#winewriter

A manifesto for making the wine world less forbidding for newcomers.

Those who know me have heard me reference Karen Macneil, wine writer supreme, on many occasions. I drafted an article referring to the young wine vendors and attendees who literally pushed her aside at a premium tasting, without recognizing her as the author of the first wine textbook they likely ever picked up. I decried Decanter Magazine's insultingly low $600 offer for her and her team to write about a collection of wines. Here in this link she heralds further perils to the wine writer- due to many causes including the dumbing down of wine and the anti-alcohol movement.

Part of what she describes as being potentially lost, is the loss of the emotion, the camaraderie and the dance of sharing wine. Part of her allure as a writer is her capacity to tell a story. For me and many others, it is the loss of the story that will sting the most. Ratings and stars do nothing for me when choosing a wine experience. I don't select wines to inspire envy; but rather offer a whole experience- in and out of the body. The allure of a wine begins in my head, with a vision or a dream of a place or time, of a culture or cuisine and a room full of people. The second phase courses through my senses from eyes to palate to finish- to the lingering memory of the experience, especially when shared with other #winelovers.

Wine is another ingredient in a meal. Sometimes the ballast that brings the other ingredients into harmony; other times it is the spice for an otherwise intentionally bland dish. Always a partner. What is lost when this important component is removed? Nothing wrong with Sunday supper and a glass of sweet tea; but I would not trade the pairing of a well made wine with a Michelin star dinner for it.

Thoughts worth reading: 🤔🤔🍇🍷🤔🤔

NOTHING LEFT TO SAY? THE END OF WINE WRITING