Some people get nervous sick or nervous shy but me, I get nervous tired. So as we arrived at the National Wine centre I was feeling unusually lethargic. All this changed when we reached the tasting room. Like the awkward teenager about to knock on the door for that first date I found myself equal parts excited and terrified. Not of the girls father this time but of the 24 white wines I had on the table in front of me. A small flight by many wine show standards but big enough to pop ones cherry on. With a big breathe I sat and thanks to the reassuring words from a couple of wiser heads I decided to jump in and get to the business.
Strolling my way through the whites starting with a cheeky Moscato and making my way through a few Pinot Grigos and finishing with a raft of Chardonnay via some Sauvignon Blanc in the middle. I started to relax and enjoy myself, as the process of wine judging became clearer to me I was able to visit the wines from a new point of view.
After recess time it was on to the some Reds, a mix of Grenache, Tempranillo, merlots and a big Graciano that was by far the most interesting of the reds I tasted. At 14 wines the second flight was smaller but definitely more intense in flavours.
As far as first times go I’ll always look back on this with fondness and just like that cocky little teenager who thought he ruled the world after that first date, this first left me wanting more. More wine, more experience and more challenges.
Wine, wine, yum!
Darryl