Oh Yes!!, the things we do for the love of wine.
In 2008, the nose of leading European winemaker and taster Ilja Gort was insured for $8 million, Lloyd’s of London took out the policy after hearing about a man who lost his sense of smell in a car accident.
“I thought it must be a horror to lose your smell,” Gort said. “It would mean that you cannot taste wine anymore. Tasting wine is something you do with your nose, not your mouth.”
Gort, 47, said his nose is essential for him to produce top quality wines at his Chateau de la Garde vineyard in the famous Bordeaux region of France, so he got it insured.
The custom-made policy covers Gort for the loss of either his nose or his sense of smell and has some unusual conditions. The insurance contract includes a list of what Gort considers “old-fashioned rules” to protect his nose. The Dutchman is not allowed to ride a motorcycle or be a boxer, knife thrower’s assistant or a fire-breather.
“I may not fight against Mike Tyson,” Gort said.
[wordads]
Jonathan Thomas, the lead underwriter at Lloyd’s Watkins Syndicate, took Gort’s long, curly beard into account when drafting the policy and added a clause about Gort only going to experienced barbers who will keep their razors steady near his nose.
Pingback: Bouquet - The Finest Italian Wine