Wine-making underdogs

by Mark Deamer

Now, it has come to my attention that I may have a reputation of being somewhat of an (over) opinionated nay-sayer to some of my colleagues within the industry. I dare say I fall into that mode on occasion, but the truth is I love most things about the wine, spirits and food world. Indeed, I am honest enough to admit my raw enthusiasm has got me to where I am, more than any degree of ambition.

So I am going to try and address this image of me, by writing a piece that does not include any scathing attacks or withering cynicism. Or at least try.  It is almost inevitable that at some point, once people find out that you work with wine you will be asked three questions:

I can't answer the first question, I don't answer the second and to the third my answer is greeted with a degree of suprise and disbelief.

I truly love the Greek wine making industry. I am not for one minute trying to tell you that the world's best wines come from Greece. There are many great wines that do come from Greece and I will address this issue in later blogs when I am allowed to be scathing and withering.
 There is something of the adorable mutt about the Greek wine industry. Picture a dog with one crooked ear, tongue hanging out, happily chasing its tail, much to the amusement of all onlookers, It eagerly awaits any titbit the rest of the world is prepared to throw it, and will be your friend for ever if you show it some affection. This is the how the Greek Wine Promotion board is. I have always found mutts to be far more charming than many of the thoroughbreds. They live to please. I hope no-one associated with Greek wines finds this offensive. I believe their wines deserve far more recognition than they get and I will always be their staunchest of supporters.

Truth is I see a lot of myself reflected in their workings. I am far from a polished sommelier. Off the top of my head I can think of ten sommeliers that I look up to. My service skills are passable, my knowlege of the geography of wine is fair to middling and my understanding of viti and viniculture gets me by.

However I will match and surpass anyone for enthusiasm and understanding of what is in the bottle. So this is my introduction for those who are thinking of following my blog.  Welcome aboard.