SOMM Laguna

I just finished a book by Hugh Johnson – The Story of Wine. A tome that is not for the faint of heart. The second book is the 10th anniversary commemorative edition from GuildSomm. It has page-turner chapters like Soil Principles & Vineyard Geology; the History & Science of Malolactic Fermentation and finally Tempranillo Wars: Rethinking the Traditional-Modern Schism in Rioja & Ribera del Duero. I mention these books not to mock them; on the contrary, I actually enjoy reading about this and in the proper context, it pulls a lot of things together. But, other than being interesting for a handful of wine geeks, is the information relevant to the enjoyment of wine for my clientele and the average wine drinker? Reading these books gives me a greater understanding and appreciation for the art and science of winemaking but if I talked about it to the average wine drinker, it might be a KMN (kill me now) moment. As a Sommelier, I hope to glean enough information from my guests, friends and fellow wine lovers to expose them to a wider variety of wines and styles thereby moving their comfort needle a few degrees into new experiences.

A few days ago, a neighbor said he found a French wine from Trader Joe’s for $6 and it was very drinkable. He was excited about his find so I looked up the tech sheet and went to TJ’s and got a bottle (thank goodness he wasn’t excited about a $100 bottle). I hadn’t had a Cab and Syrah blend for years but as he likes it, it helps me get a better idea of what style of wine he’s interested in – tannins from the Cab and fruit from the Syrah. When he reads this blog and tries the wine again, I hope he’ll think – okay, I like tannins (at some level) and I like the fruit; he can use those as descriptors the next time I ask what he likes about a wine.

Here’s the wine. It’s only available at Trader Joe’s at $5.49 plus tax. The alcohol level (ABV) is 13% so that’s middle of the road. The wine is a 50/50% blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah* from the IGP of Pays d’Oc, meaning the grapes can come from anywhere in the green area above and IGP is one step down in classification from the French top shelf AOC classification. The term Mis en Bouteille avec Soin roughly means bottled with care (but not on the property). If you like a bit of tannin (an astringent sensation), some fruit (cherries and strawberries) and some body, this wine is an easy choice especially at this price point. Tip: swirl the wine in your glass and let breathe for a minute. *The Aussies have been making this blend for years.

Stay well everyone and Love the Wine you are with.

Featured Image by: Grape Things PEXELS