|
|
|
| From one wine lover to another: It is hard to say when or where I was when I really got into wine. I didn’t open a bottle of Château Margaux or Cheval Blanc and exclaim this is it, I love wine. I had to devote my time to learning about and promoting wine….though I have had many influences including my favorite, Niebaum-Coppola Rubicon, preferably 1997. I grew up in an eccentric family of writers and restaurateurs that believed you needed to try everything, and even if you didn’t like it you would have had the experience. This led me to trying escargot (which at age seven only looked like snails to me), Beef Bourguignon, brussel sprouts, pate, roast lamb and every vegetable and herb that could be grown in an Arkansas garden. And, during my impressionable years I watched my family enjoy these sumptuous foods with wine, and took a sip or two occasionally myself – for the experience. I continued to develop this interest in food and wine while working in restaurants through my college years at TCU in Fort Worth, and out in the real world, or at least Uptown Dallas. Being a novice chef, I have developed an interest in the combination of food and wine, and the affect that opening one wine vs. another will have on the flavors of the food you are enjoying. This led to a fascination and eventual passion about wine. Several years ago I became involved with the now defunct organization, Wine Brats, becoming the Dallas Chapter leader in 2003. When the organization closed their local chapters I decided I wasn’t ready to stop educating the people of Dallas about wine, and I began Dallas Uncorked. Dallas Uncorked just celebrated its second anniversary as a 501c3 not for profit organization for wine edification, devoted to bringing informative, beneficial, entertaining and unique wine events to our community. Our hope is to enlighten and educate our members, whether they are the aficionado or the novice, in a relaxed unpretentious atmosphere. Our membership is free, our members pay only for the events they are able to attend, and we currently have over 2500 members. My goal when starting Dallas Uncorked was to hold monthly tastings or dinners for our organization, and introduce varietals, regions and wineries that are not mainstream. I love finding that one special bottle of wine that comes from unexplored regions or unheard of varietals. For instance, I have become a huge fan of the Cannonau grape from Sardinia. It is a well rounded varietal similar to a Pinot Noir, so it matches well with various foods and is soft enough to drink on its own. A few years ago I completed my wine fundamentals training with the sommelier program from the International Sommelier Guild. When I enrolled in the course I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I knew I loved wine and I had started a business focused on it, but this was a big step for me to take, having a full time job to do in addition to Dallas Uncorked. How lucky I was to enroll when I did! Experiencing the training not only made me a better businesswoman for Dallas Uncorked, but it also opened my eyes (and palate) to a whole new set of varietals I never knew existed, like the Cannonau. From this course I learned the process for growing grapes, making wine and the reasons behind various actions. We sampled wine from France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Australia, New York, Texas, etc. Old and New World wines were discussed and tasted, discovering how the land, the climate, the soil, the slope of the land and the actual grape varietal all play a part in the way a wine will taste. It was fascinating! And though the process was intense, it was also wonderfully enlightening. Now, anyone who talks to me for more than two seconds can see the passion I have for wine, it is much more than just grape juice in a glass. I am delighted to now bring tips, recommendations and reviews to this forum. By reading these weekly columns I hope you’ll enjoy learning about different regions and varietals, pick up tips on great wine stores and restaurants in Dallas, and to help you find some new favorites to enjoy on your own special occasions, whether that be an anniversary, promotion or Saturday night at home with your sweetie! I would also love to answer your questions and can be reached through Dallas Uncorked, Hayley@dallasuncorked.org. For more information on Dallas Uncorked please visit our website, www.dallasuncorked.org. Cheers,
|
Send mail to info@dallasuncorked.org with questions or comments about Uncorked or this web site.Uncorked encourages moderation and responsible drinking. Each guest to an Uncorked event agrees to drink responsibly and further agrees that the purchase of a ticket to or their attendance at an Uncorked event constitutes an acknowledgement that Dallas Uncorked, Inc. and its agents, representatives, officers & directors shall not be liable for any injuries or property damages suffered by or from the actions of any guest while attending or traveling to and from an Uncorked event.You must be 21 years old to attend Dallas Uncorked events.
|