AMA- anyone want to play?

[isabel]

I've never done one of these, but I'm pretty bored. So feel free to AMA. There's probably not much of anything I won't answer, but I suppose I reserve that right if necessary. I may step out for a bit to pick up some dinner and wine. If anyone has suggestions on take out, I'm open!

[jgb]

What's your go-to everyday wine?

[isabel]

Mar 24, 2013 19:10:09 GMT -5 jgb said:

What's your go-to everyday wine?

Probably a Sauv Blanc. I am drinking Prosecco right now though. I am a sommelier, so I drink a lot of different things, but crisp, acidic whites have been my go-to for a while now.

[isabel]

Mar 24, 2013 19:57:04 GMT -5 @mavjen said:

Your profession is very cool.

What's your favorite Sancerre?

Why are there so few female Master Sommeliers today?

We have Gerard Boulay on our list right now. It's pretty good stuff.

I suppose for the same reason there are fewer women in the upper levels of corporate management. You have to be asked to take the Master test. It's a lot of work to get to that level and there are many women, I'm sure, who choose family over career advancement. To me, the level of work to become a Master is similar to the work, luck, and ambition required to become a CEO of a company. If I go for the Advanced level, I will consider it similar to doing doctoral work. It's amazing how much information there is and study that's required to blind taste at that level.

[jgb]

Very cool! I didn't realize how much advanced training was required. Do you have any gripes about people and wine? Anything drive you nuts? I always get self-conscience when I order wine with a sommelier. Like he/she will mock my choice because I clearly don't know what I'm doing.

[isabel]

Mar 24, 2013 20:30:13 GMT -5 jgb said:

Very cool! I didn't realize how much advanced training was required. Do you have any gripes about people and wine? Anything drive you nuts? I always get self-conscience when I order wine with a sommelier. Like he/she will mock my choice because I clearly don't know what I'm doing.

As far as the training goes, you need to identify the region (as close to the AVA as possible), varietal, and vintage. With all the wine regions out there and the twists they throw at you on the Master exam, it's nearly impossible. I know people who have taken it 4 or 5 times.

Haha not usually. I work for a country club, so there's lots of judge-worthy people there. Things that make me crazy: 1) anyone who refuses to try something new even if it's within the confines of what they enjoy. We have plenty of members who drink the exact same wine day in and day out. 2) anyone who drinks white zin. Aside from that, no judgments. You're not going to be judged by a somm if you're willing to try something new. I have a couple of members who let me pick out whatever I want for them. It's so fun! I know what they like, so I just make sure I stick to some basic profiles and pick within those specifications. The result is always great. Just be willing to let the somm know what you like and let them pick. They'll probably give you something you'll love. Be specific though; I had a lady the other day who I asked what kind of whites she preferred (acidic, oaky, fruity...), and she said "oh, you know, just something good." Yeah... that doesn't give me a lot to go on.