24. SOMM

the film follows the journey of 4 young men in their quest to become master sommeliers--wine stewards, knowledgeable in all aspects of wine service, tasting and food pairing.  becoming a master sommelier requires passing the 3 day, 3 part master exam.  this world is INTENSE.  the test consists of a tasting--3 reds and 3 whites. they discuss the notes of each wine, narrowing it down to the vintner, the region the grapes were grown, the year!  the list of words and phrases to describe wine is exhaustingly long.  the next piece is service and the final portion is theory.  in the past 40 years that the test has existed, only 170 people in the world have passed it.  many take it several times.  preparing for this test affects all parts of the lives of these men and their families.  i don't know a lot about wine, but i've always appreciated that there is a lot to know.  saying that is such a gross understatement!  i had no concept of just HOW MUCH there is to know.  of course, each of the men had different study styles and different personalities.  it was fun to get to the end, having predicted to myself who might and might not be successful with the test, and see just how close i was.  i won't spoil the outcome for anyone who might see the film.  i enjoyed this film very much.  i should go have a glass of wine.  it makes me wonder what words these guys would use to describe the reisling in a blue bottle that mary buys at aldi's....the only wine i really ever drink.....