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Junior Columnist: Ashley Weatherl
If Culture Had Flavor September 17, 2010
When was the last time you saw someone order a glass of wine in the Red Dragon Inn"
Certainly every now and then you'll encounter the occasional connoisseur. But realistically speaking, RhyDin tends to be something of a college town in terms of liquor; most of the time, RhyDinians do not tend to mind what they drink, so long as it takes the edge off. It is not like RhyDin to be known for fine wines, especially given the consideration that most of the bottles taverns in this city sell are, in fact, imported. After all, it is common knowledge just how excellently the elves and fae ferment - one needs only to look at the non compos mentis state of mind citizens tend to employ when at community events such as Beltane where that liquor is present.
It is less commonly known, however, that RhyDin has its very own homegrown label that is born just half an hour's walk south of the Southern Glen. For the past two years, vintner Jolyon Gardiner has made it his mission to cultivate not only a line of fine wines, but also RhyDin taste buds.
"I have had a fondness for the science and art of wine since I was very young," said Gardiner during a personal interview conducted on Rumors Mill property. "I never had the opportunity until I came here and found this empty house and overgrown acreage. It just seemed opportune."
Gardiner may be new to the vintner trade, having arrived in RhyDin only three years ago from Beruin, Yilnai, but his passion is more than equal to the task to compete with his fellow generational proprietors. As he spoke to me of his profession, his eyes seemed to shine with vigor and enthusiasm.
"I will have to admit I have to consider a moment. The moment I say one element, I will almost be sure to change my mind to another. I think, likely, it is the moment' past maturing and clarification, when you take that sip and you know that you have it. That moment when the flavors all make their musical exchange and you are sure it is ready to bottle."
Indeed, winemaking to this archeologist-vintner seems to be more art than science. I had the privileged opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the production of wine from grape to bottle, and each step he described was as meticulous and perfervid as the writing of a concerto.
Of course, this amount of devotion has not gone unrecognized. RhyDin Food and Wine magazine has included Rumors Mill on its annual "Must Try List" this year, and Warner Virian, sommelier at the popular Tyav restaurant in the Marketplace (specializing in Drow-Human fusion cuisine) has touted the Rumors Mill label as a permanent selection on their wine list.
"I honestly couldn't imagine living anywhere without access to Rumors Mill reds," said Virian. "It has become a staple in our restaurant, and I find it incredibly encouraging that our customers are turning more and more to wines produced natively, rather than your stereotypical imports."
Decades ago, no RhyDinian would have fathomed that this city would become such a blossoming cultural gem, but with the help of distinguished artisans like Gardiner, it appears RhyDin is no longer merely multicultural, but is adopting a native culture of its very own.
While it doesn't take a connoisseur or a "wine guru" to appreciate the taste of a perfectly crafted beverage, Gardiner does open the property to tours that include samples of the latest harvests.
"Our tours, which brochures can be found at the office, will halt at the end of this month as we focus on harvesting and will start again in April," reminded Gardiner.
And what kinds of flavors should we be expecting this coming harvest"
"I am releasing the reserves made in the second year," said Gardiner. "They are in the style of a Piedmont, though I should not call it that as I lack the appropriate regional requirement, but it is a full bodied red wine. It will be the Rumors Mill Barbaresco."
As I left the property Wednesday evening - a bottle of Chianti in one hand, and peach pastries in the other - I was reminded of American songwriter Johnny Mercer, and how he defined joy:
"Days of wine and roses laugh and run away; Like a child at play."
In a way, the voyage to Rumors Mill left me feeling rather childish. Gardiner's fervent explanations and passion consumed me with the same eagerness and buoyancy that a schoolchild might feel when learning something new for the first time. Like a trek into one of his archeological dig sites, the frightening and exciting adventure into cultural experimentalism was guided artfully and knowledgeably by Jolyon Gardiner, and I became invigorated, charged with a yearning for newer things.
We have ventured into uncharted waters here, RhyDin. And they never tasted so sweet.
here. Thank you!]]
If Culture Had Flavor September 17, 2010
When was the last time you saw someone order a glass of wine in the Red Dragon Inn"
Certainly every now and then you'll encounter the occasional connoisseur. But realistically speaking, RhyDin tends to be something of a college town in terms of liquor; most of the time, RhyDinians do not tend to mind what they drink, so long as it takes the edge off. It is not like RhyDin to be known for fine wines, especially given the consideration that most of the bottles taverns in this city sell are, in fact, imported. After all, it is common knowledge just how excellently the elves and fae ferment - one needs only to look at the non compos mentis state of mind citizens tend to employ when at community events such as Beltane where that liquor is present.
It is less commonly known, however, that RhyDin has its very own homegrown label that is born just half an hour's walk south of the Southern Glen. For the past two years, vintner Jolyon Gardiner has made it his mission to cultivate not only a line of fine wines, but also RhyDin taste buds.
"I have had a fondness for the science and art of wine since I was very young," said Gardiner during a personal interview conducted on Rumors Mill property. "I never had the opportunity until I came here and found this empty house and overgrown acreage. It just seemed opportune."
Gardiner may be new to the vintner trade, having arrived in RhyDin only three years ago from Beruin, Yilnai, but his passion is more than equal to the task to compete with his fellow generational proprietors. As he spoke to me of his profession, his eyes seemed to shine with vigor and enthusiasm.
"I will have to admit I have to consider a moment. The moment I say one element, I will almost be sure to change my mind to another. I think, likely, it is the moment' past maturing and clarification, when you take that sip and you know that you have it. That moment when the flavors all make their musical exchange and you are sure it is ready to bottle."
Indeed, winemaking to this archeologist-vintner seems to be more art than science. I had the privileged opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the production of wine from grape to bottle, and each step he described was as meticulous and perfervid as the writing of a concerto.
Of course, this amount of devotion has not gone unrecognized. RhyDin Food and Wine magazine has included Rumors Mill on its annual "Must Try List" this year, and Warner Virian, sommelier at the popular Tyav restaurant in the Marketplace (specializing in Drow-Human fusion cuisine) has touted the Rumors Mill label as a permanent selection on their wine list.
"I honestly couldn't imagine living anywhere without access to Rumors Mill reds," said Virian. "It has become a staple in our restaurant, and I find it incredibly encouraging that our customers are turning more and more to wines produced natively, rather than your stereotypical imports."
Decades ago, no RhyDinian would have fathomed that this city would become such a blossoming cultural gem, but with the help of distinguished artisans like Gardiner, it appears RhyDin is no longer merely multicultural, but is adopting a native culture of its very own.
While it doesn't take a connoisseur or a "wine guru" to appreciate the taste of a perfectly crafted beverage, Gardiner does open the property to tours that include samples of the latest harvests.
"Our tours, which brochures can be found at the office, will halt at the end of this month as we focus on harvesting and will start again in April," reminded Gardiner.
And what kinds of flavors should we be expecting this coming harvest"
"I am releasing the reserves made in the second year," said Gardiner. "They are in the style of a Piedmont, though I should not call it that as I lack the appropriate regional requirement, but it is a full bodied red wine. It will be the Rumors Mill Barbaresco."
As I left the property Wednesday evening - a bottle of Chianti in one hand, and peach pastries in the other - I was reminded of American songwriter Johnny Mercer, and how he defined joy:
"Days of wine and roses laugh and run away; Like a child at play."
In a way, the voyage to Rumors Mill left me feeling rather childish. Gardiner's fervent explanations and passion consumed me with the same eagerness and buoyancy that a schoolchild might feel when learning something new for the first time. Like a trek into one of his archeological dig sites, the frightening and exciting adventure into cultural experimentalism was guided artfully and knowledgeably by Jolyon Gardiner, and I became invigorated, charged with a yearning for newer things.
We have ventured into uncharted waters here, RhyDin. And they never tasted so sweet.
here. Thank you!]]