From Common Link To Diversity
“Laughter is wine for the soul-laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness, the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living”, wrote Sean O’Casey the Irish playwright. A wine discussion in a DBC last Wednesday in Wanchai with learned, genuine and aspiring tasters did give laughter tinged through without loss of seriousness. Indeed wine discussions these days could have been too serious: they could be boring as they were abused as events for buffing. Yes they are, but that 4-hour tasting we had had was serious on the new DOCG’s and its justification. Few people, I would say, would tread along the common link of Sangiovese on explaining the Tuscan diversity. At least, that is not the approach for most wine education approach. So, after the aperitif trebbiano we started with a Radda(Vignavecchia Chianti Classico Riserva 2009) and a Panzano(Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva 2009) current vintage. Then we used a lighter Rufina, a riper Colli Senesi, a Classico Riserva, which are contrasted with a very rustic Nobile di Montepuciano and a fine and classic Brunello di Montalcino 2007(La Magia Brunello di Montalciono on Biondi Santi land, WS95) in a Versace, finishing off with a range of Sassicaia- like IGTs. A short range effective enough to make an educational tasting. Something new and new for me. The conversations did inspire: they get me to dream and hope again. Life is still worth living.
