I'm in a rush to get more out about David Bryant and I'm having trouble finding my pictures of him here in the store. I've got plenty of pictures but they are not digital! Arrrggghhhhhh! Here are some taken of David with Elena Walch when she visited us here at Cleveland Park Wine & Spirits , 3423 Conn. Ave. NW Washington D.c. sometime in 2007. We later walked over to Palena restaurant a block away to taste with Kelly and chef/owner Frank Ruta. These are a bit grainy photos, not my best. My camera was giving me problems and so they are a bit more atmospheric. That's good and it's bad. David's dressed in classic-fashion, comfortable, European style. He could fit in anywhere.
David has been sick for awhile and we are all sad in the wine community for our loss. He set the standards high and really loved life and wine, food, history, culture and loved sharing it with everyone that would listen. He knew his stuff. He had strong opinions and an eye to appreciate many things that normally go unnoticed by many. he could be very complementary. he could also be difficult. He drove like a madman through the roads of Italy with us. He shared many things Italian with us even if he did not sell them himself. He was fair and hard-working and wanted quality and value as much in one as possible. He found it often, too. I remember his lectures on Italian olive oils back when he worked at Sutton Place Gourmet for a brief period. I've known him for years.
On this particular visit we had a lot of fun over at Palena with Kelly and Frank. We were tasting the Pinot Grigio, the single-vineyard 2001 Merlot, the red Lagrein and the Pinot Blanc, too. There were probably more. David poured and let the conversation flow. It did, too easily. Everyone had comments to make. Both Kelly and Frank talked a whole lot about both the Pinot Blanc and the red Lagrein. They had sold really well over the years at Palena. Frank seemed to be on a real Lagrein kick. There were lots of smiles and appreciation for both Elena's fine wines as well as other things Italian including other wines.
David would stand back and listen. He'd explain, we'd talk quality, pricing and availability on these small productions. David would gently encourage to buy a bit more if we really liked something so as not to run out as quickly. He never pressed, he did not insist. He let us arrive at our own conclusions at our own paces. We made promises, we made orders, we shared a warm, special moment the five of us there in the front of Palena that afternoon before business started there. It was relaxed. Frank sipped slowly from his glass, he lingered over the flavors. I think we all did. We all really appreciated this Italian/Elena Walch/Alto Adige glow.
Thanks David, thanks Elena, thanks Kelly, thanks Frank. I'll drink a glass of Elena's wine soon and toast this moment and the excellent memory of David. Cheers, TONY
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