How to Spot a Good Wine List.
August 5, 2011
Everyone has their own idea of what they deem a “good wine list” to be; here’s what I look for…
Diversity
A decent wine list should have representation from the majority of the worlds major wine producing regions. Fair enough, a French restaurant isn’t expected to carry a huge Chilean selection, if any at all; but they should at least consider a few wines from outside of France.
The main place where I encounter a problem with diversity, is in steak houses. We get it!! We really do!!! You sell steak!!! Californian Cab and Meritages’ etc., pair well with steak; but would it kill you to explore away from the West Coast of the United States!?!? Argentine Malbec, Tuscan Reds, Rhone Syrahs, even Lebanese Red Blends all go great with steak. Open your mind, and think outside the box!
A Mix “Old Favorites” and “Hidden Gems”
Ok, I’m not going to lie to you about this one, I really couldn’t care about “old favorites”. I’m more of a “hidden gems” kind-of-guy. Old favorites are really for the people whom either; a) don’t want to even look at a wine list, and immediately ask for a glass of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay etc*; or b) are too afraid to try something new, and are just looking for “familiar faces” in general.
The last thing I want to see is a wine list packed full of generic-grocery-store-garbage; yet so many restaurants rely on these types of wines. I know restaurants are trying to play it safe, but if anything, it just triggers the memory of the wine list reader to recall how much they bought those bottles for the last time they were at Publix! Not good.
Just to completely contradict myself, “old favorites” are the life-blood of the baby boomer generation. For a restaurant to not carry at least a few recognizable names would be a total mistake. Even though Millenial’s seem to be the future of the wine market, boomers can’t be ignored.
*I have no problem with KJ. They make good wine, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Posted in Facts, News | Tagged BTG, Jacksonville, Sommelier, wine list | Leave a comment //King Estate Wine Dinner at Restaurant Medure
August 4, 2011
Torrontes: The Little Grape That Could!
August 4, 2011
The Story
Torrontes [Tohr-ron-tez] is quite easily the most widely planted white grape variety in Argentina with Chardonnay in a distant 2nd; and with the recent upsurge in sales over the past couple of years, it’s likely to stay that way for a while!
Most folks in the wine community are already on-board with the idea that Torrontes has the potential to become as popular in Argentina, as Pinot Grigio is in Italy.
It’s not that I can’t personally get behind that notion, because I certainly can; however it should be treated with a certain level of caution!
As popular as Pinot Grigio is, there are a handful of extremely well-made examples available, which in my opinion represent about 10% of the market. The other is 90% made of thin-watery-crap. “Dogs Nose” wine I call it! Wet and cold, with those being the only redeeming qualities!
(You’re welcome to steal that term, and call it your own!)
Italian winemakers saw $ signs with the popularity of Pinot Grigio in overseas markets, and they got lazy. Pumping out garbage, knowing full-well that is they slap Pinot Grigio on the label, there’s already a fairly decent chance it will sell. The same thing is already starting to happen with Torrontes; so buy with caution!
If Only It Were This Simple!
August 3, 2011
Dante Robino Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina.
August 2, 2011
Grape
100% Torrontes [Tohr-ron-tez]
Facts
Torrontes is to Argentina, what Pinot Grigio is to Italy. Not quite as famous yet, but certainly has already become the signature white grape of the country. Torrontes is the most planted white grape in Argentina, leaving Chardonnay trailing waaaay behind.
The current vintage of Dante Robino Torrontes is 2010, meaning that this wine (and Torrontes in general) is meant to be drank in its youth, and will usually not benefit from time in the cellar. Therefore; if you see vintages older than 2009 on sale in your local retailer, buy with caution!
Posted in Reviews | Tagged Argentina, Dante Robino, Estate Bottled, Mendoza, Torrontes | 1 Comment //The Top 10 Things That Can Ruin Your Wine Experience. Part Two.
July 30, 2011
#5 Poor Glassware
Anyone who knows me knows that I remain very down-to-earth when it comes to wine. With that being said, if I’m out at a restaurant (normally the inexpensive kind); and I see they are using some kind of crappy generic Costco-style wine glasses, I’m going to forego the wine and stick with beer.
I don’t for one second believe a restaurant should carry a different wine glass for every single style of wine they serve, but in order to appreciate a fine wine, a half-decent glass is an absolute essential; without a doubt, no argument to be had! Those nasty little goblet style glasses just don’t cut it!
I personally use William Yeoward Olympia glasses in my own home. They aren’t cheap and I only have one of each of their glasses in Bordeaux, Burgundy and white; but I you want a recommendation on the best wine glass which money can buy, that would be it.
![Ogden_Utah_DUI_Attorney_thumb[2]](http://jacksonvillewineguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Ogden_Utah_DUI_Attorney_thumb2_thumb.jpg "Ogden_Utah_DUI_Attorney_thumb[2]")
#4 Having to Drive
![Ogden_Utah_DUI_Attorney_thumb[2]](http://jacksonvillewineguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Ogden_Utah_DUI_Attorney_thumb2.jpg "Ogden_Utah_DUI_Attorney_thumb[2]")
I can never advocate drinking and driving, but it’s frustrating when public transport generally sucks, and taxi’s generally never arrive when they should, if at all!
This isn’t something which I have told too many people; but this year I was stopped for a DUI test while I was on vacation in Park City (Utah). The reason for the stop was speeding (a very bad habit of mine), but the officer decided to do a sobriety test anyway. I only had one glass of wine at dinner, so I passed with flying colors; but safe to say it was the most terrifying experience of my life. Don’t drink and drive. Seriously. Cab rides are expensive, but think about how much a DUI costs!
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