Wine is one of those things that inspire me. Whenever I open up a bottle I wonder what I am going to find, smell, taste and feel. Sometimes it is floral; sometimes it is fruit or mineral. Other times are celebration, success or maybe sadness. I find amazing how something that starts with a simple tiny fruit, a grape, can bring out so many different aromas, tastes and memories. Do you remember the wine you had on that special first date? Perhaps not for the wine itself but what it reminds you of. Wine can commemorate any occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
Wine is possibly the most ancient drink known to man. Some believe that the Egyptians were first wine drinkers. An ancient Egyptian proverb states “In water you see your own face, but in wine the heart of its garden”. The Greek and the Roman devoted deities after it. Although Dionysius and Bacchus represented the more intoxicating qualities of wine, it is funny how wine stimulated senses since so long ago. Wine has an important role in Christianity. It was the first miracle of Jesus, it plays a significant part of the Last Supper and it is currently used during the Eucharist in Catholic mass. I guess wine has inspired a lot of people throughout history in diverse ways.
Personally, I am captivated by wine. It fascinates me how the same kind of grape can taste so different depending where it grows. New world wines are bold and aromatic while the old world wines tend to be more mineral and complex. There are always exceptions of course. There are so many analogies that wine can arouse, such as life and people. The quality of wine will depend on the amount of time and care you invest in it, just like relationships. The elaboration of wine is an exhaustive process; like a good life, it demands a lot of hard work.
Sometimes I ponder how I viewed wine before I understood it and took it seriously. I think at the beginning I didn't really appreciate it, I just tasted it. And like we do with people sometimes, I underestimate it until it was no longer there. The difference is that I could get a new bottle of wine the next day at the store, not so easy with people. Before becoming a wine enthusiast, wines were: white and red…how sad! It is such a broad and wonderful universe composed of innumerable working hours, millions of gallons, hundreds of varietals, dozens of producing countries and so much more.
Wine can be strong, sweet, structured, balanced or it can be unpleasant, bland, boring and forgettable. How wonderfully complex! Of course to identify all of these flavors and feelings you have to practice. As any connoisseur will tell you, taste is very subjective. Two palates rarely perceive the same taste, but as you practice, your senses of smell and taste will develop and it becomes easier to detect senses and aromas. I encourage everyone to really get into wine and maybe the next time you open up a bottle, it will inspire you something you never thought of, I know it always happens to me.
