Last night, saddled up to the wood at a well-known industry wine bar, I got to talking with two sommeliers.
Both are at the pinnacle of their careers, responsible for managing important wine lists.
These were two incredibly knowledgeable, yet down to earth individuals. Suffice it to say, I was honored to be in their company.
We were brought a "mystery" bottle – a fun game us wine geeks enjoy dabbling in. Equal parts fun party trick and impromptu test – it's a great way to gauge whether a supposed wine pro knows what they're talking about.
Upon first sniff it was without a doubt Chenin Blanc (remember when I talked about this variety recently?)
However, this was more than just any Chenin Blanc – this was one of those bottles that required tender love and affection.
It evoked so much emotion, thought and passion among the three of us that we couldn't help but talk about it for over an hour. I admit this sheepishly, but collaboratively, we even wrote a poem about it.
These are the types of bottles that you always hope you'll come across, but often don't. It's the endless search for that "guaranteed banger" and it always happens when you least expect it.
The last time it happened to me, I shared with a friend how emotional a particular bottle had made me, and he lamely replied "alcohol is a depressant, it just made you sad".
While that very likely could have been the case, I hoped there was more going on than just alcohol absorption in my bloodstream. I truly believe wine can result in more than just a lip smacking response.
After we enjoyed the bottle, I researched the winemaker of said Chenin Blanc, and no surprises here, the wine is produced biodynamically by a woman named Anne Claude LeFlaive. If you're a Chenin Blanc lover, this will likely be a very familiar name to you.
Wines made with special love and care require the same of their consumers. For some, it could evoke emotion, for others, it could make them hear a particular song, while some envision a beautiful piece of art.
It's rare, fleeting moments like this that oenophiles are on the perpetual hunt for. They don't happen often, but when they do, we're reminded why we chose this vocation.
Has this ever happened to you?
