I am asked wine related questions almost daily, but when Mayberry Investments Limited AVP of Marketing Anika Jengelley began a discussion on wine, I was forced to take note. Her wine questions were not vague, wishy-washy ones; they were about specific wines from specific regions. That was when I learnt of her deeper appreciation of wines.

Chris Reckord (CR): How/why did wine become a preferred drink of yours?

Anika Jengelley: (AJ) I think, for as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed a glass here and there. But when I went to graduate school in the US, studying French language and culture, I started hanging out with a very cultured group of young professionals. They introduced me to a sophisticated side of wine — how to choose a nice wine, how to pair it with food, and where to find it.

CR: Did you have an ‘aha’ wine moment when you tasted something amazing?

AJ: I sure did. In 2009, in celebration of my 30th birthday, I was in New York with friends who took me to a wine bar after dinner. They knew that my drink of choice was wine, so they ordered a bottle recommended by our waiter that evening — a 2004 bottle of Margaux. I don’t think I’ve ever tasted a wine more delicious.

CR: What is your style of wine? Has your taste changed over time?

AJ: First off, there are only a few types of wine I don’t like, but I do make my selections based on the circumstances. So, for example, when I’m in the cold I go for robust reds, like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. When I’m here in Jamaica, in this heat, I like a crisp, refreshing white, like a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry Rose.

CR: Which wine regions (or wineries) have you visited?

AJ: I’ve done the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, which is a tour in California. I’ve also done Napa Valley in California twice, where I visited a handful of wineries and did tastings. I’ve done the St Emilion tour in Bordeaux, the Chablis tour in Burgundy, as well as the Mumm tour in Champagne. Of course, I collect at least one bottle from each tasting, some of which I still have today awaiting the right occasion.

CR: What are your thoughts on the local wine scene?

AJ: I’d say it’s more vibrant than it has ever been. Obviously, we still have a long way to go, but there is a truly knowledgeable and experienced community of wine drinkers out there. Outside of that, there are people who genuinely would like to learn more about wines and wine drinking.

CR: Based on your wine travels, what would you like to see/experience in Jamaica?

AK: What I would absolutely love are more opportunities for experienced wine drinkers to enjoy and explore wine. So if there’s a tasting, I’m really not interested in having overpriced, supermarket wines. Let’s have some interesting blends, some rare vintages or even wines from some lesser known wine regions. I want to continue learning about and enjoying wines.

I thought I knew all the “wine people” out there. Not so, it seems! If you enjoy wine on another level please e-mail me at the address below. I would love to hear your story.

Christopher Reckord – Information Technology Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram @chrisreckord and on Twitter: @Reckord