Thursday, February 05, 2009

Opening

LOVE
This Christmas I stuffed my own stocking with two books by Dorothy J. Gaiter & John Brecher, authors of the Wall Steet Journal's 'TASTINGS' column. The books: WINE FOR EVERY DAY AND EVERY OCCASION and LOVE BY THE GLASS were heavily dog-eared by the end of January, and I had effectively abandoned my feelings of wine-intimidation, as well as gained a new exuberance for enjoying wine.

Gaiter & Brecher (a husband/wife team) have an artful, brilliant, organic way of telling stories and describing wine experiences that draw the reader in and make the world of wine feel accessible and desirable. Check them out at: http://online.wsj.com/article/tastings.html

Because of their writings, my New Year's resolution was to drink more wine, start a wine tasting group, and regularly follow their TASTINGS column. Because of their writings, I will never again take a vacation without packing a good bottle to uncork upon arriving at my destination. Because of their writings, each time I go to a wine store I 'channel' Dottie & John (trying to imagine their recommendations). And, because of their writings, I always feel as if they're somehow vicariously partaking of each new bottle I open.

By sharing one of their life's passions, they have enriched my life and inspired me to write the following poem (an homage to their OPEN THAT BOTTLE NIGHT - see their link for more on this):

Opening

Uncork that bottle you’ve been saving
the one with rose in full bloom on its label

Uncork, pour into good, long stemmed, large bowled glasses
the ones that have collected dust on their bottoms
(turned upside down on your shelf for months)

Uncork, letting the nose fill your kitchen with raisiny red
bouquet of pepper and lilac and wisdom

Swirl, letting legs adorn transparent stemware, walking more
spice and leather – chocolate now – into your breathing space

Let terroir take you to Italy or France or the Californian coast
Better, to the propinquities of your personal vintage

See the vines and winemaker, the sun and soil,
the labor, loss and love that fortifies grapes

Drink in delightful, yummy, cherrylike tastes
experience pillow-soft mouthfeel. Come to it

Drink structure, and landscape and soulful fruit
wait for the long, gentle, ethereal finish
(that strangely makes you feel more grounded)

Toast the open rose on the open bottle. Toast yourself:
who you’ve been, who you are and who you’re becoming

Tomorrow, remove the label. Paste it in a journal,
a reminder of the ways you’re opening with grace and time
(and of that damn good glass of wine)