Big Trade Tastings 101

I was at a portfolio tasting for the trade at the Seaport Hotel in Boston yesterday. These tastings can be fun, but keep in mind they are really work. You are expected to taste a multitude of wine in a very busy setting and choose what you think would fit well in your store or restaurant. These shows are usually very crowded and can prove to be an overload on the senses. It can be hard to focus. They are generally high energy events with people forced to yell sometimes to be heard. I've been to both big trade tastings and to big public wine events. The only real difference between the two, that I can see, is that at the trade shows there are visibly less drunk people walking around, and there are less people bumping or shoving you to get a glass of To Kalon Cabernet. And fewer still singing at the top of their lungs or wearing lamp shades.

There is virtually no way you can try every wine at these tastings. The amount of wine at these events is staggering, and the best way to approach this mountain is to form a game plan. Scope out what is being poured and decide what can't be missed, what you would like to try if time or your palate permits, and what you don't need or care to try. There always, at the beginning, what seems to be plenty of time to taste the things you came to taste, but generally that time just isn't there. You might be surprised how much time gets eaten up when you strike up a conversation with someone pouring. I have given up on trying to write comprehensive notes on the wines I try. My system is to simply put a check next to the wines tasted. If I like the wine I note it with a Good, VG or Excl. If a particular aroma stands out I try to jot that down along with some textural notes. I tried around 115 wines in about 4 hours, taking breaks for food, water and bathroom. I also, spent time chatting with people I hadn't seen in months. I probably tried less than a quarter of what was there.

I'd like to offer some advice for those going to a big tasting. Some of which may seem obvious or even silly, but even the pros don't seem to have some of the basics down.

• Drink water before. Drink water during. Drink water after. You are tasting alcohol, it will dehydrate you. After trying twenty or so wines you will start to feel it.
  
• Spit. This isn't an open bar at your cousin's wedding. If you don't spit you will get drunk, you will probably feel sick later and you may even make an ass of yourself.
  
• Take breaks. Use them to compose your notes and yourself. Grab a bite. Sit down and take in the scenery, whatever.
• Don't be rude. Don't elbow your way into a table. A simple "excuse me" should suffice, even if you have to yell it. Don't stand in front of the spit bucket, you may get elbowed. (people who need to spit can't say "excuse me")
• Bring a toothbrush. Unless you happen to go to an all white wine tasting, your teeth will look like you haven't' been to the dentist since you were born. If you aren't going any where after, or if you have decided not to smile until you are home, then maybe you could skip this.

I took five shots with my Blackberry phone inside. They all came out looking like a surrealistic party in hell. Ah well.

A few wines that stood out at this tasting and that should be widely available:

2007 Capcanes Mas Donis - VG A very well done grenache blend. Value.
2004 Ciacci Brunello di Montalcino - VG A well priced solid wine.
2006 Artadi Vinas de Gain Rioja - VG+ Modern but good balance.
2007 Qupe Bien Nacido Syrah - VG Good structure and fruit.
2007 Qupe Central Coast - Good Meaty and a good value.
2007 Vietti Barbera d'Asti - VG Oak and modern but pulls together.
2008 Thelema Sauvignon Blanc - VG Crisp, minerals, solid value.
2008 Kanakop Kadette - Good Good value
2004 Kanakop Cabernet Sauv. - VG Dark and earthy.

A few wines that disappointed:

2007 Adelsheim Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - Coca Cola
2006 Dona Paula Malbec Seleccion de Bodega - Everything to excess.
2005 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon - Overpriced and nothing going on.
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz - Um, cute packaging. Did I mention the packaging?

Any one have other suggestions about big tastings let me know. I am also interested in your experience with them. Cheers!