Mitch's Musings: It's All About The People

Codey and I hit the big city the other day for a "portfolio" tasting in the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The below image is the view we had from the third floor of the venue (where the Burgundies were located, one of our favorite floors to visit). As you can see, it was a pretty big event. Whenever we go to a big tasting we go with a game plan. We study what wines will be there and where they are located. Luckily, all "good" wholesalers provide lists and maps before hand. We found some real gems at all price points that you will find on our racks over the coming weeks.

At this particular tasting, we had the opportunity to chat/taste with some of our favorite winemakers. Whenever I've gotten the chance to taste with a winemaker I've always come to the quick conclusion that these are just normal people, like you and me. They just happen to make wine for a living. It's funny how often serious technical wine talk ebbs into heartfelt conversations about kids, family, pets, etc.  

1- Rainer Karl Lingenfelder: Lingenfelder Estate: 13th generation winemaker, Rainer Lingenfelder makes stellar wines from the Pfalz region of Germany. Right now I'm in love with his sparkling Riesling. Super dry bubbly that has more in common with Champagne than German Sekt.

2- Brian Smith: Loca Linda: When you land on their site you're met with a simple black and white statement- "Pair With: Lovers, Family and Friends". He's a pro snowboarder turned top sommelier turned winemaker. We carry his Malbec, Torrantes and Rose. All are in 1 liter bottles and represent a solid quality to price ratio... aka, pull cork, pour with friends and enjoy!

3- Giuseppe Vaira: G.D.Vajra (family name with an "i", winery name with a "j"): One of my all time favorite Piedmont producers. Giuseppe and his father, Aldo, make great Barolo (we carry two, 1- 2), Nebbiolo, Moscato (for you all with a sweet tooth), Freisa (which we don't currently have in stock but I have a case of 2008 in my cellar resting for my 6 year old daughter, expected maturity date of the wine is 2014-2028), and a KILLER Riesling that we enjoyed this Summer as often as possible. I also have a bottle of the Riesling slated for my Thanksgiving dinner this year.

4- Francesca Grasso: Ellio Grasso Estate: Let's face it, behind every great man is an even better woman.  Gianluca's wife, Francesca, was holding down the "tasting" while her hubby was busy tending to the vines. Gianluca is Ellio's son and is now at the helm of the Ellio Grasso Estate. Ironically, when I approached Francesca for a picture she thought I wanted her to take the picture of Codey and I -- can you say humble?! We carry two of their Barolos, (1 - 2), both are pretty serious wines.

5- Michael Terrien: Tricycle Wine Co.: Perfect name for a winery that has 3 primary activities; growing grapes, making barrels, and producing distinctive yummy (technical wine term) California wines. Simply put, Micheal has a great sense of humor and is very tall (or maybe I'm a bit short). We carry a bunch of Tricycle wines. You can check them out HERE.