Hi y’all!
I’m back on my bullshit. And by that, I mean taking classes in some esoteric subject just for kicks.
This time, it’s wine. I completed the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 1 Award in Wines in May.
Now I’m on Level 2. This means I am learning about and sampling wine for three hours every Monday night for six weeks.
Sounds terrible, right?
Why am I doing this? Well, WHY NOT?!
I would not say I have a sophisticated palate when it comes to wine. I will say that it has expanded and developed over the years.
I used to limit myself to sweet wine (perhaps shaped by consumption of Boone’s Farm back in the day).
Then I spent a few months in the South of France. My arrival coincided with harvest season. I discovered Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Mmmm.
This week, we covered Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Chardonnay and I have not been friends. I have a theory that people who dislike Chardonnay also dislike IPAs.
(IPAs. Gross.)
What I have learned in this class, though, is that I don’t like Chardonnays fermented in oak. Give me stainless steel, please.
See? I’m learning.
I’ve also learned that my palate may be more discerning than I thought.
We tasted a zinfandel last week. We were supposed to taste notes of red fruits and black fruits.
OK, check.
Another student in the class said she tasted meat.
Alright, Jill. Calm down.
But maybe I’m the weird one. After all, one wine did taste like chicken bouillon to me.
I’ll know more in a few weeks. Yet, I’ll never know as much as folks in the “Somm” documentary.
I was planning on just being happy to pass the eventual test. But I’ve learned that it’s possible to pass with merit (75+) or distinction (85+). Great. Now I have to study.
Wish me well!
Beth
Observe and report 
I love that you take classes. There are so many interesting things to learn in this world.
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Right?! There’s not enough time for me to pursue all that I want to know.
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