What Does Wine Bring to the Table?
All too long ago, I shared a meal with some close friends. I recalled this memory recently and was reminded just what wine can bring to the table.
It is easy in this business to think of wine as work— we schedule tastings, take notes and spit the wine out. We decide what fits best with our collection on the shelves, the bar program at the restaurant and what makes sense with the numbers (and by we, I mean Brian usually makes this call, though he often includes me for product education and occasionally a second opinion). The process, the analysis, especially in a professional environment, doesn't always leave room for enjoyment. We sometimes forget the magic that wine has to offer.
We started with a sip of Champagne (as one does).
I don't know about you, but this is my favorite way to start a meal, or kick off a gathering, whether it be a large celebration or an intimate dinner. Now don't get me wrong, my budget does not always allow me to open a baller bottle of Champagne on any random Wednesday, but on the particular evening I am writing to you about, we did. And there was just something about the bubbles tingling across my tongue that delivered a true spark of enjoyment. An end to the stress of the workday, a beginning of the next experience. A fantastic start to dinner (or as my Grandma Joyce would say— supper).
The first glass tantalized our palates and made us hungry.
Not just for the meal we were about to share, but for the next sip. For the next adventure that uncorking another bottle would bring us on. For the still, crispy, white wine that came next to contrast in perfect harmony with the oily, and fancy, olives that hit the table. To refresh our palates after a bite of fresh, young garlic right from the garden outside that had been grown with love and fried to perfection crunched in our mouths. I will never, ever forget that garlic.
The evening continued to unravel from there.
And perhaps my memory became a little bit hazy after the skin-contact white and chilled red that followed with our next courses (don't judge, I wasn't driving). And yes, the picture above was only the first course.... But the wine played its role in moving the meal along, accompanying each dish and providing just a little extra laughter. With red cheeks, a full belly and a soul that has never felt warmer, I shared great company. We shared great stories. We shared great wine.
I was reminded that wine pairs with great food, with great friendships. And this time it wasn't about tasting notes, what will sell best, or even getting drunk. It was about the flow of the evening— one sip leading to the next bite (story, discovery, adventure, mystery) ... Wine is truly a part of the wonder. And I hope that all of our guests get to experience wine in this way.
A special thanks to Anastasia, Shawna & Susie— the moments together are never dull. Our lives together only continue to become more and more vibrant. I am truly thankful for you all.
