During Prosecco Week at The Leopard Des Artistes in New York, we celebrated National Prosecco Week with a unique cross-sensory tasting experience. This was expertly led by the esteemed Dr. Hoby Wedler, whose expertise allowed us to explore the multifaceted world of Prosecco DOC in a new, unconventional way.
This experience has traveled around the world. It was hosted in San Francisco and in Milan, and being part of it in New York was truly an sensory awakening experience.
The blindfolded tasting experience, in collaboration with Emotitech, Dr. Wedler’s primary food and wine experience business, provided a fresh and intriguing perspective on the Prosecco DOC universe and wine tasting. This innovative approach, which I deeply resonate with, was a testament to Dr. Wedler’s passion for science and the narratives surrounding food. It was an eye-opening experience that intertwined the science and storytelling of wine, accompanied by the rhythm of his words, music, and sensory experiences.
Our tasting journey took us from Brut to Extra Dry, from less residual sugar to slightly more. However, the real surprise came with the fourth wine, an Extra Dry Rosé. It was a delightful twist to be able to identify the red fruit aromas, made possible by the Pinot Nero blended with Glera on this expression. This unexpected turn added a thrilling element to the tasting experience. It leaft us all intrigued and excited for what was to come next.
This experience significantly deepened our understanding and appreciation of Prosecco DOC. As a wine studies student, I often focus on how to taste better. Being present at the moment of tasting and ensuring that I am grounded makes a huge difference. However, having the guided experience of Mr. Webbler, who has been blindfolded his whole life, has brought a perspective of sense not only in the body but in the palate. I did taste the bubbles of the Prosecco in a slower way. It evocated experiences such as snow going through my throat. On the other hand of the extreme, less pronounced bubbles that went more like sparkling water. This emotional journey of discovery and connection with the wine was truly profound.
I also felt deeply moved and almost in tears to get to know Dr. Hoby Wedler. His humanity, words, and cadence with stories of his passion for science and the narratives surrounding food deeply resonated with me and the entire audience, creating a strong sense of connection. His unique storytelling, filled with personal anecdotes and scientific insights, inspired us all. From the moment, he describes how his parents didn’t hold him in less regard than his siblings just because he was blind. Instead, he held him in high regard, and they had big expectations of him. He succeeded in his PhD and continues to inspire others with his story and guided tastings. One of the many reasons we love the wine world is that it only reunites the best people from other industries, said someone in our audience, and I couldn’t agree more.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
