Reminiscing about Lyon | May 5, 2011

nehasampat — Fri, 06 May 2011 13:27:19 +0000

As I work my way through the menu at the wine bar, I’m trying to get familiar with every wine on our list and remember any distinctive features.

The first taste I poured myself was the one rosé wine available by the glass “Les Vignerons De Sain Bel 2009 | Coteaux Du Lyonnais.” I was craving something French, as I often do. The wine goes for $9/glass or $34/bottle.

My first reaction: I was back in Lyon. My first (and only) time in Lyon was in the Summer of 1996. As a student of the French language, I had dramatic ambitions of moving to France and kicking off my public relations career. That never happened, but I maintain fond memories of my visit to Lyon. I had a few informational interviews with PR agencies there, all of which ended in a glass (or deux) of wine.

The glass of Les Vignerons brought me back there. I found a combination of the South of France sunshine and rose petals on the nose. The body is full and juicy, but not overbearing. It maintains medium acidity and a fresh, dry finish. A very enjoyable wine, perfect for a pre-dinner drink. And if you’ve ever been to Lyon, expect some reminiscence of your visit.

The night ended perfectly with a pair of French men who walked in joking in French about the limited selection of French wine in America. If you looked at me, you wouldn’t have any idea that I understand the French language. However I knew that they were contemplating the Lyonnais rosé (which I had just tasted) well before they switched to English. I had the bottle in my hand even before they ordered it. I’m considering that my win of the night.

A votre sante!

Humbled at First Pour | May 4, 2011

nehasampat — Fri, 06 May 2011 06:34:20 +0000

Before tonight, the last time I had formally served a glass of wine (outside of my sommelier certification exam) was about 15 years ago at my on-campus “Sidelines Pub” at university. That was the last time I had officially worked in the “service” industry.

I’ve spent a lot of time in bars since. Mostly as a loyal guest, and most often in wine bars. “That was fabulous, may I have another?” In this capacity, I’m well versed, I admit.

With a passion for wine, I spent a good part of the last few years studying, tasting, commiserating and celebrating the world of wine. After a challenging pursuit for the title of certified sommelier, I hold the Court of Masters pin with great pride.

And as much as I may have considered fleeing my daytime career in high tech marketing, I love technology and a stable paycheck way too much. This leads to my exploration of the wine service industry, working a couple nights a week, at one of my favorite little wine bars in San Francisco.

Tonight I stumbled over names on the wine list, questioned my judgment on how much I poured, and wondered if I was entering orders correctly on an unfamiliar register system.

Several hours earlier, I was being grilled by high-powered corporate executives about a pricing proposal and my product strategy. That’s what I was used to, and I respond with confidence, precision and grace.

But tonight, I stumbled. I was humbled.