An Influencer Spotlight
We were interested to learn more about the minds and passions behind some of our favorited wine accounts. The following are a few pieces of insight gathered we think you may enjoy, from wine influencer Adrian J. of Finger Lakes, New York.
Read below to find out what we asked him!
Image provided by Adrian J.
1.) What gets you most excited about wine?
Oh man, tough question. Wine brings people together. Show me a group of people sharing some wine and *NOT* having a good time, and I’ll show you where that pot of gold is. But really, wine has history and culture, precision and complexity, process and purpose, but it also is a fun part of what brings people together.
2.) Do you consider yourself an Enthusiast? Connoisseur? Recreational? Other?
I write about wine, wine regions, wineries, (wine grape) varietals, wine satire, and other duties as assigned for some publications/sites. I would not say I’m a connoisseur, not in the slightest, but I would certainly lean toward “Enthusiast,” if I had to choose one. Sometimes I drink a bottle of wine over 10 hours to see how it changes. Sometimes it’s just to enjoy while watching football on tv. Sometimes it’s brief notes.
3.) What do you look for when selecting new bottles to try?
It depends what I’m doing with it: Is it a gift? Is it for me, for home? For a crowd-pleaser at a party? With or without food? There are many bottles I would give as a gift, knowing someone’s taste, that I wouldn’t buy for myself. But when selecting a new bottle: I look for known commodities - to me. I might know a type of German grape well, but that might not be the same for someone else. I also look for clarity in what it is. Nothing is more ambiguous than “red blend.”
4.) Are you loving any particular varietals lately?
I’m (usually) on a big Blaufränkisch kick, because it’s a beautiful wine that is great on its own and with food. But I’ve also been into different types of Syrah lately too, or from different regions, rather. The fruit, yes, but I really enjoy getting a certain level of spice and pepper out of wines. And I get that most with those two varietals.
5.) What experience cannot be fully enjoyed without the right bottle of wine?
A proper summer BBQ can’t be enjoyed without GREAT wine. Cold whites, chilled rosé, slightly chilled Red. Many things go well with lighter fare and salads. But many meats really need a good bottle of red wine! And some, especially grilled veggies, need a good bottle with excellent acidity. Acidity is the key, to me, when matching wine with BBQ.