Van Webb 8/14/15 Van Webb 8/14/15

Lessons With Wine Exploration

Always eager to try a different style of wine, I was excited when friends brought me straight from Germany a bottle of Schreieck Faszination Scheurebe Trocken 2014. The wine was a treat, but more, it made me think of all the lessons to be learned while exploring the background of just one bottle:

Fun with Languages - There were a minuscule twelve-thousand search returns for "weingut schreieck", and almost none in English. Site translation proved helpful to an extent, and reasoning on a variety of unfamiliar German words and phrases proved challenging, but intriguing. The Faszination line appears to describe wines that are as elegant and "delightful as you are". Also the description might read "good for happy hours", and "especially at night".
Underlying and Unexpected Flavors - I felt this particular bottle was dominated by a thick layer of grapefruit. This is apparently common with wines from the Scheurebe grape, a mysterious offshoot of Riesling. The winery promotes gooseberry and rhubarb notes. My tongue is not keen enough to recognize such specific flavors, but they made sense after I read the literature. Interestingly, a search finds everything from Pinterest boards to toiletry product lines of "grapefruit and gooseberry". Who knew?
(More) Level Playing Field - Almost hidden in the description is the wine's Silberne, or Silver Kammerpreismunze, a German state's Chamber of Agriculture-awarded medal for wine quality. It appears Germany attempts to reward quality in the glass, rather than location, tradition, etc. It would be interesting to see how an overarching, state-run, wine ratings system would be received in America.

These are only a few of the interesting references available on the web about a somewhat obscure wine. Much like wine choices, information about wine has never been more available. And, I had as much fun reading up on the wine as drinking it. What do you like to learn while wine-ing around?

Van Webb 12/31/14 Van Webb 12/31/14

Wines Of The Year

The best times with wine involve people, places, and excellent service experiences. Here are my top wines from 2014, with the events surrounding them.

Gehricke Carneros Pinot Noir 2012 - This is a fabulous first production, with earthy leather, red berries, and some spice. I found it at the Primo's Fine Wine and Spirits wine tasting event in Tulsa. $35
Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - The 40th Anniversary edition is powerfully dark, velvety, and lasts seemingly forever. Fearing's Restaurant in Dallas offered it to me first. $60
JL Chave Mon Coer Cotes-du-Rhone 2011 - Thanks to Master Sommelier Craig Collins and Arro in Austin for the introduction to this value Rhone. $19
Brooks Bois Joli Riesling 2012 - This was my favorite find on a tasting tour of Oregon. Lots of citrus and just enough sweetness. Brooks is very generous, and they have a touching film about winemaking you should see: American Wine Story. $24
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-St-Georges 2009 - Affordable Burgundy acquired at a wine lover's paradise, Brown Derby of Springfield, Missouri. $55

Van Webb 12/26/14 Van Webb 12/26/14

Post-Holiday Wine Shopping On A Budget

If your wine budget is short, here's an international mixed case of available and affordable bottles to enjoy while you replenish your savings:

Sebastiani Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon - $16
The Black Chook McLaren Vale Shiraz - $18
Tommasi Valpolicella Rafael - $17
Charles Smith Wines The Velvet Devil Merlot - $15
Silvertop Malbec - $10
M. Chapoutier Cotes-du-Rhone Belleruche - $15
Michael Pozzan Wines Annabella Carneros Pinot Noir - $15
Louis Jadot Macon-Villages Chardonnay - $14
Gruet Winery Domaine Saint Vincent Brut - $10
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - $18
Bodega Del Abad Dom Bueno Godello - $15
Joh. Jos. Prum Riesling Kabinett - $19

Van Webb 12/16/14 Van Webb 12/16/14

Las Vegas Wine, Service, and Dining Winners

After researching dozens of restaurants and trying thirteen, here are my top Vegas recommendations.

Wine

Giordanino Teresio Colline Saluzzesi Saluces Nebbiolo 2006 at Due Forni Pizza and Wine - Dry and leathery, with red berries and hints of mint. A nice surprise by the glass. A select list of predominantly Italian varietals to compliment the menu.
Domaine Tempier Bandol 2010 at db Brasserie - Click for my reviews
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2009 at Chada Thai and Wine - Dry minerals with grapefruit largesse and more citrus. Sweet on its own but a perfect match with spicy Thai. A broad list beginning with Rieslings, but encompassing the world of wine at great prices.
Pierre Paillard Cuvee Daniel Brut NV at db Brasserie
Fabricca di San Martino Arcipressi 2012 at Chada Thai and Wine - A solid drink-now Tuscan blend, juicy with a medium finish.

Service

db Brasserie - A thoroughly satisfying experience, from bar to table, led by Head Sommelier Devin Zendel. See my review here.
Bouchon Bistro - Thomas Keller's spot on the strip. They gladly seated my party fifteen minutes before lunch closed, and gave us full attention until well after. Also, the head server offered me coffee to go, a personal difference maker in service.
Due Forni Pizza and Wine - West toward Red Rock Canyon, I was thrilled by the small but diverse Italian wine list and my server's constant attention. Management here clearly has serious Italian wine fans in mind.
Chada Thai and Wine - Also off the path, small and easy to miss, but don't! Outstanding food with the best value wine list in Vegas awaits. Sommelier and chef Bank Atcharawan has built a wine and food experience around his love for Riesling, but the entire list is of high-quality picks and best-value prices. Servers on Thanksgiving were attentive and helpful with food and wine menus, and happy to secure us a cab.
Citizens Kitchen & Bar - Not a destination, but if spending time at Mandalay Bay, a go-to option, 24/7. I received pleasant and fast service during visits at all times of the day, whether picking up coffee, breakfast at the bar, or table service.

Food

Steak Frites at db Brasserie - Perfectly cooked flat iron, and a bargain on the Prix Fixe menu. Click for my review.
Spicy Herbs Spring Rolls at Chada Thai and Wine - Fresh and crisp, with ginger, lime, mint, and spicy for sure.
Duck Panang at Chada Thai and Wine - Crispy duck with lime and a delicious spicy Panang sauce.
Hachis de Boeuf at Bouchon Bistro - Gourmet corned beef hash with eggs and toast.
NY Style Pastrami at Citizens Kitchen & Bar - Thick cut and tender with a spicy mustard. I didn't miss cheese at all.

Best cocktail

French 75 at Bouchon Bistro

The best in wine and service are often found in the same place, and dining under the bright lights of Vegas is no exception. It was clear which restaurants give priority to their wine program, and to service and training.

Where are your favorite places to wine and dine in Las Vegas?

Van Webb 11/17/14 Van Webb 11/17/14

Wine and Turkey Talk

Turkey Time

If there is a traditional meal of turkey and all its trimmings in your near future, does it require a similarly predictable wine? I think not. The likelihood of a larger group of people with a multitude of tastes and preferences is high, and the ease of accessibility to experiment with diverse and affordable wines that work for such a meal has never been greater. Why not broaden out in your wine and food pairing experience? Here are a variety of wine styles and recommendations, from expected to out of the norm, for turkey dinner on any day.

Reds

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir - Bright, with dominant red berries, spices, and hints of sweetness, even cola.

Cote de Nuits Burgundy - Elegant expressions of Pinot Noir, complex, and earthy. Narrowing further, Nuits-St-Georges are typically reasonable in price.