I've been writing this thing since January... At first, it began as only a convenient way for me to keep notes on wines I've liked or disliked, combined with a strong desire to link to the producers of the wine as well as making sure that I spell the damned thing right, regardless of how many special characters I hâvè tó üsê. After an e-mail session with the Professor resulted in a link, I decided to spruce it up a bit and publicize the blog. Thus far it has been an informative and rewarding experience.
For instance, my last post on a Shiraz-Viognier blend resulted in several e-mails, including one who had tasted that very wine from the barrel in California, and another who opined on a Shiraz-Viognier blend in Australia. And since I liked it so much, a bit of research turned up the fact that this is the combination used in the classic Rhone appellation Côte Rôtie. Though I'm anxious to explore that wine region, it's fun to try the less expensive versions from other parts of the world. For instance, as much as I love Malbec, I've still never seen a Cahors here in Memphis.
Since I've lurking about the wine blogs for a couple of months, I haven't seen a lot of drama, animosity, wine snobbery, or infighting. There's a chance I've missed it, but things seem to be pretty amiable. Is it because the community is so small, or is it because we're all focused on a delicacy that makes social occasions convivial, and that there's a good chance that we post with a glass of wine beside the keyboard?
Regardless, it's been fun, and I look forward to many more posts here. And for all new readers, feel free to nose through the archives.
1 comment:
Hi, This is Jeff from South Africa. I read your comments with interest, particularly the one about "snobbery". Unfortunately, you get quite a bit of this when it comes to wine. People who have very limited knowledge about wine, try to give the impression that they are experts, generally by going with the crowd, saying the right things in the right company. I am reasonably knowledgeable but I certainly do not class myself as an expert.
Wine is very much a personal thing. You either like it, or you don't. Even the most exclusive, expensive wine available does not necessarily make it the best for everyone. The wines you mentioned I have tasted and found them very palatable. However, my wife was not impressed. Its all a matter of taste. Living in South Africa, some of the finest wines are produced here mainly from the Cape area, so we have enormous choice of wines of all types and prices. One site I have found which gives quite good information on many types of wine and some history of the winemaking industry. It is called worldwineestate.com. It is worth a visit. Other comments will be interesting
Post a Comment