Our exclusive interview with Andrea Immer
Girls on Grapes chatted ‘Girl to Girl’ with Andrea Immer, Master Sommelier, former "working mother of the year" and host of "Simply Wine with Andrea Immer" on TV's Fine Living Network (FLN).
GOGO: What motivated you to pursue a wine-related career?
ANDREA: THAT'S EASY! UNBRIDLED PASSION FOR THE TOPIC - THE HISTORY, CULTURE, INTIMACY, THEATER, AGRICULTURE IT REPRESENTS. IT'S A LITTLE BIT OFEVERYTHING
GOGO: In 1997, you were one of only ten women in the world to qualify as a Master Sommelier. Can you briefly describe that process?
ANDREA: LOTS OF SELF-STUDY AS WELL AS STRUCTURED CLASSES, AND A MULTI-STEP EXAM PROCESS - THE CERTIFICATE EXAM, THE ADVANCED DIPLOMA AND FINALLY THE MASTERS. THE EXAM COVERS THEORY (WINE FACTS), BLIND TASTING AND SERVICE
GOGO: What advice can you give a diner in dealing with a Sommelier? What is the best approach for them to take in order to utilize a Sommelier to the fullest?
ANDREA: LET THEM KNOW YOUR BUDGET - UNLESS YOU'RE DINING AT A REALLY SNOOTY PLACE (AND WHY?), THEY WON'T MAKE YOU FEEL CHEAP FOR SAYING, "I'D LIKE TO SPEND AROUND THIRTY BUCKS. WE LIKE REDS AND USUALLY DRINK CHIANTI (OR WHATEVER) BUT WOULD LIKE TO TRY SOMETHING NEW. OR SAY YOU WANT TO TASTE SEVERAL THINGS, CAN THEY SUGGEST GLASSES OR EVEN HALF-GLASSES?
GOGO: "Girls on Grapes" Wine of the Month for November is Beaujolais. What can you tell us about BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU?
ANDREA: IT'S FUN! IT'S THE GAMAY GRAPE, AND EVEN THOUGH THE DOLLAR IS WEAK AGAINST THE EURO, THE WINE MARKET IS SO COMPETITIVE THAT THE PRICE SHOULD BE INEXPENSIVE IN MOST MARKETS. YOU CAN REALLY ENHANCE THE FRUIT BY SERVING IT WITH A LIGHT CHILL, AND IT'S INCREDIBLY VERSATILE.
GOGO: In September, Girls on Grapes explored Chenin Blanc. What foods do you recommend pairing with Chenin Blanc?
ANDREA: I LIKE IT A LOT WITH BRUNCHY FOODS LIKE EGGS AND SAUSAGE, IT'S ALSO GREAT WITH GOAT CHEESE SALADS, ROAST CHICKEN AND EVEN SUSHI. IT'S ALSO GOOD FOR FOODS WITH SOME SPICE - LIKE TAMALES AND MOLE SAUCES, AND WITH MOROCCAN COUSCOUS AND MUSHROOMY DISHES.
GOGO: What's your favorite wine to sip on a porch swing?
ANDREA: BUBBLY - ALWAYS BUBBLY.
GOGO: What's your favorite wine to sip when you're all dressed up?
ANDREA: ONCE AGAIN, BUBBLY! (I LOVE IT IN CASE YOU COULDN'T TELL.)
GOGO: What words of wisdom can you offer a burgeoning wine lover?
ANDREA: TASTE, TASTE, TASTE. TRY SEVERAL WINES TOGETHER, IN COMPARISON, SO YOU CAN REALLY LOCK IN THE DIFFERENCES. YOU DON'T HAVE TO FINISH EVERYTHING - REFRIGERATE (REGARDLESS OF COLOR) AND THE WINE WILL HOLD UP OVER A FEW DAYS. TASTE THE SAME WINES WITH DINNER EACH DAY UNTIL THEY'RE GONE OR YOU'RE TIRED OF THEM (I COOK WITH THE LEFTOVERS AT THAT POINT). YOU'LL LEARN A LOT ABOUT PAIRING, HOW WINES EVOLVE, HOW VERSATILE THEY ARE. KEEP A LIST OF WHAT YOU'VE TASTED, AND IMPRESSIONS (DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OR JUST FROM-THE-GUT RESPONSES LIKE "LOVED IT, PEACHY-FLAVORED" AS YOU WISH. YOU CAN DO THIS FOR FREE ON MY WEBSITE, AND ALSO RATE WINES FOR THE 2006 EDITION OF MY WINE BUYING GUIDE FOR EVERYONE. I'D LOVE TO GET YOUR FEEDBACK!
THANKS, EVERYONE!
Andrea Immer
