how it all got started

I still remember the rush of excitement from that first sip. This isn't to say the first glass of wine when I knew I wanted to become a sommelier, that was a 1952 Chateau Margaux, tasted over a decade later. No, in fact, i remember my first glass of wine... ever. Now I know there are some people that might think that 10 years old is too young to appreciate the delicate subtleties of wine. I never said that I remembered the smell or taste of that first sip of wine but rather it was the emotional thrill that went with it. Not only had I changed that day, but I noticed how wine transformed others around me in such a positive way and brought everyone together.

At ten years old, family parties were not exactly the first choice for a Saturday night. The little kids downstairs watching tv and snacking on potato chips while the adults were all upstairs congregating in the kitchen drinking countless glasses of wine, eating freshly prepared hors d'oeuvres and telling stories. Too social for the basement, and not quite old enough to discus politics, I was right in the middle. One family friend could sense this emotional stalemate and without hesitation handed me a glass of red wine. Never before had I been allowed to partake in such a grownup indulgence. Across the room my father raised his glass in approval, almost welcoming me into the world of wine. That first sip rushed over me with such fantastic energy. This was more than just alcohol or even breaking the rules of drinking. All of a sudden we were no longer just in the kitchen, we were in that room. You know what room i mean, the room where all the action was happening. The room where people were laughing and sharing stories. The room filled with the sounds of corks being popped and the amazing smells wafting from the oven. My parents always drank rioja at that time and wish I could tell you what that 1986 Reserva from Marques de Riscal tasted like. How great would it be to still have my very first tasting note from the age of ten? What I can tell you though is that I had officially graduated from the basement and I was now firmly planted in the kitchen. I perched myself on a bar stool for the next few hours and just took everything in. I loved watching people juggle a glass of wine and a napkin of canapes while trying at the same time to finish telling some silly story. They were overwhelmed with by all their senses that they could barely contain themselves and did not for a second want to give anything up. What could be greater that this eclectic group of wine, food, and friends all getting together and having a wonderful time.

People weren't just talking but rather conducting their stories and their hand holding the goblet of wine was their baton. Their laughter was more than the superficial chuckle in an awkward situation but more the big belly kind of laugh that almost makes you tear because you're so happy to all be together. Their eye popping expressions and sighs of content form the food were a far cry from the reaction to a mundane meal. You could sense the true happiness of tasting a recipe handed down the generations or even the creation of a chef who was inspired that very evening. And then the wine... How did they swirl their glasses with such reckless abandonment as to know that the juice would just barely reach the rim of the glass but never spill a drop? Their noses fully embedded in the aromas almost losing themselves for a minute and then emerging as if just returning from the origin of the wine. Tales of Spanish bull fights, French bistros, and Italian rivieras all ensued after just one sip of wine. Wine not only transported individuals to a far away place but it also brought everyone back to share the experience together.

Yes, I felt at home in this room. I couldn't tell you about the wine, food or people separately that first night but when all three came together it was truly something magical. This perfect trio is really the ultimate wine pairing. It's fine to match food with just the right wine, but what about the ambiance around you and who you share that with? A juicy steak shared between friends is fantastic but with a big structured cabernet you would hit the trifecta.

Rioja was my first wine and will always hold a special place in my heart. I haven't tasted that exact bottle of wine since and I don't run around trying to find the '86 Riscal Reserva in order to recreate that first night. I do however always keep a bottle on hand of the current release so that I'm ready to complete the trio of friends, food, and of course some very good wine. Look for some 2004's or if you can a 2001 would be a real score. Try the 2004 Reserva from Marques de Riscal. It is packed with ripe red cherries, hints of vanilla, a smoky herbaceousness and a warm soothing texture. After a few sips with the right food and some great friends, there should be no question that you have left your apartment and you have now officially joined me in that room.

Wine Recommendations:

Region

Rioja, Spain

Vintages

2005
2004
2001

Producers

Marques de Riscal
La Rioja Alta
Bodegas Muga

Taste these wines and let met know what you think or if you have other recommendations I would love to hear about them. What was a wine that took you to that room?

Comments

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Seeing as it's just a couple more days till summer (right? I am OVER winter), let's get into the bbq mode. Give us some wine to sip with a ribeye grilled on your back porch. If I don't get a suggestion soon it's gonna be a PBR tallboy.

Posted by: Edward | 03/04/2010 at 10:40 PM