Vintérè Vintages - Wine Selection / Cellar Curation

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Vintérè Vintages

Vintérè Vintages
Personal Story
Story of Our Wine
Food Pairing
Wine Tasting
Wine Selection / Cellar Curation

Vintérè Vintages

Vintérè Vintages
Personal Story
Story of Our Wine
Food Pairing
Wine Tasting
Wine Selection / Cellar Curation
More

How to Select & Curate As you stand before the endless rows of bottles in the wine shop or face the thick tome of a wine list at a restaurant, the stage is set. You, the protagonist of this journey, are faced with a dilemma: which wine to choose? I find that most of my friends enjoy, or are looking for, what I call 'Drinkability.' Wines that blends softer tannins, high acidity, and lower alcohol such as Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, or Beaujolais tend to be very drinkable, and food friendly pairings. As Jancis Robinson, the famous British wine writer, aptly put it, "Good wine doesn't have to be expensive or rare, it just has to be well-made and enjoyable to drink." When you're faced with selecting wine in a restaurant, James Suckling, the famous wine critic, suggests in his masterclass starting by ordering an apéritif or sparkling wine for the table, and then leisurely perusing the list. And don't shy away from seeking guidance. Be upfront about your budget and preferences, such as “a full-bodied red from Spain with some oak around $90,” or “an aromatic white with lower acidity, for under $50” and let the sommelier surprise you - each new taste is another plot twist. The allure of expensive bottles or those sold by the glass may seem like a shortcut to a good story, but once again, James suggests the true value often hides in the mid-priced range. Let's flip the script now and say you're faced with curating wines for your home cellar. I look at it like a library of liquid narratives. Each wine has offered more than flavors; it has given you a story to cherish. When it comes to red wines, classics like Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah undergo a captivating transformation with age. The tannins in these wines gradually soften, evolving their robust character into a more nuanced expression. On the other hand, white wines like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc transition from their initial primary fruit flavors to reveal enchanting aged notes of honey, butterscotch, or even white truffles. However, that said, I'd rather savor most wines slightly young than risk missing their prime. 10-15 years on reds, and perhaps 5 on whites generally works for me. What matters most, to me, is that all wines, from the age-old classics to the modern novellas, all hold special memories you can revisit whenever the time is right.

What Makes Good Wine? Balance This is probably the most important quality, in my humble opinion. Just like a orchestra relies on the harmonic interplay of various instruments, a well-crafted wine is a product of the equilibrium achieved between sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol. When a wine is balanced, no single component overwhelms the others; instead, they work together to create a seamless and enjoyable drinking experience. Structure The term 'structure' in the world of wine serves as an umbrella term for the intricate dance of textures, mouthfeel and aging potential. Much like architecture, the structure of a wine provides a sturdy and cohesive framework that holds together its many elements. While "balance" and "structure" are related concepts, they focus on different aspects of a wine's composition. Structure influences how a wine "feels," such as its level of astringency (or grip) from tannins or the weight (or fullness) contributed by alcohol. Concentration 'Concentration' refers to the intensity and richness of a wine's flavors, aromas, and overall characteristics. It stands in opposition to the notions of being watery or weak, coming through with an indelible impression. Flavors are pronounced and persistent. Interestingly, the adage "from struggle comes enlightenment" rings very true in the world of wine. Grapes from well-drained soils, that are just on the edge of having enough nutrients, end up being remarkably concentrated. The vines that suffer during the year produce smaller amounts of higher quality fruit. Yet, excessive concentration, unchecked, may overwhelm the palate, masking the nuanced complexity that defines exceptional wine. In essence, each factor contributes to the wine's overall narrative, mirroring the intricate, interwoven threads from vines in the vineyard to the choices of the vintner. When the right conditions occur during a growing season, and the correct decisions are made after harvest, we end up with wines that showcase balance, structure, and concentration which present us with rare and profound moments of harmony between terroir and our taste buds.

Terroir and Regions Terroir grants us a sip of the wine's "sense of place." A French term with its roots in the Latin word "terra" for earth, terroir encapsulates the distinctive flavors, aromas, and character in wine as a reflection of the region from where its grapes grew. Monks in the Middle Ages, particularly in Burgundy, maintained meticulously detailed records of their winemaking practices, refining which grapes grew best on even the smallest plots, sometimes separated by no more than a few feet. When a devastating grapevine pest almost destroyed Europe's wine industry, winegrowers began to graft their precious vines onto resistant American rootstock. The French luckily found a revival in their precious asset, and this pivotal moment sparked a reclamation of pride in particular plots of land. The term "terroir" soon spread throughout the wine world as a way to talk about the effects of the environment on wine. Terroir's influence is so potent, it forms the foundation of classification systems like France's 'appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC). These systems recognize and uphold the concept that the geographical origin of a wine dramatically impacts its character, quality, and, consequently, its market value. Imagine standing in a vineyard, feeling the breeze, watching the clouds, sensing the warmth or chill in the air. These elements - wind, precipitation, temperature - play out an atmospheric allegory that ultimately defines the wine. To illustrate this point, let's use Riesling as an example. This grape variety is known for its chameleon-like ability to reflect the unique characteristics of various regions where it is grown. While sunny slopes are present in both the terraced vineyards of Austria's Wachau Valley and the south-facing slate soils of Mosel, Germany, they each produce different traits on the same grape. While the nearby Danube warms the Austrian grapes, the slate of Germany stores the warmth and releases it during cool nights. Meanwhile, across the pond in the Finger Lakes of New York, the deep, glacially-formed lakes temper the vineyards, protecting the vines from harsh winters. The blend of shale, clay, and silt in the soils, coupled with the cooling lake breezes, creates an idyllic environment. So, in New York, you'll find aromatic green apple and often a touch of sweetness. While Austrian Riesling will have crisp citrus as the dominant trait. And German grapes profess floral and fruity aromas. Amazing, right? "The best wines are the ones that reflect their origin, and tell a story of the soil, climate, and culture of the place they come from." - The World Atlas of Wine, 7th Edition by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson

Options: Food Pairng / Personal Story / Story of Our Wine

Amidst the plentitude of possibilities, let us embark on a small sample to peak your curiousity. I'm at your service to curate whatever exquisite and exotic wines you desire. Let the following list serve as a starting point for our journey. In the Eastern realms, picture Emir, a Turkish white, a floral serenade. Yacubian and Koor, the hidden gems of Armenia, beckon with their exotic charm. Or traverse the Grecian landscapes with Retsina and Xinomavro, two fiery reds, which dance closely with the delicate allure of their cousin Assyrtiko from Santorini. For devotees of Pinot, which I would consider myself, the spicy Austrian Blaufränkisch offers a tantalizing experience. In Hungary, the royal lineage of Tokaj is a regal choice. The white Furmint, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc, with the soul of Riesling, invites you to its aromatic embrace. Venture to the Croatian shores of Vis, where unique wines whisper tales of the sea. Italy, a grand dame of varietal offerings, presents Greco di Tufo and Passito di Pantelleria, creations of Arabic Zibibbo, as well as the elegant Sauvignon vert. Meanwhile, from the Amalfi Coast, Tramonte Bianco (Pre Phylloxera) and Sicily's Carricante enchant, akin to cool-climate Chardonnays. Vinho Verde from Portugal unveils a world of green wines that deserves your attention. Discover the newfound glory of Rkatsiteli, a Georgian white, akin to Pinot Grigio, and the bright choices of Mtsvane and Kisi, a fusion of Viognier and Chenin Blanc. For a zesty red companion, consider Tavkveri, a star that graces rosé and bubbles alike. Switzerland's Ticino region offers the elegance of light Merlot wines by the tranquil lakes. In Spain, the transformation of wines shines, with the playful allure of Txakoli and the wonders of Catalonia's Priorat. Or indulge in the rosé from Navarra. The United States, a land of wine wonders, extends its offerings from the vineyards of Napa Valley to the sparkling gems of New Mexico, the Vidal treasures from the Finger Lakes, Muscat's melodious notes from Oklahoma, and the Cabernet Franc symphonies from Kentucky. My heart resonates with Torrontes, the Latin American delight from Argentina. And yet, in Chile, Pais, a light and breezy companion, deserves its moment in the spotlight. Cross the Mediterranean and embrace the North African wines from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, where history and vine converge. And don't forget the South African treasure, Steen. As the sun sets on our oenological voyage, we return to the rolling hills and verdant valleys of Napa and Sonoma. In these terroirs, my partner and I have a specialty. Here, I am uniquely poised to curate gems that will make your cellar a sanctuary of extraordinary tastes and tales. Please reach out to me at consulting@vintere.wine if you'd like to inquire about my services.

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