Wine, Words, and Why It Matters

I was listening recently to a book (Audible.com is a great way to fit books into a busy lifestyle and I find they stretch my mind and sharpen my focus), Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking by Michael Gelb. My first thought was that this was someone's attempt to justify their drinking habit, but I was quickly drawn in by the compelling evidence that the two subjects go hand-in-hand. Gelb's research seemed thorough and convincing -- that wine goes far beyond a mere chemical process in the body and brain, and attains a transformational awakening of the soul and it's voice.

I listened to that voice -- the one on the audiobook and the one in my head, as well as the one I always trust, that of my wife! Hence, this blog commences with the conviction that wine needs words. Those words can be about anything two or more people want to share while they enjoy a glass of God's gift of grapes' divinity; those words can also be the simple description one reads in Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast, or just on the back label of many newer offerings.

Have you ever been with a friend or loved one and come across a view so spectacular that neither of you could find the words to describe it? A few wines, too few in fact, can have that same effect; but, one word is often uttered quietly yet with great feeling..."wow!"

In an attempt to help you find the right words, I will offer a few tips and suggestions in my experience as a wine geek, wine seller, wine pourer, etc.

Tip 1: Tannins are present in both red and white wines, but since they come from the skins, stems and seeds, they are more present in reds. Tannins give great wines longevity and not-so-great wines a better chance to survive. Welcome the mouth-coating sensation as you would a scary movie on this Halloween -- you know it's coming, so just hold on and enjoy the moment.