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Wine Tips & Etiquette

 

Welcome to Pro Wine Guide!

Take a tip from a pro: “Location, Location, Location” is the secret to finding the best bottle of wine for your budget. Throughout my 30+ years in the wine distribution industry, I have found labels that tie wines as closely as possible to their grape source to be the best indicator of quality vs. price. This closely parallels the concepts of farm-to-table sourcing of foods as a measure of quality. Working within your budget, check off at least 2 of these 3 items from the bottle label:
1) Region/Appellation (Ex: Napa Valley AVA, Sonoma County AVA, Bordeaux or Rhone Valley),
2) Sub-appellation (Ex: Rutherford, Alexander Valley, Haut-Medoc or Chateauneuf-du-Pape),
3) Estate or Chateau bottled and/or named vineyard.
You will often see unfamiliar wineries on wine lists. Fear not! These small production boutique wineries represent some of the best examples of their varietals. Having tasted wine from countries, regions, appellations, sub-appellations, estates and vineyards across the globe, I follow these very same guidelines myself when selecting a bottle.
And while you’re searching for that Goldilocks bottle to match your entree selection, think about beginning your dining event with a bottle of sparkling wine or Champagne. Bubbles pair with everything!
I believe all the best bottles of wine reflect a taste of time, place and passion. Welcome to this timeless journey!
~ Dale Blankenship
Founder, ProWineGuide.com and Umami.Life

Restaurant Wine Rituals

The ritual of tasting wine from a bottle that you’ve ordered in a restaurant can be intimidating, so here’s a quick guide. Not just for show, it also helps you determine if a bottle is acceptable or tainted. Wines with traditional cork closures may occasionally exhibit the chemical compound TCA. These days, cork-tainted wines account for 4% or less of the wines to hit the market. A winemaker may opt to use a Stelvin closure (screw cap) instead of cork. The type of closure does not reflect upon the quality of the wine, only the preference of the winemaker.

Step by step, here’s the cheat sheet on the ritual:


1. Presentation of the Bottle

The wine specialist or server presents the bottle for inspection to the person who ordered the wine. Read over the label to ensure that it’s the wine you ordered. Feel free to touch the bottle to determine whether its’ temperature seems to be correct. Whites should be chilled, but not icy cold. Reds should have a slight coolness to them. If you’re satisfied with the bottle, nod your approval to the server.


2. Removal and Inspection of the Cork

The server removes the cork and places it in front of you. Inspect the cork and sniff it to make sure it’s in good condition. In rare instances, a wine may be so tainted the the cork itself will have an unpleasant odor. Even less often, the cork might be wet and shriveled or dry and crumbly. A cork that’s less than perfect suggests that air has infiltrated the wine and spoiled it. Don’t be too quick to reject a bottle if the cork raises your suspicions. Wait to smell or taste the wine itself. Corked wines can range from muted aromas/fruit to full-on wet, moldy cardboard aromas and zero fruit. TCA is an equal opportunity spoiler impacting wine in every price range. In other cases, the wine may need time to open up. If the bottle has a Stelvin closure, this step will be skipped.


3. Pour, Swirl, Sniff and Sip

The server pours a small amount of wine into your glass and waits. You swirl the wine in the glass, take a sniff, a little sip and then indicate whether you find the wine acceptable. If the wine is fine, you can nod your approval or say, “It’s fine.” If something is wrong with the wine, now is the time to return it. If you decide that the bottle is unacceptable, describe to the server what you find wrong with the wine. If the wine specialist or server agrees that it’s a bad bottle, he may bring you another bottle of the same, or he may ask if you would like to select another wine. Either way, the ritual repeats itself.


4. Serving the Table

If you accept the wine, the server pours the wine into your guests’ glasses and ends with yours.
Cheers!


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  • Sparkling & Champagne

    DaLuca Prosecco

    Italy, Veneto Sparkling & Champagne / NV

    The nose offers up bold orchard fruits, crisp pears, and lemon curd. Together, these create a rich, creamy off-dry style that is extremely appealing.

    $10

    Glass

    $40

    Bottle

    Codorníu Clasico Brut Cava

    Spain, Penedés Sparkling & Champagne / NV

    Pale gold color with a fine mousse. Fresh pear, biscuit and citrus aromas with creamy apricot flavor and a soft toasty finish. Medium-bodied with a refreshing touch of citrus.

    View Video

    $8

    Glass

    $32

    Bottle

    Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut

    France, Champagne, Epernay Sparkling & Champagne / NV

    Floral and fruity variations. The elegance and finesse of an unwavering style.

    $95

    Bottle

    Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut NV

    France, Champagne Sparkling & Champagne / NV

    Golden yellow appearance with tiny bubbles. Tightly knit with robust acidity and a streak of minerality, this offers subtle notes of white peach, plum and pear with hints of vanilla. The finish evokes a note of toasty brioche.

    $130

    Bottle

  • Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé

    Vionta Albariño

    Spain, Rias Baixas Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Aromas of tropical fruit with green apple, kiwi and melon. Crisp on the palate, giving way to ripe stone fruits. Lees maturation gives creamy body and structure with great personality and long finish.

    $10

    Glass

    $40

    Bottle

    Filus Torrontés

    Argentina, Salta, Cafayate Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Delicate white flowers notes and light aromas of white peach, mint and spices. In the mouth, it is fresh and vibrant with spiced and floral aftertaste.

    $40

    Bottle

    The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc

    New Zealand, Marlborough, Awatere Valley Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Lifted notes of gooseberry and passionfruit, underpinned with citrus notes. The palate is full with pure fruit flavors, yet balanced with a persistent, crisp mineral finish.

    View Video

    $9

    Glass

    $36

    Bottle

    Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

    New Zealand, Marlborough Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Enticing citrus notes and tropical flavors. Youthful, elegant and fresh with a lingering, zesty finish. Fermented in stainless steel tanks.

    $40

    Bottle

    Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

    New Zealand, Marlborough Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Notes of citrus and tropical fruits backed by a touch of herbaceous notes for which Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is known. Balanced flavor profile with juicy acidity and fruit sweetness. Finish is fresh, zesty and lingering.

    View Video

    $58

    Bottle

    Fillaboa Albariño

    Spain, Rias Baixas Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Albariño offers a unique, complex flavor profile and versatility with food. Aromas of pineapple, stone and citrus fruits and hints of apple and mango. On the palate, the entry is smooth with a vibrant acidity.

    $66

    Bottle

  • Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White

    MacMurray Est Pinot Gris

    CA, Sonoma, Russian River Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Perfumed nose offers aromas of white flowers, Asian pear and baked apple. White peach, ginger and dried fig notes appear on the palate, where a rich mouthfeel softens refreshing acidity. Lingering satin-like finish.

    $40

    Bottle

    A to Z Pinot Gris

    Oregon Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Aromas of peach, honeysuckle, lime blossom and kiwi, with spicy note of orange zest. Ripe palate of lush fruit flavors with mineral notes and juicy acidity.

    $12

    Glass

    $48

    Bottle

    Etude Pinot Gris

    CA, Napa, Carneros Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Texturally rich, crisp and lively. Shows citrus blossom and flavors of Mirabelle plum, key lime and apricot that finish fresh and long.

    View Video

    $60

    Bottle

    William Hill North Coast Chardonnay

    CA, North Coast Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Aromas and flavors of ripe tree fruit, underscored by hints of brown spice, citrus and tropical fruit. Mostly from Sonoma and Solano, this well-integrated wine has excellent acidity and a creamy mouthfeel.

    $9

    Glass

    $36

    Bottle

    Terrazas Alto Chardonnay

    Argentina Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Fresh and fruity character of white peach, pear and pineapple with citrus hints. Aromas of white roses and brioche with subtle notes of hazelnut and vanilla. Perfect balance between velvety texture and high acidity.

    $9

    Glass

    $36

    Bottle

    Casa Madero Chardonnay

    Mexico, Coahuila, Valle de Parras Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Tropical fruit notes of mango, guava and pineapple with minerality. Chamomile flowers and orange blossom accompany. Citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Finishes with sustained freshness of palate and a good acidity.

    $40

    Bottle

    Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay

    CA, Monterey, Talbott Est Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Rich nose shows tropical notes that continue on the palate. Bright acidity compliments flavors of pineapple and honeydew. Generous mid-palate leads to a long finish of citrus and tropical fruit. Hints of French oak and minerality.

    $12

    Glass

    $48

    Bottle

    Laguna Chardonnay

    CA, Sonoma, Russian River, Laguna Ranch Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Opens with delicate notes of apple, pear, tangerine and quince, framed by hints of Asian spice. Expressive mouthfeel and a layered, lingering finish.

    $52

    Bottle

    Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay RR Ranches

    CA, Sonoma, Russian River Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Bright acidity balanced by a long finish and a light mid-palate creaminess. Crisp and zesty flavors of lemon drop, green apple, white peach and lychee are accented with barrel spice and persistent lime.

    View Video

    $60

    Bottle

    Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay

    CA, Napa Valley Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Rich, yet elegant and complex wine. Fresh and lively on the palate, with rich citrus, apple, melon and tropical fruit flavors, it culminates in a long finish featuring pleasing mineral and spice tones.

    View Video

    $90

    Bottle

  • Aromatic, Semi-Sweet & Sweet

    Franciscan Est Equilibrium

    California Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Aromas of apricot and melon blend with tropical guava and floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle. Flavors open with juicy peach and mango, balanced by crisp citrus and passion fruit. Soft and full palate. Blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muscat Canelli.

    View Video

    $48

    Bottle

    Villa Pozzi Moscato

    Italy, Sicily IGT Aromatic, Semi-Sweet & Sweet / Vintage

    Aromas of fresh figs, apricot and orange blossoms. This crisp and refreshing wine is slightly effervescent with a gentle sweetness that invites another glass.

    $8

    Glass

    $32

    Bottle

  • Fruity, Light-Bodied Red

    Cline Pinot Noir

    CA, Sonoma Coast Fruity, Light-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Deep red velvet color. Notes of cedar, spearmint, lilacs and dark chocolate make this wine elegant and complex.

    $12

    Glass

    $48

    Bottle

    Etude Pinot Noir

    CA, Carneros Fruity, Light-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Core of red fruit is with complex layers of sassafras, sandalwood and baking spice that build in intensity through the finish. An opulent mouthfeel and ideal natural acidity showing substance and depth, yet lively and lifting throughout.

    View Video

    $74

    Bottle

    MacMurray Est Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

    CA, Napa Valley, Russian River Valley Fruity, Light-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Opens with aromas of lavender and boysenberry, giving way to flavors of dark cherry, pomegranate and vanilla. This luscious wine has a silky mouthfeel, framed by subtle hints of oak from barrel aging.

    $66

    Bottle

  • Supple, Medium-Bodied Red

    Chateau Souverain Merlot

    California Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Dark fruit aromas of black cherry, plum and fresh blueberries with hints of brown spice and baking chocolate. Soft acidity and a fruit-driven balance, giving the wine a polished sense of elegance.

    $9

    Glass

    $36

    Bottle

    Northstar Merlot

    WA, Walla Walla Valley Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Densely layered, lush, and elegant, showcasing notes of bright red fruits, vanilla, cherry cola and earthy, dusty spices leading into a long and satisfying finish. Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

    View Video

    $80

    Bottle

    Leese-Fitch Firehouse Red Blend

    California Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Fresh cherry aroma with earthy notes, sweet leather and sandalwood. The palate, shows blackberry jam, milk chocolate, graham cracker and a hint of black cherry. Finishes with supple tannins and bright acidity. Blend of primarily Petite Sirah, Syrah, Merlot and Zinfandel.

    $8

    Glass

    $32

    Bottle

    Las Rocas Garnacha

    Spain, Calatayud Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Vibrant aromas and flavors of dark cherry and blackberry. Well-integrated nuances of oak and round tannins underscore these decadent fruit flavors to create a rich, well structured wine.

    $9

    Glass

    $36

    Bottle

    Vina Zaco Tempranillo

    Spain, Rioja, Bodegas Bilbaínas Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Aromas of black fruit and licorice notes. Floral nuances of violets and jasmine showing hints of vanilla and toast. Flavors are full-bodied and well-structured with rounded tannins.

    $10

    Glass

    $40

    Bottle

  • Bold, Full-Bodied Red

    Terrazas Alto Malbec

    Argentina, Mendoza Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Aromas of black fruits such as plum and berries in harmony with toasted hints and spicy notes of white pepper. Fruity and fresh profile with a touch of toast due to barrel aging.

    $8

    Glass

    $32

    Bottle

    Septima Obra Malbec

    Argentina, Mendoza Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Notes of blackberry and plum jam. Subtle wood mixed with fruit flavors. Fresh and fruity with rounded tannins, balanced and intense.

    View Video

    $52

    Bottle

    Bodega Colomé Est Malbec

    Argentina, Chalchaquí Valle, Est Vyds Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Elegant and fresh with minerality. Aromatic mix of morello cherries with violets, a touch of smoke and some spices. Soft palate with round tannins and juicy flavors.

    $70

    Bottle

    Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz

    Australia, Barossa Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Vibrant flavors of red plum and fresh blackberry with alluring fresh herb accents of sage and rosemary. Warm, toasty finish in which tannins add appealing grip.

    $10

    Glass

    $40

    Bottle

    Silver Palm Cabernet Sauvignon

    CA, Mendocino Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Dark ruby in color, with aromas of blackberry and cassis. Flavors of black cherry, spice and oak with round firm tannins lead to a soft, silky lingering finish.

    $11

    Glass

    $44

    Bottle

    Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon

    CA, Sonoma Co., Alexander Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Vibrant aromatics of cassis, mocha, dried cherries, mint, cola and smoky leather. Full-bodied flavors of black cherries and plums fill the palate. Lingering notes of toasty caramel round out the finish.

    View Video

    $85

    Bottle

    Mas de Subirá Priorat

    Spain, Priorat Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Aromas of red and black fruits finish with dark plum and light mineral notes. Background of aromatic herbs give a touch of elegance. Refreshing, firm acidity. Blend of Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena.

    $76

    Bottle

    Bodega Colomé Est Malbec

    Argentina, Chalchaquí Valle, Est Vyds Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Elegant and fresh with minerality. Aromatic mix of morello cherries with violets, a touch of smoke and some spices. Soft palate with round tannins and juicy flavors.

    $70

    Bottle

  • Salad

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