A ray of sun in dark times

Yesterday I went to the monthly lunch of the Wine Media Guild at Felidia.

What, you may ask, is the Wine Media Guild?

 

Well, it is a group ("guild") of writers ("media") whose subject is usually/always wine ("wine").  It's an occasion for some of the New York old guard and some members of the not-so-old guard to get together, taste wines on a thematic basis ("Amarone", "Puglia", whatever), hear a little presentation on the theme and dig into discreetly-portioned plates of Felidia's fine food. 

A lot of non-writers attend, too, of course. These you can tell by their nicer bodies and heightened attention to grooming.  Wine importers, producers, sommeliers, sales people and various wine-related small businesses are all represented to one degree or another.  It depends on the month, the theme and of course the weather.

This month's theme was Cabernet Franc.  A number of Cab Francs from the Loire were there for the tasting, not to mention Long Island and other wine-producing zones.  (Not Virginia, though, which I think was a grievous oversight.)  The wines ranged over every price point and every point on the quality scale from just-palatable to absolutely wonderful.

By the way, just to show you that I don't reflexively hate all American wine, I'd have to say my favorite of the luncheon was Schneider's CF from Long Island.  It showed impressive balance, depth and even length.  The only wine I drank a little of instead of spitting.

The highlight of the event, really, was a brief but informative and deeply felt overview of Canadian (Niagara Escarpment) Cabernet Franc delivered by Paul Grieco.  Paul is a native of Ontario who's lived in New York since 1991.  As an owner (I think) of the very fine Hearth and the down-the-street, very hot Terroir wine bar (50 wines by the glass!), he is definitely a personage in the New York wine and food realm.  And, as a native of Ontario, he expresses astonishment at the development of the wine-making culture in that "near-abroad" zone.

After his well-received mini-tutorial, we chatted at the table.  Several of us were talking about the tough economy and the difficulties facing people in the wine biz. He asked me about what Domenico Selections is all about, and I

mentioned the extra difficulty you face when you try to bring something a little -- a little -- offbeat to the market these days.  I said that my original vision was to bring to Americans excellent, reasonably priced Italian wines that were the result of "muddy boots", that is, slogging through the cold wet countryside, off the beaten paths of Piemonte and Tuscany for the most part, with the intent of bringing new, authentic and exiting expressions of often obscure grapes to a new type of wine-drinker.

And I gave into doubt long enough to say, "I don't know if it's such a smart idea now.  It seemed like a sound one a year ago.  Maybe we should just find a non-disgusting, cheap cheap Pinot Grigio and do things that way."

To my surprise, Paul took issue with that sentiment.  He said that young people ("Millennials" in marketing jargon) want new things to try, and they want someone to introduce those new flavors and grapes with some context and understanding of why they are tasting what they are tasting.  He told me, "This is the perfect time to do what you're doing."  Paul went on to say that, yes, it is hard at first -- missionary work -- but it will pay off as this generation grows into its taste and forms its loyalties. 

In a year, he told me, you'll be in a much better position.  This approach will start paying off.

Now that was a great way to usher in the new year.  May he be right.

Comments

[Christy]

You're proving my recent blog post theme about Paul Grieco (the most quoted person in the business!) http://tinyurl.com/franklywines

But seriously - I think he's right. I've found people are open to trying almost anything - if they trust you. And what a difference a year will make...I'm one year into it and looking back, I'm pretty impressed with how far the shop has come.

You also have a distinct advantage in this game - your wines are GREAT!

Keep on keeping on.
-Christy
www.franklywines.com
www.franklywines.blogspot.com

[Strappo]

Thanks, Christy, I appreciate it. And you've reordered, so you you have Dom cred!

I forgot to mention your post -- sorry but glad you added it here.

[Lenn Thompson]

Which Schneider CF was it? Bruce makes a few different ones. Was it the Le Breton?

[fredric koeppel]

but did he ask to taste your wines?

[Strappo]

Le Breton, yes. Thanks for the prod, Lenn. What's the SRP on that one?

[Strappo]

FK, we'll get there.