Wine Column by Joe Scutella: Think globally, act locally with wine

By Joe Scutella, wine columnist
joe@mallorylanewines.com

The phrase "think globally, act locally" has a convoluted past, as there appears to be some dispute over whom may first have coined it. Regardless, it's come to essentially mean, ecologically speaking, that if we all show good stewardship in our own back yards and communities then the rest of the world sort of takes care of itself.

Think of it like a giant world-wide wave that starts at your own front door. Economically the phrase has applications as well. When we do things like involving ourselves with community sponsored agriculture, for example, we are not only getting closer to our food sources but also helping maintain family farms and the rural charter of our peripheral communities. We can act in a similar way when it comes to our wine purchases. Of course we now have Kix Brook's Arrington Vineyard in Williamson County, and that's a simple way to support the local economy. Popping out there on a sunny weekend afternoon for a picnic, some wine and live music is a great way to get away without going very far at all. There are, however, other ways locals can think globally and act locally when it comes to their wine purchases. I can easily think of two examples right off the top of my head.

Nearly a year ago, three Williamson county born and bred residents, Larry Boone, his wife Jeanne and Jeanne's sister Meredith Sullivan, embarked upon a path to their dream; a wine distributorship called Boonedocks. Now, almost a year into their opening, wines and spirits which they have brought into the Middle Tennessee market are in stores and restaurants throughout the area. In our own store, Mallory Lane Wine and Spirits, we carry perhaps the largest selection of Boonedocks products in Williamson County. We have a wide array of their quality and value products from wines to tequilas and bourbons to high alcohol beers. Among those products you'll find many highly rated items that have been featured in major trade publications such as “Wine Enthusiast” and “Wine Spectator.” Look for wine labels like Calcu, Penalolen and Apaltagua from Chile; Simmonasi, Sottano and Tercos from Argentina; Oregon's Spindrift Cellars and Oak Knoll, as well as superb selections from California, Italy, Spain, France and South Africa.

Another Williamson county resident, Jeff Hopmayer, literally puts his money where his mouth is, when it comes to thinking globally and acting locally. Hopmayer presides over Sapphire Brands, Emerald Wines and Black Diamond Spirits, with offices located right on Mallory Station Road. The jewel in their crown, for now, is the EOS Winery of Paso Robles, Calif. The 800-acre estate produces classic California wines in every price range. In true "thinking globally, acting locally fashion," Hopmayer recently invested $7 million in converting the entire winery to solar power. The winery has also doubled its production since he took the helm. In addition Hopmayer's companies import the superb Cielo tequila and a fantastic array of Italian wines, including Petra, Zingari and Baroncini, to name just a few. The EOS wines offer a superb quality to value ratio and one can find them almost anywhere, including our store. We also feature, quite prominently, his excellent Italian wine imports.

With their ties so deeply rooted in the Williamson County community, it's no surprise that both Jeff Hopmayer and the good folks at Boonedocks are the first in line when it comes to participating in some of Williamson County's finest charity events. If you've been to A Fashion Affair, A Vintage Affair or Wine Down Main Street, then you have undoubtedly sampled some of their wares. These wonderful people live and work among us and the dollars they bring in stay here in our community. You can think globally and act locally by picking up some of their excellent international and domestic products the next time you are in a wine and spirits shop. You'll be doing the local economy good and getting great quality and value at the same time. That's what's called a twofer my friends.
‘nuff said, Joe Scutella

Joe Scutella is manager and buyer at Mallory Lane Wine & Spirits in Franklin. He can be reached at joe@mallorylanewines.com.

 

Posted on: 1/22/2009