Societal

In appreciation of Wine

This isn't about any specific wine, group, style, grape, or region. It's a thought essay, a love letter to what I appreciate about wine amidst news of its global decline in consumption.

An imaginary view of the rolling hills of Côtes du Rhône during sunset, seen from a window overlooking the landscape during dusk.

A personal ode to the complexity and craft

A news blip and a personal alarm

My fascination with wine lies in its unparalleled taste. The incredible spectrum of flavours is intoxicating – pun absolutely intended. This post isn't about any specific wine, group, style, grape, or region. It’s a love letter to what I appreciate about wine in light of the recent news of its global decline in consumption.

This news blip alarmed me. While it seems the industry is attempting to keep prices stable through various manufacturing methods and restrictions, there's an underlying concern about the future of wine.

With the rise of alternative beverages like weed and White Claw, we may see a decline in mid-range and small-scale white wine producers. However, this trend probably won't significantly impact the cheap, mass-produced, high-end luxury wines due to their established markets and consumer loyalty.

Adapting to change: The future of wine in a warming world

With climate change, observing how winemakers and grape growers adapt their practices is fascinating. The fact that heavily regulated regions like Burgundy are allowing changes to their rules and guidelines is a testament to the industry's need to adapt.

Around 2016, I visited Patricia Green Cellars and heard about them going higher and around the hill to compensate for the heat the grapes were experiencing.

A dream job and a journey of discovery

I was fortunate enough to work in a wine shop – a dream job. It immersed me in the wine world, exposing me to more than I could have ever experienced as a casual enthusiast. Before, I travelled to various wine regions, primarily Germany and France, witnessing the fascinating intricacies of production. Although my work environment was a small, windowless room, being surrounded by wines from incredible makers was like a portal to different regions – some familiar, some unknown, some even visited. The claustrophobic room was not a drawback to the vast knowledge acquired in that confined space.

Wine as an art form: A celebration of complexity and nuance

To enjoy a good meal with a perfectly paired wine is a true delight for me as a pescatarian foodie. I consider wine an art form. Each region, each grape, possesses a unique character. I find beauty in the differences, the nuances of taste that change with terroir and vintage.

The thrill of seeing a wine poured into a delicate glass, revealing its beautiful burgundy or purple hue, is a moment I cherish. I am particularly fond of see-through, transparent burgundy and purpleish wines that gracefully cascade into the glass. The bouquet, the aroma that wafts up, thrills my sense of smell.

The complexity of wine is immense. The sheer number of producers, wines, and vintages makes it impossible to know everything. The ability to taste a wine and pinpoint its origin, maker, and year is a skill that scares and intrigues me. But the idea of spending more on an education without knowing it will pay is something I won't consider now.

An appreciation for subtle

I simply enjoy drinking wine and appreciating the ones I love. I prefer wines that are not over-extracted. I also don't subscribe to the "mega purple" trend of overly sweet, high-alcohol wines. I crave complexity, the same way I enjoy the complexity of certain cocktails. Hence, dry wines are my preference. It all goes back to taste. Wine with a particular bright herb or nutty notes can change the day's mood.

My current wine grievance

My biggest gripe at the moment is that I'm cutting back on, and will likely stop drinking, wines that come in clear bottles. This is due to the adverse effects of UV light on the taste. Have you noticed that many whites, including rosés, in clear bottles tend to taste the same? This isn't because they're all identical but because UV light oxidises and alters their flavour profile. For this reason, I've stopped buying any wine in clear bottles.

While I appreciate the visual appeal of wine in a clear bottle, I believe the true focus should be on its colour during pouring and consumption. Allowing UV light to compromise the taste is, in my opinion, a regrettable practice.

The journey to orange wine

It has taken a while for me to find "orange wine," an ancient technique of white wine with skin contact, to come back in style. Typically, I wouldn't say I like Pinot Grigio, but I'm all in when it's made into orange wine. The added flavour brings character and a bit of funk that I find irresistible. A dear friend, a true wine expert, claims that I'm just a hipster, especially since he hates orange wines. Yet, it remains a delightful weakness of mine. However, I will not continue to purchase orange wine in clear bottles, even if it is the delicious Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Ramato.