I can be a wine snob. O.k., I'm often a wine snob. But the best thing about this hobby is how surprising it can be.
Earlier tonight I attended a BYO wine dinner. There were 30 attendees and well over 30 bottles of wine. A few of the diners at my table brought two port wines that they'd made: a white apple port and a dark coffee port. I tend not to be receptive to home winemakers, but as many of you know, I love a good port so I was really curious. Skeptical, but curious.
My skepticism ebbed with each successive sip of the coffee port. The body was thick, but not syrupy and though the coffee flavor was a bit heavy, it didn't completely overpower the raisin and licorice notes of the port. Though I can't tell you where to buy this wine or what the price point can be, tonight's experience serves as a reminder of why it's always worth it to try a wine - even if it's a style, varietal or region you don't like or a source of which you're skeptical.
And I'm not just saying this -- next week the Essex County Wine Society is holding a tasting of South African wines. I have yet to find a South African wine that I really like. I've found some that are drinkable, but none I'd choose over other varietals or blends from other regions. Maybe I'll be surprised yet again next week? Whatever happens, I'll be sharing it here.
Until the next sniff, sip or quaff,
Cheers,
Alli M.