Every now and then it’s fun to take a break from the day in and day out rigors of retail. Therefore, industry wine tastings provide much needed exposure to wines that we might not have an opportunity to try otherwise. Here’s a list of eight exciting facts that make these tastings so enjoyable.
1. There are tables upon tables of wine all available for sampling! From sparkling, white, red, and dessert wines, everyone can find at least something of interest.
The Maven Hotel in downtown Denver provided a great backdrop to the Local Merchants of Colorado portfolio tasting
2. Most of these tables are headed by direct representatives for the wineries. They often show their entire line of wines on offer with the distributor. This provides the opportunity to ask in-depth questions and get firsthand answers on wine making practices to help determine flavor profiles.
3. Most of the time, we’ve already tried some of the wine in the months prior to the tasting. However, these events allow us to try newer vintages, single vineyard offerings, or simply brush up on tasting notes of wines that were already a part of our repertoire.
4. The focus and scope of the event can be varied. The events can range from small (focusing on one particular importer) to downright insurmountable (when medium-to-large distributors show their entire book of business). The latter generally requires a detailed map of the floor set-up along with attending wineries and the wines they will be pouring. This is best when received at least a day before the event
5. It’s always best to have a plan of attack (see above for reasoning on this step). If your looking specifically for anything new, be it Barolos or Rieslings, these need to be tried first while your palate is at its best. Palate fatigue is a real thing, and attempting to determine subtle nuances after trying 40 other wines can be a challenge at best.
6. Sparkling wine and bright Rieslings are your best friends after trying a long lineup of red wines. These wines act as a palate refresher and the very best ones can reset the palate completely. This allows for a more extended tasting experience.
A look at just one of the extensive tables at the Synergy Wine distribution’s Piedmont tasting held in conjunction with Giuliana Imports and The Populist restaurant
7. Sometimes there’s even more than wine. Many of the distributors have a specialized division for spirits. They’ll sometimes pour at these events also. It’s always best to hit these tables last since the higher alcohol content can dull your palate if you attempt to go back to tasting wine.
8. If you’re lucky, you get invited to try extra-special and super-fancy wine. These tastings generally take place in a separate room and have a more intimate feel. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does it’s a fun treat.
When I’m asked – “How can you possibly taste and remember so many wines?” – the answer is almost always industry tastings. They are the best tool for providing continuing education and keeping up with changes in flavor profiles and vintages. Not to mention, it’s also really easy to have a fun time when there is high quality wine all around within an arm’s reach. Saluti!
