Az alázat ereje (Az élet tanulás)

Pár nappal ezelőtt, Lotte Karolina Gabrovits cikke“The power of passion, the passion.for.wine.” annyira megmozgatott, hogy vissza menjek néhány évet az időben, abba az idöbe mielőtt csatlakoztam az Institute of Masters of Wine-hoz. Az az idő, amikor azt hittem, tudtam sokat a borról. Nos, nem tartott sokáig, mig láttam, hogy tévedtem, de nagyon!

Plató azt mondta a “Republic” - ba, hogy sokkal nagyob sebességel nö a tudás univerzuma mint a saját tudás növekedésének sebessége. (a tudatlanság sötétségéböl a tudás fényébe). Más szavakkal, azt hittem hogy bor tudásom elég nagy volt ahhoz, hogy a legtöbbet, amit csak tudni lehetett, tudtam. (képzeljük el, hogy a "bor tudás" nekem csak olyan mint egy nagy szoba). Az igazi kihívásal azonban nap mint nap szembe nézek: ujabb és ujabb szobákra találok. A kapuk megnyitása az új realitásokhoz az út, amikröl nem is tudtam, léteztek. Úgy érzem most, hogy meg kell öket nyitni, tudni kell ezeket az "új" dolgokat amikre rátalálok az Institute diáka -ként. Az eredmény az, hogy a világegyetem bővült exponenciálisan (ne feledjük, a bor univerzum csak a nagy szoba), de a tudásom nőtt összehasonlíthatatlanul kicsit, és az eredmény az, hogy úgy érzem, hogy tudom, hogy sokkal kevesebb most ... még 5 év intenzív tanulmányok után is…. Ez akkor paradoxon? Nem igazán. Azt is tudom, sokkal több most, mint néhány évvel ezelőtt, de a valóság az, hogy arányosan (hogy mit lehetne tudni) azt tudom, hogy végtelenül kicsit tudok.

Szóval, hol van a kapcsolat Lotte cikkével? Nagyon egyszerű: Úgy volt, hogy egy másik hibát elkövettem amikor azt hittem hogy a szabály "minél többet tudsz, annál inkáb tudodd hogy keveset tudsz" csak a bor esetében igaz (és, persze, más területekre, amikben az emberek  szenvedélyesek). És ismét ... tévedtem, de nagyon!

Hadd magyarázzam meg.

"The power of passion” ráébresztett valami igazán fontosra: Én a tudást az egyik legfontosabb dolognak értékelem a rövid idő allat amit a Földön töltünk. Az élet nem más mint a tanulás! (Ez magában foglalja a tanulás szeretetét és a boldogságságot egyaránt. Ezek legyenek a célunk az életben)

És igen, úgy érzem, hogy én keményen dolgozom ezen, hogy teljesítsem a küldetést, nagy erőfeszítésel, hogy úgy éljek egy életet tanulással azzokon a területeken amikben anyira nagy a passzió. De a helyes dolgokat tanulom? Nyilvánvalóan nem. Az alázat, amit Lotte megmutattot mindannyiunk számára, nem valami, amit megtanultam… egyáltalán nem... Amikor megkérte hogy szavazzak rá, minden, amit láttam az volt (vagy, amit jelenlegi rendkívül versenyzö oldalom látott), hogy ezt a versenyt mint # winelover közösség - meg kell nyerni és keményen dolgozztunk hogy így is legyen. Amikor úgy döntött, hogy publikálja a cikkét, ő szavazatok számában vezetett, viszont, saját szavaival élve, "ezt nem érzi igazságosnak", ezért úgy döntött, hogy megmutatja, hogy valaki, ilyen fiatalon (ő 24) úgy tudja látni a dolgokat, ahogyan a legtöbben nem. Ami engem illet, én megpróbálom a dolgokat ebből a szempontból a következő alkalommal, amikor erre lehetőség nyílik így látni. Óriási karakterre val, nem a "hatalom és dicsőség" csapdájába lépni és ö mond valami ilyesmit: "Ok ... lehet hogy sok szavazatom van ebben a versenyben ... de, hogy őszinte legyek, a legfontosabb nem a szavazatok száma, mivel nem én vagyok az, aki megérdemli ennek a verseny cimét. "Próbálok nagyon nehézkesen visza emlékezni, hogy én képes lennék így dönteni, ha ebbe az irányba haladna nálam ,hogy csak egy kis ugrás lenne a nyerés (és hogy hires legyek), 24 évesen. Biztos vagyok benne, hogy a győzelemre hajtanék És Ön mit tett volna? Ugyanazt, mint én? Azért kérdezem, mert úgy érzem, magam mint ha Lotte apja volnék és had játszam a büszke apát, és amit csinált, az valami nagyon gyakori, és a legtöbb gyerek ezt tette volna ...

Én nem látom, hogy igen gyakran történik, és nagyon büszke vagyok arra, hogy öt ismerem, mint a barátom (vagy, mint "fogadott lányam", ha úgy tetszik), de lehet, hogy csak én nem látom a világot valaki más szemszögéböl ... Akárhogy is, még sok tanulnivalóm van és szeretnék tanulni az életről ...

Különben így fejezte be levelét: "És megint, nagyon köszönöm mindazt a támogatást! Nincsenek szavak kifejezni hálámat ... de ha megengedik nekem, hogy még egy szivességet  kérjek, akkor a következő lenne: Ha valóban választani kéne, kérjem, adja meg szavazatát Dr. Mészáros Gabriellának. Ő az egyetlen, aki igazán megérdemli ezt a címet. "

És én most hasonló módon beejezném: Lotte, nagyon köszönöm ezt a gyönyörű leckét. Az alázat egy olyan értékes ajándék. De ha kérhetek egy szívességet ... akkor az az lenne: Kérem, ossza meg ezt és szavazzon Ön is. Lotte nagyon világosan kifejtette, miért Dr. Mészáros Gabriella az a nö aki megérdemli, hogy megnyerje ... és én tiszteletben tartom. De azt hiszem, van néhány jó hír: A rendszer a Facebook-on lehetővé teszi, hogy úgy lehet szavazni hogy több szavazatott is lelehet adni... és úgy gondolom, hogy valaki, mint te, Lotte megérdemli, ennji szerénységel hogy rád is szavazzanak!

 Ha egyetért a dolgokal amiket itt mondtam, kérjük szavazzon mindkét Dr. Mészáros Gabriella és Lotte Karolinára. Biztos vagyok benne, Lotte is igy tartaná igazságosnak!

Ha fen vagy facebook-on akkor ezt a linket használhatod a szavazásra: https://www.facebook.com/questions/10151279250123213/

Cheers!
Luiz Alberto, #winelover

Choosing CHAMPAGNE for New Year's by Philip S. Kampe

Choosing Champagne for New Year’s  by Philip S. Kampe

What a better way to usher in the New Year than to open a bottle of the real stuff, which, we all know is Champagne.

Yes, I love Prosecco, Cava and Cremant, but the thrill of pouring a real bottle of Champagne on this special occasion seems like the only thing to do.
Especially this year.
We all have had a tough 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy. We need to relax for a night and  enjoy the crisp, lively, bubbly flavor of Champagne.
Few categories of wine, and few products in general, have a more prestigious reputation than Champagne. As a true lover of the ‘bubbly’, I have found one company that consistently, in all price categories, stands above the rest.
That company is Nicolas Feuillatte, one of France’s newest and best vineyards.
Nicolas Feuillatte was established in 1972 with the acquisition of a 25 acre vineyard in Bouleuse, located in the Ardre Valley in Champagne.
The company history is new compared to the century’s old Champagne houses that exist near Reims. But, the quality and finesse of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne is equal to or often surpasses its rivals.
In 1976 Nicolas Feuillatte created ‘Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte’. Since its inception, today’s portfolio has grown to 17 Champagne varieties that are sold in the market, both vintage and non-vintage (NV). 
David Henault has been the chief winemaker since 2011. He follows the successful winemaker, Jean-Pierre Vincent, who was Nicolas Feuillatte’s winemaker from the first vintage in 1976 to 2011.
David Henault worked with Jean-Pierre Vincent for seven years before taking the position.
I was fortunate enough to attend a tasting led by David Henault and realize why he would be an obvious choice. He has vision, clarity and knowledge that is rare a for a young winemaker at such a large Champagne house.
Nicolas Feuillatte created the Champagne brand.
Nicolas said, ‘ Champagne is a modern wine with a touch of soul tied to its history’. Many critics proclaim, including myself, that Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne is ‘Wine with Bubbles’.
Several years ago I hosted a New Years Day Party and poured six Nicolas Feuillatte Champagnes at a blind tasting for our guests. The guests included numerous wine shop owners, buyers and friends that certainly know more than I know about Champagne.
They have been in the business for many years and their palate was in tune.
The result was expected.
None of the guests guessed correctly that what they were tasting was Nicolas Feuillatte. When I announced what they were drinking, they were in shock—I call it denial.
They did not realize that a business that began with a first vintage in 1976 can taste as good as the old-Champagne houses in Reims.
Nicolas Feuillatte does.

My recommendations for New Years and other times follow those of the company.

The MUST HAVES are suited for every palate and every occasion:
Brut, Brut Grande Reserve, Brut Reserve, Brut Rose and Demi-Sec.

The REFINED are for the discerning palate in search of purity, authenticity and excellence.
Brut Vintage, Brut Chardonnay Vintage, Brut Extrem and Cuvee Speciale Vintage/

PALMES d’OR is the ‘Diva of Champagne’. Aged six years and wonderful.
Palmes d’Or Brut Vintage 1999 and Palmes ‘Or Rose Vintage 2005

LIMITED EDITION are bottles that are dedicated to the city and represent the materials of today and the bygone age. Each bottle is unique visually.
City Spirit 2012 (Concrete décor on bottle) and City Spirit 2012 (Brick décor on bottle)

The Champagnes of Nicolas Feuillatte are exciting and a good value in today’s market.

''The Flying Winemaker' and Michael Rolland Team up for CAMPO ELISEO

‘

I have written much in the past about Francois Lurton and his ability to roam the globe in

search of the perfect plot of land to create vineyards that, in time, have unbelievable results.
It is much like one looking for oil.
Francois Lurton has that ability in his DNA to create wines in areas that have had some, but, not much recognized success.
To reach his goal on one project, Francois Lurton teamed-up with Michael Rolland, a noted international oenologist and wine consultant. In a sense, they are rivals that have the same goal in mind.
That goal is to find land and create a vineyard that will yield grapes that will produce wines that will be written about for years to come.

The team of Francois Lurton and Michael Rolland found a plot of land in the Toro region of northwest Spain, which satisfied their curiosity.
Michael Rolland explained that he wanted to make wine with Francois. 
Spain and the Toro region was a perfect location for this project. 
Michael said that I had had some prior experience in the area and Francois and I wanted to make wine in a hot region, so, Toro, near the Duero river  was a perfect answer.
The region received its DO (Denomination of Origin) in 1987.
The project started in 2000.

Together, they decided to plant the Tinto de Toro grape, a variant of Templanillo.  Their goal was to produce a truly 100% Tinto de Toro at Campo Eliseo.
Michael Rolland said that he had visited the Toro region twenty years ago and the wines he sampled were really dreadful. Even with awful wines, what Michael saw was true ‘potential’ in the region. With Francois help, they had an opportunity to create fantastic wines.
The  land (vineyard) was close to the Duero river, which was perfect for drainage. In addition,  the terroir and warm weather conditions helped mold their decision to create complex wines.
The team of Francois Lurton and Michael Rolland produced their first vintage of Campo Eliseo in 2003. The last released vintage was 2009.

The two recently were in our country to show off their wines from Campo Eliseo. They want us to see what progress they have made since the original plantings in 2000.
In essence, the tasting of their wines is a culmination of twelve years of work.
They are showing the vintage progression form the original vintage to the present release. In layman’s terms, they are giving us the privilege to taste the wines of Campo Eliseo in what is called a ‘Vertical Tasting’.
The results were quite spectacular.
The consistency of the wines showed us the obvious characteristics of the Tinto de Toro grape and how this pair turned their plot in Toro into a quality, world-class product.
All vintages showed oak, dark fruit and spice.
My favorite vintage was the 2004, followed by the 2006.
Presently the 2009 is available for purchase with random stores selling past vintages.

The team of Francois Lurton and Michael Rolland have achieved true success with the wines of Campo Eliseo.
Campo Eliseo is readily available at your favorite wine shop.
As a side note: If you can not find Campo Eliseo at your favorite wine shop, look for other wines from Francois Lurton. He currently has vineyards in Chile, Argentina, France and Portugal.
That is why they call him ‘The Flying Winemaker’.

The O'SHAUGHNESSY Wine Journey

Amanda Schark , an extremely knowledgeable and agreeable wine representative who works for Charles River Wines alerted me that she would be pouring some special wines

at Spirited Wines (Lenox, Ma) at their weekly, complimentary Saturday tasting.
I told Amanda that I have heard about O’Shaughnessy wines from peers, but, have not had the opportunity to sample any of their well known Cabernet Sauvignon blends.
The reality is simple.
The O’Shaughnessy Winery sells out of most vintages and rarely needs to promote their wines. Due to a loyal customer base, which includes high-end restaurants and collectors, few wine shops carry a large variety of O’Shaughnessy wines.
They are collectables.

After sampling a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, with Amanda, I can easily understand why the world has gone wild for the entire O’Shaughnessy portfolio.
I wanted more.
Amanda said that Luke Russ, O’Shaughnessy’s worldwide sales and brand manager would pour other vintages at the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival. That put a big smile on my face, as I attend the festival yearly (see my past Berkshire Beacon articles).
Fast forward to the Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.
I meet Luke Russ and explained that my mission since sampling the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, with Amanda, was to sample every vintage that has been in existence.
Luke explained the history of O’Shaughnessy to me.
He said that Betty O’Shaughnessy, originally from Minneapolis, was a cooking  professional with a passion for wine. Betty somehow landed in Oakville (Ca), fell in love with the land, bought a home with a vineyard and started her Napa wine career in 1990. As time passed, Betty acquired more land (Howell Mountain and Mount Vedeer) so she could produce a variety of grapes that would lead her to her goal, which was to produce a world-class mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
O’Shaughnessy Winery was now a reality.
A cave, a wine facility and a large enough variety of grapes to work was met with approval by O’Shaughnessy’s first and only winemaker, Sean Capiaux.

Luke asked me if I wanted to meet Betty O’Shaughnessy and Sean Capiaux and taste all of the vintages (2001-2010) that O’Shaughnessy has produced.
I answered with a positive ‘Yes, that is my California wine dream’.
Luke said that he would make it a reality.
But, not today.
Luke was planning an ‘O’Shaughnessy Winery Thank You Tour’ that would feature every vintage that has been released.
Both Betty O’Shaughnessy and winemaker Sean Capiaux would lead the selected ‘chosen’ attendees on a vertical tasting. The attendees would be the retail stores staff and owners who have supported their wines throughout the years.
Luke mapped out the plan and said that he will see me in December.
I received my invite to attend the vertical tasting at ‘Corkbuzz’ in Manhattan.
The months passed slowly and the day finally approached.

I was the first guest to walk into Corkbuzz and was immediately greeted with a glass of sparkling wine. It was eleven in the morning and I was drinking sparkling wine?
It was a tease.
All I wanted was O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon.

After eating a few appetizers that paired perfectly with the bubbly, the real ‘O’Shaughnessy Thank You Wine Tour’ began.

Luke introduced Betty O’Shaughnessy who, after a wonderful historical speech about O’Shaughnessy  introduced Sean Capiaux. Sean, the esteemed winemaker, led us (less than 15 participants) into oblivion by walking us through the vertical Cabernet Sauvignon vintages from 2001 to 2010.
To comment on near perfection from new vines is impossible.
Taste any vintage of O’Shaughnessy Cabernet Sauvignon and your California wine dream will begin, like mine did.

And it will never end!

\
PHILIP S. KAMPE

Just a REMINDER to ATTEND the DIAMOND SOMMELIER SERVICES "Holiday Event" Tonight

Doreen Winkler founder of Diamond Sommelier Services is hosting a wonderful wine event, featuring art, music and food.
Join Sommelier Doreen Winkler and her staff at Space Gallery, 549 West 52nd Street (between 10th & 11th Avenues- 8th floor) and spend the evening with people who share a love of wine, art and fine food.

The event will include the opportunity to taste wines, served with perfectly paired hors d´oeuvres. The wines include:

NV Jose Dhondt, Blanc de Blanc, Champagne

2011 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre, Loire

2007 Sylvain Pataille  Marsannay, Clos du Roy, Burgundy, France

The stylish evening event will feature live piano and violin performances by Peter Fancovic and Filip Pogady.

Myles Bennett, a world-recognized artist will feature his recent works.Myles Bennett is an Architecture graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, and currently lives and works in Bushwick, BKLYN.  Exhibiting nationwide at such galleries as MAC Fine Art in Miami, Bennett Galleries in Nashville, Elga Wimmer Gallery in Chelsea, and Storefront in Bushwick, his work has also been collected by the Tennessee State Museum.

This will be a night to remember.

To purchase tickets, use the link below:

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4902416259?ref=ebtnebtckt

Why not spend the evening of December 13th with Doreen Winkler?
Great wine, passed appetizers, live piano, violin music and artwork will help create
a memorable and affordable evening.

Where?

Space Gallery

549 West 52nd Street 8th Floor
new york city, ny 10019
646.765.1805

Call for ticket information..
Map it

PHILIP S. KAMPE 

BORDEAUX Wines Make A Comeback

Bordeaux Wines Make A Comeback by Philip S. Kampe

It is a rare occasion when I get so excited about each and every wine that I sampled at a wine tasting. In this case, the wines were from Bordeaux. The truth is, the wines from Bordeaux have not been at the top of the wines on my ‘to try’ list for many years. Maybe the reason is that I am partial to the Burgundies and haven’t really given the wines from Bordeaux a real chance to win over my fancy.

Thanks to a dynamic group of Bordeaux wine makers, my opinion or even prejudice has been altered. Tracy Ellen Kamens, a highly regarded wine educator, hosted a tasting of wines from a small group of Bordeaux winemakers. The group is on a one week visit to the United States to learn about American wine drinking habits. What do we like in a wine?  Are our drinking habits different depending on what age we are? How can this group of Bordeaux winemakers establish links with the American trade, press and consumers? These were the questions we discussed with Bordeaux wine alliance director Frederique Dutheillet de Lamothe, while sampling the wines made by this group of  Bordeaux winemakers.
The winemakers and their representatives dissected  our brains to help them understand the wine market that exists in this country, as well as our perception as journalists regarding the wines from Bordeaux.

The group of wine makers brought their wines to be judged and criticized by the press. Our remarks, as a group, were encouraging and positive regarding the wines that we sampled.

Marie Hours from Domaine Uroulat Jurancon is a very enthusiastic and creative winemaker. She is a veteran winemaker who has participated in ten vintages worldwide. Using her last name in a playful way, she markets a sweet, delicious, full-flavored white wine called ‘Happy Hours ’. The wine is made from 100% Petit Manseng. Her other wines, imported in the U.S., by Martine’s Wines, Inc., include a dry white, Cuvee Marie 2011 ($22). The wine is made from 100% Gros Manseng grapes. Her other entry into our market is Uroulat 2011. Retailing  for $35, this 100% Petit Manseng wine is sweet and a great after dinner wine.
Aureilie Anney is a young, intelligent winemaker from Chateau Tour des Termes. Aureille is following her family tradition at the Chateau by making Merlot-dominated wines. Her Cru Bourgeois (St. Estephe) is a dynamic, medium-bodied red wine that is distributed by Monsieur Touton Selections. At $38 a bottle, the Cru Bourgeois is a blend of 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.
Bruno Lallemand and his wife Cheryl own the 50 acre estate, Vignobles Lallemand and are taking the Bordeaux style winemaking to a new level. As relatively new winemakers, the Lallemands entry, ‘La Maison Rouge 2011’ ($24), is a fruity, tasty, wonderful wine that uses the famous Bordeaux Merlot grape to its peak. Considering that the wine is young and able to grow during the next five-ten years, the Lallemands have found a way to make this wine very drinkable at the present time.
Chris Cardon and Lai Martin, from Chateau La Have (St. Estephe) introduced some dynamic wines from their 16^th century estate. Located on 41 acres, Chateau La Have has been using the talented enologist, Eric Boissenot, to help with the winemaking. Eric, to his credit, has worked with Chateau Lafite and Margaux. The wines from Chateau La Haye are outstanding and irresistible on the palate. We had the pleasure of sampling the Chateau La Haye 2008, 2009 and 2010. Made primarily with Merlot grapes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, these wines complimented the wines made by all of the participating winemakers at the tasting.
The wines from Bordeaux are wonderful, historic wines that should be thought of when going to the wine shop. Instead of Chile, Australia, Spain, Portugal and Argentina, think about the wines from Bordeaux, specifically Domaine Uroulat, Vignobles Lallemand, Chateau Tour des Termes and Chateau La Haye.

They are wines with ‘Tradition’.

PHILIP S.KAMPE