Cork Dork: Inside the Weird World of Wine Appreciation (encore)
Jan 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Author Bianca Bosker takes us on a journey into the history and science behind blind tasting, wine flavor wheels, and the craft of the sommelier. The podcast explores the world of sommeliers, the role of sommeliers in selecting and pairing wines for restaurants, and the esoteric etiquette involved in pouring wine. It also discusses the art of blind tasting and creating a lexicon of smells to help winemakers communicate. Tips for choosing wine at a restaurant and participating in a blind wine tasting are shared.
45:58
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Becoming a sommelier allows one to discover the intricate stories and sensory experiences behind wine.
Blind tastings and sensory training can enhance our ability to identify aromas and flavors in wine.
Deep dives
Bianca Bosker's Journey into the World of Wine
Bianca Bosker, author of the book 'Cork Dork', shares her transformative experience in becoming a sommelier and exploring the world of wine. Initially a tech editor, Bianca was captivated by the passion and expertise of sommeliers and decided to delve into the world of wine herself. She trained to become a sommelier, learning about wine profiling, wine service, and blind tasting. Through her training, Bianca discovered the intricacies of wine and how it can tell stories and provide a rich sensory experience. She also explores the idea of expensive wine versus cheaper options and the influence of price on our enjoyment of wine.
The Evolution of Wine Language
Bianca delves into the history of wine language, noting how it has evolved over time. While the ancient Pharaohs and Romans primarily focused on classifying wines as good or bad, modern wine critics and experts have created a detailed lexicon of tasting notes. This language describes the flavors and aromas of wine, using descriptors like fruits, vegetables, and earthy elements. Bianca highlights the influence of science on wine language and the connection between tasting notes and the chemical compounds present in wine.
Tips for Navigating Wine Lists
Bianca shares tips on how to navigate wine lists like a pro. She advises trusting sommeliers when selecting wines, offering information on your preferred price range and the general style of wine you enjoy. Bianca emphasizes that even non-experts can provide helpful information on their taste preferences. Additionally, she encourages taking risks by trying unconventional or esoteric wines on the list, as these selections often showcase unique and special qualities.
Blind Tasting and Wine Appreciation
Bianca recounts her experience with blind tastings and their impact on wine appreciation. Blind tastings involve assessing wines without prior knowledge of their origin or varietals. The process focuses on evaluating color, aroma, taste, and structure. While blind tastings can be challenging, Bianca highlights that anyone can learn to identify various aromas and flavors through training and practice. She also discusses the role of sensory training in changing the way our brains respond to wine, enhancing the overall wine-tasting experience.
“There’s the faintest soupçon of asparagus and just a flutter of Edam cheese,” says Paul Giamatti in the movie Sideways. Believe it or not, he's describing pinot noir, not quiche. The world of sommeliers, wine lists, and tasting notes is filled with this kind of language, prices seemingly rising in step with the number of bizarre adjectives. It's tempting to dismiss the whole thing as B.S., but listen in: this episode, author Bianca Bosker takes us along on her journey into the history and science behind blind tasting, wine flavor wheels, and the craft of the sommelier. You'll never feel lost in front of a wine list again. (encore)