Admittedly, wine can tread into esoteric waters, intimidating those not bitten by the bug. A conversation with a non-wine-drinking friend reminded me of the palette and circumstances of wine. He asked if expensive wines are always good. Of course, that’s a loaded question, but worth considering.
One can speak of terroir, the reputation of the winery/vigneron, and winemaking. There are uncontrollable variables of climate and precipitation. Trends, fashion, and other social factors influence what’s in the glass. However, it all comes down to the experience, along with the taster’s palette and circumstances of the wine.
Judging Wines
Tasting notes offer an excellent way to hone one’s skills. Experience is a wonderful teacher. As a watercolor artist, I see a myriad of greens once spring arrives. The sky changes from cool cerulean to warmer shades of ultramarine blue. Notes help you connect the intricacies of your palette and the circumstances of the wine to understand it more fully.
It gives you the vocabulary to voice your impressions.
The Palette and Circumstances of Wine
The discussion reminded me of another time talking about domestic Pinot Noir. Two family members adamantly cling to their passion for California wines, dismissing Oregon. Dismissing an industry with over 1,100 wineries seems a bit rash. However, it rests with the varying palettes.
I have a distinct Old World palette. I rarely order a domestic glass or buy a bottle. A gifted bottle of Caymus tasted too heavy and sweet for me. It wasn’t that the wine was bad. On the contrary, it was simply my preference for a different style. That’s also a two-way street. Oregon wines embracing a French expression may similarly seem different to someone used to bolder styles.
Circumstance Matters
Time, place, and companions influence one’s perception of a wine or other beverage. One warm summer evening, I remember sharing a bottle of warm Pimms with a few family members. We were on vacation, sitting together on a porch. We had nothing to drink; the Pimms was all we had. So, we passed the bottle among us.
Many would cringe, but, at that time, in those circumstances, the Pimms was wonderful. It became part of the family lore and a cherished memory. The drink is an integral part of the story.
Making the Most of Wine
The palette and circumstances of wine have a certain magic. You can’t always snap your fingers to conjure these moments. They happen when you least expect it. I think A.A. Milne said it best about enjoying the moment, the company, and the wine in the timeless classic “Winnie the Pooh.”
“We didn’t know we were making memories, we were just having fun.”
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