A "connoisseur" (pronounced "konnoceur") is French for "an expert judge in matters of taste", so by extrapolation a wine connoisseur may be termed a wine expert - perhaps even a judge at wine tastings.
Another definition is "someone who knows a lot" about the subject - simply put, the more you know about something, the more you can appreciate and enjoy that item in all its nuances. While a wine lover will know what wines he/she likes and why, a connoisseur takes this to the next level, actually studies the subject, develops an expert's perspective, and is willing to share this expertise with others.
A wine connoisseur or aficionado is different from the wine snob, who makes a nuisance of himself by aggressively voicing his opinion on the subject at all times, even when this is neither called for nor appropriate. Wine snobs are firmly convinced that their knowledge of wine is superior to others, and think that showing off about this gives them a cachet socially. They also tend to make the subject to be more complicated than necessary, and will carry on about terroir and vintages and wine faults without allowing for any contrary opinion or perspective. Avoid such people like the plague - they only demean what is usually a hugely enjoyable experience.
So how does one become a wine connoisseur or expert?
Start by tasting the wine rather than just drinking it. Entry-level wine drinkers tend to first like new world wines (Chilean, Australian, South African) that are easy-drinking (read "not dry") and fruit-forward (read "tasty"). As the palate develops, some may graduate to understanding and appreciating wines that are leaner ("crisp", not sour) and more complex, and being able to differentiate aromas, body, tannins, tastes and after-taste. Reading about wine helps, as does going in for wine courses (WSET levels 1 to 3 are recommended). And mind you, nothing beats the frequent tasting of good wines in the company of like-minded people who are willing to share their perspectives and opinions.
It also helps to keep a written record of the wines tasted and note down your observations and opinions, and compare these with the tasting notes put out by the producers and other experts. You will notice that over time your notes either become more extensive and expressive or more succinct and to-the-point: either way, this is a good way of cataloguing your individual development in the journey towards becoming more than just a wine lover.
Of course, there's never any guarantee that you will become a wine connoisseur or expert - but what the heck, you'll have a lot of fun trying!
Wines I've been tasting: The Wine Connoisseurs is a small group in Bengaluru that gets together every month to sample and appreciate good wines. The food is paired with the wines brought in to each event by the participants whose number is limited to eight for an event, which may be held either in the afternoon or (more commonly) in the evening.
A recent dinner at the Taj West End's Masala Klub featured eight wines: Champagne Drappier, Donnhoff Riesling Trocken 2014, Beringer Chardonnay Luminus 2012, Thelema Shiraz Stellenbosch 2009, Beringer Napa Quantum Red 2012, Roda Rioja Reserva 2008 (pictured), Tenuta Sant' Antonio Amarone della Valpolicella 2012, and a superb 1990 Marc Bredif Nectar Vouvray dessert wine from France. Whew! Costs varied from a lowly Rs 3,000 to upwards of Rs 8,000 per bottle, with there being no valuation possible for the last wine.
Now that's an evening for wine connoisseurs!
Alok Chandra is a Bengaluru-based wine consultant
