The world of wine is vast and sometimes very complex, and for lovers of it, it is necessary to understand several specific terms and functions. There are three protagonists who stand out with unique and vital roles: the oenophile, the winemaker and the sommelier. Each one brings their passion and knowledge, fundamental ingredients for this universe of colors and flavors.
Oenophile: passionate about wine
Oenophiles are wine lovers by nature. They are those who indulge in wine tasting with pleasure and enthusiasm. They not only enjoy the wine itself, but also study the different grape varieties, wine regions and production techniques. They are recognized as bottle collectors and are always willing to share their experiences and discoveries with other connoisseurs. For them, each glass is an opportunity to explore aromas, flavors and stories. To be an oenophile, it is not necessary to be a professional in the field, nor to attend courses, but rather to be truly passionate about wine culture.
Winemaker: the wine scientist
While the oenophile is restricted to appreciating wines, the oenologist is responsible for the entire wine production process, and is often recognized as the winemaking artist. They study chemistry, agronomy and various winemaking techniques to create exceptional wines. A winemaker supervises the entire production, from the selection of grapes to the final bottling stage. They adjust variables such as temperature, fermentation time and the type of oak barrel to be used to create wines with specific characteristics, being truly passionate about the science of wine and the constant search for perfection.
Sommelier: the master of pairing
Sommeliers are good experts in different drinks, from coffee, tea or even water. However, these professionals pay greater attention to alcoholic beverages, undergoing extensive training to develop their tasting skills and knowledge in the area. This professional usually works in bars or restaurants, and is also recognized as the sommelier, who is normally responsible for choosing wines and recommending pairings to customers.
Out of curiosity, this profession is one of the oldest in the world of wine. The word “sommelier” has French origins and was used in the Middle Ages to refer to the official responsible for transporting and taking care of the king's supplies, including precious wines. Over time, this role evolved into managing the royal cellars and selecting the most varied wines for the court.
However, it was only after 1907 that the profession began to be formally recognized with the creation of the Association de la Sommellerie Française, an organization dedicated to promoting the profession and training sommeliers. Even though this profession is still linked to French culture to this day, these professionals are found around the world in restaurants, bars, hotels, farms linked to wine tourism and even wine tasting events. They then play a crucial role in the selection of wines, providing memorable gastronomic experiences.
In the world of wines, as an oenophile appreciates, the winemaker creates and the sommelier harmonizes. Just as different wines have their distinct characteristics, these enthusiasts also bring different perspectives to further enrich our understanding and passion for the authentic experiences that only wines can provide!
Did you identify with any of them?
