"If You Don't Golf, Know Your Wines"
Google Movie Synopsis:
Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray.
Scenario:
The two men are sitting at an eatery discussing their respective lives. Jack, who has a simpleton’s view of life in general and of wine in particular, demonstrates his naivte of the latter to Miles. In return, Miles makes it clear that at least he, Miles, understands that knowledge of wines could have some social value.
Selected Scene:
Jack: Man! That's tasty!Business Tip:
Miles: That's 100% pinot noir. Single vineyard. They don't even make it any more.
Jack: Pinot noir?
Miles: Mmm-hmm.
Jack: Then how come it's white?
Miles: [laughs] Oh, Jesus. Don't ask questions like that up in wine country. They'll think you're some kind of dumb-shit, OK?
There are a few topics that are considered "safe" in the business world. Current events, sports and, believe it or not, wine. Understanding and knowing a little about wine can pay off big in the workplace environment. It's a good way to get in with management and the "decision-makers." A wine consumer has an image of someone who is educated, intelligent, and sophisticated (or at least striving to be). You don't have to become an expert however, you do need to know the basics and maybe even have a "go-to" bottle. One of my favorite tips on wine for the novice is in the chart below. Often times when you attend a dinner meeting or are invited to attend a dinner party at a co-workers residence, ordering a bottle of beer or cocktail may not be appropriate. In many cases you will find the host ordering (or serving) wine. When in doubt, don’t be afraid of ordering the house wine, it is usually safe, and better yet, affordable.
Chardonnay (shar-duh-nay), Chablis (Sha-blee) CH = CHICKEN
Beaujolais (boe-sho-lay) Bordeaux (bor-doe) B=BEEF
