That's the Spirit

Day 39

Bottle of red, bottle of white...

As we uncorked a dozen wines today, I momentarily traveled back in time to 2003. That year, I was wrapping up my studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and enrolled in a wine tasting class.

Most people chuckle when I tell them this; I'm sure they're imagining Beringer and mayhem. (Yes, it got a little rowdy at times—after all, it was college and most of the students had just

turned 21.) But the course wasn't an easy "A"; it was three credit hours and greatly detailed viticulture and enology. We tried numerous top-notch wines, including several $100-plus bottles. My professor, Jack Keegan, was extremely knowledgeable. I'd love to take a course with him again, as my palate has refined significantly since the days of drinking Natty Light and eating La Bamba burritos.

The most memorable experience from that class was in its final days. We had a significant amount of leftover, unopened bottles, and the professor invited everyone over his house in downtown Oxford where he cooked up a storm and we finished off the wine. (I especially remember his boeuf bourguignon. Yum.)

Today obviously wasn't quite as extensive, but it was definitely a great review on the world of wine. We tasted seven varietals—all grapes I'm familiar with but labels I've never tried. I found a few I really liked and will definitely be looking for them on the liquor store shelves, especially since none were more than $20. Can I say steal?

Sadly, the relaxing day came to an end when the reality of tomorrow's practical hit. I quartered a chicken one more time and I'm feeling more confident about it.

Time to put a cork in Level 2 and move on.