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Wine: A whole new world
Published
8 years agoon
By Scott Mechura EBS Food Columnist
Thousands of hospitality professionals nationwide, and many here in Big Sky, have passed the Court of Master Sommeliers level one exam effortlessly. But for some of us it wasn’t so easy.
The Court of Master Sommeliers is a prestigious organization to say the least. Just a few years after issuing its first successful masters exam in the United Kingdom in 1969 the Court established itself as the premier wine-professional examination body.
Many hospitality professionals in Big Sky have advanced their education far beyond the level one, and have a vast knowledge of wine and spirits as well as tremendous skill sets. I admire the drive to further their education and hone their craft.
They are servers and bartenders, otherwise known as front of house professionals; some are on the retail side selling beer, wine, and spirits for a living.
For me, this exercise proved less “effortless.” Aside from the fact that I learn better through hands-on activities, my exposure to the world of wine education as a chef – or back of the house professional – has been whatever I’ve chosen to study or simply picked up along the way in restaurants. I’ve gained some of my knowledge on vacations to recognized wine regions such as Northern California or Bordeaux, France.
When I studied for my Certified Beer Judge exam in 1996, I was fully immersed in the world of malt, yeast, and hops. As an avid home brewer, I was already judging beer and was working part time in a brewery while remaining active in a beer club that met regularly. Having studied for my BJCP Beer Judge Certification Exam for a year, I was confident I’d pass the first time, which I did.
In previous columns, I’ve written that beer is more complex than wine in terms of the process, and I still hold firm to that. But embarking on the new adventure of tasting, study, and terroir – a French term referring to a wine grape’s origin – is quite a task for even the most devout wine drinker.
This is not because as Americans we associate wine expertise with arrogance, the old world, or high society, though many of us do. Instead, wine is complicated due to its history, quality, and luxury combined with minute nuances as seemingly insignificant as which side of the riverbank the grapes were grown on.
In addition, one characteristic singlehandedly overwhelms the average wine drinker more so than even the haughtiest beer drinker: its vintage. While there are some beers that age gracefully and, in fact improve with age, beer vintage is not typically a topic of conversation in my professional or social circles. When was the last time you had a discussion about whether you preferred the 2002 Summit Pale Ale over the 1999?
I’m happy to say I passed my level one exam through the Court of Master Sommeliers a few weeks back, but it was an arduous task; exhilarating and encouraging, but arduous.
Passing this test is two fold. It has given me even more respect for the Master Sommeliers of the world, of which there are only 230; and provided me the drive to pursue the world of wine in all its expansive history and glory.
Scott Mechura has spent a life in the hospitality industry. He is a former certified beer judge and currently the Executive Chef at Buck’s T-4 Lodge in Big Sky.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during their regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. The free program, presented by the Bozeman Symphony is especially for children ages 3 to 5. Children will be able to listen to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks actor Emma Rather, who will be joined by Bozeman Symphony Bassoonist Sam Macken. The goal of the program is to encourage a love of music, literacy, and discovery. Additional programs are scheduled at the Library on April 10 and June 12. For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.
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Bozeman Public Library
626 E. Main St, Bozeman, MT