I’d heard the buzz about Scandal and the ensuing buzz from wine-drinking Scandal watchers but I’d never watched.  Until last October when I was hit with the proverbial blessing in disguise.  Yes, if you are a mom, you can’t call in sick, but you can spend the day in bed if it gets that bad.  And it got that bad. But that meant that I was able to get acquainted with Ms. Olivia Pope and her gladiators. Yes, I watched 2 seasons in 3 days.  Shameful, I know, but if you have to be in bed, might as well be “productive.”

Ok, so it wasn’t productive, but it was really addicting and now that I have caught up, I’m ready for tonight’s winter premiere.  And I have a few thoughts on Ms. Pope and her wine habits.  Inspired by a post earlier this week by Doug Trapasso, I decided to look at other wine folks’ ideas on the show.  It wasn’t surprising to me that some fellow Women Wine Writers were all over it. Here are a few “hiccups” that only we wine-snobs…I mean, aficionados.. I mean, lovers might get annoyed by…I mean, roll our eyes at… I mean, notice.

1) Where is the ritual?

She dumps expensive Bordeaux in a Burgundy glass and glugs it. What?!? This is a woman who was supposedly reared by a wine expert father. Said wine expert is an extremely controlling, extremely powerful man who drinks extremely expensive wine AND HE NEVER TAUGHT HER HOW TO EVALUATE IT? Or fully appreciate it? Or is she just so spoiled by “good wine” that she blows it off the way she blows off murderous affairs? Possible.

2) ’94 doo bah-lay

New York Times calls it ” du Bellay.” Bon Appetit calls is “Duvillet.” Jet Mag calls is “Doublé.” Whatever you call it, it ain’t real.  She says the wine will change your life, but how much change do you need when your life is on a beautiful island with a beautiful man and plenty of everything you need?  Do you NEED five bottles of this crazy rare wine? Your whole life was tracking people down, finding evidence. You changed your name but not your habits and you got busted.  Cheers!

3) So why not choose a real wine?

Mary Cressler of Vindulge was recommending wines for Shondaland return but had to guess…”we can assume it’s really ‘fine’ wine, similar to the wine her evil dad introduced her to years ago. My guess is really good Bordeaux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or expensive California Cabernet Sauvignons.” No, California Oak doesn’t exist either, and even if it did, I’d skip on name alone.

Doug Trapasso wondered, “…does it surprise you that no wineries have jumped on he connection and advertised on the program?” He’s heard the idea of cost but wonders if it is a matter of tradition.  I would say both.  If they are big enough to pay for the spot, they probably don’t need the advertising and aren’t exclusive enough for Ms. Pope.  If they are exclusive and wealthy, they probably don’t have the supply to reach potential demand.  Or maybe they just don’t think the show is wine-savvy enough to create the link?

 

Don’t get me wrong.  I love the show.  Obviously, or I would not have binged on it.  As Jo Diaz of Wine-Blog says, “No wine consultant is on the set is the most logical conclusion… Someone making set decisions and loving the large globe, but never having experienced wine glasses 101.”  It is a recurring theme in the series so you might as well do it well. I nominate Jo.

On the other hand, there is also the push to make wine more accessible, enjoyable, less formal. So if she wants to drink it straight out of the bottle at the end of the day, (and who wouldn’t at the end of those crazy days) have at it. If she has the means to buy new white cashmere and couches if a spill occurs (which is likely when you hold the glass like a toddler), good for you. If she has enough good wine to drink it like it is like it Kool-aid, enjoy.  But don’t think that we wine-lovers won’t roll our eyes(a little) or feel a slight punch in the gut when you do.  Respect the vine. And next time you want to hide out, order something a little less obscure.

Will you be watching tonight? With popcorn or without? Do you have your Camille glasses ready? I won’t judge no matter what you put in it. Post a pic of what you open as we cheer on our favorite fixer! And follow Grapefriend for weekly wine recaps. Cheers!

 *Photos found under “free to use and share” license on Bing.  If there is any discrepancy, please notify me and I will change immediately.