The other cool thing about working at the wine shop is that I’m finally learning the difference between different wines. I’m learning what I do and don’t like and slowly learning what all the tasting jargon means and can match some of it to what I actually taste!
What amuses me most is that often the tasting jargon really *is* what you taste. Like “peppery”. Until last night I didn’t believe that wine could actually taste peppery, it was just the closest word they could come up with. But no, I tasted one Shiraz which is billed as having pepper tones and it really tasted like I’d swallowed a sprinkle of pepper with my wine!
I’m able to do this because our shop always has bottles open for wine tasting. Last night I got to replace all the reds, so I took the opportunity to put out some of the ones which I haven’t seen on the tasting table – partially so I could get to know some new wines and therefore recommend them and partially so the customers don’t always have the same selection to sample.
I still have much to learn – so many wines and I’ve only sampled a few; but now it is only half the time that I’m imitating what I’ve heard my boss say about a wine, or surreptitiously reading the tasting notes when a customer asks for advice.
I’m jealous, that sounds like an awesome job!
It is pretty cool. Not too many customers and usually the ones that come in are nice cos they’re buying wine for going out so they’re all happy.
My boss knows heaps about wines and all the wine regions in Australia and he said he learnt the same way I’m doing – tasting the wine while reading the tasting notes and just getting to know the different regions and characteristics.
If you’re interested in checking it out: www propectwines.com.au/carlton/index.php
What amuses me most is that often the tasting jargon really *is* what you taste. Like “peppery”. Until last night I didn’t believe that wine could actually taste peppery, it was just the closest word they could come up with. But no, I tasted one Shiraz which is billed as having pepper tones and it really tasted like I’d swallowed a sprinkle of pepper with my wine!
Oh, really? What sort of wine is it?! Rob loves pepper, so much so that I got him some pepper nigris essential oil, and buy chocolate-and-pepper things for him whenever I see them for sale. 🙂
I promise I will get around to visiting you at work one of these days – next paycheck perhaps – so I can taste lots of yummy stuff at your direction 🙂
It’s the Coonawarra Shiraz that we sell – you’ll need to get it from us cos I have no idea what the actual label is. My shop sells only cleanskins, but they’re all from reputable vineyards and wineries, many of them well-known and heaps more expensive. *grin*
Just let me know when so I can make sure I have time to hang around with you tasting! Curently I work tuesday and Wednesday nights and fridays until 6. Personally i think friday night is the best time cos we get to taste and be ready for whatever we amy or may not be doing, and chances are high that Steve will be there and can tell us more about the wines.
Agggh!!! Who told you that cheep good wine is my Kryptonite (Looks dagger at all around him).
After the horrors of the home show I think I need to come see you at your shop.
Whats the address>
147 Lygon St, just near the Piazza.
I’m there Tuesday 5:30 – 8:30, Wed all day and evening and Friday 12-6pm 🙂