Wow, I just finished the Advanced Sommelier course of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, level 3. It was quite a challenge for me, giving the fact that I chose the one week intensive format. Each day we tasted about 18 wines from pretty much every corner of the world. Of course I loved, and always have, the Chablis, the Saint Emilion, the Margaux, but what really caught my attention were the wines from Eastern Europe.
When was the last time you walked into a wine store and thought to yourself; uh, how about a Romanian Pinot Noir tonight? Or should I go for an Agiorgitiko or for an Assyrtiko? I never really had this dilemma. While I was fully enjoying the course, I must say that I was freaking out about the exam. Now I’m pretty confident that I did well and most likely passed, however I still need to wait another 8 weeks for the official result, which can be a surprise. Did I really do well?
But, why wait? I celebrated it already buying myself a ticket to Europe! I haven’t figured out which wine region or regions I will visit this time, but Alsace, Austria and Italy is in the works. I’d be happy with any, since all I care for is the amazing wines that the old world continue to produce. Pictures to tell will follow.
