CSW Exam - Certified Specialist of Wine

I am continually studying for the Certified Specialist of Wine certification. The Tasting Room has set up access to Gallo's Wine Academy for for everyone that works for them. The first person to complete the Academy gets to take their CSW exam on TTR's dime.

I finished first, but have yet to take the test. I really should have taken the test right after completing the Academy. I will need to go through the whole Academy again as a refresher and I hope to have my CSW by the end of November.

In the mean time, here's some questions you might find on an CSW exam - answers below:

• Where is the wine region of Mendoza located?
• Who is the man responsible for the "Balanced Vine" theory?
• What is a synonym for Chenin Blanc in South Africa?
• Wine is mostly comprised of what?
• The Los Carneros AVA is best known for which varietal of wine?
• When did prohibition end in the USA?
• Catarratto, Grillo and Inzolia are used to produce what fortified wine?
• What are the two primary white grapes in Bordeaux?
• How many aromas can humans be trained to identify?
• Humans are most sensitive to which taste?

So these are only 10 questions of about a 1000 they can give. The actual exam is 100 questions. The questions range from viticulture to viniculture to every continent that grows wine and all the major wine growing areas within those regions. This is definitely A LOT to learn, but for me well worth it.

• Argentina
• Richard Smart
• Steen
• Water
• Pinot Noir
• 1933
• Marsala
• Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
• ~1000
• bitter

-H

Ike, The Tasting Room, and Normalcy

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike many were looking for a way to relieve stress, wanting some human interaction and above all, a sense of normalcy.

My wine bar had power and minimal damage. I thought it was crazy that my wine bar was open on Sunday for business and that my manager had asked for anyone that could work, to please come in and pick up the shift. I honestly didn't think anyone would show up, employees or Guests.

I ended up going in around 3:30 just wanting to help out if they needed it and if they didn't, I'd get online and touch base with all those not in Houston. What I saw was kind of amazing. A lot of people were there and it almost looked like any other day except for the downed trees and our broken Willow (of which all that work there, love).

I got to sling some wine, order some food and listen to what other people were going through with Ike and no power or running water. Many who were spared the worst, were hopeful and thankful. I could tell our Guests were glad to be doing something as simple as drinking a glass of wine and to just get away even if only for a half hour.

I am happy I went in to work and glad that management decided to open. It helped a lot of people to relieve a bit of stress and time to enjoy what they do have instead of dwelling on what was lost. Kudos to the The Tasting Room and all those other establishments that opened as soon as they could to help ALL of us feel a bit of Normalcy.

-H

Houston Wine Events

Coming soon are some really fun wine events here in Houston. These are my two favorites, so mark your calendars! If you would like to know about local wine events in your area, sign up for The Juice and get notified by email.

Houston Cellar Classic '08
When: Monday, October 13th to Sunday, October 19th
Cost: $20 to $250 - For details see the Featured Wine Events

This event is mostly hosted by Uptown Park's The Tasting Room and also inlcudes the other TTR locations and of course Max's Wine Dive (which is owned by TTR incase you didn't know). There will be many events you can attend including Sommelier Smackdown, VIP Reserve Room Wine Tasting, and Sunday Jazz Brunch Buffet.

The event that I will DEFINITELY ATTEND is the Grand Tasting Experience held on Saturday, October 18th from 1pm to 5pm with a cost of $55 (last year it was $75). This event was a total BLAST with more than 100+ wines to taste, 18+ of Houston's own restaurants, and live music.

This event sets itself apart from any other wine tasting event because of the quality of wine and the quality of all the food you will get to sample. For $55, you will definitely get your money's worth, and hopefully get to taste and learn about some new wines. Get your tickets early and I'll see you there!

Wineapalooza '08
When: Sunday, September 28th - 2pm to 8pm
Cost: $50 (Last year it was $35)
Wineapalooza is an event at The Corkscrew and has sold out every year. The space is limited so get your tickets early! It is very fun and large wine tasting that includes good food and fun live band music. There will be more than 100+ wines to taste ranging from $8 bottles to $150+ bottles of wine. A note for Champagne lovers, the sparkling wines always go first.

-H

Riesling

Most people believe riesling is a sweet wine, but this varietal can be made from dry to sweet. It has also been know to be made effervescent.

I really like rieslings and it is my preferred white wine. This varietal comes in so many different styles and you can almost always find one to fit your mood.

Riesling's most popular profile includes a strong floral and apple like aroma with hints of minerals. You may sometimes even smell a faint petroleum or kerosene scent. It has flavors of apple, pear, apricot, flint and minerals.

Rieslings can be styled differently because it is one of the varietals that can grow in both cooler and warmer weather. Here are the style profiles for the cool climate and warm climate rieslings.

Riesling Cool Climate flavor profile: lean, reserved, light bodied, crispy, tangy, high acid, apricot, green apples, and dry to sweet

Riesling Warm Climate flavor profile: opulent, full bodied, low acid, tropical notes, lychee nuts, and dry to sweet.

Come over to the Tasting Room and try the dry riesling from Pewsey Vale and then try the Leitz which will be a much sweeter counter part.

-H

How to describe a wine

I manage part time at a wine bar here in Houston, Uptown Park's The Tasting Room. We generally sell 12-15 wines by the glass. We break the choices down into red, white, sparkling, dessert, and a usually a couple of Sommelier Picks.

When describing a wine you generally want to talk about 3 things:

• Body - light, medium, full
• Sweetness (or lack of) - sweet, off-sweet, off-dry, dry
• Flavor - usually fruits but can include many other flavors too like herbs and spices too
  

If you know these 3 things about a wine, you can pretty much describe any wine in the world and the person you are describing it to will be able to tell if they'd like that particular wine.