Sommelier Jenny Benzie on DISCOVERING REGIONALLY SPECIFIC WINES FROM AUSTRALIA:

When dining at a favorite restaurant or browsing the shelves of the local neighborhood wine store, US consumers are still looking for a great value in their wine selection with so many choices available to them these days.  Value regions that may come to mind typically lie on the outskirts of more well-known regions:

Pernand Vergelleses is next to Corton-Charlemagne, you can’t get to Montsant without going through Priorat and Sant’Antimo  has no problem having so many wine ‘cousins’ in Tuscany.  This regional recognition for lesser-known wine regions is common for most Old World wines, but not so easily discernable for New World wines that highlight grape varietal first in their labeling regime versus promotion of a regional designation.   This type of labeling and promotion is the beginning of many challenges that Australian wines have in marketing regionally specific wines to the US market.

Americans’ perception, in general, of what they think represents the Australian wine industry is not a fair cross-reference of what is truly available to them.  Preconceived notions of Australian wine can range from consumers general ignorance that not all riesling is sweet and not all shiraz is over-the-top to the misconception that Australia only offers low priced, poor quality exports that do not evoke a sense of place.   This lack of awareness for regional character, variety and quality leads them to have a false image and identity of Australian wines.  Americans are unaware of the amazing white wines from Australia and how they compare to their international counterparts: the well-balanced, elegant Chardonnays of Margaret River in comparison to white Burgundy, the dry rieslings of Eden Valley up against some of the best from Austria’s Wachau and the classic, under-appreciated Semillons of the Hunter Valley.  The image of Australian reds is seen as big, heavy, rich and concentrated.  However, this is not the case for many reds that are available: Pinot Noir from Pemberton that may be confused as a red burgundy in a blind tasting, the Rhône-style cool climate Shiraz/Viognier wines from Yarra Valley and the distinctive earthiness of a Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.  While these wines may be known to the wine buyers and sommeliers around the world, little has been translated that these wines are the first recommendations out of their mouths to consumers.

So how can you learn more about these regionally specific wines that Australia has to offer?  Ask your respected wine professional to recommend these types of wines so you can try them.  Have the sommelier or wine store merchant share with you the stories about the history of the people who have produced wines from these locations, being able to discuss the terroir from where the grapes are grown and emit a passion about the final product of wine itself.  Truth in labeling laws and emphasis on where the wine came from in these small areas will help consumers to recognize place of origin with the grape variety.  Be open to the innovative packaging that is developed and tested in Australia as it should be seen as an asset to the industry where US consumers are able to easily access these wines without having to use a special tool to open the bottle, box or wine pouch.

No one would ever think to take a wine tour around the entire United States of America, much less all of California.  Much is the same for Australia in that wine regions need to be divided, recognized and absorbed for each of their parts that make up the entire sum of its wine nation.  Promoting wine tourism is an invaluable tool to bring US consumers to the source of what Australia has to offer in the wine industry – you get to see the terrain and feel the climate, understand the geographic differences of each region and why certain grapes thrive better in some regions versus others, along with sampling the wine with local cuisine created by new, emerging talented chefs from Down Under.

By continuing to discuss the regional differences in Australian wines and how they relate to more familiar regions, US consumers are then given a frame of reference and a comfort level that allows them to feel safe in further exploration of what Australian wines truly do have to offer.–Jenny Benzie

currentVintage recommends:

Hope Estate Chardonnay, Hunter Valley (New South Wales), 2009, $15

95% Chardonnay and 5% Semillon;  Barrel-fermented with a restrained use of new oak.

Betts & Scholl Riesling, Eden Valley (South Australia), 2008, $30

The Wine Spectator 92 points: ‘Light, crisp and beautifully focused, with cantaloupe, papaya and lime flavors that bounce easily across the palate and into the long, fragrant finish. Subtle and absolutely enticing. Drink now through 2016. 250 cases imported.’ Nov 2008

More from cV on Betts & Scholl

Mollydooker Shiraz “Blue Eyed Boy”, South Australia, 2009, $54

Wine Advocate:
‘The 2009 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz is a 20% Langhorne Creek and 80% McLaren Vale blend matured in 71% new and 29% 1 year American oak. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it is profoundly scented of blueberry and black cherry with touches of mint, mocha and the faintest whiff of damp loam. Very full-bodied, the bold, ultra-ripe fruit is well supported by medium-firm chewy tannins and medium-high acid, leading to a very long and pure if slightly warm finish. Drink this one 2012 to 2017+.’ – 92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, www.erobertparker.com

Wine Spectator :
‘Rich and ripe, with a burnt edge to the spice and dried tomato flavors that remain strong against the blueberry and plum fruit. The tannins are well-meshed. Best from 2012 through 2018. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.’ – 91 points, Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com

We Love Shiraz:
‘The 2009 Blue Eyed Boy is 100% Shiraz from the Mollydooker Home Block Vineyard and Langhorne Creek Vineyards. The wine has an intoxicating spicy nose with hints of blackberry and strawberry. In the mouth the wine fully coated my palate with velvety tannins and flavors of plum, chocolate, coffee and blackberry. The purity of this wine was amazing. It was a unified presentation of fruit with a complex flavor profile. The lasting finish had evolving flavors that begged me to take another sip. This is the best Blue Eyed Boy (BEB) I have ever tasted.’ – 98 points, Brian Pasch, www.weloveshiraz.com

More from cV on Mollydooker

Jenny Benzie is the owner of Pour Sip Savor, a forward thinking wine business in which she is able to provide ‘An Assemblage of Sommelier Services’ by creating wine education opportunities for consumers, private client wine services, restaurant wine list consulting and brand ambassador to wine regions from around the world.  Her sommelier expertise has been honed by working at some of the finest establishments – Caneel Bay Resort in St. John, Michael’s in Santa Monica, Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach and The Pearl on Nantucket.

Every year has a new season, as they say in baseball, and the same can be found true for every vineyard and wine region in the world.  You might wonder how to demystify wine and bring it down to this type of every day level that we see in the wide world of sports.  This seems like an easy question to answer for me – read about it a little each day.

You pick up your ‘sports section’ and you see who won the game last night.  Highest scorer (Wine Spectator, anyone?), best of show (been to any wine fairs lately?), the names and uniforms changes (if the grape really isn’t in Napa, then how can you can you use that location in its name?).  And what about the recent steroid usage issues that we have seen in the news lately…sounds like genetically modified grapes to me.

By reading into some wine websites (like people watch SportsCenter) every evening as you unwind with a glass of wine after work, you can learn a little something each day.  Eventually, you know who the big players are, where they came from and what school they attended, who their teammates are, when were they drafted, have they ever been traded and just what is their batting average.  Maybe they played in an international league before settling into life in Napa Valley.  You follow your favorite professional athlete, now start to follow your favorite wine professional.  Sometimes they fumble, other times they score a homerun.  And you as the fan want to learn more about your favorite ‘team’ to impress your friends with trivia at the wine bar late at night!

Wine is something that is available for everyone.  Whether you are on a budget and choose the cheap seats at the game, decide to sit along the baseline to see the wine being made or you have season tickets and entertain in your sports box at every home game, you decide how you get your money’s worth out of your wine experience.  Switching from wooden bats (or barrels) to aluminum (stainless steel tanks)?  How dare they mess with the tradition of replacing corks with Stelvin screw closures!  Are half bottles considered minor leagues and magnums the World Series?  (Did you ever notice how they all celebrate with champagne at the end anyway?!?)  And what about all the great wine accessories that you can buy to decorate your house?  Who is your favorite grape mascot now?

I think you get the picture, just take it one day at a time.  Eventually, before you know it, you will be the one who knows all about the different vintages, which company bought out which team and who are the rising stars that make it all happen for us.

So, if you aren’t able to make it to the Red Sox game this Friday, come join us at cV for our weekly wine tasting where you get to sample a few of the wines you keep reading about!

–Jenny Benzie

Jenny Benzie is the owner of Pour Sip Savor, a forward thinking wine business in which she is able to provide ‘An Assemblage of Sommelier Services’ by creating wine education opportunities for consumers, private client wine services, restaurant wine list consulting and brand ambassador to wine regions from around the world.  Her sommelier expertise has been honed by working at some of the finest establishments – Caneel Bay Resort in St. John, Michael’s in Santa Monica, Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach and The Pearl on Nantucket.

According to cV Sommelier Jenny Benzie (Founder of Pour, Sip, Savor! Sommelier Services), here are 3 Ghastly Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hosting A Wine Tasting…

So, you’ve invited a group of friends over, everyone is bringing a bottle and you want to make sure your wine tasting event occurs without any ‘flaws.’  Below are a few mistakes to avoid if you are hosting a wine tasting event to ensure you get a ‘Gold Medal!’

Dirty glassware can cause your wine tasting event to go from ‘Brilliant’ to ‘Dull.’  Here are a few tips to ensure clean glasses:

• Don’t just pull the glasses from your cabinet or a box – they will have a stale, cardboard smell.
• Don’t wash your glasses with soapy water – this can leave a film.
• Never use a paper towel to dry your glasses – this will leave an ‘off’ odor in the glass (and lint!).
• Rinse your glasses with warm water and gently dry by hand with a polishing cloth.

How can you identify what’s in the glass with distracting smells all around you?  Here are a couple of ideas to keep your wine tasting area odor-free:

• Do not burn any candles or have plug-in air fresheners in the room.
• Ask your guests (and you!) to refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, after-shave or other scented personal products.
• Do not use chemicals or scented cleaning products on the table where you will be tasting.
• And NO SMOKING!

While some like ‘hot’ tea or ‘iced’ coffee, seldom do they like ‘warm’ white wine or ‘too cold’ red wine.  Some helpful information on correct temperatures to serve wine:

• Champagne and Sparkling wines: 41-45 degrees F
• Lighter, more delicate whites: 45-50 degrees F; Heavier white wines: 50-55 degrees F.
• Lighter style reds: 55-59 degrees F; Full-bodied reds: 59-64 degrees F

It is easier to ‘warm’ a wine by cupping the glass in your hands than it is to ‘chill’ the wine by diluting it with ice cubes (gasp!).

That’s it for the tips. I hope you’ve found them helpful.  Remember, wine tasting should be an enjoyable experience and hopefully this advice will help you in preparing your own event!

Alex Gambal in Beaune

A long-time island friend and favorite winemaker, our selection of Burgundies would not be complete without offering something from the only American who now owns parcels in the Grand Cru Batard-Montrachet!  All of his wines are fermented by indigenous yeasts, racked only once and bottled by gravity without filtration.  According to Alex, ‘the superb 2009 vintage is a benchmark in the maturation of this fine little Burgundy house.’

To drink or to keep, you decide….just don’t wait too long!

St Aubin ‘Les Murgers des Dents du Chien’ 1er Cru $50

From one of the most famous climats from this small region located next to Chassagne-Montrachet, this wine offers what a village level wine from its next door neighbor does at a fraction of the the price.  Soft citrus and orchard fruit, rich flavors with medium acidity, slightly linear but with a lingering finish.

Suggested Pairing:

Sea Scallops with fresh corn salsa

Puligny Montrachet, $68

A straight-forward village wine that offers hints of soft toasty oak and citrus notes, mostly lime zest.  Fresh and vibrant, this wine is a perfect pairing for the abundant seafood available on the island.  Be sure to save a bottle to pair with Nantucket Bay scallops with a celery purée in the months ahead.

Suggested Pairing:

Lobster!  Lobster!  Lobster!

Bourgogne Rouge “Cuvee des Deux Papis” $30

Alex does it again with a sophisticated single-village wine worth its’ price!  Perfumed nose of spiced red berry that lead to bright middle weight flavors on the palate.  Perfect for those sometimes chilly nights when the fog starts to roll in before we are ready to receive it.

Suggested Pairing:

Salmon with roasted shiitakes

Chambolle Musigny, $70

Perfume of red berries on the nose  and a silky flow of soft, fading  tannins on the palate.  This is a wine that any Pinot Noir lover will appreciate.  Buy a couple bottles for your collection and reap the benefits of aging this wine a few years.

Suggested Pairing:

Coq au Vin, Roast Chicken with potatoes Dauphine

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 was a lovely day for a Garden Party.  Lilly & Pucci were present, as was most of Sconset….A grand estate, inventive cocktails, a happening DJ and models galore…all for a good cause.  As you can see from these snaps, a good time was had by all!

“Fashion in a Sconset Garden” to benefit A Safe Place.

Fashions by currentVintage + Cheryl Fudge & Peter Beaton Hats.  Many thanks to Gene Mahon of Nantucket’s Mahon About Town for fabulous photos!

At currentVintage, we love it when our customers tell us how much they have enjoyed something they bought from us–whether it is clothing, wine, cheese or home goods!  When they take the time to send us a photo, well, we’re over the moon!  Sometimes people stop in the store wearing a cV purchase, so of course, like a proud parent, we have to snap their picture.  You can see these on the cV Facebook Page, where we have an album entitled “Seen in cV”.   But for those not on facebook, we’ve compiled a little “cV Hall of Fame”…

cV on facebook

Rosé wines–so summery, so beautiful….so DIVISIVE!  Our customers are basically divided into three camps:

1.  Those who drink little else for these three months

2.  Those who realize rosé has a lot to offer, but are still discovering regions and styles

3.  Those who ‘just say no’.

Most of us at currentVintage dwell proudly in the first category, especially when it comes to French rosé!  We asked cV Staff Member & Sommelier at The Pearl, Jenny Benzie, to share her thoughts on summer & Rosé…

Summer on Nantucket would not be complete without including a bottle of rosé wine for whatever  the occasion might be – sunset at The Galley, an afternoon picnic at Ladies Beach or brunch at The Boarding House on the weekend.   With so many fabulous rosé wine selections available,  it’s almost like taking a mini-vacation to France as you taste through the varying styles offered from the different regions…

Cótes de Provence is a large and non-contiguous rosé producing region of Southern France in the Côte d’Azur spanning several communes.  This area accounts for the largest amount of rosé production in Provence.  The wines produced are made from a blend of no more than 40% Carignan and at least 60% of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Tibouren.  At least 20% of the rosé must be blended from wine produced in the saignée method (bleeding of the vats, removing some pink juice from red wine production).  These wines are often bottled in the traditional regional wine bottle that almost looks like a bowling pin!

Jenny Recommends:  Saint Roch les Vignes, 2010, $15

Bandol is a small region on the water located in the Provence region of Southern France and is one of the more internationally recognized wine regions from this area.  The only region based more so on the Mourvedre grape, which must be at least 50% of the blend, grenache and cinsault are used to complete the wine.  Small amounts of syrah and carignane may also be used (up to 15% if blended or 10% if used individually). Since red wine is more prevalent here, there is only a small amount of rosé wine production and even less white (check out the Domaines Ott Blanc de Blanc we have in the store made from Clairette + Ugni Blanc!).  The combination of the warm coastal climate and silicone/limestone soils create a wine that offers character and complexity

Jenny Recommends: Château Pradeaux , 2010, $27

Tavel can be found in the Southern Rhône Valley, just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  This region ONLY makes rosé wine (that’s right, no red or white wines here) and must have an alcohol content between  11 – 13.5%.  Grenache and Cinsault are the main grapes used, accompanied by Syrah and Mourvedre.  These wines tend to have body and structure and therefore making them one of the few rosé wines that could possibly benefit from some aging.

Jenny Recommends: Chateau Trinquevedel, 2010, $20

Want to learn more about these wines?  Come buy a bottle and try it!  You can find these and many other fabulous rosés on the shelf or chilled in our cooler at currentVintage.

Jenny Benzie is the owner of Pour Sip Savor, a forward thinking wine business in which she is able to provide ‘An Assemblage of Sommelier Services’ by creating wine education opportunities for consumers, private client wine services, restaurant wine list consulting and brand ambassador to wine regions from around the world.  Her sommelier expertise has been honed by working at some of the finest establishments – Caneel Bay Resort in St. John, Michael’s in Santa Monica, Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach and The Pearl on Nantucket.

A few years ago, I was interviewed by Jen Murphy of Food & Wine magazine.  She asked me to envision several quintessential Nantucket summer occasions and suggest the perfect fashion and wine pairings–much like we do every day in the store–for FoodandWine.com.  I happily obliged and the piece was posted in June of 2009.

Two years later, currentVintage is once again featured in Food & Wine–this time in print!!  (F&W Best New Chef 2000) Amanda Lydon & Gabriel Frasca ( Straight Wharf, Provisions) were designated “Most Anticipated Opening” among a list of hotly anticipated restaurants,  for their new farm-to-table Italian eatery, Ventuno. They were kind to recommend cV as Nantucket’s  “Top Wine Store” in the July 2011 issue…

“Our friend Beth English owns currentVintage, a quirky store that sells both wine and vintage clothes. It’s sort of like chicken and waffles—until you experience it, it’s hard to believe what a great idea it is.”

It was an aw shucks moment, which led me to revisit the earlier piece…and I was delighted at how “current” it felt!  It was only two years ago, but that can be eons in the world of fashion.

Nevertheless, I thought it would be fun to update for Summer 2011.  The occasions may be the same but it’s fun to mix it up a little in what we wear AND what we drink.  The new improved list of Nantucket occasions and their 2011 “Suggested Pairings” are in PINK.  Happy Summer!

Nantucket Wine & Fashion

POSTED JUNE 23, 2009 AT 8:49PM EDT

The 16th Nantucket Film Festival took place on Nantucket Island June 22-26.

I am a Nantucket Film Festival ninja.  A 16-yr veteran.  I strategize as to how to fit in the utmost and fill in every hour of every day, from morning til midnight each year.  I pore over the festival program and pencil in my film selections for the week.  That list may then be tweaked based on Artistic Director Mystelle Brabee’s picks, and yet, it will evolve daily, based on what I hear at “Morning Coffee” and ‘the Buzz of the Fest’–Nevermind the demands of my store!

Vera Farmiga & Renn Hawkey

This year, I knew that my film time would be short, so I concentrated on the events and programs that simply could not be replicated after the Festival, such as live events, short films, and screenings with a Q & A.  As much as I hate to miss anything, there is at least the possibility of catching the missed films on TV or in NYC or from Netflix or screeners, however Late-Night Storytelling only happens once.

“Morning Coffee With…” is a series I love–a one hour opportunity to begin each day eavesdropping on an honest discussion between writers (and filmmakers/producers) about how their films came to be and where they’re going.  Each day is a different moderator (Will Conroy, John Shea, Jonathan Burkhart) and a different panel.  There is no doubt that that the highlight (and biggest celebrity) was Kevin Clash and his puppet, Elmo–or should I say Elmo and his puppeteer, Kevin Clash–there wasn’t a person in the room that did not completely melt at the first words out of his furry red mouth.  This was an instance in which I quickly updated my schedule, via the new Nantucket Film Festival app on my i-phone, to include BEING ELMO–one of the star documentaries of the fest.

Jerry Seinfeld & Co

Another see-it-here-or-not-at-all program is “In Their Shoes”–a live conversation between two people you really want to hear from.  This year featured Vera Farmiga, interviewed by Richard Corliss of TIME Magazine on Thursday,  and screenwriter Paul Haggis, interviewed by Hard Ball’s Chris Matthews on Friday.   Farmiga was lovingly presented with the NFF Compass Rose Acting Award by Joshua Leonard (Blair witch Project ), her co-star in the new film Higher Ground (in which she starred and directed).  The montage of her many roles demonstrated why TIMEOUT NY called her “This generation’s Streep”.  Listening to Paul Haggis discuss the emotions and dynamics of his conflicted characters in CRASH is exactly why I move heaven and earth to attend the NFF.  Haggis was also honored on Saturday night with the NFF Screenwriters Award and a tribute by Brian Williams, who, by the way, is funnier than all the funny people in the world combined…and so very handsome.

Speaking of funny, the most coveted ticket this year, by far, was the All Star Comedy Roundtable–JERRY SEINFELD, BEN STILLER, SETH MEYERS, COLIN QUINN & AZIZ ANSARI–wonder why?!  And they did not disappoint.  Somehow, I landed in the second row–so close, it was like being in Jerry Seinfeld’s living room.  Seth Meyers opened by saying what an honor it was to play the Nantucket High School auditorium on a Sunday afternoon.  “For a musician, it’s Carnegie Hall.  for a comedian, it’s the Nantucket High School auditorium in the daytime.”

I managed to squeeze in these and a few others…

Opening Film:   BUCK

The beautifully filmed and shared story of the real-life Horse Whisperer, Buck Brannaman, who has the rare ability to teach all horses–and people– he encounters.  This was definitely the buzz of the fest.  Astonishingly, it is made by first-time filmmaker Cindy Meehl.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/17/entertainment/la-et-buck-20110617

Closing Film:  HIGHER GROUND

The story of an overwhelmed young mother who turns to a fundamentalist community for answers, but after years of unfulfilling dogma, must find the courage to reclaim her life.  They intent was to to show a multi-dimensional religious character, which I feel they achieved, however the portrait of religion in general, was still one note.  I loved its attempt at the  complicated portrayal of religious choices and for the fact that it features 3 Broadway stars–Donna Murphy, Norbert Leo Butz and Dagmara Dominczyk!  Vera Farmiga stars and directs;  Produced by Nantucket Film Festival co-founder, Jonathan Burkhart.

Documentary:  UNRAVELED

Yet another mind-blowing tale of hubris…Marc Dreier’s $700 million Ponzi scheme was front page news–until the Madoff story broke 5 days later.  Marc Simon, a filmmaker and attorney in Mar Dreier’s firm seemed destined to film the story of his mentor.

Documentary:  BEING ELMO:  A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY

The heartwarming  story of a dream come true against the odds.  I smiled and cried through the whole thing.

OVERHEARD…the verbal highlights of the NFF

“I said “altruistic” because I know in Nantucket you people know what that means.  If I was in Revere, I would say, ‘Yous good people’.”–Comedian Colin Quinn at All-Star Comedy roundtable

“As many shake shingles as there are on Nantucket, that’s how much I thank you.”–Vera Farmiga, on receiving the Nantucket Film Festival Compass Rose award.

“We all have a compelling story that needs to be heard…and so we do what we do.”–Amy Sultan, documentary filmmaker, TO BE HEARD (NFF Audience Award Winner)

“The last big gamble that took place here was when the architect said to the Nantucket High School wood shop class, ‘Surprise Me’.”–Brian Williams, re the oddly named Sconset Casino

“Tommy Lee Jones has a face that will hold a gallon of water–and with Paul Haggis’ writing, two gallons.”–Chris Mathews??  Not sure if he or Brian Williams or Ben Queen or John Shea said this!

“Having a writer in the family is like having an assassin in the family.”–Ben Queen, screenwriter of CARS2 at “Morning Coffee”

“If you ever write a memoir, you could sell the shit out of it.”–A Professor to Carolyn Briggs, whose autobiography later became the Vera Farmiga film Higher Ground

“People say you need to have balance in your life and a broad perspective. I’m against all these things.  I advocate for narrow and unbalanced. And that is the only possible route to becoming a comedian.”—Jerry Seinfeld, as told to the Track Gals, Boston Herald

“And if there’s a prize for festival-sponsored libations, Nantucket took it with Scholium Project white wine and homemade strawberry-basil lime rickeys.”–IndieWire, referring to wine donated by wine sponsor, currentVintage

http://www.indiewire.com/article/2011/06/27/small_and_highly_desirable_nantucket_film_festival_plays_to_its_strengths

“Elmo gets the rock star treatment in Nantucket”–Headline in the Boston Herald

http://bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1347804&position=1

photo compliments of Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey

We always say that tasting is the best way to hone your palate and learn more about wine…but what about those situations where you don’t want to drink too much, have to drive home or attend a trade tasting with dozens or even hundreds of wines?  Well, you probably oughta spit.

There is, however, an art to spitting–which may seem a little unfair, in that in order to sharpen your wine skills you have to develop your spitting skills, too?!

Well, forget about fair and start developing your spitting style.  There are a few “correct” ways to spit;  some say a slow, steady stream, others say fast and furious.  I find that different methods are necessary in different settings.  While I love having a big sip and letting the wine cover every tastebud, rather than swishing it around like mouthwash, most of the time, a half oz taste is all that is safe when it has to be expectorated with precision.

British Wine Critic Jancis Robinson makes it sound downright regal.  Hers, we will call the “Royal Spit”:

“When it makes sense to spit, you should be proud rather than ashamed to do it. You may associate expectoration with rather seedy old men and pavements, but wine people have perfected the art of doing it with great style. ‘Spit with pride’ might well be the wine taster’s motto. The stylish spit is forceful, an elegant trajectory with not the merest suggestion of a dribble, aimed dead center of the spittoon.”

Royal wave optional.

While the goal here is to illuminate the reasons and methods of spitting, it should be noted that some don’t encourage spitting at all.

Teobaldo Cappellano is considered a legend and one of the last great traditionalist winemakers in Barolo. In 1983, he banished all journalists from his cellar unless they agreed to review his wines without scores.  As a result, he is not very well-known in the United States — but is held in very high esteem in the wine world.  In regard to spitting, Cappellano said, “If there is one thing that makes me crazy, it’s spitters of wine…the ones who taste a wine by rolling it around in their mouths and then they spit it out. I worked my butt off to make wine to drink, not to spit!”

I’ve heard that sentiment from many a French winemaker, too, but that philosophy can be trouble without a wooden leg,  I’m just sayin.

For more musings and demonstrations on spitting, check out these links. At least, if you do find yourself in a setting in which you need to spit, you will be prepared to do so with confidence, if not style.

The Fine art of spitting:

http://www.spinthebottleny.com/spin-the-basics/the-fine-art-of-spitting-2