The journalists who interviewed me were fascinated by my opinion of Albarino.

The writer for La Rioja asked me why I thought the grape was producing the Ben Affleck of wines.

Did I ever say that? I really had no recollection. In fact, I don't really even know what Affleck's persona is, other than, wasn't he going to marry Penelope Cruz or someone LIKE Cruz? Then the interviewer for ElCatvinos

Well, while that did give me a giggle, what gave me serious pause was being asked more than once if American journalists were mostly independent.

I immediately said yes, of course, most of my colleagues go to great lengths to keep their noses clean. Oh sure, there are the hacks who rely soley on samples that come to the door, and there are the problems that arise when non-journalists are asked to write for publications. For example, I opened up Continental Air magazine and saw wine recommendations from a 'sommelier.' This man no longer works on the floor, but sells wine (might be a partner) at a New York importing house I do indeed admire. He never disclosed in the article that he actually imported the wines he was flogging.

But the question got me to think, everyone has a price. I have no idea what it is in Spain, what would mine be?

Would I sell out for let's say an annual allowance of twenty cases of DRC?Maybe kick in an apartment with indoor plumbing so I don't have to trek down the stairs and out the back to the out house? Maybe an elevator before I hit eighty? Might could do?

Anyway, so there I was wondering why Spain bought my book and seemed intrigued by me. In my innocence I wanted to believe that even though the country was producing many wines aimed at the oak fairy, they really wanted my kinds of wine. But it turns out they were intrigued by me because I spoke out. Who knew?

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