-because the backup isn't working on my computer
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This is where you stick random tidbits of information about yourself.
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michael's online article storage
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Monday, March 31, 2003
by Michael F. Parker for the Rapid River Monthly - see this month's issue for two new restaurant articles: Doc Chey's Noodle House and The Grape Escape, plus the first in a series of how to host a successful dinner party.
THE WINE REP WHO TRIED TOO HARD
-how to read your customers
Sarasota. I was still dressed for the beach, underdressed for the wine tasting but on time.
To my left was Linda, the stainless steel showing through her no-longer all-gold watchband. I recognized her from the Sarasota Film Festival where she and her husband were trying to sell her script. They bore the strangest resemblance to that Wilmingtonian ruffled curtain couple.
To my right was Mrs. Tipple with her retired neurologist husband. The diamonds she had gotten from him over the years moved around to the palm side of her fingers and they clinked against the glass, on purpose, I think, as she demanded a pricey pour of Chateau Something and splashed her old red on my shirt.
Then there was the wine rep behind the table, he was showing about ten wines, all Bordeaux, and was describing them one by one at length to one taster at a time. People would understandably interrupt - we did pay an admission and the clock was moving. But this rep had a precise tasting order in mind and couldn’t pour you something unless you assured him you had the one you were supposed to taste before it.
“Trust me, I’m a professional. And I have already had those down there.” Doesn’t he know that all wine writers wear Birdwell’s?
Now, there is something to order, but when you hear diamonds hitting a glass that begs the high-end pour, just pour it. Mrs. Tipple doesn’t care about your information or order. She thinks high-priced wine is good because the price says so. Linda, on the other hand, needs to sell that script.
Linda needs to know about:
Cline, Oakley Vin Blanc, California 2001 ($9) Before this I tried the $15 viognier and my bias had me loving it before I started thinking. The $9 Vin Blanc is better.
Jewel, Viognier, California 2002 ($10) 13.5% Remember this label! I was very pleased with the prices from this winery. It is crisp, with the floral tones that I love from viognier.
Concannon, Sauvignon Blanc, California 2001 ($11) This sauvignon struck me as surprisingly creamy, even the rep was surprised at my response. Well, the wine feels good. I think it’s a good buy.
Di Majo Norante, Greco, Italy 2000 ($9) I have watched the price increase a little with this one over a few years, but I still love it. There is nothing mainstream about Greco, it is a quirky, minerally white, Distinct in its style, like…
Marques de Alella, Parxet, Pansa Blanca, Spain 2001 ($13) In the same way that a Spanish Parellada or Palomino wine is distinct, so is Parxet (pronounced par-CHET).
Marques de Murrieta, Neonata, Rioja 2000 ($10) Riojas have been in the Helen Thomas row for a while here, while I have been preferring reds from Toro and Jumilla, but I like this one. You won’t miss this label on the shelf.
Cline, Oakley Vin Rouge, California 2000 ($9) A good price for a good blend. It has a brighter style this year than last. It always makes me think of Mrs. Maddox, my Memphis Mint Julep Mamma.
Xanadu, Shiraz, Frankland River, Western Australia 2001 ($14) 14% The Frankland River is with the Margaret River, which deserves more appreciation for its lovely cabernets. This shiraz has more in common with Olivia Newton John than Kublai Khan.
Mrs. Tipple would like:
Perrin, Vacqueyras, France 2000 ($18) This wine is a fantastic blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. If you stock up on just a few special occasion bottles, this is a very good candidate.
Starve Dog Lane, Cabernet Sauvignon, Adelaide Hills, Australia 1999 ($25) 12.5% This cabernet is well-balanced and masculine with the kind of tannins I like in a cab.
Bodegas Dios Baco, Amontillado Sherry, Spain ($20) This amontillado is elegant and dry. The flavors are clear and the wine is smooth. It actually has a palate-cleansing quality. I regret not trying the oloroso, and my memory of Lustau is fading.
Bodegas Dios Baco, Cream Sherry, Spain ($20) This one is sweet, of, course, but somehow it still has a palate-cleansing quality, clearly a signature style of Dios Baco. With this label costing only a few dollars more, Mrs. Tipple should never buy Harvey’s again.
7:27 PM
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