Now I Know My Wine-Phabet: O is for Oenophilia

 In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.

Oenophilia has spread uncontrollably throughout the world.  It is a contagious disease that affects the most unassuming consumer.  Look what has happened in America!  The beer, spirit and Coca-Cola consuming nation is now becoming a leading consumer of wine.  Oenophilia is a disease that strikes people’s minds, hearts and palates.  It is the love of wine.  I am pretty sure Shakespeare wrote a play about it; if not, he should have.

“Oenos” is the Greek word for wine and “Philia” is the Greek word for love.  In the 1970’s Shirley and Steen Copperman coined the term when they opened their Manhattan restaurant, Oenophilia.  It was a bring-your-own wine restaurant which received much acclaim from the local press.  We may not remember what Shirley and Steen were serving on the menu, but we will forever remember the term, Oenophilia. (more…)

The Wine-Phabet: N is for Nebbiolo

 In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.

Nebbiolo is the champ of all middleweight grapes in Italy!  This is a bold statement and I bet the Brunello producers in Tuscany would disagree.  But put them against each other in a death match and there is no doubt that a Barolo would outlast, out muscle and be ready to take on another grape at the end of the blood bath.  A great analogy would be like putting Anderson Silva, the UFC middleweight title holder (Nebbiolo) and Michael Bisbing (Sangiovese) in the Octagon.  Sangiovese’s mouth would stop running when Nebbiolo’s technique and experience outclassed his opponent.

Nebbiolo’s home is Piedmont, one of the larger wine growing regions of Italy.  It is located in the Northwestern part of Italy.  If you were putting on the boot (map of Italy), Piedmont is located right around where you would tie the bow to your laces.  Nebbiolo’s most admired wines are those of Barolo and Barbaresco.  The greatest influence in this region are the wines of Burgundy.  They are made with, only one variety and made to last. (more…)

Now I know my Wine-Phabet: M is for Master Sommelier

 In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.

Mythical, Magical and Masterly are the best adjectives that I can think to describe that über-human being, The Master Sommelier. The Master Sommelier is so rare that even Nessie, the Loch Ness monster has been sighted more times. They are elusive and can only be found in cellars deep in the dungeons of the colossal hotels of Las Vegas.  Funny to think that my hometown, San Diego, the back woods of the wine world is home to the 1st American Master Sommelier, Eddie Osterland.

Is a master sommelier a member of the free masons? (more…)

Now I Know My Wine-Phabet: L is for Loire Valley

 In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.

There is one place in the world that has something for everyone, the Loire Valley.  The region is formed by the Loire river which runs from east to west.  All along the way it is lined with some of the grandest castles.  The river deposits that are left behind create each regions specific soil identity, however they share a limestone base.

Something for everyone I said.  If you are a wine connoisseur or a history buff, the Loire Valley has it all.  Let’s board our yacht and start our journey.  We will head up the river to its source, the mountains around Cévennes. (more…)

Now I Know My Wine-Phabet: K is for Rudy Kurniawan

 In this new series called “Now I know my Wine-phabet”, I will explore letter by letter wine and what I believe are some of the most important and/or influential aspects in the world of wine.  Since I am only choosing one topic per letter, many will be missed.  Hopefully these posts come across as being whimsical and informative.

 

K-ounterfeiting and fraud sums up Rudy Kurniawan.  Rudy Kurniawan has left a bad taste in mouths of wine collectors.  Today there are hundreds of collectors rummaging through their cellars wondering if they have K-ounterfeits or the real deal.

Rudy Kurniawan was arrested in March of 2012 for producing fraudulent bottles of the worlds most expensive and allocated wines.  He sold these wines to auction houses and made millions.  But in the end all bad guys go to jail.  He was out smarted by guys who really knew their stuff.   David Molyneux-Berry of the Sotheby, Domaine Ponsot  and others came to save the day.  They accused Rudy Kurniawan of k-ounterfeiting wines that were never even produced. (more…)