Magpie Tales #61, "The Art of Wine Tasting"

Photo Courtesy of Tess Kincaid for Magpie Tales

The Art of Wine Tasting

"There is an art
to wine tasting"
my date explained.
Hold the stem,
not the bowl.
Gently tilt the glass,
check the color.
Swirl to oxygenate
(on a flat surface).
And then it's time
to tip and stick
your nose in it.
And sniff."

"Finally the sip?" I asked.

He continued patiently,
"It should spread
across one's tongue
front to back,
side to side..."

"And then swallow!" I blurted

"Ah, no.  Not yet."
He continued,
"Slurp some air,
through puckered lips;
this releases more flavor."
He paused,
looked at me,
raised an eyebrow
and cautioned:
"Be careful not to drip!"

"Now, for the wonderful
slow burn?  I eagerly inquired.

"Patience," he chided.
"No.  Not yet.
It is advised to spit it out."

That was our first and last date.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens, 4-14-11

* * * * *

This is a silly response to the phot, but it does have a hint of a real conversation of a long, long time ago...  In reality, my husband created a "monster".  I went from being VERY happy with a cheap bottle of White Zinfandel, to loving expensive wine.  And he has himself to blame.  I really don't enjoy wine tasting that much as I really only enjoy dry reds and I have a tendency to drink my wine too fast, I'm sure.

I will be taking next week off from Magpie Tales (and probably blogging) as I will be on Spring Break!  

Have a Wonderful Easter Holiday, my Magpie Friends!