What I Hate Most About The Wine Industry

September 16, 2022 by evebushman

A few years back in my book, Wine Etiquette For Everyone: How To Feel Like a Pro In Any Situation Involving Wine, I touched on several situations where a lay person could – and has many times – been treated poorly by those in the wine industry. Those situations still exist: Snobby wine store personnel, uneducated wine store personnel, snobby sommeliers in restaurants, snobby wine representatives (or even winemakers) at events, snobby wine journalists, and so on. I gave readers information to help them navigate these situations, to feel comfortable about wine, no matter what degree of wine education they have. Making wine inaccessible – due to treatment like this – remains my biggest pet peeve in the industry.

Over the years, I’ve seen much more, and learned more. So today I’m sharing those thoughts.

How Sommeliers and Bartenders Are Treated

I turned on somms in my article on corkage, when I had a front row seat to their thoughts about their customers and shared it in my article Corkage: Do You Want To Hear From The Professional’s Point of View?

However, as we’re making the move to Las Vegas, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many more somms and bartenders, and also have had the privilege to socialize and dine with some. So there is another side I’ve since learned about, and that’s how many are badly treated in the industry.

Some of the somms I’ve met have complained that while wait staff may share their tips with others in the front of house (think busboys) they don’t always share with the sommeliers – when a somm was responsible for selling a bottle (or more) to a table. Imagine selling a $500 bottle of wine and not getting a share of the tip. If anything, if the customer tips 20% I would hope that somm would get a percentage, factored out for just the wine or the entire check.

The only way a bartender may see a tip from drinks might be if you order from the bar, close out your check and pay the tip there before going to the table. Now I’ve gotten into the habit of giving a somm or bartender cash directly. (And this is not to place blame on the servers, it’s management that makes the rules about how to divide tips. If you aren’t sure you can ask your server. Also of note: if your somm is the head somm and responsible for buying wine for their list, training, etc., he will be paid much more than wait staff.)

One bartender pal, who moved from West Los Angeles to Las Vegas for better pay, ended up waiting tables instead. The money he makes in tips far outweighs the glamor – and the back-breaking work behind the bar.

Having to Pay For Wine Scores

One nationwide wine publication, that shall not be named, charges $500 to publish a review and scores. This information came from more than one winemaker that asked me my opinion of the practice. Their score would be available online, but if they wanted the scant few sentences and the score printed in the magazine publication they had to pay the fee. I get that a magazine has to make money, and I also get that wineries know how much the public relies on scores, so I advised the winemakers to pay the $500. But that doesn’t make it right. Another publication, also nationwide, receives annual checks from wineries, but doesn’t always review their wines. I find all of this bordering on criminal. One wine critic, who was accused of charging for wine scores, was shamed in the wine community, however, I didn’t see her crime any worse than that of these large publications. (Also, some wine publications and critics are also known for charging just to review a wine. Egads.)

The only way I see out of this pay-for-scores misuse is for consumers to be educated about it, by people like me and those that carry much more weight, and to stop chasing critics’ scores. Trust your own palate, or that of a sommelier or retailer that knows your palate.

Laws in Different States

In my studies, particularly my American Wine Specialist certification, I learned different states have different laws in regards to importing wine and spirits. While I’m not an expert on any one state law, it seems pretty unfair that some wine lovers have to jump through a lot more hoops than others to get their wine. Not to mention all of the wine clubs that aren’t allowed to deliver to a particular state. States that want to help wine lovers need to find another way to regulate liquor sales

In closing, I hope readers don’t think that the things I hate about the industry comes even slightly close to all of the things I love about it. I just like to give the insider’s view that it’s not all glitz and glamour!

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

How to NOT Gather over Wine and Spirits

January 15, 2021 by evebushman

We wine (and spirit) drinkers are social beasts. We like to drink with friends, discuss a wine or spirit, and maybe settle in for a lengthy multi-bottle tasting over a long luxurious meal. So the question I had was: What have you done, or would like to do, to enjoy liquor without gathering with friends?

For me I’ve had more time to study wine, and am working on some “single bottle posts” where I dedicate an entire blog post to one wine or spirit. What about you? Here are three answers to my query, each expressing a different idea that I’m sharing with my comments:

This was an all-white party celebrating red wine, and orchestrated by my wine friend Doug Gould years ago. Hope we can all gather together safely soon.

Virtual tasting was Mary G’s choice: I am going to virtually taste with my best friend six different sparkling wines six different days! Since we can’t do together right now.

From EB: That’s a lot of sparkling wine, I hope Mary and her pal have splits as those bubbles won’t keep. But yes, ordering the same wine with a pal, and virtually taste together, mimics a real get together. If it were me I would add tasting notes, and see how they compare.

Also, I love that this is just with one good pal, because if they were doing this with a bunch of people over zoom most would have to be muted. And muting isn’t fun at all in my opinion. When I go to a winery tasting room (or a distillery) I get to talk to a representative, owner or winemaker/distiller. Sure, I need to listen, but then I need to ask questions.

Wine Education is something Cathy M is interested in: Interesting…I want to learn more about LA County’s past involvement with wine and spirits. From what I’ve read LA would have resembled wine growing regions like France. Stupid prohibition.

From EB: I think it would be most interesting to hear from LA County winemakers in a class that also includes flights to purchase. Again, as it’s just going to be me and a bottle it’s a bit much to do alone. Oh yea, and I think prohibition was stupid too.

Note: I know some winemakers are offering zoom classes, and I use LearnAboutWine.com and LocalWineEvents.com for finding those. But most Zoom formats are selling something, which is reasonable. Our wineries are in a hard spot right now and we do want to support them, whether you are offered wines by the bottle or flight, do what suits you and your budget.

Innovative distanced gatherings are what Katy M has been doing: Necessity is the mother of invention. We’ve enjoyed themed dinners over Zoom, gathered regularly at a neighborhood park safely distanced and celebrated ‘next’ to each other on our porches. Having to come up with these solutions has made me appreciate the people in my life even more.

From EB: Katy sounds like the perfect party planner that can adapt to any situation. I adore that she is so involved with her neighbors and community. I think she’s really onto something. Motivating me a bit to try to organize a block party, if we are still on lockdown when the weather warms up, where we each gather in front of our homes/driveways to enjoy a meal and drinks NEAR each other.

Back in March of 2020 I tried to organize a block party and a couple of neighbors strolled by, at a distance. We sat on the curb to chat a little and drink wine. It’s time to get back to that. And to being good neighbors.

Conclusion: Did you notice that Zoom meetings are not the only way to enjoy wines with friends? I did. We also had no clue that this situation would last so long. It’s time to get back to checking in with each other, and talking over some ideas to enjoy wine and spirits without gathering. If you have more ideas please share them: Eve@EveWine101.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Vinexpo New York returns to the Javits Center for a third year, March 2-3, 2020

November 11, 2019 by evebushman

NEW YORK – The leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America, Vinexpo New York returns for a third year, March 2-3, 2020, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 2020 show promises to build on the momentum of the March 2019 program, which drew 400 exhibitors and 3,000 wine and spirits professionals—three-quarters of whom indicated they are directly involved in purchasing.

Jointly organized with Diversified Communications, Vinexpo New York is open exclusively to trade professionals. It features two full days of educational programming, networking opportunities, and an exhibition hall strategically organized to foster business relationships between both domestic and international producers and American importers, distributors, retailers, brokers, e-commerce representatives, on-trade buyers and sommeliers. Registration for attendees is now open, with an early bird rate offered through Nov. 30.

The 2020 show will introduce several significant new features, among them a new Importer Pavilion that will provide importers with an efficient platform to showcase their wine and spirits portfolios to top buyers and decision-makers from all regions of the U.S. and Canada. Also new is a Key Buyer Program offering VIP perks to high-volume wine and spirits buyers from top distributors and importers. Key buyers enjoy free entry to the exhibit hall, including all networking events, special events, One to Wine Meetings, conferences and master classes. They also have exclusive access to a Key Buyer Lounge that provides a comfortable place, stocked with complimentary refreshments, to meet with their team during the expo. Key buyer nominations are being accepted at keybuyer@vinexponewyork.com .

Vinexpo New York 2020 will also see the return of popular signature offerings like the complimentary One to Wine Meetings matchmaking service and WOW! World of Organic Wines, an exhibit and tasting area devoted exclusively to organic and biodynamic wines and spirits from around the world. More details of the 2020 program will be announced shortly.

Mary Larkin, president of Diversified Communications remarked, “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Vinexpo and to once again bring its power to America, where wine and spirits producers from around the globe have an unequalled opportunity to showcase their products to the largest wine-consuming market in the world.”

Added Vinexpo CEO Rodolphe Lameyse, “The strong results of the past two Vinexpo New York shows, and the early interest we are seeing from exhibitors for 2020, illustrates just how vital it has become in three short years to the international wine and spirits business. The show remains the single best opportunity for U.S. importers, distributors, sommeliers and other trade professionals to meet hundreds of international producers in one location.”

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.vinexponewyork.com.

About Vinexpo

Since its establishment in Bordeaux in 1981, on the initiative of Bordeaux Gironde’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vinexpo has been a leading organizer of events for the wine and spirits industry. In 37 years, Vinexpo has developed a unique understanding of the market and an extensive network of key distributors around the World. The brand currently runs exhibitions in four set locations (Bordeaux, Hong Kong, New York and soon Paris), and the touring event Vinexpo Explorer. The Group also publishes every year the Vinexpo/IWSR Report, which is the most comprehensive survey of the global consumption of wine and spirits. For more information, visit www.vinexpo.com. Join Vinexpo on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Vintage Eve Circa March 2013: A Special Meeting with Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Napa Valley Producers

March 28, 2017 by evebushman

Vintage Eve Circa Jan 2013: Eve’s Wine 101 on TV!

February 21, 2017 by evebushman

What the plan was: As written below. The way it turned out: Watch for yourself – link. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-jEoXlDHa8)

Tami or Dave: Would going to a wine fest be a good idea for a first date?

Eve: Absolutely! Things to consider: If you invite a woman to a wine event, because she appreciates wine, let her know exactly what the extent of your own knowledge is. I can’t believe how little I knew at my first event, and how I’ll never learn it all. So, don’t fake your knowledge, she will spot that. And, don’t over drink, as you are driving your date home.

Tami or Dave: What about couple time?

Eve: There is no better way to get into a romantic mood with your partner than over wine. As you progress from tasting table to tasting table, take a moment to talk about the aromas and flavors you are getting. The time spent savoring wine easily translates for a couple that enjoys savoring life together. Don’t rush it!

Tami or Dave: Okay that leaves friends, is going to a wine tasting with friends a good idea?Eve: Again, yes. For me, unless someone declares themselves a designated driver in advance (the key is it needs to be in advance) rent a nice limousine. The drive from Santa Clarita to the Sierra Pelona wine event is beautiful! Rolling hills and valleys, seeing it from a limo is probably the best way to go, with friends, a first date or with your spouse!

Tami or Dave: Okay, now, tell us, as you call yourself the SCV Wine Conduit, how does one behave at a wine fest? I mean, are there rules?

Eve: If you want to ensure a good time, yes, I have a few pointers. Winery representatives or winemakers will pour most wines. Each should be versed at answering questions about their wines and are interested in what you think.

With that said, don’t be in a hurry. If the line at one table is long, go to another, and swing back to the one you missed later. When you receive your 1 to 2 ounce taste be aware if others are waiting, if they are, back up a bit to let them in. If there isn’t a wait, take some time, swirl your glass to open up the aromas, and comment on what you find. Swirl again before tasting, and let your taste linger over your tongue and mouth before swallowing, again to detect taste and overall mouth feel. Share your thoughts with the server. Discard what is left in your glass, whether you like it or not, expectorating is also encouraged. The goal at an event isn’t to get drunk, the goal is to keep your palate fresh enough that you can appreciate your first pour as much as your 40^th.

Tami or Dave: Are you going to the Sierra Pelona Wine Fest? Why do you think locals will enjoy it?

Eve: Anytime an inaugural wine fest is planned, wine people and regular people are curious. This brilliant idea of Robert’s not only serves the community’s Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital but also introduces the greater area to one of the newest wine growing areas. And Robert, joined by dozens of others, will be showcasing wines that haven’t been already poured at dozens of other festivals.

Tami or Dave: So, where else can we go for wine in Santa Clarita – and not be intimidated?

Eve: Every place that serves wine serves the wine community best by not making it intimidating. Your local wine bars like Wine 661, Roman Holiday Wine Lounge, Lee’s Wine Bistro and Valencia Wine Company, as well as Pulchella Wine Tasting Room and our wine-serving restaurants all have the same goal: to get you in and to make you want to come back. They do this by talking to you about what you like, and then making suggestions based on that.

Of course, reading my blog, or following me on Facebook helps too…a little wine 101 knowledge can help you feel less intimidated.

Tami or Dave: How much is there, really, to learn about wine?

Eve: The education never ends. But like with any entrepreneurial effort, if your heart is in the work, you just don’t care. I read trade magazines, fiction and non-fiction, the internet and take classes. I’m never bored, and always “thirsty” for more. I would bet this conversation has given you two a craving?

Tell people any more tricks of the trade – especially for the Sierra Pelona event.

Eve: Well…if you are very nice to a winery representative, they often have something “under the table” that they share with other reps or especially nice guests. Sometimes…you might even leave with a bottle! (But don’t be pushy and ask for one.) And, talk to other guests. By the end of a tasting a camaraderie begins to develop.

Tell people what you liked and find out what their favorites were. You can even revisit a favorite of your own, to see if it fares just as well with your palate.

Finger Lakes Wine Alliance Adds New Initiatives and Expanded Market Outreach

January 30, 2017 by evebushman

GENEVA, N.Y. – Capping a year that advanced awareness of the region’s prominence through robust, newsworthy activity within New York State, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is carrying the momentum into 2017 by adding targeted initiatives and presence in new markets as it continues to raise the profile of what has become a world-renowned AVA.

The annual Riesling Camp, scheduled for April, is expected to double in size, attracting 16-20 wine professionals next year. This three-day invitation-only workshop is designed to identify, educate and orient Finger Lakes brand ambassadors in key markets, particularly New York City.

The organization’s Riesling Rally, slated for mid-summer, will gather together member wineries that have committed to participating in Riesling Month activities planned for September.
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Riesling Rally introduces the annual September program with a tasting event hosted at a member winery. The event encourages the region’s wine retailers and restaurateurs to make connections with winery representatives for the purpose of scheduling tastings in and around the region throughout Riesling Month. The 2016 event was held at Three Brothers Winery and Estates.

In September, participating Riesling Month member wineries will gather to host a series of Riesling Launch tastings of recent vintages for wine retailers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, distributors and press. Typically staged in a variety of New York City venues, Riesling Launch will be expanded in 2017 to include three upstate markets. The 2016 events, which brought together 13 participating wineries, included a Grand Tasting in Manhattan, smaller events in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and an educational seminar that took place at the Brooklyn Wine Exchange.

And for the first time next year, the Alliance will seek to increase its corps of sommelier ambassadors not only through its expanded Riesling Camp but also by arranging panel tastings in key markets in and outside of New York State, according to Tracey Dello Stritto, Executive Director, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance.

“We are looking at sommelier panel tastings in cities including Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. as well as select in-state locations,” she said. “And we are also considering hosting winemaker dinners in a number of markets to help broaden awareness of the Finger Lakes region and our member wineries,” Dello Stritto added.

New Officer Slate

The momentum of the Alliance’s busy coming year will be stewarded by its officers and board of directors. In January, the Alliance will introduce a new Executive Committee led by Liz Stamp (Lakewood Vineyards) as Chair, Bruce Murray (Boundary Breaks Vineyard) as Co-Chair, and Eric Frarey (Heron Hill Winery) as Secretary. Gene Pierce (Glenora Wine Cellars) will retain his incumbent position as Treasurer. Dello Stritto came on board as Executive Director in August 2016.

About Finger Lakes Wine Alliance

Founded in 2004, Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to increase the visibility and reputation of the Finger Lakes region, its wines and wineries. The alliance is comprised of 29 members and 15 affiliated businesses and vendors, and it is guided by a board of directors that includes winery owners and principles from the Finger Lakes AVA. With its glacier-sculpted landscapes, ideal microclimates and gifted winegrowers, the Finger Lakes region is home to over 130 wineries that produce exceptional cool-climate wines and world-class Rieslings. For more information, visit www.fingerlakeswinealliance.com, call 315.791.2359 or connect on Facebook or Twitter.

Nitpicking: Reducing Two Years of Winemaking into Any ONE Word

September 9, 2016 by evebushman

I don’t have many pet peeves in the wine world as I still consider myself a beginner. And I rarely take on an opposing opinion with someone with a wine pedigree much more impressive than my own. But sometimes, argh, those with the long pedigree do and say things that they think they are somehow justified due to their education. And it can just be plain rude.

Cutting to the chase: I was at a large tasting, where the first few hours was set aside for media, distributors and a few sommeliers. I was chatting with a winemaker I knew, just about to taste the two wines he brought to share, when a somm (I knew this from the badges we all wore to show our affiliation) took a whiff and a taste and declared what he thought of the wine in one word: bacon.

I waited for more. The winemaker waited for more. I said to the somm that there was more in my glass than his, and it surprised me that that was all he found. I don’t even recall his answer, but to suffice it to say, he got my drift but didn’t have another descriptor at hand. He moved on to another table.

Lingering with the winemaker we discussed how hard it is to spend time sampling each wine offered at a large tasting, and to share our thoughts with the winemaker or winery representative just because there is so much to taste.

However, keeping in mind that a winemaker has spent two years on each variety, tasting repeatedly, and then is giving it away for free to gain feedback as well as sales – then we that attend these tastings are doing a disservice, a rude habit that even I have been guilty of at times just due to the time I have at an event.

Here are some suggestions for laypeople at tasting events:

Express any and all positive feedback.

Acknowledge the work put into every wine, aka be appreciative of a talent we don’t share.

Thank them for the taste.

If you don’t have time to fully describe but you do like the wine, let them know that you will want to revisit the wine, and pick up one of their business cards.

If you can share what you think of the wine, beyond liking it, do. All descriptors are subjective. There is no right or wrong. Some words, like bacon, are common for Syrahs. But no one word can encapsulate a wine.
The aromas flavors that you pick up can be influenced by terroir (soil, proximity to salt air, etc.) but are also due to chemical reactions. But mostly, what you get from a wine is due to the talent of the winemaker.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Will You Join us for the Valencia Wine Company Holiday Wine Tasting? It’s Their 12th Time!

November 6, 2015 by evebushman

There is one annual event that my husband Eddie and I have never missed in the past 11 years, even the one year it had to be postponed a week due to a shut down of the 5 freeway:

The classiest annual holiday wine tasting is at our very own, locally owned, Valencia Wine Company on Towne Center Drive in the Westfield Valencia Mall. This year the event will be held on the afternoon of Saturday November 14 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. (You can stop in the wine bar or call to reserve a ticket: 661-254-9300.)

Unique Tasting/Eating/Educational Opportunity

Guests will have plenty of time to taste wine from both domestic and imported sources – see our growing wine list below.

All of the wines will be paired with both savory and sweet treats catered by the one and only Martha Aguilera, owner of Kokolita.

Besides having the three hours to taste wine and food, guests will have a special treat – education, if desired, from the winery representatives.

George Skorka – a wine representative serving during the event, that so happens to have a stellar wine pedigree as a sommelier and wine judge – has been devoted to Valencia Wine Company’s education program for many years. This is an event that guests look forward to as it’s an opportunity to learn and taste with George.

The many wine representatives that will join George are very educated about the wines they are serving, so it’s pretty much a sure thing that if you want to learn more about what you are tasting, you will!

One more thing: You should be able to get some of your necessary holiday shopping done! Each guest is given a tasting booklet that is several pages long; listing out all of the wines and their prices. And though my husband usually goes for a case (there is always a nice discount for buying a full case) I can’t be positive that all of the wine we purchase will be gifted to others.

Keep your eyes peeled to the Facebook event page for Valencia Wine Co.’s 12th Annual Holiday Tasting because…I will be posting teasers there until the event takes place on November 14!

Some of the Wine Selections, at Press Time

Champagne

POL ROGER BRUT NV

LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER

LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT ROSE 2009

LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT 2008

White wines

REGNARD CHABLIS GRAND REGNARD 2013

SCHLUMBERGER RIESLING SAERING 2010

LATOUR MONTAGNY LA GRANDE ROCHE 1er Cru 2013

BRASSFIELD PINOT GRIS HIGH SERENITY 2013

MER SOLEIL CHARDONNAY RESERVE, SANTA BARBARA 2012

CARPE DIEM CHARDONNAY 2013

GARY FARRELL CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2012

Red Wines

CH DE PEZ ST ESTEPHE 2011

HENRY FESSY FLEURIE CHT LABOURON CrU BEAUJOLAIS 2011

FAIVELEY MERCUREY CLOS MYGLANDS 2011

JL COLOMBO CORNAS TERRE BRULEES 2012

MARQ MURRIETA RIOJA RSV 2010

DELAS ST JOSEPH TOURNON 2013

ETUDE PINOT NOIR 2013

FLOWERS PINOT NOIR 2013

CARPE DIEM PINOT NOIR 2012

MARCHESI DI BAROLO BARBERA 2013

HANNA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013

THORN MERLOT 2012

Remember, the event is coming up fast, November 14, so you best call 661-254-9300 to reserve. We did!

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Wine 101 Moves Up: Leccio Gold Award-Winning Valentino Restaurant Paired with 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Part One

February 27, 2015 by evebushman

A wonderful dinner was interrupted by the sound of a blaring horn. Not what I was expecting at the famed Italian restaurant Valentino, and I was afraid someone had set off a fire alarm. I heard laughter from another other room, the horn went off again, and lo and behold it seemed that Bacchus himself burst into the main dining room and then everything…would never be the same. More on this in a couple of minutes.

Italian butcher Dario Cecchini from Panzano, Chianti with Eve

Piero Selvaggio, the owner of Valentino Santa Monica, Chef Luciano Pellegrini and the Consortium of the Brunello of Montalcino Wine recently presented a wine-pairing diner that included a tasting of the internationally acclaimed 2010 Brunello vintage.

Only Dinner on the West Coast

The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino awards the Leccio Gold each year to a restaurant that has a wine list with a wide presence of Brunello di Montalcino and other wines of Montalcino. Valentino was ONE of only 26 restaurants to toast the Brunello 2010 as only 26 were awarded the Leccio d’Oro prize; the restaurant was also one of the first to receive this prestigious award in 1995 – and the first outside of Italy.

We learned that our “Leccio d’Oro” Gala Dinner was also the ONLY one held on the west coast. Chef Luciano Pellegrini, the long-time chef of Valentino Santa Monica and Las Vegas, presented the meal. The dinner was paired with a few Brunello wines – including the greatest recent vintage, 2010 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO.

Surprise Guest

The owner of the horn, and the mischievous Bacchus (God of Wine) personality was none other than famous Italian butcher Dario Cecchini all the way from Panzano, Chianti. He had some nice things to say about Piero, via his wife that translated: “Piero is a legend, he is the heart of Italy. We sent him to you many years ago and are very proud of him. There’s an ocean between us but our hearts are together. And I’m pleased to be here with Piero and Brunello.” To which Piero responded, “I didn’t stage this meeting tonight – he is a great friend of mine and the king of Tuscany!”

Company, Menu and Wines

Seated in the main dining room, we were told that 42 years ago this room held the entire restaurant. Tonight it was filled, and continued to fill with chairs being added in, with Brunello lovers.

My table was for press and winery representatives. I was seated next to Luciano Castiello, the National Ambassador for Cru Artisan Wines. Castiello kept me both entertained and informed during the evening. The first thing I was to learn was that the 2010s were “number one”, as there was “no more perfect harvest.”

We began with a 2010 La Velona Brunello di Montalcino that had bright red fruit flavors and a nice dry finish. Castiello said that his 76 year-old father called the wine “a young beautiful vibrant lady – when she’s 35” in a nod to the aging that most Brunellos see before drinking.

Castiello said that the grapes are “touched, and if they stick to the fingers they are ready” to be harvested. The wine is “intriguing and elegant” and not the type of wine that would “hit you” over the head. These Brunellos were subtle, yet expanding, on the palate.

Facebook album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10205002877299055.1073741901.1455706632&type=1&l=04d543c01c

ASSAGGINI

Fried Quail Eggs in Brioche, Mixed Seafood Cakes with Spicy Aioli

Bruschetta with Asparagus and Black Truffle

A Variety of Grilled Flat Bread Pizze

FIRST COURSE

Tuscan Style Roasted Porchetta with Lattughina, Pecorino and Aged Balsamico (The La Velona was nice with this course, and also served well as the perfect palate cleanser.)

DUET OF PASTA

Pappardelle with Rabbit Meatballs and Homemade Pigeon Ravioli in their own Sauce (Castiello ordered one of his Banfi labels from the wine list for this, a 2010 Toscana Cum Laude blend that I noted had dark juicy fruit, pepper, menthol and was ready to drink. Castiello explained that the wine was about $40 retail, unfiltered, aged in French oak barrels…and I’ll be looking for this one.)

SECONDO

Colorado Rack of Lamb and Wild Boar Tagliata Scented with Fresh Thyme

Served over Black Kale Ratatouille, Cardoons and Squash with Peppered Garlic Sauce

IL FORMAGGIO

Pecorino Cheese “Sformato” with Wild Arugula (Here one of the guests purchased a 2009 Brunello di Montalcino, Torre Guelfa. It was decanted, though still needed some aging time in my opinion, with lovely notes of leather, plum and some tart red fruit.)

DOLCE

Dessert

(Due to the length of this story, we will run Learning About The Consortium of Brunello di Montalcino Wine Part 2 on March 6, 2015)

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Vintage Beacon Circa May 2010: Free Wine Events

February 17, 2015 by evebushman

Knew that would get your attention!

Now, stop reading right this second if you think there are such things as free wine events. Nonsense. At least there are none for you. On the other hand, and that would be my other hand, there are plenty for moi.

In seeking a career as a wine writer I found out fairly early that receiving wine, and being invited to events, are standard.

Now, before you run out to your local stationers to purchase sheets of business cards that you plan to imprint Biggie Wine Writer on, you’d be stopped dead in your tracks at a wine event if you simply A. Don’t have a blog, or B. Your articles can’t be found on a Google search.

(I have an old friend that danced his way onto the stage during a New York Ballet performance, once, on chutzpah alone. Never again. Don’t even think he can attend any ballet now. The point being made here is that there’s more I must tell you before you know the full skinny.)

Starting with winery representatives that learn your name via their ever-present search for, “who is” talking about them comes the, “who isn’t” talking about them. Then, if they send you a bottle, you are moved into their first group, the talking about them group, and your work is done. Until their next vintage…

The way we get to go to events for free is because they want us to review the event, and, wineries can get more out of me writing about an event – especially if it’s before said event – than they can from you as the one bottle a day consumer.

The perks might be:

Being treated like a queen in your local wine bars and restaurants that you’ve been generous enough to give glowing reviews of, and then, copied them to your Yelp, Twitter and Facebook pages.

The best wine education for free when you get to interview sommeliers and winemakers.

More than your fair share of tasting groups with friends that want to be quoted saying impressive things like “Ripe Berry!”

A collection of corks your sister-in-law can make corkboards and trivets out of.

Free trade publications to keep you in the liquor loop.

The gamut of BarParts.com gifts from friends that know exactly what you like.

Surprise desserts from the chef for all at your table! (While we’re talking about meals be careful of the people that want to meet you for “lunch”. They may expect to drink wine at lunch and will be upset if you suggest the food court in your local mall.)

Your name in a wine bar’s newsletter when you “work” there one night a year for charity.

Everybody, and I mean everybody, greets you with, “I want your job!” Because your passion is transparent.

Downside you ask? I still do buy my own wine, have wine club memberships at some wineries, buy books and attend continuing education classes. And it’s not only needed, but expected, that I do these things.

Sometimes I have a hard time telling a winemaker, the one that sent me a bottle for my opinion, that I didn’t care for their wine. I’m not a winemaker. I’m not a wine expert. I am one person with one opinion. But don’t let me convince you – too hard – of that one. Then I’d really be out of a really, very cool, job!

Lastly, if you are going to begin a career as a wine blogger, as of 2010 wine bloggers now must disclose to the Federal Trade Commission if they purchased or were gifted any wine that they review. I think that’s a great idea.