Recently I had lunch with a colleague. At some point during our conversation he bemoaned the complexity of food and wine pairing and how difficult it was to get the right match, much less explain the concepts. I countered saying it was a lot easier than he thought and offered to prove it. He challenged me to do just that. I upped the ante by saying I could do it in less than five hundred words. You are now the benefactor—or the victim—of that challenge. Read on.

Disclaimer: the following is in no way intended to be the ne plus ultra—the last word—on food and wine pairing. Like many other things in life, the basics are straightforward but the potential to go down a rabbit hole, drop into an abyss, or be sucked into the vortex is always possible. All nonsense aside, I have to humbly submit that good friend Evan Goldstein’s two books on food and wine pairing, “Perfect Pairings” and “Daring Pairings,” are nigh untouchable. If you don’t own them, you should. Now to business.

Food and Wine Pairing in Less Than 500 Words

Elements in Wine:

Acidity: the single most flexible element in wine for pairing with food. Higher acid wines are more versatile.

Tannin and oak: the least flexible elements—both dictate a narrow range of dishes that pair well.

Alcohol: higher alcohol in a wine requires more intensity in the dish. Lower alcohol wines are more versatile. 

Sweetness: white wines with residual sugar are chameleons—they work with a wide range of dishes with the exception of red meat.

Dessert: the wine must always be sweeter than the dessert or both will taste lousy.

Elements in Food:

Salt: takes the edge off acidity but exacerbates tannin in red wines.

Butter/animal fat: takes the edge off tannin and needs acidity for contrast.

Fish oil: needs dry, high acid white wines or bubbles. Avoid tannin in red wine.

Sugar: makes dry wines taste more austere; needs wines with residual sugar.

Spicy heat: needs residual sugar--avoid tannin!

Umami-earthy-savory elements: need higher acidity, less tannin, and possible earthiness in aged red wines.

A Few Apparent Truisms:

Matching the intensity of the wine to the dish is usually key.

If the dish is too spicy-intense it will dominate the wine.

Likewise, if the wine is too powerful/tannic it will overwhelm the dish.

With any dish, the sauce, condiments, or method of preparation can dictate the kind of wine.

For example, take chicken: it can be boiled, sautéed, roasted, or grilled. The intensity of the preparation will usually dictate the kind of wine paired—unless the sauce or sides on the plate are more intensely flavored.

Complement vs. Contrast

To complement or contrast: that is the question.

Trying to find similarity/same flavors between the wine and the dish is usually pointless.

Finding contrast between the wine and the dish--a high acid wine with a rich sauce--is usually the way to go.

The Almost Golden Rules

The most versatile wines: unoaked high acid whites with moderate alcohol or medium-bodied red wines with moderate tannins and less oak.

The least versatile wines: high alcohol, oaked whites and high alcohol reds with high tannin and new oak.

Versatile white wines: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, lighter Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and unoaked Chardonnay.

Versatile red wines: Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sangiovese, Barbera, Tempranillo, and lighter Grenache blends.

Bubbles: dry sparkling wine and Champagne are brilliant with a wide range of dishes.

Rosé: dry rosés from any number of different grapes and places are among the most versatile wines of all.

Context: despite everything I’ve just written, some will end up drinking whatever they like to drink, which might be the oakiest Chardonnays and Cabernets on the face of the earth—regardless of what’s on the plate. C'est la vie.

Advice: when handed the list at a restaurant for a party of 10 ordering everything possible, go for unoaked Sauvignon Blanc for white and Pinot Noir for red. The two will cover practically everything.
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Fin

Some years ago I lent a recording of Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra to a colleague. We’d been having a series of conversations about classical music that ended in 20th century works. I remember raving about Bartok’s concerto, my favorite 20th century piece. I promised my friend I would lend him a CD of the legendary Fritz Reiner Chicago Symphony recording. The next day I did just that with high hopes he would love the piece as much as I did—or at least like it.

Several days later he returned the CD saying, “I tried listening to it several times but just didn’t get it. I couldn’t find any tunes in it and the music really doesn’t make sense at all.” I told him no problem and thanked him for at least checking it out. In the next few days I thought about his reaction. Here was someone who constantly listened to a broad range of music—and quite a lot of classical music at that. Even with his profound love of music, the Bartok was an alien experience that failed to click with him. Why? Perhaps the answer was simply not enough time or experience listening to similar music.

Classical music strives to put on a friendly face to appeal to the masses. One can listen to a hopefully decent rendition of the Pachelbel Canon (which I fondly refer to as the “Taco Bell” Canon) at a niece’s wedding and sigh with contentment as the lilting sounds fill the nuptial space. But classical music can just as easily take a deep dive into complex depths that defy humming or random toe tapping. Here is where the Bartok resides, at the deep end of the pool. And it doesn’t take lightly to someone enthusiastically leaping in wearing water wings or other cute inflatable devices.

The point I make here is that despite the Taco Bell Cannon and other Reddy Whip tunes, what we call classical music is NOT easy. As a field, it covers a vast territory including the likes of history, culture, science, performance, psychology, and much more. The potential to spend an entire career much less an entire lifetime in study or performance exists in multiple arenas. Any real knowledge requires a journey involving a lengthy duration of time, focus, and a hell of a lot of work. But it can also be enjoyed by just about anyone just about any time.

The same holds true for wine.

The Grand Illusion

Anyone who wants a glass of wine can usually obtain a bottle of mass-produced commercial plonk and be perfectly happy in the moment. A collector or industry professional can likewise open and pour a rare, uber-expensive bottle from a world-famous estate. Repeated sips of said nectar can and often do bring the partaker into a highly altered state that is impossible for them to describe—and equally impossible for practically anyone else to understand.

What’s the take away here? First, that context, as always, is the most important piece in the wine equation. Second, like classical music, wine is not easy. It can be as simple as Hearty Burgundy or as profound as a rare bottling of actual domain-bottled Burgundy.

We as an industry have long been guilty of putting up the grand illusion to the masses that wine is easy. That with a sip here and there and a quick read about the new vintage accompanied by those handy scores, one can “hack” being a wine expert. After all, what could someone who’s been in the business for a couple of decades possibly know that I don’t? Yes, we’ve lied long and often to the masses and it’s gotten us in trouble.

How then should we as an industry proceed? What can we do to provide a clear, well-lit path for those just getting into wine that will consistently provide the right information and experiences, even to the extent of showing the way to become a professional? Perhaps the answer to this dilemma is some kind of road map that lists frequent stops to define basic terms, give tasting tips, and provide easy to understand information about labels, styles, grapes, and places. But the map would also suggest a sequence of learning to make the process easy to track for anyone not just interested in a glass of wine—but a possible career. Until someone actually creates such a map, I will humbly offer some advice to those just getting into wine. But first, some useful guidelines to keep in mind before hitting the road.

A Few Apparent Wine Truisms
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Other than the fact that it’s a liquid fermented from grape juice, there are precious few absolutes about fine wine. If you entertain the notion of proclaiming a new one to the masses, the universe will be all too happy to shove one or multiple exceptions in your face--immediately. However, there are a few truisms that seem to be accurate, at least most of the time. If you’re new to the wine game, these will help.

• Different people like different kinds of wines.
• One’s personal wine preferences have a lot to do with individual sensitivity and/or preference to what are called structural elements in wine: the levels of dryness-sweetness, acidity, and tannin.
• It’s quite possible to come across a wine that you strongly dislike, but that’s true to type and perfectly well made.
• Tasting wine is a combination of objective and subjective experience.
• In the beginning, tasting will seem like a completely subjective experience.
• Over time it will become more objective.
• Tasting is almost completely objective to an experienced professional.
• In other words, an established industry professional is not making things up when they talk about or write about wine. Seriously. If you think they do, you need to get a clue. Sorry, a bit of rant here but it needs to be said.
• Your palate—and the kinds of wine you like to drink--will change over time. Count on it.
• Context, as previously mentioned, is the single most important piece in the wine tasting equation. The who, what, when, where, and how you taste or drink a wine can be more important to the tasting experience than the wine itself.
• Finally, wine is not easy. But if you chip away at it—as in tasting, drinking moderately, and doing a bit of reading on a consistent basis, you can learn a lot about it over time and even master it after a great deal of time. 

Wine Advice 101

Someone once said that it takes a village to nuke a whale. Actually, I just made that up. Here is some sage advice I wish I would have had way back, when I first discovered wine.

Learn the basics: you’ll need a good reliable source of basic information. There are lots of books and websites out there, but for my money Winefolly.com and their book, Wine Folly: Essential Guide, is the best for anyone just getting into wine. Former student Madeline Puckette and her team have created brilliant graphics that really help wine click for the beginner.

Good glassware: decent glassware is a must (sorry about the wine pun). That said, avoid buying a zillion kinds of different glasses for each grape variety or laying out the big bucks for the hand-blown crystal behemoths that will break if you even look at them. One glass in the beginning will cover most of your wine needs—the Riedel Vinum Zinfandel/Sangiovese glass. It is the perfect tasting/drinking glass. As you move on, you’ll want to add the Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne glasses, also from Riedel’s Vinum line.

Get a Coravin: there are lots of wine accessories on the market. Most are useless, if not utter crap, or have a very limited function. The exception is the Coravin, easily the most brilliant wine accessory ever invented. Using a surgical-quality needle and a small cannister of argon gas, the Coravin allows you to tap into any bottle and take out as much wine as desired leaving the rest preserved for months. In short, it allows the student (or anyone else) to taste a wine repeatedly over time without compromising the rest of the contents in the bottle. The Coravin is the one thing I wished I would have had when studying for exams eons ago. It would have saved me thousands of dollars in wine purchases for tasting practice. 

Start a cellar: at some point you may be vinous-afflicted to the extent of buying more wine that you can possibly drink, at least in the near term. It happens. Know that there are lots of good sources on starting a cellar. Whether you dedicate a closet in your apartment or build a pricey shrine with fancy redwood racking, you absolutely must maintain the right conditions for the proper storage of wine: a constant temperature of between 55 and 60 degrees without any source of light or vibration. If you don’t, nature, as always, will bat last and your precious bottles will either age prematurely or completely oxidize. One further bit of practical advice: balance is key. If you do start a cellar, don’t fill it with collectible wine that needs to be aged or you’ll find yourself with nothing on hand to drink. Make sure at least 60% of the wine in your cellar is destined for early to mid-term enjoyment. You’ll thank me for that one.

Keep track of what you taste and drink: at the very least, use your phone to take photos of labels. It’s a good start. You can also take notes on your phone, your iPad, or—god forbid—actually write notes in a notebook. What a concept. An excellent tasting note template can be found in my last blog post (www.timgaiser.com/blog/on-tasting-notes).

Training: classes are good! Anyone can take the Master Sommelier Introductory Course. It’s two days of information-filled, fast-paced fun. I highly recommend it. However, beyond the Intro Course, the MS curriculum is geared specifically for those in the restaurant-hospitality industry—no matter how cool you think the sommelier thing is. If you’re not working on the restaurant floor, you should consider the WSET—the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. It’s an outstanding curriculum that’s available to anyone and some of the classes are available online.

Get in a tasting group: get into (or form) a tasting group. Working regularly with a group—even if it’s not formal--can really help improve your tasting skills. And if you don’t get overly nerdy serious about it, you can also have fun.

Find a good local retailer: the right retailer can be a valuable guide. They will quickly learn your palate, so to speak, and help steer you to wines that you will probably like. Equally valuable, they can also suggest new wines you wouldn’t necessarily know about much less try. Above all, a good retailer acts as a filter and will only recommend wines they can guarantee thereby saving you a great deal of time and money.

Good online resources: once past the basics, I recommend the following for keeping up with the ever-changing world of wine: www.guildsomm.com, www.decanter.com, www.wineanorak.com, and www.jancisrobinson.com.

Travel: as you delve deeper into the wine universe, trips to wine places are wonderful. There is no replacing tasting—and drinking—wines in their place of origin. That especially goes for the likes of German Riesling, Burgundy, and Sherry.

Numerical scores: take any publications that use numerical scores with at least a grain of salt. Numbers, specifically the 100-point scoring system, presuppose a precision in wine that has never existed--and never will. I think the 100-point system is the wine industry’s true unicorn. It’s a delightful hallucination that’s been around for so long and used by so many people that everyone thinks it’s actually real. Sound familiar? I must again remind you once again that wine is NOT easy. To think that a number can convey meaning in the context of tasting a wine is nothing short of fantasy.

Coda

Have patience when starting down the wine path. Prepare to be educated—and for the education to take some time. Try to avoid becoming compulsive about the whole thing. It will only annoy everyone in your life and might affect your socialization. Is the journey worth it? Absolutely! For god’s sake, this is not widgets we’re talking about. It’s wine, one of mankind’s greatest achievements. There is nothing better than sharing a glass of vino and a meal with friends and family. It’s one of the greatest gifts we have.
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Cheers!

Tasting notes. They’re a blessing or a curse depending on your viewpoint. If you’re in the business, they’re a necessity. For industry pros, a tasting note is a multi-layered memory device. It’s an attempt to record impressions of a wine in the moment and usually on the fly. For collectors, a favorable tasting note paired with a high numerical score can be the make or break in any important (and usually expensive) wine purchase decision. However, there’s also a dark side to tasting notes, so to speak. Many consumers find the florid language used in some notes off-putting at best and completely alien at worst. In fact, critics call bullshit early and often on descriptors used by certain well-known writers in their tasting notes.

One of the challenges in writing a meaningful tasting note is being able to separate one’s technical assessment of a given wine from emotional response. But the problem runs much deeper. Wine as an idiom has no inherent language. To compensate, we as an industry have over time shamelessly—and largely unconsciously—begged, borrowed, and mugged terms and nomenclature from other completely unrelated fields. The result is a messy pastiche of terminology with some parts based on cold science and others on poetry and whimsy. It’s like Hello Kitty trying to play free form jazz in a cold, unlit industrial lab.

Part of the language issue stems from the fact that anyone’s reaction to a wine always involves both objective and subjective experience. Few people have the awareness much less the training to separate the two. In an effort to create meaningful tasting notes, I’ll attempt to do just that.
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Objective vs. Subjective in Wine

Last year I wrote a post on objective and subjective in wine (www.timgaiser.com/blog/objective-vs-subjective-in-tasting). The premise of the post is that too often we hear the phrase, “wine is all subjective,” which is simply not true. Certain elements in wine can be isolated, identified, and quantified through lab analysis. Those criteria are objective. Other elements in the wine experience are based on a taster’s unique and very personal life memories. These are subjective and will always be different for everyone.

Why is objective-subjective so important in the context of writing tasting notes? Because the florid language some consider the bane of notes is directly linked to the subjective aspects of wine. Personally, I believe the subjective in wine is not only relevant—it’s important. Aside from all the technical information, it’s the one part of a tasting note that allows a taster’s unique voice to shine through.

I have a proposed tasting note template of sorts. However, before offering my template, it might be useful--not to mention curious--to examine tasting notes from various famous wine luminarios of the past and present.

Tasting Notes Through History

Like fashion, tasting notes have changed dramatically over the ages. Exhibit “A,” British novelist and author William Makepeace Thackrey:

“Wine gives great pleasure, and every pleasure is of itself a good.”

Thackrey (1811-1863) was known for his satirical works. His quote above provides little, if any, actual description of a wine, and simply—and poetically—tells us that wine is part of a good life. I couldn’t agree more.

“Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost…”

Andre Simon

Simon (1877-1970) was a bibliophile, gourmet, wine connoisseur, historian, and writer. He was born in Paris and went to London in 1902 as the English agent for the champagne house of Pommery and Greno. Simon wrote over 100 books and pamphlets on wine and food. His knowledge of both was described as encyclopedic.

“Terms frequently used to describe a particular aroma or bouquet are rancio, foxy, and flor-sherry.”

Amerine & Roessler

Maynard A. Amerine was a professor of enology at the U.C. Davis and Edward B. Roessler a professor of mathematics. Their book, “Modern Sensory Methods of Evaluating Wine,” was a landmark work on the sensory analysis of wine. However, the quote above requires anyone to define the terms before having a clue what they could possibly smell like. Even the staunchest critic might wince just a bit.

“Fresh cut green grass, bell pepper, eucalyptus, mint.”

Anne Noble

Noble is a sensory chemist and retired professor also at U.C. Davis. During her tenure at the school’s department of viticulture and enology, she invented the “Aroma Wheel,” which has long been an influential learning tool for wine education. That said, I can already hear the critics beginning to gnash their teeth with the use of non-technical verbiage. After all, how can wine could possibly smell like other things?

And finally, Robert Parker:

“This Cote Rotie-like effort displays remarkable floral/lavender characteristics along with a dense purple color and an awesome bouquet of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries and white chocolate. It hits the palate with a crescendo of intense, ripe, concentrated black fruits interwoven with barrique, charcoal and burning ember-like flavors. With staggering quality and full body as well as modest alcohol (14.2%) for a wine of such great ripeness, this riveting 2007 Syrah should provide immense pleasure over the next 15+ years. Don’t miss it!”

I had to include a Parker tasting note. This one is about a Washington State Syrah. Parker has long been a target of criticism for his writing. His notes, which are known for their voluptuous language, have actually been called soft core porn by detractors. In using descriptors like “awesome,” “staggering,” and “immense,” Parker has transformed the tasting experience into a full contact sensory sport. One might also conclude that a wine has to be staggering and immense to be good. And for the record, 14.2% is not modest alcohol. Ahem.

“The taste of alcohol counterbalances the taste of the acids.”

Emile Peynaud
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Emile Peynaud (1912-2004) was--and still is--considered the Yoda of the winemaking world. His influence in teaching innumerable winemakers over many decades in the latter half of the 20th century can never be measured. Note his language here as completely technical. While straight forward for those of us in the industry, the description is not helpful to consumers.  

My Proposed Tasting Note Template

Back to square one. What’s needed for a useful tasting note? What form could a tasting note take that would include relevant information anyone in the industry and beyond can use (and hopefully understand), and yet at the same time allow the taster an opportunity to add their two cents? It’s a given that there will always be parts of any tasting note that are purely subjective vs. objective. Thus any template should provide an opportunity to record both. With that, here’s my proposed template. By no means is it written in stone. It’s meant as a point of departure. The intent is to create a straight forward yet concise form that enables one to consistently communicate about the delightful shared hallucination we call tasting wine.

I. The Basics

First, my template has a place to record the basics; what the wine looks, smells, and tastes like.

Visual: what color is the wine? There are different scales for wine color but practically any color can easily be understood by a reader. The clarity of the wine (or lack thereof) should also be noted.

Nose: includes descriptors of the fruit, fruit character or quality, other-than-fruit, earth-mineral, and the use of wood.

Palate: confirms what’s been already smelled and speaks to the structural aspects of the wine--acidity, alcohol, tannin, and phenolic bitterness—and can include one’s impression of the texture, balance, and finish of the wine.

Impact Compounds: highlights important compounds such as terpenes, Brett, and others which make certain wines typical in style. For example, carbonic maceration and stem inclusion in a Beaujolais Villages, or lees contact, ML, and oak usage in a Chardonnay.

II. Wine Profiles: Numbers with Meaning

Most everything listed above is commonly found in most tasting notes. The next segment of my proposal is definitely not—but it’s desperately needed. It’s a short profile that easily communicates the important information about a wine’s character and physical make up in terms of intensity, sweetness, the use of oak, and more.

All credit here goes to good friend and fellow Master, Peter Granoff. In the summer of 1994 Peter opened the cyber doors to Virtual Vineyards with his brother-in-law Robert Olson. Virtual Vineyards was not only the first online wine retail “shop,” but the very first online retailer of any kind. Peter and Robert literally started Virtual Vineyards on a server in Olson’s garage.
To avoid using numeric scores, Peter devised a system to convey the most important information about every wine that would appear in the Virtual Vineyards portfolio. His system used seven criteria to profile each wine: intensity of flavor, body, sweetness/dryness, acidity, tannin, oak, and complexity. Further, these seven criteria were represented in one-through-seven increments with one representing least/none and seven the most or maximum.

For example, with sweetness or dryness, Peter’s chart lists “bone dry” at one end with dessert sweet at the other. For intensity of flavor, the chart ranges from “delicate” at number one to “intense” at number seven.

Note Peter’s very conscious decision NOT to use a 1-10 scale simply because it would be too easy to extrapolate any number into a base 10 score—which he was trying to avoid at all costs. The results looked something like this:

Intensity of flavor - Delicate:  1    2     3     4      5        6    7     Intense

Sweetness/dryness - Bone dry: 1   2   3     4      5         6    7     Dessert 

Body - Light-bodied:  1       2      3      4      5       6       7          Full-bodied

Acid - Light acidity:   1       2     3       4     5        6       7           Tart acidity

Tannin - No tannin:   1       2     3       4     5        6       7           High tannin

Oak - No oak:          1       2     3       4     5         6      7     100% new oak

Complexity - simple: 1       2     3      4      5         6      7     Very complex

As mentioned, all the wines listed in the Virtual Vineyards portfolio were profiled with Peter’s tasting chart. In addition, tasting notes were added that included descriptors for the wine, some of which were quite subjective. Technical information was included, if available, and a bit about the winery. Suggested food pairings were often included as well.

I joined Peter at Virtual Vineyards in 1996 and worked with him for five years until the company’s tragic demise in April of 2001. It’s worth noting that Virtual Vineyards/the original wine.com sold over $50 million of wine in five years using Peter’s system--and without ever using a single numerical score.

III. Wrapping It Up: Thoughts, Impressions, and Opinions

The last segment of my template is a space for personal thoughts and opinions about the wine. The remarks could range from varietal typicity, winemaking, and vintage character to simply whether the taster either likes, loves, or loathes the wine. True this is also where things can easily get florid and messy in a heartbeat. But again, I believe it’s absolutely necessary for the taster to be able to record and share their personal impressions about any given wine.
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Now for the template itself. I’ve formatted a document that provides ample opportunities for recording what’s technically in the glass, uses Peter’s profile, and includes a place for opinions, musings, and more. 

Coda

Tasting notes will always be a genteel battleground of sorts, where parties  quickly establish polar opposites in their wine writing philosophy. It’s yet another example of the beautiful imprecision of wine. Hopefully my template will help ease the conflict or at least create some constructive dialogue. And that is a wonderful thing indeed. Cheers!

Recently I had a lengthy phone conversation with a friend who’s not in the wine industry. During our chat he happened to mention how difficult it was to get a good bottle of wine in a restaurant. My reaction was somewhere between “no way,” and “seriously?” I was surprised given that he dines out regularly and knows more than a bit about wine. After a few more questions, it quickly became apparent that his comfort level with wine in restaurants simply wasn’t there; that dealing with a sommelier or a huge list was a major challenge. 

He’s not alone. Dealing with what I call “wine ballet” or the “being handed the wine list in front of my friends/colleagues/future ex-girlfriend” is a source of major stress for practically anyone. I wouldn’t quite put it up there with the fear of public speaking, which according to some sources is even greater than the fear of death (a tough audience, no doubt). Being put on the spot with a wine list the size of the Gutenberg Bible can definitely cause personal anxiety. No surprise that my friend didn’t believe me when I told him it was no big deal. So, I gave him my own strategy on how to get a good bottle from any wine list. Then I promised him I’d share it with all my closest friends. Here it is.

Prelude

There are some things you should know before you darken any restaurant’s door. These would include the following:

a. Know the style of wine you like to drink. Go into a restaurant armed with the knowledge that, “I like a red wine with soft tannins like Pinot Noir,” or “I really like big, oaky Cabernets that remind me of a monster truck pull.”

b. Also know what you don’t like, which is arguably more important than knowing what you do like. If you absolutely loathe oaky wines or break out in hives if the alcohol in a red wine is over 15%, be sure to share that information when appropriate.

c. Have a couple of examples of wines you’ve enjoyed in the past that can be used as points of reference. It will be useful to have some wines in mind that you’ve previously tasted that can be used in discussions with a server or a sommelier.

d. Price: know how much you want to spend on a bottle within $15-$20. Wine prices on restaurant lists can vary dramatically, but chances are you already have a good idea of how much your wine budget is on any given dining excursion. 

The Main Event

Now you’re ready to go. You’ve just entered the restaurant with the man/woman of your dreams. When the hostess races you both across the dining room, seats you next to the kitchen, and gives you one of those “adios amigo” smiles before racing off leaving the glassware on the table spinning, don’t panic. Keep breathing. Feel good. Feel confident. It’s going to be alright.

a. The wine list: as you pick up the wine list head to any section and check out the pricing. Spot the highest price you can find and the lowest price as well. Drag those to your mental trash bin and discard.

b. Find the average price: get a quick eyeball average of where most of the wines are priced. The average bottle price could be anywhere between $40 and $150 depending on the location and style of the restaurant. After all, there’s a huge difference between a corner bistro and The French Laundry in terms of the cost of operations, infrastructure, and the rest. You should know that restaurants do NOT make money by selling food alone, but only manage to survive and hopefully thrive by the selling alcoholic beverages. 

c. Find the sweet spot: set your sights on the 50-60% price range of the restaurant’s pricing scheme. That’s usually where the best values are and that, mein liebchen, is your sweet spot. 

d. Your server: when your server arrives and asks if you’d like wine with dinner, smile and say something like the following:

“You know, this is a really good list. I’d like to talk to the sommelier or the wine buyer if they’re available.”

e. If the sommelier or buyer is available, that’s great. Hopefully they will be available to chat in short order. Once they make an appearance at your table, be sure to relay the above pertinent information to them as in the following:

1)  “This is the style of wine I really like.”

2) “I really don’t like XX kind of wine.”

3) “Here are some wines I’ve enjoyed in the past. What do you have that’s similar?”

f. Pricing: give them a price range to work with as in, “I’d like to spend $50-$60 on a bottle,” or “please suggest a wine you really like for under $75.” Be specific about your price range--but also keep in mind that part of their job is to SELL. That means they will probably start in your price range and then suggest something a bit more expensive. Don’t be put off. If their suggestion makes sense in terms of your personal favorite wine style and it’s still within your budget, consider it. However, if their suggestion is hideously expensive (meaning they either didn’t listen to you or they’re clueless), respond politely with something like:

 “You know, that’s really not what I had in mind. Could you please make a recommendation in the XX price range?”  

Likewise, if their suggestion is completely obscure don’t hesitate to ask about the wine. Pacherenc du Vic-Bihl, anyone? Good questions to ask about any recommendation would include the sweetness/dryness level for any style of wine, or the amount of tannin and oak if it’s a red wine recommendation. Ultimately, ask yourself if their suggestion fits your favorite personal wine profile. If not, don’t hesitate to ask for something closer in style such as a wine with less tannin, oak, or cosmetic flaws.

7. Discourse: a bit of back and forth is always good. The magic combination of your likes, dislikes, and desired price range should be more than enough for practically anyone to help you get a delicious bottle.

Coda: Magic Questions

If in doubt, ask the following questions. You can always feel free to skip everything above and head straight to these.

“What are your favorite VALUES on the list?”

“Is there anything you’ve just gotten in that you really like and think is a must try?”

“Is there anything you’re pouring by the glass that you really like and think is a great value?”

If you’re speaking to the buyer/sommelier, chances are they will get dangerously excited at this point--or they should be checked for a pulse. This is the moment every sommelier/buyer dreams about, the moment when someone is asking their opinion about the coolest wines on the list that they have toiled countless hours to put together. What more could they want? Odds are they will blurt out the best/coolest/ greatest/most amazing wine within nano-seconds of the question leaving your mouth. They may even get all verklempt on you. This is how it should be. If the wine is being poured by the glass, by all means ask to taste it. Otherwise, if the price is right, give it a spin. And if you really like their recommendation, be sure to let her or him know it and even throw a bit of cash their way. It’s always greatly appreciated.

​Cheers!

The first time I ever paid for a professional tasting was in the summer of 1987. It was at Singer & Foy, a now-defunct retailer then located just off Washington Square in North Beach in the city. The tasting listed in their mailer that day was, if you can believe it, several recent vintages of Premier and Grand Cru Chablis from Domaine Francois Raveneau. Mind you, this was long before the brilliant wines from Raveneau attained cult status and became all but unobtainable. 
 
I walked into the shop, the only customer at the time, and was greeted by owner Steven Singer. I told him I wanted to taste the Raveneau and he smiled knowingly as if I had just uttered a password and gained entrance into some kind of secret club. Little did I know. After sitting down, Steven set out ten glasses in front of me and began to pour wines from almost identical bottles replete with hard yellow wax capsules--the same yellow wax capsules knowingly loved and hated by sommeliers the world over (because they’re impossible and very messy to remove). After that, he left me in silence with the wines and my note pad. 
 
To this point, my experience of Chardonnay was limited to the new world, primarily California. I had never tasted a good much less great Chablis. But I clearly remember picking up the first glass, raising it to my nose, and frowning in that serious “I know what I’m doing” kind of way that all wine geeks love to sport. The first sniff of the wine revealed a series of aromas that were more than a bit alien to me. Not much in the way of fruit compared to the California Chardonnays I was used to. I then took the first sip and the experience was like a combination of loud feedback on a public PA system and eating several whole lemons in rapid succession. It wasn’t painful. No, I lied, it was physiologically uncomfortable to the point of pain--but in a very enlightened way, if that’s possible. The first sip of what was the 1979 Montée de Tonnerre​ was like someone had plugged a home electric appliance into my palate (waffle iron?) and flicked the juice on with the expected results.
 
Nothing remotely similar had ever come across my vinous radar. Here was a wine that was immensely powerful, bare bones dry, and painfully acidic. In comparison, the Chardonnays of my previous experience were like going to a church social as a kid. Some of them had big hair, others wore lots of jewelry, while still others wore an alarming amount of perfume. All of them wore lots of makeup. The Raveneau wine was different; we were no longer in Kansas but somewhere closer to the Dog Star.

At that point I put the glass down and looked at the other nine wines realizing that I was really in for it. But being of very stubborn German and Irish stock, I took a deep breath and resolved to get through the flight and even more, to somehow make sense of it. I had, after all, paid my $15 (!). Somewhere around the sixth or seventh glass, I had two of my first wine epiphanies in short order. First, that it was possible to come across a wine that was perfectly well made but that you strongly disliked. Second, and more important, some wines simply didn’t care if you like them or not. It was precisely at this moment that I dubbed the flight of Raveneau Chablis “Dominatrix Wines.” They truly didn’t care if I liked them or not. They also were completely unapologetic for their character. And they definitely would not be calling me in the morning. 
 
Fast forward twenty years: I’m teaching a Master Sommelier Introductory Course in New Orleans for a group from the CMAA, the Club Manager’s Association of America. The attendees were mostly middle-aged men who managed highly successful golf clubs across the country. I was leading the group through a blind tasting of four wines. The second white wine of the flight was a recent vintage of Domaine des Baumard Savennières, a dry, mineral-drive Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. We worked through the wine using the MS deductive tasting grid as our guide. Going through the nose, the group had problems finding much of anything. Some remarked that the wine was corked (it was not) while others said that it smelled musty. Then they tasted it. In moments I was standing in front of 80 adults all experiencing gustatory melt down. Practically everyone spit the wine out immediately and looked at me with an expression somewhere between wince and grimace (two of the evil dwarves). It was the same expression your kid gives you when you take them to the pediatrician and the nurses sneak up behind them and give them a shot in each arm--at the same time. I think the expression is called “betrayal.” 
 
It goes without saying that the group positively hated the wine and strongly voiced their objection. I attempted to counter saying it was more than possible to come across a good—even great—wine that one wouldn’t like, and how important context was in any tasting experience. I also told the group that the Baumard was the most expensive—and probably the most complex—white wine they would taste during the two days of the class. They didn’t buy it--and were definitely not amused. Fortunately, I escaped unharmed.  

Chablis and Savennières are not the only two dominatrix wines. There’s actually a smallish universe of wines, both white and red, that qualify for dominatrix status. Here are a few more.

a. Barolo and Barbaresco: or anything remotely connected to the Nebbiolo grape. So pale and delicate in color but one sip and it can be like Rottweiler in a glass as in shockingly tannic, acidic, and bone dry. If you’re hanging out late at night watching Dancing with the Stars and want that last glass of red, this is definitely not it. But make no mistake, Barolo and Barbaresco are two of the world’s greatest red wines. To me, they’re quintessential cold weather reds to retrieve from the cellar and match with the best braises, stews, and game. Even live game. Just kidding. 

b. Sercial Madeira: balance searing acidity barely with the meagerest “may I have some more gruel” bit of residual sugar and you have Sercial. Madeira could even be the ultimate restaurant wine by the glass because the wines are indestructible. After all, they’ve been cooked, oxidized, and fortified. You could probably run them down your driveway and then retrieve them just in time for the cheese course. 

c. Aged Palo Cortado and Amontillado Sherries: think all Sherries are sweet and the domain of geriatrics? Think again. There’s no more vinous, intense, and bone-dry fortified wine than a good aged Palo Cortado or Amontillado. 
 
Coda
 
Our smell and taste preferences can change dramatically as we get older. Most of us move on from the simply sweet of youth to the delightful trio of sour, savory, and salty—three more of the evil dwarves, if you will. Add bitter to that trio and you’ll understand my fondness for Fernet Branca. But that’s another story. How do I feel about Raveneau Chablis now? I’m a huge fan. I think it’s one of the greatest white wines made anywhere. Period. I’ve come to absolutely love the Raveneau wines to the point of coveting them. And if anyone reading this would like to send me a few bottles or a case, I’m sure they would be blessed for several generations. I promise. 

In blind tasting practice and exams there are two sets of grapes that consistently give students nightmares. I call them the “Evil Dwarves.” Each set is populated by grapes easily confused for one other. The first set is made up of semi-aromatic white grapes including Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Loire Chenin Blanc, Alsace Pinot Gris, Northern Italian Pinot Grigio, and dry Riesling from Alsace or Germany. The other set is comprised of thinner-skinner red grapes such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Grenache.  

One would think that it wouldn't be that difficult to tell the various grapes/wines apart. But stop for a moment and think about how similar the fruit qualities are for all the grapes within each set. Add to that the fact that within each group the colors of all the wines can be remarkably similar. Thus, if a student is keying off color and fruit trying to tell the grapes apart it will be an endless nightmare. 

But there is good news in that practically all the grapes have a strong signature in terms of impact compounds such as botrytis, TDN, or phenolic bitterness. Combine these impact compounds with the unique structural profiles of any of the wines (levels of acidity, alcohol, and in the case of red wines tannins) and you have a blueprint to be able to tell classic examples of any of the grapes/wines apart. And that’s a very good thing. So without further ado, here’s a road map to help identify the Evil Dwarves and tell them apart from their brethren. Onward!

Part I: Semi-Aromatic White Grapes

Albariño

Look for: floral (terpenes), ripe-tart fruit, lees contact, stony mineral notes, and no oak

Structure: medium to medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus to high acidity, and phenolic bitterness

Why it’s not:

Grüner Veltliner: Albariño lacks the white pepper or vegetal qualities found in Grüner Veltliner. Smaragd Grüner will also always be a much richer wine than Albariño along with the pepper/vegetal qualities and botrytis notes.

Loire Chenin Blanc: Chenin Blanc, even when dry, often shows botrytis notes and green olive/green herb character as well as pronounced chalky minerality. Structurally Chenin has medium-plus alcohol and high acidity. It also lacks the overt terpenic qualities of Albariño.

Alsace Pinot Gris: Albariño lacks the botrytis notes and phenolic bitterness found in Pinot Gris. Structurally, Pinot Gris has higher alcohol, lower acidity, and often displays residual sugar.

Northern Italian Pinot Grigio: in weight and structure Albariño and Alto Adige Pinot Grigio can be similar, but Pinot Grigio is less terpenic and usually shows wet stone minerality and phenolic bitterness on the finish.

Riesling: the lack of TDN (petrol/fusel/kerosene notes) in Riesling sets it apart from Albariño. Alsace Riesling—especially Grand Cru quality—and German Grosses Gewächs Riesling also tend to be much richer wines with slightly higher alcohol and higher acidity. Finally, the fruit profile in Riesling is also much broader than Albariño with botrytis notes sometimes found in the former even in dry wines.

Grüner Veltliner
​
Look for: pepper (rotundone), herbal-vegetal notes, stony mineral, and used or no oak

Structure: medium to high alcohol, medium-plus to high acidity, and phenolic bitterness

Considerations: ripeness levels as applied to the Wachau classification (Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd) or reserve wines from other regions

Why it’s not:

Albariño: pepper/vegetal notes and less overt terpenes.

Loire Chenin Blanc: Chenin will usually be a richer wine with less overt terpenes, chalky minerality, and possible sulfur notes.

Alsace Pinot Gris: no rotundone in Pinot Gris. It will usually be a richer wine with lower acidity, phenolic bitterness, residual sugar, and the possibility of botrytis character. 

Northern Italian Pinot Grigio: can be similar in weight and structure to some lighter Grüner Veltliners but again lacks the pepper/vegetal qualities. Pinot Grigio will also have less phenolic bitterness on the finish.

Riesling: it’s pepper/vegetal qualities of Grüner Veltliner vs. the TDN and possible botrytis notes of Riesling.

Loire Chenin Blanc

Look for: floral (terpenes), possible botrytis character (even in dry wines), chamomile-botanical-herb, chalky minerality, and used or no oak

Structure: medium-to-medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus to high acidity, and phenolic bitterness

Why it’s not:

Albariño: the terpenes set Albariño apart from Chenin.

Grüner Veltliner: Chenin completely lacks the rotundone character found in Grüner Veltliner.

Alsace Pinot Gris: both can show botrytis notes but Pinot Gris will offer more phenolic bitterness and residual sugar on the finish, and have relatively lower acidity.

Northern Italian Pinot Grigio: Loire Chenin will be a richer wine showing chalky minerality and possible sulfur notes.

Riesling: both can show botrytis character but Chenin lacks the TDN of Riesling.

Alsace Pinot Gris

Look for: floral (terpenes), possible botrytis character, mushroom-earth-mineral notes, used or no oak, and possible off dry to slightly sweet in style

Structure: medium-plus to high alcohol, medium to medium-plus acidity, and considerable phenolic bitterness

Considerations: AC vs. grand cru wines

Why it’s not:

Albariño: Albariño generally is a lighter wine than Pinot Gris with higher acidity, lack of botrytis notes, and lack of residual sugar on the finish. 

Grüner Veltliner: while it can match the weight and richness of a Smaragd Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris will  lack rotundone pepper qualities.

Loire Chenin Blanc: both grapes can show botrytis character but Chenin will often show the sulfur/herbal notes, pronounced chalky minerality, and have higher acidity and phenolic bitterness.

Northern Italian Pinot Grigio: will be a much lighter wine than Pinot Gris from Alsace. Pinot Grigio will also lack any botrytis notes and will be a dry wine.

Riesling: Alsace Pinot Gris can easily match the weight and richness of Riesling from the same region not to mention Riesling from Germany or Austria. However, Pinot Gris lacks the acidity and TDN qualities of Riesling and will also show phenolic bitterness on the finish.

Northern Italian Pinot Grigio

Look for: white floral (terpenes), lees contact, stony mineral, and no oak

Structure: medium alcohol, medium-plus acidity, and phenolic bitterness

Why it’s not:

Albariño: both grapes can be similar in weight and texture but Pinot Grigio is a more narrowly defined--almost neutral--grape/wine by comparison. Pinot Grigio is also not quite as terpenic as Albariño.

Grüner Veltliner: Pinot Grigio lacks the pepper/vegetal qualities of Grüner.

Loire Chenin Blanc: Pinot Grigio is generally a lighter-bodied wine compared to Loire Chenin. Classic Pinot Grigio will also not show botrytis character and will less acidity.

Alsace Pinot Gris: Alto Adige Pinot Grigio is a scaled down version of its Alsace cousin but with higher acidity, more restrained alcohol, and no residual sugar.

Riesling:  Pinot Grigio lacks any TDN qualities found in Riesling not to mention possible botrytis character. 

Riesling

Look for: floral (terpenes), fusel-petrol (TDN), possible lees contact, slate/mineral qualities, no oak

Structure: low to medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus to high acidity, and possible phenolic bitterness, especially in dry wines

Why it’s not:

Albariño: TDN, possible wider fruit profile, and higher acidity set Riesling apart from Albariño.

Grüner Veltliner: it’s the rotundone pepper/vegetal in Grüner vs. the TDN in Riesling.

Loire Chenin Blanc: although both can show botrytis notes, the chalky minerality and lack of TDN set Chenin apart from Riesling.

Alsace Pinot Gris: both can again show botrytis character but Riesling will often display TDN and have higher acidity.

Northern Italian Pinot Grigio: TDN, more complexity, and higher acidity will set Riesling apart from Pinot Grigio.

Part II: Thinner-Skinned Red Grapes

As with the white grapes in the first set, the color and fruit qualities of thinner-skinned red grapes can be similar making them difficult to tell apart. Again, practically all display unique signatures from impact compounds that can be an important aid in identifying the grape/wine. Add the unique set of structural qualities (levels of acid, alcohol, and tannin) found in each grape and you have a blueprint to be able to tell classic examples of any of the wines apart. For our purposes, we’ll use the following wines as models for their respective grapes:
​

• Pinot Noir: Côte de Nuits/Beaune or California/Oregon New World
• Gamay: Beaujolais Villages
• Sangiovese: Chianti Classico Riserva or Brunello di Montalcino
• Tempranillo: Rioja Reserva or Gran Reserva
• Grenache/blend: Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas
• Nebbiolo: Barolo or Barbaresco

 
Pinot Noir

Old world – Burgundy: red fruits, rose-floral, tea-herb, possible green stem quality (stem inclusion), possible Brettanomyces, soil-mineral-game, and oak usage

Structure: medium to medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus acidity, and medium to medium-plus tannin

Considerations: AC vs. Premier Cru vs. Grand Cru wines in regards to oak usage and price

New world: fruit-dominant (primarily red), floral-herbal notes, possible earth-mineral, and oak usage

Structure: medium to medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus acidity, and medium to medium-plus tannin

Why it’s not:

Gamay: Pinot Noir usually lacks the candied/artificial fruit character from carbonic maceration as well as granite/stony minerality. Pinot Noir also commonly offers new oak.

Sangiovese: Pinot Noir lacks the tannin of Sangiovese—specifically grape tannin often perceived in the front of the mouth on teeth and gums. Sangiovese also has higher acidity as well as anise-bitter herbal flavors.

Tempranillo: extended aging in American Oak (coconut, dill, herb, pronounced vanilla, and baking spices) sets classic Tempranillo-based Rioja apart from Pinot Noir.

Grenache: riper alcohol and higher tannins set Grenache-based blends apart from Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir also lacks the peppery-rotundone and savory herb/garrigue qualities of Grenache. Larger cooperage is also traditionally used for a Grenache/blend vs. smaller barrique in Pinot Noir.

Nebbiolo the tannin and acid levels in Nebbiolo are far higher than in Pinot Noir. 

Gamay

Look for: candied, confected red fruits from carbonic maceration, green stemmy quality from stem inclusion, stony-earth, and little or no oak

Structure: medium alcohol, medium-plus acidity, and medium-minus to medium tannin
​
Considerations: villages vs. cru wines with more carbonic character in the former
 
Why it’s not:

Pinot Noir:  carbonic character in Beaujolais Villages sets it apart from Pinot, whether from Burgundy or the New World. Beaujolais will also lack the overt oak character often found in Pinot Noir.

Sangiovese: carbonic notes again differentiate Gamay from Sangiovese with the latter also having more tannin. No stem inclusion notes for Sangiovese.

Tempranillo: carbonic notes and lack of overt oak influence—specifically American Oak influence.

Grenache: lack of carbonic notes in classic Grenache blends with the latter also having more non-fruit complexity (pepper, dried floral, garrigue/herbs, savory qualities). Structurally, Grenache has higher alcohol and more tannin without pronounced stem inclusion.

Nebbiolo: has higher levels of alcohol, tannin, and acidity compared to Gamay as well as an oxidative character and completely different fruit/non-fruit set. Again, no carbonic character and stem inclusion.

Sangiovese

Look for: tart red fruit with darker fruits in wines from riper vintages or those containing Cabernet family grapes; tomato-green herb, anise, sandalwood, chalk-mineral-earth, and oak usage – large cooperage or barrique

Structure: medium to medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus to high acidity, and medium-plus tannin

Considerations: degree of oak influence as far as barriques vs. larger barrels

Why it’s not:

Pinot Noir: more grape tannin in Sangiovese as well as higher acidity and more of an anise/herbal character.

Gamay: lack of carbonic artificial fruit character in Sangiovese as well as a higher level of tannin.

Tempranillo: the oxidative style and American Oak set Tempranillo apart from any form of Sangiovese. The latter is usually more tannic as well.

Grenache: lack of pepper/rotundone character in Sangiovese. Grenache blends also offer a higher level of alcohol with relatively less acidity.

Nebbiolo: Sangiovese vs. Nebbiolo is one of the more challenging side-by-side comparisons. There are many similarities between the two but in the end Nebbiolo in the form of Barolo and/or Barbaresco is usually more tannic and acidic as well as offering floral and high-toned aromatics.

Tempranillo

Look for: dried dark, red, and raisinated fruits, dried floral-potpourri, dried herb, dust-soil-terra cotta, considerable oak American oak usage, and oxidative character

Structure: medium to medium-plus alcohol, medium-plus acidity, and medium to medium-plus tannin

Why it’s not:

Pinot Noir: oxidative winemaking-aging and American Oak set Tempranillo apart from Pinot Noir regardless of origin. 

Gamay: no carbonic character or stem inclusion in Tempranillo. Oxidative style and American Oak in the Rioja.

Sangiovese: oxidative style and American Oak. Sangiovese is usually more tannic as well.

Grenache: although some styles of Grenache blends may show oxidation similar to Tempranillo with age, the wines will never display the American Oak character. Grenache blends will also offer more alcohol as well as pepper and Mediterranean herb (garrigue) notes.  

Nebbiolo: American Oak is rarely, if ever, found in Barolo and Barbaresco. The latter two will also be far more tannic and acidic than Tempranillo.
 
Grenache and Grenache Blends

Look for: range of dark, red, and raisinated fruits; pepper (rotundone), savory herb (garrigue), sanguine notes (roasted meat, blood, iodine), pronounced earth-mineral, and oak usage (large cooperage)

Structure: high alcohol, medium-plus acidity, and medium-plus to high tannin

Why it’s not:

Pinot Noir: too much richness, alcohol, and tannin on the part of Grenache.  The peppery and herbal qualities in Grenache/blends also sets the wines apart from Pinot Noir.

Gamay: unless it’s basic Côtes du Rhône, use of carbonic is very infrequent for Grenache blends; thus the artificial fruit qualities of Gamay set it apart from the latter. Grenache will also offer more richness, higher alcohol, and pepper/herb notes.

Sangiovese: Grenache is richer with higher alcohol and peppery qualities than Sangiovese. Sangiovese will often have more grape tannin in the front of the mouth as well.

Tempranillo: Grenache/blends lack the American Oak character of traditionally made Tempranillo-based wines.

Nebbiolo: more acid and tannin (most notably grape tannin) in the Nebbiolo.

Nebbiolo

Look for: ripe-dried red and dark fruits, pronounced rose-floral, dried herb, mushroom-earth-tar, and oak usage–large cooperage or barrique

Structure: medium-plus to high alcohol, medium-plus to high acidity, and high tannin

Why it’s not:

Pinot Noir: Nebbiolo is usually far too tannic and acidic to be Pinot Noir. 

Gamay: ditto the above about tannin and acidity. Note that Nebbiolo rarely, if ever, shows carbonic notes. Finally, Nebbiolo often shows considerable oak influence.

Sangiovese: as mentioned above, Sangiovese—especially Brunello—can often be confused with Nebbiolo. Generally, the latter will have higher levels of acidity, tannin, and alcohol. Nebbiolo usually displays more floral and high-toned aromatics than Sangiovese.

Tempranillo: too much tannin and acidity in Nebbiolo to be confused for Tempranillo. American Oak in the former also makes it easy to differentiate from Nebbiolo.

Grenache: Nebbiolo offers higher levels of acidity and tannin than Grenache as well as more floral and high-toned aromatics.

Summer 1976 and the Paris Tasting. The repeal of prohibition was just 43 years before. Dry table wines had only been outselling fortified sweet jug wines in the U.S. since 1968. For most Americans, fine wine—and fine dining for that matter--was about as remote as the Dog Star. The very thought that California wines could ever share the stage with top French bottlings seemed to be fantasy. The tasting changed everything, with California wines judged superior to Grand Cru Burgundy and classified growth Bordeaux by a panel of French judges. The results sent shock waves through the industry--and far beyond.

I was an undergrad studying music at the University of New Mexico at the time. I clearly remember the tasting making national news (all four channels!) as well as the cover of Time Magazine. Even then I knew that for whatever reason, it was a huge deal.

At this seminal moment, writer Robert Benson wanted to find out more about the state of the California wine industry post-Paris tasting. From 1976 to early 1977 he interviewed several dozens of the state’s top winemakers. The result was his book, Great Winemakers of California. Published in the fall of 1977, Great Winemakers is the most accurate snapshot of the California industry in the ‘70’s I’ve ever found. Benson’s interviewees were essentially a list of the who’s who of California wine at the time: Andre Tchelistcheff, Paul Draper, Joe Heitz, Robert Mondavi, the legendary Martin Ray just months before his passing, and over 30 more.

Benson’s book is delightfully informative. He conducted all the interviews in person and later transcribed them. Interview questions ranged from general industry topics to the nuts and bolts of winemaking including brix levels, fermentation regimens, fining and filtration techniques, and laws concerning place names and varietal labeling.

In reading the interviews, I was struck by how distinct each individual was—not to mention their wines. Many came to the industry from completely unrelated fields and were amateurs learning on the job. Others, and Joe Heitz of Heitz Wine Cellars immediately comes to mind, had enology degrees, extensive training, and experience at multiple wineries. Regardless, all possessed what can only be called a pioneer-like spirit and the drive to make their respective wines the very best, while trying to establish the reputation of the California industry as world class. Here are some of the most notable topics from the interviews as well as memorable quotes. I hope you find them as fascinating as I did.

Climate vs. soil: many interviewed said that climate played a far more important role in quality wine than soil or location. However, one notable outlier was Dick Graff of Chalone, who said, “The whole idea of soil vs. climate in California was decided in favor of climate many years ago by professors Amerine and Winkler (U.C. Davis) for the simple reason that the factor of climate produces differences in grapes which are measurable in the laboratory. Now when you go to Europe, it’s universally agreed, from centuries of experience, that soil is very important and ours is about the only limestone deposit in a place that’s arable and has the right climate for grapes.”

Big vs small wineries and quality: depending on who was being asked, both small and large wineries had the potential to make top quality wine. Rick Forman, then winemaker at Sterling Vineyards, was convinced that smaller was better saying, “Some very good wines can be made in quantity. But wines of style, of breed and character, can only be made by hand in small batches.” However, the venerable Robert Mondavi believed just the opposite. Ever the politician, Mondavi was quoted, “I’d say that 95% of the time the finest wines are made by the smaller wineries. But there are exceptions to the rules. I’ve concluded you can produce wines in reasonable quantities that are equal to those of the smallest producer. If you have climate, soil, grape varieties grown in the proper location, and you add dedication, desire, the will to train your people, and the proper facilities, you can duplicate what the smallest producers can do.”

Varietal percentage law: at the time of the book’s release, federal law required that varietal wines only contain a minimum of 51% of the grape stated on the bottle. Shocking, but true. The rest could be anything else available. Some thought the law fine as it was. Others wanted the minimum percentage raised to at least 60%, if not 75% percent. Martin Ray’s wines were 100% varietal. No surprise that he was quick to say, “I think it should be thrown out, for god’s sake!” Karl Wente of Wente Vineyards was a little more forgiving saying, “I’d like to see it go to 60%. I like the opportunity for a little blending with the Grey Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sometimes the Petite Sirah.” If not familiar, Wente’s Grey Riesling (Trousseau Gris) was one of the most popular white wines in the U.S. at the time.

Vintage dating and Christian Brothers. One of the interviewees was Brother Timothy of Christian Brothers, who had been working at the winery since 1928—almost 50 years at the time of the book’s release. With multiple winemaking facilities in Napa and beyond, Christian Brothers was easily the largest winery of any included in the book at well over a million cases per annual production. Brother Timothy strongly believed that quality wine could be made on a mass scale. Also—and this is striking—that blending vintages to achieve a consistent “product” as he called it, was far superior to vintage-dated wines.

Use of centrifuge: proved to be a controversial topic. Those that could afford them used them, and proclaimed their superiority in clarifying must before fermentation or the wine before bottling. Richard Arrowood of Chateau St. Jean in Sonoma said, “Let me tell you the reason most people don’t have centrifuges: they are terribly expensive. But the improved quality of the finished product justifies the expense for us.” On the flip side, smaller wineries without the capital or space were against their use, citing that they stripped the must/wine of important solids and character. To point, when asked if he used centrifuges in the winery, Warren Winiarski of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars said, “No. I don’t know if I’d use one either. I’m not sufficiently impressed that it improves white wines.”

Cultured yeast only: cultured yeast was universally used. Natural ferments were viewed somewhere between mysterious and an anathema to be avoided at all costs.

Use of European place names: a topic of great controversy. Practically every winery included in the book had a lower tier cash-flow line of wines labeled Chablis, Burgundy, Claret, or the like. Most accepted it as the norm. Joe Heitz of Heitz Wine Cellars strongly defended the practice of using place names saying: “The American Indians didn’t start bottling Burgundy. It was Frenchmen, Spaniards, and Germans who came to this country. They brought their cuttings from home, and said, ‘Ah, we’re in California now, this is California Burgundy, or this is Rhine wine.’ It was a natural transition; we didn’t suddenly become a civilized nation and decide to go into the wine business by stealing European place names.” Others condemned the practice of using European names including Andre Tchelistcheff of Beaulieu Vineyards who said, “It is very false for us to steal the appellations of Europe. I accepted it with the bleeding of my heart, but it was a necessity, a compromise I accepted with tears.”

Hand vs. mechanical harvesting: at the time of the book’s release, mechanical harvesting was anything but common practice. And the quality of the machines was definitely not what it is today. However, Donald Alexander of Mirassou Vineyards was convinced of their use saying, “Mechanical harvesting has to be better than picking by hand. We capture the flavor by crushing right in the field.” Martin Ray completely disagreed saying, "Unless your land is level, there is no equipment to take care of it. Anyway, you can't ever get satisfactory results with mechanical picking of the grapes." 

Variety of grapes planted: one of things that becomes quickly apparent in Benson’s book is the number and variety of grapes planted. Varietal bottlings of Colombard, Grey Riesling, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot St. George, Barbera, and Alicante Bouchet were regularly available in tasting rooms—in Napa Valley. Phylloxera would soon change that. More on that below.

The Paris Tasting: without exception, everyone expressed excitement about the results of the tasting. Benson’s final question in every interview asked if California wines were better than their European counterparts. Most said an emphatic “yes” with the few outliers—citing Burgundian varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—saying, “close but not yet.”

​The diminutive giant: though many of Benson’s questions were topics of debate, no one argued the monumental importance of Andre Tchelistcheff. Many of those who contributed to the book either worked directly with him or used him as a consultant not to mention as a source of knowledge and experience. Everyone, without exception, praised him to the heavens. No mystery that Tchelistcheff’s interview is by far my favorite in the book. Andre’s depth of knowledge about Napa Valley was remarkable—far beyond anyone else at the time. When asked a simple question about planting appropriate varieties in specific places in the valley, he responded with a lengthy tutorial on the Napa Valley’s micro climates and soil types, citing the most appropriate rootstocks and grape varieties for each. His knowledge of winemaking techniques for various styles of wine was also unmatched.

Quick story: I once had a chance to meet Andre—but didn’t. In 1988 I was at a trade tasting at the Mark Hopkins Hotel in the city. I saw the diminutive Tchelistcheff (not much over five feet tall) with a group of people and felt the urge to go over, say hi, and introduce myself. But I was a mere bartender at the time and let the moment pass. I’ve always regretted it.

The World Changed

My first trip to Napa Valley was in the summer of 1983, about six months before Carla and I moved to California. Highway 29 was lined with wineries whose labels I’d seen on wine lists the previous two years while working in restaurants in Ann Arbor during grad school. The valley and its wines seemed brimming with life, potential, and possibility. Then came phylloxera and everything changed. In the span of a decade most of the vineyards in Northern California were decimated and had to be replanted to the cost of $20,000 or more an acre. Many smaller vineyard and winery owners simply couldn’t afford to replant and quietly sold their properties and faded into oblivion.

Replanting also changed varietal demographics and overall wine character of the valley dramatically—forever. The combination of high cost of land (yes, even then) and expense of replanting practically forced most owners to choose grapes that were not only in high market demand, but would also would fetch the highest possible tonnage prices. In other words, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Merlot. But perhaps the greatest impact of this mass replanting--and something rarely spoken or written about--was that the plant material completely changed. New low vigor native rootstocks and different clones replaced what had come before, most notably the move away from using the AXR1 rootstock that had been so susceptible to phylloxera. The new rootstock-clone combinations required longer hang time for the fruit to reach physiological maturity, and longer hang time made for higher sugar content in the grapes and ultimately higher alcohol levels in the finished wines. Gone forever were the sub-13% Cabernet Sauvignons of the ‘60’s, ‘70’s, and early ‘80’s, with the new wines weighing in at 14-14.5% alcohol by volume and beyond. The new style of wines was debated by press and consumers alike, with critics and the use of numerical scores blamed for the new higher alcohol trend. But in the end, it was the different plant material that was responsible for the change in wine style. As always, nature bats last.

Final Thoughts

With the passing of time it’s all too easy to forget where we come from. There is so much about California wine that we take for granted simply because it’s been around for decades and become an almost unseen part of the fabric of our professional lives. One of the most important take-aways from Benson’s book for me is the need to keep California wine history on our radar. Further, to maintain an intense curiosity about where the industry came from, and to laud--and never forget--the first generations who put California on the world wine map. Our industry would not exist without the likes of Martin Ray, Andre Tchelistcheff, Robert Mondavi, Paul Draper, Joe Heitz, Warren Winiarsky, Dick Peterson and many more. They are the reason why the California wines of today are considered among the greatest anywhere.  

*A sad footnote: just yesterday I learned of the passing of long time Simi winemaker Mary Ann Graff. She was the only woman interviewed in Benson’s book. Graff was the first woman to earn a degree in Enology at UC Davis, the first woman winemaker of the modern era in California, and the first woman on the Board of Directors of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture. I met her several times over the years and always appreciated her deftly balanced wines, her wit, and her passion for the industry. She will be greatly missed.

The holiday season is upon us. It’s time to navigate the perilous waters of office parties, dysfunctional family gatherings, and general seasonal mayhem. But fear not. As in years past, I've put together a list of gift ideas including medicinal beverages for those on your shopping list—and for yourself. Remember that it’s imperative that you give yourself a seasonal gift. After all, how can you possibly expect anyone else to know what you really want? My gift to myself for this year is listed below. Read on and enjoy. And Happy Holidays!

Glassware

Riedel Veritas Champagne Glass

There’s been a debate of sorts over the last few years in the sommelier community on whether or not to abandon the traditional Champagne flute for a white wine glass. To point, I remember a dinner at a well-known bistro in Washington D.C. where the sommelier poured non-vintage Gaston Chicquet Cuvée Tradition Brut out of magnum for me in a Riedel Vinum Bordeaux glass. I raised an eyebrow until he generously poured at least eight ounces of the delicious Champagne. Was using a Bordeaux glass taking the argument a bit too far? Perhaps. Regardless, Riedel’s Veritas Champagne glass is a perfect détente for the Champagne flute debate with its elegant profile, exaggerated bowl, and slightly wider opening. It’s also an excellent glass for lighter white wines. 

Schott Zwiesel 1872 Enoteca Collection Bordeaux Glass
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I first experienced the Schott Zwiesel Enoteca Bordeaux glasses at a dinner several years ago hosted by good friend Keith Goldston, MS. He chose these very tall Bordeaux stems for the 2009 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo. The combination was magical. I’ve been a fan ever since and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. That said, be aware that these glasses are fragile and require hand washing and polishing--which should always be done the next day when you’re sober. 

The Holiday Book Bag

Space Odyssey: Stanley Kubrick, Arthur C. Clarke, and the Making of a Masterpiece, by Michael Benson

I first saw 2001: A Space Odyssey with a friend when it was released in the summer of 1968. The combination of astonishing visuals and soundtrack of beautiful classical music was the most incredible cinematic experience of my short life. I saw the movie again at an IMAX theater this past summer for its 50th anniversary and it didn’t disappoint. No surprise that 2001 remains one of my top three favorite movies. Michael Benson’s recent book captures the making of the landmark movie in detail, from the first discussions between writer Arthur C. Clarke and legendary director Stanley Kubrick to the movie’s premier and after. One of my favorite books of the year. 

Flavor: The Science of Our Most Neglected Sense, by Bob Holmes

Bob Holmes has a PhD in evolutionary biology and has been a correspondent for New Science Magazine for over 20 years. His book, Flavor, is engagingly written and filled with delightful facts. It’s by far one of the best books I’ve ever read on the science behind smell and taste. I think it's a must read for anyone in the wine industry. 

Calypso, by David Sedaris

Nobody does family dysfunction in non-fiction better—or funnier-- than David Sedaris. His prose is razor sharp, witty, and filled with bittersweet reflection. Calypso chronicles his family, relationship, and obsession with using his Fitbit while collecting garbage on the rural lanes and byways of England. 

When Women Ruled the World, by Kara Cooney

Dr. Kara Cooney is an Egyptologist, archaeologist, and associate professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture at UCLA. Her most recent book explores the lives of six women who ruled as king in ancient Egypt. Cooney details the complexities that defined life for the Egyptian noble class, particularly the women who came to rule in a patriarchal society. Throughout the book she deftly connects the challenges that this remarkable group of women faced in ancient times to those that women leaders face today. When Women Ruled the World is a superbly written and timely book. 

Good Omens, by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett

Neil Gaiman is one of the great storytellers of our time. Over 20 years ago, he teamed up with the late Terry Pratchett to write an “end of the world” book. In Good Omens, they take the reader on a wild ride leading up to the apocalypse. The protagonist is a teenage boy, literally the antichrist, who was somehow switched at birth and raised in a normal middle class family. As always, Gaiman, here with the help of Pratchett, assembles a cast of the oddest possible characters whose inevitable meeting/collision at the books’ end is the stuff of legend. A great read. 

Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future, by Trace Bashkoff

At the time of her death in 1944 at the age of 81, Swedish Artist Hilma af Klint left behind over a thousand paintings and volumes of hand written text, most of which had been kept private during her lifetime. Convinced the world wasn’t ready for her art, she left instructions that her work not be seen for 20 years after her death. Thus, it’s only within the last few decades that the world has had the opportunity to see af Klint’s stunning abstract paintings. Many of them are large-scaled, and all are filled with striking geometric shapes and bold colors. Her work attempts to portray the unseen spiritual world through form and symbolism. Because her work predates the paintings of Vassily Kandinsky and his other contemporaries, art historians have had to rethink the history of abstract art. af Klint is currently the subject of a major exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Trace Bashkoff’s book, also published by the Guggenheim, is a wonderful introduction to the artist and her work. 

The Order of Time, by Carlo Rovelli

In the first part of his book, The Order of Time, Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli completely unravels our concept of time using the principles of quantum physics. In the second part, he gracefully weaves it back together. The Order of Time is the third book by Rovelli to make one of my recommended reading lists. As with his previous efforts, his prose is beautiful, lilting, and borders on poetry. 

Honey from a Weed, by Patience Gray

Patience Gray was a UK-based food writer. Her partner, Norman Mommens, was a sculptor. For the better part of four decades they “followed the marble,” living in rural Catalonia, Naxos, Apulia, and Tuscany. Gray’s Honey from a Weed is an autobiographical cookbook of sorts, and offers the reader a window into the cuisines and traditions from these regions, some of which were already vanishing at the time of the book’s release. When Honey from a Weed was first published in 1986, it was instantly hailed as a classic and one of the great books on food and cooking of the 20th century. It belongs on your bookshelf. 

​Recordings - All Bach All the Time

My morning routine consists of reading and writing in a daily journal. The soundtrack for the morning routine is important. In the last couple of years, it’s consisted primarily of the keyboard music of J.S. Bach. I think Bach’s music combines beauty with symmetry and mathematical genius. I can’t think of better music to listen to when starting one’s day​. Here are three of my favorite Bach recordings, two for keyboard and one for ensemble.

Bach: French Suites, Murray Perahia

Perahia is one of the greatest pianists of our time. His recent recording of the French Suites on the Deutsche Grammophon label is otherworldly. If you need a starting point for Bach’s music, this is definitely it. 

Bach: Complete Recordings, Angela Hewitt

Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt began piano studies with her mother at age three. She gave her first recital at age nine, and has enjoyed an international career since. Hewitt is especially known for her cycle of Bach recordings begun in 1994 and finished in 2005. I find her Bach performances ethereal and simply gorgeous. This box set includes 15 CDs and over 17 hours of music. You might think it’s a bit over the top, but remember, it’s Bach. BTW–this set was my holiday gift to myself. 

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos, Claudio Abbado and Orchestra Mozart

The Brandenburg Concerti are a collection of six instrumental works presented by Bach to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt in 1721. They are widely considered the finest instrumental works of the Baroque. In particular, the second concerto is the bane of many a trumpet player. It’s considered the most difficult piece there is for the instrument in the entire literature. The part is written for clarino (piccolo) trumpet and the tessitura—range—is so high that in the day I could never play it. I have over a dozen recordings of the Brandenburgs at last count between vinyl and CD. Claudio Abbado’s rendition with the Orchestra Mozart is beautifully played and my current favorite recording on modern instruments. 

Beyond Bach

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5, Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony

Conductor Manfred Honek’s recording of Shostakovich 5 won the Grammy Award this year for best classical recording. A few minutes into the first movement and you’ll know why. The performance is live and the recording quality is as good as it gets. The symphony itself is heart wrenching, dramatic, and a tour de force of orchestral music. The album also includes Samuel Barber's beautiful Adagio for Strings. This is an outstanding recording in every way. 

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9; Christoph von Dohnányi and the Cleveland Orchestra

As with the Bach Brandenburgs, I own more than a dozen recordings on vinyl and CD of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, some dating back to the 1940’s. The Telarc recording of the Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Christoph von Dohnányi is my overall favorite in terms of performance and recording quality. Note that Telarc was the first to make high quality digital classical recordings in the U.S. Their first recording dates back to 1978 with the last in 2009 when the company was “acquired” by the Concord Music Group and basically unplugged.
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The Telarc Beethoven 9 was released in the early 1990’s as part of a cycle of the complete symphonies. I can’t think of a recording that more accurately captures what a major orchestra sounds like in a great concert hall--in this case, Severance Hall in Cleveland. The sound stage is huge and utterly life-like with the instruments positioned in space where they actually are in live performance. And the sound created by a chorus of over 100 singers has to be heard to be believed. Add Dohnányi’s interpretation and you have something special. Highly recommended.

Get Your ‘70’s Groove On

There was a lot of utter crap music in the 1970’s, some of it imminently regrettable. But there was a lot of great music as well. Here are two favorites, both of which I heard live in concert in the day.

Manchild, Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock is one of the jazz greats over the last 50 years. His Manchild album defines the electric funk-jazz fusion of its time. 

Wired, Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck is one of the top guitarists of his generation. Beck’s career spans back to the ‘60’s with groups including the Yardbirds. Released in 1976, his album Wired is in the jazz/rock fusion vein. George Martin, as in the late Sir George Martin of Beatles fame, produced the album.

Hooch

I would list holiday wine recommendations here—but I already did that in the last post. Besides, the madness of the holidays often calls for much stronger water. Allow me to assist.

Lustau Solera Gran Reserva Finest Selection Sherry Brandy

Sherry Brandy is one of the spirits world’s great secrets and Lustau one of the top Sherry bodegas. Their Solera Gran Reserva Finest Selection Brandy is aged over 15 years in a mix of Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez casks. Delightfully spicy and rich with a touch of sweetness. 

Rhum Barbancourt 15 Year Estate Reserve

Rhum Barbancourt is made by the Société du Rhum Barbancourt in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Their 15 Year Estate Reserve is a true agricole rum produced entirely from free run sugar cane juice. It’s double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French Limousin barrels. Sip and savor in a fine brandy snifter. 

Ardbeg Uigeadail Malt Whisky

Ardbeg has long been a favorite malt whisky. The distillery is located on the Kildalton Coast on the isle of Islay. The Uigeadail (pronounced Oog-a-dal) is named after a nearby loch that provides fresh water to the distillery. Think of the Uigeadail as a kinder, gentler Laphroaig. There’s still more than enough peatiness to go around but balanced by a gentle sweetness from aging in old Sherry casks. It’s a perfect whisky to sip while the yule log burns bright.

Del Maguey Tobola Mezcal
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Del Maguey’s single village Mezcals are incredibly complex spirits. My favorite is the Tobola, made from a single species of Agave grown at high elevation in volcanic soils. It’s transparent, layered, and mineral driven. I call it the Mosel Riesling of Mezcal. 

Braulio Amaro
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Braulio is a quintessential alpine amaro with mountain flowers, herbs, and a perfect balance of bitter and sweet on the palate. Reach for it when you need a digestif but don’t want to brave the deep end of the pool—as in Fernet Branca.

I've written this blog for almost seven years and never dedicated a post to wine recommendations for a specific occasion. I think the other eight zillion wine blogs out there more than cover that topic. However, the holidays are almost here so why not make an exception. Before getting started, a few thoughts:

First: this post is primarily for all the non-industry readers out there in cyber land. I’m grateful that you keep reading my misguided missives. In this entry, you’ll find a veritable plethora of great bottles. Most are priced under $50 and all guaranteed to more than do justice to your holiday table. I promise.

Second: my colleagues will probably look at the title of the post, respond with a not-so-subtle eye roll, and think something along the lines of, “So tell me something new.” I get it. However, read on as there might be a vinous gem you’ve somehow missed.

Third: pairing wine with the traditional holiday meal is not rocket science. The sweet-savory-earthy combination of flavors of the holiday meal make it ideal—even forgiving--for practically any style of wine, with few exceptions. Those exceptions are monumentally over-oaked Chardonnay or astringently tannic red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Remember that oak and tannin are the least flexible elements in wine when it comes to pairing with food. Having said that, I must also remind you that the X-factor in any wine experience is one’s personal preference. So if oaky Chardonnay or tannic Cabernet is your thing, by all means go for it.

What wines work best with the holiday meal? Practically any other style than those just mentioned. Look for unoaked, higher acid white wines, and medium-to-full bodied reds that aren’t too oaky or tannic. Piece of cake. No, make that pie. One last morsel of wisdom: residual sugar in white wine is extra primo good with the holiday meal because so many of the dishes also have a sweet element in them. Remember, sweet needs sweet when it comes to food and wine pairing. Now it’s time to read on and assemble your holiday vino-shopping list. As Edna Mode said in Pixar’s The Incredibles, “Go, confront the problem. Fight! Win!”

Sparkling

With the world careening into utter madness, it’s comforting to know that good bubbly is still more than affordable. We all need to drink more of it regularly.

NV Sorelle Bronca "Particella 68," Prosecco Superiore Brut: this is not the same cheap-ass Prosecco case-stacked to the rafters at Trader Joe’s. It’s the real deal, as in Prosecco Superiore DOCG (vs. simple Prosecco DOC wines). Sorrella is a small family owned estate in the town of Valdobiaddene. The Particella 68 Brut is produced in small quantities from a single vineyard planted on an impossibly steep hillside. Prosecco like this is the essence of Vivaldi in a bottle.

NV Ca' del Bosco Cuvée Prestige Brut, Franciacorta: gets my vote for best overall value in sparkling wine from anywhere. The wine is vibrant, earthy, and delicious. The package is simply gorgeous and the price is right. What’s not to love?

NV Pierre Peters Cuvée de Reserve, Blanc de Blancs: one of the first grower-producer Champagnes I tasted over 20 years ago—and still one of my favorites. The Pierre Peters is a true blanc de blancs from 100% Chardonnay. Racy, steely, and laser-like on the palate. In short, quintessential aperitif Champagne.
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NV Alfred Gratien Rosé Brut: like Krug and Bollinger, Alfred Gratien uses wood for primary fermentation to lend a rounded texture to the finished wine. That aside, there is no better value for rosé Champagne than the non-vintage Gratien. Period. I’m flummoxed why it’s not better known and appreciated.

White

My list of holiday whites follows the theme of high acid, non-oaked wines from semi-aromatic grapes. There’s also a Chardonnay recommendation, plenty of Riesling, and an otherworldly Gewürztraminer.

Clelia Romano Fiano di Avellino, Colli di Lapio: I first bought Clelia Romano’s Fiano while a buyer at Virtual Vineyards over 20 years ago at the dawn of online time and retail cyber space. It remains one of my very favorite Italian whites with its lovely white floral, pear/quince, and tart citrus notes framed by intense minerality.

Cantina Terlano Pinot Bianco Riserva, "Vorberg," Alto Adige: Pinot Bianco, aka Pinot Blanc, practically always underachieves in a major way. Not so here. Terlano gets my vote for best white wine producer in Italy and their Vorberg is easily one of the greatest wines made from the grape. The vineyard is located on a steep alpine slope with sandy, porphyry-gravel soils. The wine is dense (dry extract) and concentrated with lots of acid lift.

Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini: do you really need another reason to visit the magnificent island of Santorini? The Sigalas Assyrtiko is one of my favorite whites from anywhere. Rich and opulent but with racy acidity and insane volcanic minerality.

Domaine Huet Vouvray, Le Mont Sec: Huet’s Le Mont Sec could be the perfect white wine for turkey and all the trimmings. It’s also my favorite Vouvray by far; opulent, layered, and mineral-driven. If you haven’t tried it, you must.

Yalumba Viognier "The Virgilius," Eden Valley: a lot of New World Viognier is reminiscent of the Fat Elvis phase—as in awkward and a bit trashy. Not so here. Winemaker Louisa Rose of Yalumba is a master of Viognier. She makes three different bottlings from the grape and the top cuvée is called The Virgilius. It’s shimmering, perfumed, and elegant.

Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer, Cuvée Théo: Domaine Weinbach is one of the top estates in Alsace. Their Cuvée Théo is sourced from the oldest vines in the Clos du Capuchins vineyard. A quick whiff of the glass reveals an astonishing array of floral, lychee, spicy exotic fruit, and truffle-earth. In short, it’s a wow. 

Emmerich Knoll Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Loibenberg: I’m going full-on geek here. Emmerich Knoll is one of the Austria’s top winemakers. Grüner Veltliner is the country’s premier white grape, and Smaragd its richest version—a classification only used in the Wachau, the country’s smallest quality wine region. Smaragd wines are completely decadent with honey, ginger, and saffron from botrytis combined with the pepper, daikon, and botanical notes that make Grüner Veltliner so unique. Knoll’s Smaragd Loibenberg is not exactly easy to find and it’s not inexpensive. But try it you must.  

Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay: a Chardonnay recommendation before all the Rieslings. Mount Eden’s Estate has always been my favorite California Chardonnay. Steep Santa Cruz Mountains hillside vineyards planted with Burgundian clones make for one of the most unique places for the grape in the New World. Winemaker Jeffrey Patterson always keeps balance in mind so the use of oak is never excessive. His wines are also among the few California Chardonnays capable of long-term aging. I’ve tasted 25-year-old bottles that were mature and yet fresh.

Riesling

Half my cellar (which sadly is a thousand miles away in Oakland, CA, at the moment), is German Riesling. Most of that is Spätlese-level (late harvest) as in slightly sweet. Why? Because Spätlese Riesling is the most versatile and delicious food white wine there is. I can’t think of a better white for the holiday table. Following is a short list of some of my favorite producers and vineyards with Spätlese specifically in mind.

Egon Müller Scharzhofberg: weightless, shimmering elegance, and filigree. It’s expensive (and should be).

Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle: many believe Helmut Dönnhoff and his son Cornelius to be Germany’s top winemakers. I find it hard to disagree. The Hermannshöhle makes for sumptuous, layered, fruity wines as well as brilliant dry Grosse Lage bottlings. Not easy to find, but can be temporarily life-changing.

Robert Weil Kiedricher Gräfenberg: one of the Rheingau’s (and Germany’s) top estates—and greatest vineyards. The wines are incredibly focused, concentrated, and weightless. Utterly delectable.

Rheinhold Haart Piesporter Goldtröpchen: Theo Haart’s Rieslings from the great Goldtröpchen vineyard are easily the best in Piesport. The wines are honeyed, sumptuous, and racy. 

J.J. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr: the Prüm wines have a distinct terroir, great precision, and ethereal filigree. The Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard has been cultivated without interruption for the better part of the last 2,000 years.
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Gunderloch Nackenheimer Rothenberg: I’m still sad about the passing of owner-winemaker and friend Fritz Hasselbach in the fall of 2016. His Rieslings from the Rothenberg vineyard were always opulent and shamelessly hedonistic. Fritz may be gone, but the family’s outstanding wines from the Rothenberg are still with us.

Pink

Dry rosé is perfect with the holiday dinner, especially roast turkey which a colleague once described as, “chicken with attitude.” Here is a trio of favorite pink wines:

Domaine de Fontsainte Corbières Rosé, Gris de Gris: a delicious Southern French saignée rosé made from a blend of Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir, and Carignan. Saignée, BTW, refers to the traditional method of separating part of the juice from a red wine fermentation and making rosé from it. I’m convinced that we are all better for it.

Robert Sinskey Vin Gris of Pinot Noir: many pink wines are cast-offs or second thoughts intended to generate quick cash flow. Not the Sinskey Vin Gris. The fruit comes from prime Pinot Noir real estate. The grapes are whole cluster pressed and only the free run juice is used. The result is dry, delicate, and delightful.

Tasca d'Almerita Tenuta Regaleali, Le Rose, Rosato: Sicily is one of my favorite places in the wine world. Tenuta Regaleali is a gorgeous estate located in the mountains an hour from Palermo. The estate has been owned by the Tasca d’Almerita family since 1837, and is known for superb wines and an internationally recognized cooking school. This vibrant rosato is made from Nerello Mascalese grapes planted in 1974. It offers tart youthful red fruit with a touch of volcanic minerality.

Red

In choosing reds, I’ve kept in mind the fact that some may opt for lamb, beef, or venison instead of the usual roast turkey. Thus, you’ll find both lighter and richer reds below.

Gary Farrell Pinot Noir, Hallberg Vineyard, Russian River Valley: Pinot Noir is a universal go-to red wine this time of year, and for good reason: its bright fruit and silky tannins make it an ideal mate for Thanksgiving dinner and beyond. Winemaker Theresa Heredia of Gary Farrell is one of my favorites for Russian River Pinot. Her wines always show wonderful depth and spice character.

Roberto Voerzio Barbera d’Alba, "Il Cerreto": Barbera is not exactly a wine that comes to mind with Thanksgiving dinner--but it should. Roberto Voerzio is one of the top producers in Barolo. His Barberas are also legendary. The “Il Cerreto” is crammed with luscious fruit, savory herbal notes, and tart acidity.

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva: La Rioja Alta is one of my favorite old-school producers. Their Viña Ardanza Reserva spends three years in American oak casks, giving the wine an overt Bourbon-spiciness with a supple texture and distinct earthiness.

Yalumba "The Signature," Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon: Shiraz-Cabernet blends from Australia are one of the world’s best-kept red wine secrets. Yalumba’s The Signature is a perfect marriage between the spice and savory elements of Shiraz and the structure of Cabernet. It’s one of my favorite reds for the money.

Henschke "Keynetone Euphonium," Shiraz-Cabernet, Eden Valley: a visit some years ago to the Henschke winery in Eden Valley was one of the greatest single producer tastings I’ve ever experienced. The major take away was that no one does red wine texture and tannin management better than Steven Henschke. As expected, the Hill of Grace Shiraz was world-class. But I especially remember the Keynetone Euphonium, a Shiraz-Cabernet blend. It was lush, seamless, and imminently drinkable.
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Storybook Mountain Reserve Zinfandel: Jerry Seps is a founder of ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) and one of the patriarchs of the grape. His reserve bottling—a selection of the best barrels in a given vintage--is easily my favorite Zinfandel. It shows the lush—just this side of frat party--fruit we expect from Zin but in the most elegant and stylish expression possible. 

Dessert

There’s only one rule that needs to be followed when pairing dessert wines with holiday desserts: the wine must always be sweeter than the dessert. Here are three very different stickies, all perfect for holiday desserts.

Donnafugata Ben Ryé: made on the windswept volcanic island of Pantelleria from dried Muscat grapes locally called “Zbibbo.” Ben Ryé, which means “song of the wind” in Arabic, manages to be seductive without being cloying. It’s also one of the great values in dessert wines.

Niepoort Colheita Port: more often than not, aged tawny ports show declarations of 10, 20, 30, even 40 years on the label. A Colheita, or vintage Tawny, is a rarity and Niepoort specializes in them. The 1995 vintage I tasted recently is drinking beautifully with notes of toffee, roasted nuts, caramel, and molasses. Pumpkin pie, anyone?

Château Coutet à Barsac: Barsac is a neighbor to the higher rent Sauternes district and also produces botrytis sweet wines. Coutet is one of my favorite chateaux there. The wine always delivers unctuous honey and exotic spice flavors.

Coda

I hope you’ve found some holiday vino ideas from the list. Remember that any of the wines would make a thoughtful holiday gift. In fact, you should pick up several bottles for yourself. Otherwise, steady on through the choppy waters of the next few weeks. If things go south, remember what Hunter S. Thompson once said: “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.”
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Cheers!

Good friend and fellow MS, Evan Goldstein, once explained to me the difference between a great wine and a great wine experience. The former, he said, is just as implied; a prohibitively expensive, great, or legendary bottle tasted at a trade event or via the cellar of a generous collector. A great wine experience, he went on to say, was something completely different. Where context--as in the people, place, and time--is just as important, if not more so, than the wine itself. In fact, in some cases the actual wine may not even matter.

Recently I’ve given some thought to Evan’s definitions for great wines and great wine experiences. In regards to the former, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have tasted more than my share of great, even legendary wines over the years: 1971 Egon Müller Scharzhofberg TBA, 1961 Krug Collection, 1945 Chateau Latour, 1985 Romanée Conti, 1961 Chateau Cheval Blanc, 1982 Vega Sicilia Unico, 1974 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard, and 1941 Beaulieu Vineyard Burgundy all come to mind (the last perhaps the greatest California Pinot Noir I’ve ever tasted).

There have been great wine experiences over the years as well. As Evan mentioned, with each there’s a profound emotional connection not just to the wine, but more so to everything else in the memory as far as the people, the time or occasion, and the place. After giving it some thought, here are five of my favorite great wine experiences.

Baby Maria and Pol Roger Rosé

March 1990: my daughter Maria’s baptism at St. Dominic’s Church in Pacific Heights in the city. The wine I chose for the reception at our Fillmore St. apartment was the 1979 Pol Roger Rosé. It showed beautifully that day. I clearly remember holding Maria in one arm with a glass of the delicious rosé in the other. I also remember feeling a muddle of emotions; part proud new dad, part freaked out new dad, and the amazing love you feel for your first child—especially a daughter.

Some months later, I was invited to a Pol Roger trade dinner in the city. As luck would have it, Carla and I were seated next to Christian Pol Roger. At some point during the meal I told him that we had chosen the ’79 Rosé for Maria’s christening. He smiled, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, “May your daughter have a long and happy life.”

Trattoria Zaza and the Perfect No-Name Chianti

October 1987: Carla and I were in Europe together for the first time. We started our trek in Paris, then rented a car and drove to Blois spending several days in the Loire before heading to Burgundy. From there, we took the train to Nice, Pisa, and finally Florence.

Florence didn’t disappoint. It was the most remarkable place I’d ever experienced. After spending an afternoon in the Uffizi Gallery (!!!) and shopping in the square, we wandered about looking for a place for dinner. Not far from the cathedral, we stumbled on a joint called Trattoria ZaZa, crammed to the rafters with local students. Once inside we managed to find a table. The noise was near stadium level. The menu was limited to just pasta, pizza, and lighter fare--and the wine selection was even more limited. We opted for a liter of the house Chianti. I watched as the woman serving us drew it directly into a carafe from a huge barrel behind the bar. She immediately delivered it to our table with two clunky glasses that would have been handy in a bar fight.

​The first sip was unforgettable—the essence of Sangiovese and autumn in Tuscany. It was the most delicious red wine I had ever tasted up to that point in time. Looking back, it still is the most delicious Chianti I have ever tasted. How good? Carla and I managed to work our way through the better part of two liters of it with dinner. Enough said.

Paris Sigalas and His Remarkable Assyrtikos

Nothing is better than tasting a wine at its place of origin. The combination often makes for a great wine experience. Such was the case in September 2006 during the legendary MS tour of Greece. Ten days of seeing literally every part of the country that has anything to do with wine. We spent an average of four-plus hours a day in a van driven by a young Greek lad who wore the same synthetic disco shirt the entire trip thereby redefining the concept of terroir. 

The highlight of highlights was visiting the island of Santorini, surely one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. On the drier leeward side of the island Paris Sigalas and his crew tirelessly care for old Assyrtiko vines that are pruned close to the ground into round basket-like shapes called ampellari. I have vivid memories of our group standing in the late afternoon sun with Sigalas and his winemaker. Sigalas repeatedly mentioned the terroir, pointing at the ground which was covered with a proliferation of volcanic rocks of every kind including chunks of whitish pumice that were so light in the hand they were almost weightless.

We headed back to the winery to taste verticals of oaked and un-oaked Assyrtiko. The experience was revelatory. Sigalas’ Assyrtiko is one of a kind due to its great depth and richness with the alcohol level often up to 14.5% balanced by ferociously high natural acidity. But the hallmark of all Sigalas wines is the minerality, which is completely off the charts. There probably isn’t a better example of volcanic minerality in any wine made anywhere.

To this day, Sigalas' Santorini remains one of my very favorite white wines. Whenever I taste it, I’m instantly transported back that late afternoon standing in Sigalas’ vineyard bathed with golden Mediterranean sunlight looking at the arid, windswept vines in their odd basket shapes. The feeling is remarkable.

The Doctor Is In

May 2002: my third trip to the Mosel. It was early evening and the fourth and last winery stop for the day. By now, residual sugar and the insanely high acidity from tasting dozens of Rieslings had managed to fry the palate of everyone in the group, including mine. Since early morning, we’d been tasting wines from the superb 2001 vintage just bottled. But the best of the day was saved for last. Our final appointment was at Weingut Wegeler in Bernkastel with winemaker Norbert Breit as our host. After meeting us at the winery off a narrow cobblestone street in Bernkastel, we drove up the steep and winding road hundreds of feet above the river to the very top of the legendary Doctor vineyard. Breit pulled a newly minted bottle of 2001 Wegeler Doctor Spätlese from his leather bag, opened, and poured. From there he really didn’t need to say anything else.

Wines from the Doctor vineyard, widely considered the best in the Mosel and easily in the top five in all Germany, are known for their remarkable concentration, opulence, and precision. The 2001 didn’t disappoint. It’s one of the greatest young German Rieslings I’ve ever tasted. Standing on shifting dark slate I looked down the perilously steep slope at the tiny village below with the river snaking away in the golden late afternoon sunlight. I reached down to pick up a chunk of dark slate the size of a large paperweight and took another sip of utterly delicious Riesling. It was nectar of the gods.

My First Wine Epiphany

Christmas 1982: my first great wine experience happened on a cold Christmas night in Ann Arbor when I was in graduate school. Carla and I opted not to go home to New Mexico for the holidays that first year. Armando Ghitalla, my trumpet professor, and his wife Pauline, kindly invited us to Christmas dinner. The other dinner guests that night included H. Robert Reynolds, director of bands at the music school, and his wife.

Some weeks before, good friend Bob Reyen (who would go on to be Maria’s godfather) had given Carla and me a bottle of ’76 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet. I’d never heard of the winery much less tasted the wine, but he assured me that it was outstanding. The bottle became our donation to Christmas dinner.

With the soup course cleared, Mundy—as we liked to call him--and Pauline disappeared into the kitchen to carve the roast beast. I opted to open and pour the bottle of Silver Oak. What happened next is not easy to describe. After serving the wine, I sat down and picked up my glass. Reynolds, who had just been extolling the virtues of the bottles of ’61 Bordeaux in his collection (totally meaningless to me at the time), smelled the Cabernet in his glass and then immediately said a quiet, but very emphatic, “Wow!” Carla said that the room smelled like flowers. I quickly put my nose in the glass only to be assaulted by a tsunami of blackberry jam and spice box. I had never experienced anything remotely like it before with any wine. It was the very first time wine didn’t smell just like wine, it smelled like something—something I recognized. The bright lights shined and the angels sang—the whole enchilada. I finally got it. I finally knew what everyone was talking about. In short, I had my first wine epiphany. From then on whenever I put my nose in a glass wine smelled like “things” instead of just wine. In that moment, everything changed and wine would never be the same. I would never be the same.

Coda

Sometimes I’m asked if one can script a great wine experience, or if it can somehow be predicted. My answer is that I doubt it because part of the recipe seems to be serendipity and being open and receptive to a confluence of elements that make up a great wine experience. However, chasing an elusive great wine experience is always more than worth the effort. In reading this post, memories of both great wines and great wine experiences probably came up for you. I hope many more of both are in your future. Cheers!