The Inside Story from Italian Wine Merchants

Wine People

Posted on | November 30, 2009 | Written by Frank Sansotta | 2 Comments

I often find myself wondering, if wines could talk who they would be?

There is nothing more enjoyable to me then scanning a wine shop alone. I find myself in my own little world similar to the film Toy Story. The bottles come to life; they talk to me. They tell me stories. They teach me the lessons. Each bottle, like a dancing orphan in Oliver! or Annie, yearns for my attention.

This morning a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano stood tall and saluted me as if I were a fifteenth-century king for whom he was trying impress. With his arm perfectly apex he greeted me. “Boun giorno, signor,” he said and bowed deeply.

At the same time his next-door neighbor, a Rosso di Montalcino, was trying to grab my attention by doing cartwheels. Like a little child wanting to be picked first, this juvenile Rosso continued to jump up and down with his hand waving at me.  The Vino Nobile lashing out at the boy, “Basta child! You’re too young,” he admonished.

“Now sir,” he said to me in a solid yet graceful voice, “please come with me. I’m certainly the most perfectly fit wine for a gentleman such as yourself.” I pondered for a moment. Should I take this noble character up on his offer to taste a piece of history or ought I play with the youthful Rosso? The Rosso exclaimed in his squeaky voice, “I’m younger, more fun and can show you a good time right away.” He continued, “I’m uncomplicated. I’m fresh! I’m the fun Sangiovese!”

“But sir,” the Vino Nobile reasoned “I have been the favorite of Kings for centuries.” He lost self-control and cried out, “I have been forgotten!” I found myself feeling sorry for this legendary character. I turn to the joyful Rosso, patted him on the head and promised him that we will play another day.

I opened the statesmen-like bottle, and Signor Nobile told me of his history. With each sip he reminded me that he was once the favorite of Popes, Kings and even some American presidents like Thomas Jefferson. He told me about being immortalized in the play Bacchus and how the great Italian Poet Francesco Redi called him the “king of all wines” and “fit for nobility.” Throughout his tutorial I stare at him and find my eyes lost in his beautiful garnet red color. I cannot help to admire his aroma of violets, dark cherries, and black fruit. He’s one manly, but supple, wine.

At the end of our visitation, I let Signor Nobile know I appreciate his history and will do my best to remind others of his once forgotten greatness. We embraced each other with a traditional kiss on each cheek and a final Salute. As he turned away to the beaten Tuscan path and faded away into the hills, I was left with a smile on my face. With every bottle I taste I go on a journey; every bottle tells a story. Wine is more than a drink. It is a history lesson, a science, art, imagination and a beautiful story; it’s a person.

Category: Italian Wine Merchants
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Comments

2 Responses to “Wine People”

  1. Anthony Lamonaca
    December 13th, 2009 @ 1:08 am

    Bravo Francesco, your dialogue was both fascinating and educational. Please provide some more anecdotes on wine, but don’t forget il cibo, it’s what makes Italian wines expressive.

  2. Frank Sansotta
    December 17th, 2009 @ 8:55 am

    Thank you Anthony – I will certainly follow up with more food related blogs…..

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