THE WINE CURATOR

After a long career in the luxury fashion industry, a sudden change a few years ago prompted me to explore my budding, or should I say, full grown interest in wine.  I figured that if things were not going to move forward in fashion retail I would develop my passion and make it my career someday.  Well, the need to make money got in the way for a couple of years.  I did continue attending tastings weekly as well as having my own (yes sometimes by myself, do not judge), reading about wines of the world and visits to vineyards in Europe, Asia and North America.  I am always having friends over for Italian dinners.

My ultimate dream is to open a wine bar where I and an experienced team will create an open, welcoming atmosphere and share our knowledge of wines to our guests. I’ve not gotten there yet!
In the meantime, why not organize tasting parties and share my knowledge that way.
Welcome, San Carlo Wine Tastings!

Some of you may have already attended either tastings at my home or my latest wine tasting event, Il Dolce VIno, created by my company San Carlo Wine Tastings. The name comes from the town where my Great Grandparents, Carlo and Giuditta Possidente were born in the region of Campania, Italy, and is close to Naples. I’ve been there many times over the years and have frequently been to other regions across the Italian peninsula.
My mission with this company is to create a space where people can mingle with each other, relax and learn about wine.  I can create themed tasting in small groups or larger up to 40 people, consult with you on wines for a special event you are hosting, or help you organize your wine collection.  I can come to you or work to find a space to host your private gathering. There are currently 4 packages offered at different price levels depending on how fancy you want it. We do not offer food but can work with you on sources within my network and pair it accordingly to your selection. Italian wine is my passion.  My knowledge, however, is extensive across all wine regions of the world so if Italian wine is not your passion, no problem! You let me know what you’d like your guests to enjoy, no matter where in the world we go!

Check out my website for more information at:
www.sancarlotastings.com

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Cheers! Cin Cin!


- Jonathan

 

Wine Is Not Scary

For the first time in recent years, more Americans are consuming wine over beer. I personally enjoy both. Wine, however, runs through my veins as my first taste of it was a red wine, probably Gallo from a jug mixed with water at 3 years old with the adults at some holiday gathering. In spite of this interesting statistic (maybe a bit boring too) even a few of my closest friends and family who are no strangers to wine, are unsure about what they like.  I think this is because they think they “should” like something or “should not.”
They find wine intimidating.  It is true that there is so much to learn about wine.  At the end of the day, it is really meant to enjoy, and everyone’s enjoyment is completely subjective. Hopefully that is a relief to some of you!
I confess that I too once held stereotypes and perceptions of what I liked or “should” like. For example it took my Roman friends to get me to like and appreciate white wine.  Two whites from the South of Italy, Falanghina and Greco di Tufo, changed my mind about white. Since then, I’ve tried many I have liked and still some that I do not.  At least I keep an open mind.

So, how does one taste wine in a way that you can decide if it’s something you enjoy...or not? I took the plunge into the world of professional wine tasting through the International Sommelier Guild and quickly learned how to look at the wine, swirl it, gently at first as it takes practice, and then stick my not so small nose right in that glass and let my mind free associate with the aroma.  Did I smell citrus or tropical fruits? Spices? Herbs? Or something entirely else.
I learned to swirl again and then took a small sip, loudly swished it around my tongue and coated my gums. Did I make the same conclusions with my taste buds as I did when I sniffed it?
I also learned about countries, dozens of different grapes, regions, towns, weather, soil, laws and more.
Fortunately, the vast majority of you do not need to!

Here are some tips to tasting wine and still enjoy it and not feel like you need to analyze that grape juice.
Have the server (or you) pour just a finger’s width in the glass.  Swirl it gently first as this allows oxygen to interact with the wine and brings out its aroma.
Don’t worry about appearances and right after you swirl and the wine is still moving, stick your nose somewhat in the glass and breathe deeply. Just think about what kind of fruit the wine resembles.  Is it citrus, tree fruit (cherry, plum), or maybe berry like? Do you smell anything else? Wet stone? dirt? Mushroom? Grass?  Plastic? There is no wrong answer!
Now the best part: Sip it! Go for it.  Swish it around in your mouth, maybe even through your teeth, the idea being to coat all of your tongue.  Don’t be ashamed if a drop trickles out. What kinds of fruit does it resemble?  Perhaps you taste something else. It’s all pretty subjective especially when you are just starting out.

There is so much more to mention, but for now that’s enough of a tip to impress your just as nervous friends about wine as you friends.

As they say in Italy when they toast...Cin Cin!