GuildSomm Podcast Blind Tasting with Chris Lara and Torrey Lewis
Jan 22, 2025
Join Torrey Lewis, a former pastry cook turned wine director at Willows Lodge, and Chris Lara, the wine director at Metropolitan Grill with 30 years in the industry, as they dive into the art of blind tasting. They share techniques to enhance tasting skills, exploring the intricate traits of Syrah and its chemistry. The duo passionately debates a specific wine's characteristics and origin, uncovering complexities that challenge traditional classifications, especially with a focus on the 2016 Vega Atelier Valbuena.
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Theory and Comparative Tasting
- Supplement tasting with theory work, especially focusing on ranges and classic characteristics of wines.
- Listening to blind tasting podcasts and comparing similar wines can improve accuracy.
Texture and Nuances in White Wines
Textural analysis is key for differentiating similar wines, like Albariño and Grüner Veltliner.
- Understanding sulfur compounds and other nuances can prevent misidentification.
Phenolic Bitterness vs. Acidity in Grüner
Many people misinterpret phenolic bitterness in Grüner Veltliner as high acidity.
- Grüner often has a lower acid level, and the bitter sensation comes from its thick skin and small berries.