Following the hospital visit, I had a terrific salmon dinner, then went to a bistro for a glass of wine. I ordered a Russell cabernet, which turned out to be a good choice. At a nearby table was a distinguished looking man of about sixty sitting with a couple who appeared to be in their late twenties. Before their dinner, they were sampling a flight of Washington red wines, which led the older man to share his wine expertise. I am spelling, as accurately as I can based on his pronunciation, the names of the regions he discussed.
He said that he didn’t care much for Bardots. He had been to France, toured the Bardot region and tasted a lot of them, but they didn’t do much for him. Italy, he said, was another matter. He explained that Italy is divided into two wine regions, Bartolo and Pimenti and although he liked both types, he gave the edge to the Bartolos. His young companions listened with great interest, as did I. I’ll take wine wisdom wherever I can get it.
Doug Ramsey on Jazz and other matters...
I had a similar experience recently, but it was at a “jazz club”, and the “expert” was telling his jazz version of your wine story.
You are more accepting than I, Doug: in leaving, I had to tell the young guy that his ‘mentor’ was perhaps full of shit. Said mentor was upset, but agreed the young man should take guidance from other sources, too.
In my senior years now, I’ve decided that I actually DO know some things, was at some of the legendary places, knew some of the great creators; and if I find wrong information out there I’m going to correct it, and let things fall where they may. I can’t tell you how much I admire your contributions in that same vein.
I would try Italy´s Bartolo and Pimenti(ja!) regions wines… Yes, of course everybody knows the France´s region of Bardot produces the exquisite malbec Brigitte… the best years… the sixties. LOL.
The best wishes of recovering for your ailing brother.
Rubén
I can’t quite tell if you were making fun of this guy or what. But he really doesn’t know much about wine. If he traveled Bourdeaux and didn’t find any wine to his liking, then he doesn’t like wine. And since Barolo comes from Piedmont (one of more than two great wine growing regions of
Italy – but the Barolos are really good, though I prefer reds from Emila-Romagna) I have no idea what he was talking about.
Perfect! I love the 69 Bardot “Brigette” myself!