Scene: WSW. Me tasting with two Italian wine guys.
Italian wine guy one: Sorry I’m late today. I had to get up and iron my shirt.
Italian wine guy two: Really? Are you crazy? You iron your shirt? What about your wife?
Italian wine guy one: She’s American.
I’m not talking about the “nouveau” which comes around every year around Thanskgiving, although it has gotten a bad rap over the last few years. No, I’m talking about the more serious Beaujolais that’s available all year round.
Over the years I have tried, with much success, to turn you on to rosés before rosés became cool. Same goes for the wines of Germany and Austria before they got hot. It wasn’t easy, but I’m persistant and I’ve finally won you over. Now I’m on the same type of mission for this wonderful and much misunderstood red. Why now? Because the 2009 vintage that’s currently available is an absolute knockout. If ever you’re going to have your mind changed, now is the time.
Beaujolais is light, fresh, versatile, and just plain rewarding. You can spend as little as $13 or as much as $25 a bottle, but it’s always a great bang for the buck. Rodney Dangerfield’s lack of respect is nothing compared to Beaujolais’, but I am determined to put that to an end.
Don’t be surprised if next time you come in for a recommendation for a great affordable red you find yourself being dragged over to my French section for my spiel. I did for rosés, I did it for Rieslings, I did it for Gruner Veltliners — and you all thanked me for it. It’s Beaujolais’ turn, and I accept your gratitude in advance.
Babe
Let’s face it, sometimes retail can be tough. I’ve been at this for almost eleven years and have seen all sides of the great American public. As the saying goes, when it’s good it’s very very good, but when it’s bad, it’s horrid.
Fortunately the good overhelmingly dominates the horrid, and we were reminded of this yesterday. Peter Coley and his wife Linda have been shopping at WSW ever since I took it over 11 years ago. He’s a very talented young artist who’s struggling to break out, as are most artists. When he has a show, I gladly display his promotional pieces on our tasting table. I’ve always promised to make it to one of his shows, but time just always seemed to slip away, and a show would be over before I knew it.
But last night we trekked over to the Gallery of Graphic Arts on York Avenue, and were rewarded with a wonderful private showing of Peter’s most recent work, and an opportunity to spend some time to get to know some folks away from WSW for more than the five minutes they spend running in for a bottle of wine.
As we headed home we both commented on how good this kind of life can be when you get to meet people like the Coley’s. It makes all the other stuff you run up against trivial. To all of my customers who I’ve gotten to know through the years, and with whom we share mutual admiration and respect, I thank you. You make it all worthwhile.
By the way, Peter’s works in this show were inspired by a visit to Catskill Animal Sanctuary, and a portion of the proceeds of sales will be donated to that organization. Hurry over…show closes October 9.
