Wine Judging Part I - "Introduction"

(note - This was really the last paper but I thought it would also make a good introduction - editor)

MSU HRT333 Wine Judging / November 18, 2002 / W.C. Paetz

Introduction: Do you really think this class is about wine judging? Anyone who might believe this has a very myopic and narrow perspective of the inherent underlying philosophy being unwittingly prosethelytised each week in HRT333. There is a much more profound and valuable body of knowledge being disseminated. This class is not about hedonistic gratification or becoming a bon vivant, although if that is your goal this class is de rigeur. If you desire to possess savoir faire, or sophistication, HRT333 can fill in some of the gaps. These are all valid expectations yet fail to capture the essence of what can be gained by exposure to the real elements of HRT333. This life-changing event is so much more. In this paper I will share my experiences regarding Wine Judging HRT 333 and its life implications.

Discussion: Too many times in life we are so goal oriented, we risk missing the journey. We actually think the destination is so much more important than the journey. We become caught up in our type A personalities. In this class we have learned about life and about wine. It has become so much more than merely a beverage. Wine is an event, it is used to celebrate and commemorate special occasions of life. Every member of our class has been taught sensory acuity. We have a conscious awareness, a “be here now” attitude has pervaded our collective and individual psyches. We have learned to savor the wine and the moment. We have learned to value, respect, and appreciate the glasses of wine and the moments of time. We have learned about history, geography, economics, art and politics.

A very sad statistic has to do with the incidence of cheating on exams that seems to have pervaded our academic institutions. It is hard to believe that a preponderance of students might consider cheating for a better grade. Is our academic environment really so competitive? During our class Dr. Howell took time let us know, just prior to an exam, that we are only competing against ourselves and that under no circumstances would the slightest hint of impropriety be tolerated. This act of high ideals emphatically began to inculcate a sense of propriety regarding values, vision, beliefs and behaviors. There is no doubt of the leadership lesson for all of us.

Conclusions: What is your favorite wine? I am sure some students believe this question may be answered with a certain vintner and vintage. What I have discovered regarding exceptional, memorable wines is that it is not so dependent upon the wine I am drinking as it is upon the people that I am drinking them with. There are very few wines shared with the 2002 MSU HRT333 class that did not bring a twinkle to the eye of our sommelier for the evening. The relentless contribution of passion and enthusiasm of the entire staff working to make each evening a special educational event has been noted and appreciated. Wine Judging HRT333 is an epiphany for all who take it. The life defining moments of growth are assured and much more relevant to true success than most academic aspirations. I most earnestly recommend this class for anyone seeking life on a higher plateau.

W.C. Paetz / HRT333 / Wine Judging / September 09, 2002

Current Knowledge: I have been making wine for six years as an amateur. I have some vines in my backyard and have a dream to someday become a serious viticulturist. I subscribe to Wine Spectator, Wine Maker Magazine and Wine East among other wine periodicals. I am an active member of the American Wine Society. I have an extensive library and seek to understand the enigma of wine. It seems the more one learns the better is their understanding of just how complex and profound this subject truly is and more importantly just how little they actually know.

Perception of Wine:
As a “Social Beverage”:
I believe wine elevates any occasion. Wine is an elegant way to celebrate or commemorate any event. A great wine shared with friends is the perfect beverage to punctuate and reinforce the love and friendship, and to deepen the memory of even the most mundane occasion.

As a “Salubrious Beverage”:
The infamous French Paradox has helped many to understand and embrace some of the health aspects of wine. Not only is wine great for lowering cholesterol, wine consumed in moderation is a great coping mechanism to help us deal with anxiety frustration and stress and can cheer our countenance while facilitating a loving, forgiving even patient perspective.

From a “Philosophical” perspective:
Many have embraced the virtues of wine as a gift from the gods. Wine is a noble beverage worthy of intellectual contemplation. There are economic factors that deserve our focus as customers and as potential professionals in the wine industry. There are probably more aspects to wine then there are facets on a large rare gem stone that has been carefully prepared for mounting as an ostentatious and expensive piece of jewelry.

Reason for taking this course:
I desire to become a knowledgeable enologist. I long to know what makes a great wine great. I want to be able to discern what causes a wine to be judged as unsavory. My hope and dream is to someday use the knowledge and experience in this class to be able to make and appreciate acceptable wines. It would be important as well to be able to contribute to the enology and viticulture program at M.S.U. I desire to be an intelligent and passionate advocate of the cold climate potential of Michigan to grow, harvest and vinify exceptional wines. I would like to be able to speak with knowledge and authority about Michigan hybrids and Vitas vinifera wines. I desire to vinify hybrids that might be deemed worthy by experts and less sophisticated consumers as well who desire to satisfy only their own palates.

Name or variety of favorite wine: St. Pepin
Home made wines made of St. Pepin grapes harvested at Honeyflow Farm in Dryden, Michigan. Crushed, fermented and bottled by my father in Saginaw, Michigan.

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