Welcome to "The Brat In The Cellar." In this space I hope to inform, entertain, educate, complain and most importantly, have fun. Topics of discussion will include everything in the world of wine, from acetic acid to the world famous Zweigelt grape and anything in between. On your first trip into the cellar, you'll find some commentary on several issues that have been bothering me lately in the world of wine, lighthearted humor and some tasting notes. Hopefully you won't be offended - if you are too bad! Just kidding, everyone is welcome to drop a quick note to me at cellarbrat1@yahoo.com. On with it... Observations From The Brat Here comes just a brief list of some of the things that irk me. Wine is as complicated as you want it to be. The more you get involved with your bottle of wine, the more things you'll find to love and the more things you'll find that will drive you crazy. Here's a short list... Memo to wineries - tiny wine pours stink: Before I offend everyone, let me start by saying that some wineries are very generous and very willing to have you try the wines. On the other hand, some just act like they don't care. I totally understand the need to hold back when wineries are pouring wine for their visitors, but that does not mean I have to like it. Miniscule pours mean no wine sales for you. Sorry. It's hard enough to "taste" wine in a tiny plastic cup - but at least put enough in there so I can get an idea of what I'm drinking. Dinky wine pours are OK for the rookies, I suppose, but when you really want to get a sense of what's being poured, I really need more than half an ounce. Next... Wine "Tastings" - Paleeeeseeee spare me! This term makes no sense and is grossly overused, usually to misrepresent an event that has little to do with wine. How many times in your life have you ever been to a wine "tasting"? Probably lots of times, or so you think. The screaming majority of these "tastings"are nothing more than sales pitches or overcrowded social events that are so loud and noisy that it is almost impossible to focus on the wine, which is the reason you went in the first place, right? If I go to a "real" wine tasting, I expect proper stemware, peace and quiet, wine notes and information, an informed speaker and some quality wine that I don't drink on a regular basis. Every other event should be called a wine meeting or a wine gathering or something of the sort. Wine "tasting" is serious business - don't forget it. Ugh... Prices - Now that I'm warmed up, this is going to be fun. I have heard that 10% of the people drink 90% of the wine in the United States. I've also heard that 10% of the people have 90% of the money. I'm not a detective, but I think there is a correlation here. I know the wine industry wants to capture that elusive 90% of the market they are missing, but before that happens prices are going to have to come down, especially in restaurants! Wine and food were meant for each other, and our European friends consider wine a staple - it's on the table for every meal and everyone has a little with the food. Hence, there is an appreciation for wine - not as a luxury item but as a part of everyday life. Not so in the United States - it's too expensive! I love food. I love wine. I can't cook very well. I can go to a restaurant. I see the menu. I like the choices. I see the wine list. I like the choices. I see the prices then I throw up. $32 for a bottle of Niebaum-Coppola Rosso? $18 for a bottle of Lockwood Sauvignon Blanc? $28 for a bottle of Columbia Crest Chardonnay? And that's just the cheap stuff. The really good wine that you want with your fancy steak in the fancy restaurant can cost $50-$75-$100+. This saddens me greatly - I love great food and great wine and can appreciate the artistry in a beautiful meal and bottle of wine, but, - I just can't afford it more than a few times a year. Until prices come down, wine will never be an everyday staple for the average person in my opinion. Sorry wine industry. WTV - We've all heard of MTV. Now there's Court TV, Book TV, Congress is on TV - what about Wine TV? Seriously, now that we have 500 channels available to us, how come there isn't a wine channel? Or at least a wine TV show? If there is one - let me know! I've been thinking about this for a long time - does anyone want to go 50/50 on the next great network? Just one more to go - I don't want everyone to think I'm a miserable, rotten, negative guy. I just wanted to tell everyone what's on my mind. I'm actually a nice person (at least my wife thinks so). Wine Non Education - I had a revelation recently. I want to be a wine educator, or better yet, I want to become a Master Sommelier or a Master of Wine. I did some checking with some folks and found out there really isn't a clearly defined path to get to that level - there isn't a Sommelier University (that I know of) to attend. These titles are PhD's in wine - serious stuff. You don't just read Wine For Dummies a few times and pass a test - it takes years of study, dedication and research to make it to the top. In fact, there are only a few hundred of each in the entire world. Don't we need any more? Where do I sign up? What do I have to do? How can I get there? I'll do anything - I'll even quit my job. I love wine - I have more passion than the next two wine geeks combined. You only live once, why not have a job that you love? If any one can help in any way, I'd love to hear from you. All done - I feel much better now. Thanks for your patience. TASTING NOTES - hey, give me a break - I'm not Robert Parker, Jr.! 1997 Chappellet Old Vine Cuvee - Napa Valley, CA: Golden yellow in color, apples/minerals on nose, full bodied and rich on palate. Finishes with spice and fruit, good flavors in this wine. Much different than the other Chenin's I've tried - more pizzazz and flavor found here. 1998 McGregor Johannesburg Riesling - Keuka Lake, NY: Straw yellow, spicy fruit on nose, full bodied and rich on palate. This one's a mouthful - nice flavors of orange peel persist - this one almost tastes honeyed. Very nice Riesling - may be difficult to find but worth the search. 1997 Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon - California: Medium red in color, big fruity/spicy nose - a touch of cinnamon? Well balanced, good acidity, firm tannins - a great combination and very difficult to find for under $10. This one has a great fruit profile and a nice long finish - a FANTASTIC value! Lot's of wine for little money - my favorite kind. Go buy some right now! 1998 Hogue Late Harvest Riesling - Columbia Valley, WA: Medium yellow, lemon dominates nose, full bodied and rich on the palate - notes of peaches and cream. Well balanced by some zippy acidity - sweet but not too sweet. An interesting wine that is worth a try for just under $10, especially for those that are tiring of Chardonnay. Another winning wine from a very reliable producer. Try anything from Hogue - you will not be disappointed. That's it - thanks for the visit. Please feel free to write me at cellarbrat1@yahoo.com with your comments, questions, suggestions and job offers. Everyone gets a reply! All feedback is welcome and appreciated. Know someone that likes wine? Send 'em the link - I'd love to increase my circulation to double digits! See ya next time from the cellar and remember, wine is more fun than you think... Gunerman writes "The Brat In The Cellar" twice per month for the Rochester, NY chapter of Wine Brats, found at www.ggw.org/winebrats/. Wine Brats is a national non-profit organization based in California. They are an active group of adult wine enthusiasts who are mostly young in age but absolutely young at heart. Wine Brats enjoy sharing their passion for wine with their peers and take pride in breaking down the cultural walls that for too long have mystified this beautiful beverage. Ultimately, as a non-profit organization, the Brats' purpose is to attract a whole new generation of adults to the wonders of life with wine. For more information, visit the national site at www.winebrats.org/. Sept. 8, 2000
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