A Year In Review

It is mid December, and 2012 is rapidly drawing to a close.  For me, this is a time for reflection of the previous eleven and a half months.  Personally, this year has had its share of struggles and, honestly, has probably been the most difficult year, to date, for me.  With all the challenges 2012 brought, however, I have some really fantastic memories, as well.

This year ushered the beginning of the Stay At Home Winos and our first blog post was published in April of 2012.  Beth, Lisa and I took a big leap in our lives individually, and as a trio.  We took something that was initially a hobby, and brought it to the next level.  Sometimes, we were a little out of our respective comfort zones, but during the times where one of us felt a little apprehensive, the others were there to encourage and support.  This dynamic is indicative of our friendship.  Moreover, we realized individually, and as a group, who represented our biggest fans.  Three men who supported and helped us, offered constructive criticism and "researched" with us, as we embarked on our new path.  To them, I speak for Beth, Lisa and myself when I say, "thank you!"

For my weekly blog post, I wanted to do a year in review.  A "walk down memory lane," if you will.  We covered many wine-related topics since mid April.  Some blog posts required research and taught us a lot of new, useful information.  Some posts were sub-areas in the wine world of which passionate about and some, were simply our own walks down memory lane, where we relived memorable experiences that involved wine.

To Beth and Lisa, I say "Cheers!"

In April we started,
Wow were we green!
We hoped to learn,
New knowledge we would glean!

Beth talked about Rockpile,
A Zinfandel from Cali
And we learned that Rockpile AVA
Was just northwest of Dry Creek Valley!

Mary Jo showed us how not to be shy
And to be honest about what you smell and taste.
Who knew that the smells from your past,
Are upon what your ability to smell wine is based!

In May, Lisa waxed nostalgic,
about her life's journey to becoming a wine snob.
While Beth finally introduced us three,
And discussed what we learn "on the job."

Mary Jo went to Vegas
But her experiences she did share!
While Beth and Lisa's Oregon trip was previewed,
Mary Jo certainly wishes she could have been there!

In June, Beth and Lisa's Oregon trip was covered in great detail,
They enjoyed a "few" great wines.
The more they enjoyed the more they bought!
They probably found it hard to read the signs!

June also helped us learn to pair
Wines and many cheeses!
Beth also shared all our secrets
Of how our wine class ALWAYS pleases!

July started with the laws of wine,
And moved into what sulfites do.
Then the winos had their first big gig!
An outdoor demonstration about BBQ!

We also saw a white from the Verdicchio grape,
That Beth enjoyed in Rome.
And Mary Jo discussed the proper glasses,
That one should drink from at home.

July ended with an in-depth talk
By Lisa about the corkscrew.
Who knew there were so many ways,
To open a bottle that is new.

August discussed white wine,
And Beth recommended three greats!
Beth also talked about serving temps,
But admitted reds are for her, what elates!

Wines' health benefits were touted,
Lisa waxed nostalgic again!
Wine cabinets were brought up,
All the wine from Oregon was in!

In September, washing glasses was the topic,
Who knew soap wasn't good!
Bottle shapes, too many to name,
And why they were different, we finally understood.

Beth introduced us to Carignane,
Bolder than a Zin?
Finally, we learned how to "spit",
Or expectorate, into a bin!

With October, came fall,
And Pinots Lisa hailed!
The Winos second gig was held,
Pork for all was unveiled!

Rioja from Spain, we can't forget,
And Beth talked all about it.
Lisa remembered a trip to Lancaster Vineyard,
And the Pigs and Pinot dinner was a hit!

November came with a knock at the door,
And Mary Jo had a knew toy!
Her beautiful wine cabinet had arrived,
From California to Illinois!

Next barrels were investigated,
And Lisa showed us how-
A barrel can give wine flavors,
Who knew, toast and vanilla, until now!

Thanksgiving was near and Beth remembered,
Grandma Bams and her "Champagne."
Then Mary Jo waxed nostalgic,
And talked about the impression Consilience left on her brain.

December is here and, Champagne again?
This time, the real thing!
Its amazing the details surrounding this drink,
That makes even the shyest people sing!

Last week Beth talked Petite Sirah,
A grape grown in C-A.
But, it was once grown in France and called Durif,
And she highly recommends it with a filet!

So, what a year, is all I can say,
Thank goodness the wine still flows.
I am blessed to be with two good friends,
Together called the Stay At Home Winos!

                                               From grape.com


Cheers to all and Happy Holidays!

Mary Jo

The Spitting Image - Why and How to Properly Expectorate Wine

Enjoying wine as much as I do, the concept of sipping wine, only to spit it out, always stupefies me! Why on earth would one waste such a wonderful beverage unless it was either corked or really, really bad??  Further, doesn't part of the true tasting of wine require that the wine hit the back of the tongue?  So, I decided to research the reasons why anyone would treat wine so disrespectfully and what, if any, requirements there are to expectorating wine.

First, "spitting" is actually referred to as expectoration and the receptacle is generally referred to as a spittoon.  Interestingly, expectoration is expected and, often, encouraged at wine related events and most will offer spittoons for attendees.  I found several reasons offered for an act that, at first blush, seems like a waste.

First, imagine if your job every day was to taste wine.  First, WOULDN'T THAT BE GREAT!??  But second, how would you travel from place to place?  How would you be able to interact with your family?  How bad would the effects be on your body?  There are those individuals whose life's work revolves around wine or they frequently attend formal tasting events that "require" them to taste dozens of wines.  Without the option to taste the wine, but not actually ingest it, it would be impossible to properly taste multiple wines or stand up at any given point in the day/evening.  Even given the expectoration of the wines during the tastings and depending on alcohol content, alcohol is still absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth and one can still become intoxicated on some level.

Second, what if you are offering wines for tasting and (as I referred to above) the wine is either corked or has some other significant issue that requires you to get rid of it before it goes down your throat?  Having a spittoon available allows one to avoid that wide-eyed, desperate look that can be found on someone's face that wants to expectorate, but has nowhere to do so.  Even if a spittoon is not used, it is always advisable to have one available.  Just in case....

So, should you opt to expectorate (only refer to it as spitting if you are really close to the people you are with), there are a few important steps to take to properly taste the wine.  First, make sure the wine hits every surface of the inside of your mouth.  As we know, different parts of your tongue pick up different tastes (sweet, salty, bitter, etc.)  Also, to pick up tannins, the wine needs to make it all over your mouth. Also, it is recommended that one "chew" the wine to the proper parts of the anatomy that brings together our mouth and noses.  While "chewing" the wine, it is recommended to suck air into your mouth to enhance the taste.  While all this may feel odd, it is necessary if one is to get the proper taste from the wine.  Sucking air in can be tricky, however, and takes practice.

While I personally have never taken advantage of a spittoon, I would not hesitate to offer one, or utilize one if the proper situation presented itself.  However, it is my understanding that it is a learned art and that more than one individual has been left with wine running down their chin or have missed the spittoon altogether.  It takes practice to acquire good aim.  Like any part of wine tasting, don't be self conscious about it.  No one gets it right the first time.

Cheers!
Mary Jo

Wine Word of the Week

 

Enology - the science and study of wine and wine making. This is not to be confused with viticulture, which is the study of grape growing. Enology may aslo be spelled as, oenology.