A wine connoisseur with good taste: this is the second passion of EVZ master coach Tangnes

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In addition to ice hockey, EVZ coach Dan Tangnes is fascinated by a second passion: wine. Quite unusual for someone who comes from a country without its own wine production. How did he become interested in wine? “A good question,” says Tangnes and thinks about it.

“I am a fun seeker who is also interested in history.” This combination allowed him to delve deeper into the subject of viticulture. «Good wines have been made for generations. The more you learn about it, the more respect you have for the work of wine producers.”

Tangnes is sitting at a long wooden table in Shed Wine in Zug, near the ice rink. You can regularly find the hockey coach with wine merchant and general manager Albert Osmani when he is looking for a special and especially rare wine. Because there is a framed EVZ dress by Josh Holden hanging on the wall, you already feel a special connection. Tangnes and Osmani smile.

Former EVZ striker and assistant coach Holden (45) is also an enthusiastic wine lover with extensive knowledge of oenology, the study of wine. Tangnes thought about installing a wine cellar as early as 2009, when he and his family built a house in Ängelholm, southern Sweden. “But my interest in wine really exploded here in Zug,” the 44-year-old admits: “Josh infected me.” Holden introduces him to Osmani, who regularly attends EVZ games, and the friendship extends beyond just hockey.

Tangnes’ great love? Bordeaux

When Tangne ​​is having a good time at Shed Wine, he always goes for a blind tasting. In front of the Norwegian are three wine bottles packed in black fabric bags – which he also has at home. Let’s start with the white wine. Tangnes swirls the glass, takes two small sips and describes the body, or taste, of the wine. «A light white wine with about 13 percent volume that comes from Europe, or rather from France. I suspect a Chardonnay.”

Osmani’s surprised expression shows that the Zug master trainer is right: “Once Dan tastes a wine, he recognizes it. It’s almost scary.” Although this Coteaux Champenois from Champagne is a very rare white wine of which only a few bottles exist, Tangnes does not abandon its sense of taste.

Recognizing the two red wines also works. When it comes to Pinot noir Clos Martha from Baselland, Tangnes immediately says that it could be a wine from Switzerland or nearby southern Germany, made from just one grape variety. When it came to the Sangiovese Poggio Valente from Tuscany, his first thought was correct, after which Tangnes changed his mind and guessed a Merlot from Italy.

Sangiovese is often on the table at the moment. “My favorite wines change,” says Tangnes, “depending on the mood or the food.” Currently very popular next to Sangiovese: Austrian Riesling. But his great love is Bordeaux.

Source : Blick