Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

Weather is a common uniter. It’s what we talk about when we have nothing else to talk about, or things we would rather not talk about. Bush and Kerry could carry on a conversation about the weather, and besides the rest of us thinking they were maybe sideskirting a few important issues, the conversation could remain relatively civil. We’re all affected by it in some way or another, especially in the topic of wine. . .it is agricultural, after all.

Then there’s irony. Alanis Morisette talked about irony in her song “Ironic”. The true definition of irony is “the result of an action that is the exact opposite of the intended or appropriate result” (in my own words). The fact that every instance of irony in her song was not actual irony makes the song title, itself, ironic. (Don’t ya think?) If that was not her intention to make a song that was ironic to its own title, that also is a bit ironic. (Still following me?)

One of said false ironies in the song was “it’s like rain on your wedding day. . .” Although it would be deemed unfortunate or tragic if it rained so much that floods washed away the wedding party, or a bit ominous if lightning struck the altar durning the vows, it isn’t irony unless weddings had a natural law that declared it to be sunny. Case-in-point, I was at an outdoor wedding reception this weekend, (Yes, I supplied the wine. . .what a silly question. . .) where it started pouring down sheets of rain just after dinner was finished. Now contrary to Ms. Morrisette’s point of view, I feel it actually enhanced the experience as people huddled together under the few canopies that were available, or frolicked in the downpour. Considering that Alanis thought the day should be ruined, and if her word were law, then the day itself was ironic, for everyone having a great time despite the rain. (But the wine helped. And I certainly wasn’t leaving without cake.)

Speaking of wine, weather and irony, this unusually rainy weather here in Oregon brings questions about the current crop of grapes around here. Grapevines, of course, need water, but too much can ruin the crop as far as wine is concerned. That part is almost ironic: that which helps provide life to the plants can also destroy them. For example, in 2002 rainstorms destroyed a good portion of the European grape crops. Italy’s Piedmont and France’s Rhone were hard hit, and output almost destroyed. (Chateauneuf du Pape was under water, so I’ve heard.)

However, France’s Loire in 2002 had a stunning vintage! And that’s what we’re tasting here tomorrow! Reds and whites from (mostly) 2002! There’s certainly nothing ironic about that. (Unless I was actually pouring something else. But really, that would be a “switcheroo” not “irony”.)

So Friday, August 27th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

Isn’t it Loire-onic!
Atlantique 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Loire
Domaine du Salvard 2002 Cheverny
Chateau du Cleray 2002 Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Chateau de Fesles 2002 Vielle Vignes Anjou (Rouge)
Marc Bredif 2001 Chinon (Rouge)

The Extra-Special Premium Pours:
Domaine Henri Pelle 2002 Menetou-Salon (Blanc)
Henri Bourgeois 2002 Grande Reserve Sancerre (Rouge)

Next week is Wines of the Spain!
M