Phil's perception of wines

Let me introduce myself. I am Phil Lo. I have been a member of the FOV uninterrupted since 1993, when my family moved to Calgary from Ontario. My youngest kid at that time was in the same class in kindergarten with Walter’s (FOV founder) youngest kid. My wife met Donna through the kids and the rest is history for my membership in FOV.

This is my first year as Director. My mission is to share some of my understanding in wine appreciation, tidbit knowledge or, more likely, mostly useless but interesting information about wine which I gathered over the many years of drinking and appreciating wines. Mostly this is for fun. I am not in the wine trade and was never formally educated in wine. So, please take everything I say here with a grain of salt.

Being my first article here, I am going to start with something lighter – my perception of wines after so many years.

Red wines

Italian Wines

To me Italian wines are like mother’s cooking, always reliable and consistent. But sometimes they can be spectacular!

Burgundy or more properly Bourgogne

Burgundy reds are 100% Pinot Noir. And Pinot Noir is known as Heart Break Grape. They do not call that heart break for no reason. For me, Burgundy is like all the girls I dated and fell in love in my younger days but never got to marry any one of them. They left me with lots of sweet and what-ifs in my memory. And once you have tasted one very fine Burgundy, you will forever be smitten and will be looking forward to, try finding, and hunting for the next one with repeated experience.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the benchmark, standards for the rest of the wine world to be measured against. They are serious wines. You need to pay attention to them when drinking them. To me, Bordeaux wine is like every man’s wife. It is like a serious lady telling you: “Come and sit down. I want to talk to you. Shut up and pay attention while I am talking!”

Cote du Rhone

Cote du Rhone are my little mistresses. They love me unconditionally. Always happy to be in my company. Of all the wines in my cellar, they are the ones I always have problem keeping and cellaring.

White wines

With the exception of white Bourgogne and Rieslings, most white are meant to be drunk fresh and early, and not for cellaring long term. Most white wines are like roses or tulips, the are most beautiful before they are fully bloomed. To me, white wines are like young ladies, full of freshness, energy, laughter and beauty. They are pleasant to be with, like a ray of sunshine. I enjoy their company.