Borrowed Lives

Recently, while talking with a renowned journalist, he said: “they are borrowed lives” I thought that an appropriate expression to reflect part of the work that many sommeliers around the world carry out.

The sommellerie is directly linked to good food, access to great bottles, special tastings and unforgettable trips; Regardless of the socio-economic level of the sommelier, working men and women more or less known. that along the way, for different reasons, opportunities have come our way.

Cult wines emerge from the world’s wine geography in all categories: white, sparkling, red or sweet, from extraordinary regions or producers who dedicate their lives to what they love most: making wines that excite.

There are also people who are knowledgeable, sensitive and capable of finding in wines a drink that can connect them with total pleasure. Collectors and wine lovers who enjoy when someone shares the same passion with them.

This is how we sometimes, those of us who work for the wine industry, also learn from consumers.

Back at home we even had tears in our eyes about that wine that we finally met, the unforgettable vertical tasting, the pairing that was sublime or the harvest that waited so many years.

The generosity of producers and consumers allows us to share with them, large bottles and perhaps in exchange for a comment or simply to join us in that moment of enormous respect. With humility we receive this gift for the perseverance, tenacity and commitment with which we lead the profession.

There is much to thank for wine, other beverages and luxury products that today form part of the gastronomy of excellence.

However, it is important not to get dizzy and I allow myself to bring a phrase from a great sommelier friend: How much foie gras do you have to eat, to take a plate of lentils home!