As I was perusing the isles of a local wine store, recently, I came across the store manager. We know one other as professional acquaintances fairly well. I visit the store often on behalf of the Wine Inquirer Wine Finder as well as to pick up an occasion bargain or two.
We were discussing the breadth of wines now available worldwide and how much improved they have become, Malbec and Chilean wines for example, when he told me of an intriguing discussion he had with a friend. His friend asked him, “if you were stranded on an island, which wine would you want with you?” Well this opened a Pandora’s Box as we picked apart one varietal and blends after another.
Cabernets were to fruit forward, Merlots were too middle of the road, Nebbiolos had too much tar and tobacco but he enjoyed the floral notes and deep fruits, the Riojas were a possibility but not quite structured and full enough, the Burgundies were nice and soft, but if he purchased a good bottle, he couldn’t afford the island getaway anyway. The Bordeaux was a possibility but he wasn’t excited about the predominance of Cab and Merlot in the blend. Then with a big smile, he said “Syrah.” I have to agree.
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