We Always Remember Our First!

MWS contributor, Brian O'Keefe, examines his own personal wine Journey.

Life(wine) is a journey! It can be enjoyed at any level, at any point along the way. Don't wait till you get to a predetermined destination or rest spot along the way before you smell the roses(grapes). Right now, take time to look around and appreciate those who are there with you. Your surroundings and life(wine) companions may change, either because you change or they do, but that's OK. If you arrive at a place of contentment in life(wine) and no longer search for challenges, that's OK too, just don't expect those around you to stay with you. Let them go, or stay as they please. One of the facts of life(wine) is that we all go through it alone, yet together. What I've discovered for myself in life(wine) is that I keep looking for more.

My personal wine journey really took off after I discovered the earthy sensuality of wines from the south of France. One of my early experiences with wine from the Rhone, was due to a friend bringing a bottle to dinner. I can't really remember the dinner, but I do remember the wine. My friend, Jimmy, sings in the Marseilles Opera, so I was looking forward to what he might think was representative of the general area in which he had spent several decades. He brought, what I think is arguably the best introduction to French wine, a Cotes du Rhone. While usually blending the three grapes, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and sometimes Cinsault, the wine newbie gets a mouthful of fruit without those yucky tannins☺ Remember, this is my EARLY stage of wine consumption. But why does that fruit taste so different? After a little research, no really, actual research, I discovered the concept of "terroir". I was taken in and consumed by the fact that what the vine extracts from the earth, made a real difference in my glass. Don't get me wrong. Fruit is good! I love it and all the flavors provided by different varietals. But, it's just not enough. That magical balance between fruit and earth is what excites me about wine. Since those early adventures, my journey seems to always lead back to France. Southern France was my first "earth influenced" wine. We always remember our first!

One of the great things about life(wine) is that there IS always more! More to experience. So my question for you, dear reader, is are you up for an adventure or content where you are? You already know my answer. Where will life(wine) lead you? Enjoy the journey, CARPE VINO. Oh, by the way, that wine so graciously provided by Jimmy, was Guigal Cotes du Rhone.

Read more about MWS contributor, Brian O'Keefe

To learn more about Rhone wines, watch WineCAST#29: Rhone Blends