Full of enthusiasm for life and *wine*, Christina Loiacano inquired via email about being featured in my series about wine lovers who happen to be normal people! Her feelings about wine and the journey to learn more were so interesting to read, that I am of course thrilled to feature her on Grape Experiences! Christina found my website through a friend’s recommendation and I’m proud to share her story…in her own words! She’s young, adorable, and loves her country (besides her wine!). Meet, Christina Loiacano, our latest *Wine Lover* Next Door!
Christina, tell the readers about yourself.
Christina: I’m 27 and originally from Plattsburgh in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. I went to college at Stony Brook University with a major in Astronomy and a minor in Physics. Yes, I’m a bit of a nerd and a sucker for the way math works like a puzzle! However, I decided not to pursue a career in science because I wanted to work with people. Currently, I’m a proud military wife of just over a year. My husband is in the Air Force and we’re living in the Florida Panhandle while he’s completing some of his training.
When did you begin loving wine?
Christina: Several of my friends at Stony Brook were really into food and wine so I’d say my love for wine started here.
How are you learning more about wine?
Christina: After college and when I was in Manhattan, I decided not to pursue a career in science because I wanted to work with people. I landed a job with Zerve and found that working with customers was as rewarding as I had hoped. I also got to find out about all sorts of fun things to do in the city such as wine tastings! Going to the tastings and learning about the variety of wines available, I was able to turn my interest in wine into having some basic knowledge of it! Now that I’m in Florida, the access to wine isn’t as great. This has prompted me to find ways to continue learning about wine. I’ve been looking into classes such as those with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), reading blogs, and reading my Oxford Companion to Wine!!
What was the first vineyard you ever visited?
Christina: The first was on Long Island…Duck Walk Vineyards. They make a fantastic Blueberry Port!
What wines do you prefer…and don’t??
Christina: I’ve always been a fan of bold reds – especially ones that have hints of pepper. Cabernet Sauvignon was my go-to wine for the longest time and is still a classic when I’m not feeling up for an adventure. I’m a huge fan of Cotes du Rhones, though I don’t drink them often since the good ones I’ve found tend to be a bit higher than the everyday price. Lately I’ve been into trying more Spanish Wines – Monastrell (I loved those from Juan Gil), Garnacha, and the white Verdejo… I do also enjoy a good Pinot Noir or Malbec from time to time. I don’t have much of a feeling towards most white wines – other than Albarinos – I find them too acidic. I also don’t like any Zinfandels – I know I’m contradicting myself since many view those to be quite bold. When I’m in the mood for a white, I generally choose sparkling – Cava, Prosecco, Champagne – they’re all quite good to me! If you gave me a glass of each to taste and pair with the correct type, I’d probably get them all wrong. I’d love to have that skill one day… And as for Rose – I once went to a tasting but there are so many tastes and they aren’t predictable! I tasted maybe 15 and none stuck out to me. I’ve only ever loved one Rose, but unfortunately I didn’t take down the name.
Do you have any favorites?
Christina: The Chook, a sparkling Shiraz from McLaren Vale in Australia, is one of the neatest wines I’ve ever had. I think it’s surprisingly pleasant: it’s not sweet , is good chilled or at room temp, is not spicy. Yet, it has bubbles to add complexity and pairs well with most tapas. I owe this find to my favorite restaurant in all of New York City, Case Llula. For the record, this is also where I had that great Rose!
Thank you, Christina for being our *Wine Lover* Next Door! You are doing all of the right things in order to learn more about wine…tasting a variety of wines (of course!), reading as much as you can, talking to others (you are a people person after all!)and looking into further education. And your personality is engaging…even through emails!! Could there be a career in the wine industry for you?
Cheers to *Wine Lovers* everywhere! ~ Cindy
Jessica Leigh