a monthly subscription for the Wine Doctor, but it’s pretty cheap. There are also great videos for free on YouTube – I like The Unknown Winecaster and Wine with Jimmy for deep dives on regions, and good old Konstantin Baum for blind tastings. There are so many great resources out there that it’s hard to name just a few. I hope you have fun on your journey 🙂
that’s the way! You got to build up your pallet to appreciate to good stuff.
This is the way.