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A
nose that knows ... Sgt Darryl King,103 Sig Sqn, researches
and reviews wine for companies all over Australia.
Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, 1JPAU(P)
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Fruit
of the vine tastes just fine
By
Cpl Belinda Mepham
TASTING faded leather pouches from grapes is an art we need to know
more about.
Gaining
the knowledge on the many facets of wine, what all the cigar talk
means and having a deep appreciation for the skill of wine tasting
is a serious hobby for Sgt Darryl King, 103 Sig Sqn.
Sgt
King’s parents decided that as a young teenager, he should
experience wine for its value rather than for its effects.
“My
father was a keen and experienced wine taster, his interest was
passed on to me,” he said.
“Once
I joined the Army in 1985, I began to purchase my own wines and
started tutorials and courses, using my money to begin my cellar
and pay for knowledge.”
Sgt
King said extensive reading into making and production techniques,
grape varieties, worldwide regions fuelled the uncorked passion
to discover wine.
“As
I gained the knowledge I began to practise and experiment and joined
the Australian Wine Consumers Co-Operative Society in 1995.”
Before
joining the Army, Sgt King was a retail manager for Metropolis Tavern
in Brisbane, which provided opportunities for regular tutoring in
wine tasting.
“I
began conducting tastings and classes for small groups and began
to go overseas to see these fantastic wine makers for myself.”
Sgt
King said he encouraged soldiers to try wine, or new wines, as an
alternative to beer and spirits.
“Wine
tends to be consumed with meals rather than as part of a binge on
Friday night, I would like to encourage people who don’t manage
their consumption well to try wine as a healthier alternative.”
“Ultimately,
I hope to reduce some of the excess consumption within the Army
by developing trusted advice.”
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