Palenque Grill Hand Selects Wines
to Compliment the Flavors
of Our Regional Cuisine

Salud!

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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  • Just A Glass, Please

    Palenque Grill House White

    Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé /

    $8

    Glass

    Palenque Grill House Rosé

    Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé /

    $8

    Glass

    Palenque Grill House Red

    Bold, Full-Bodied Red /

    $10

    Glass

  • Sparkling & Champagne

    Risata Moscato d’Asti

    Italy, DOCG Sparkling & Champagne / Vintage

    Seductively sweet, boasting juicy stone fruit, tart citrus and floral honey flavors. The wine is fresh and fragrant.

    $27

    Bottle

    GH Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge Champagne

    France, Champagne Sparkling & Champagne / NV

    Aromas and notes on the palate of ripe fresh peaches and apricots with tropical notes of lychee and pineapple, developing into notes of vanilla, milky caramel, breadcrumbs and yeast, culminating in dried fruit and honey. An explosion of freshness in the mouth, followed by strong persistence.

    $100

    Bottle

    Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut

    France, Champagne Sparkling & Champagne / NV

    Distinguished by its’ bright fruitiness, seductive palate and elegant maturity. An elegant color of golden straw yellow with green highlights.

    $165

    Bottle

    Dom Pérignon Champagne

    France, Champagne, Epernay Sparkling & Champagne / Vintage

    Only produced in years with an exceptional vintage. With at least eight years of cellar aging, the wine embodies the perfect balance of strong character and powerful presence. It’s structured, focused, firm and dense with a spicy, flowery finish present in each sip.

    $605

    Bottle

  • Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé

    Adorada Rosé

    California Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Kiss-stained hue Rosé in a uniquely aromatic style and delicate sweetness with an unexpected nose of spice and botanicals. Base notes of wild rose, sweet pea and strawberry. Top notes of honeycomb, ginger and white pepper.

    $41

    Bottle

    Kris Pinot Grigio

    Italy, Delle Venezie IGT Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Enticing aromas of acacia flowers, lime, tangerine and hints of apricots and almonds developed in high vineyards of the Veneto region. Bold, yet clean and refreshing on the palate, offering a long finish tinged with orange blossom and honey.

    $22

    Bottle

    Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio

    Italy, Delle Venezie IGT Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Delicate nose with aromas of pineapple and green apples along with hints of orange zest. The palate is balanced, soft, and savory.

    $33

    Bottle

    Llano Estacado Sauvignon Blanc

    Texas Crisp, Light-Bodied White & Rosé / Vintage

    Aromas of guava and lemon peel. Beginning with tropical fruit on the nose, the mouthfeel is complimented with a firm acidity, a pleasing texture, and a lingering citrus zest finish.

    $28

    Bottle

  • Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White

    Franciscan Chardonnay

    CA, Monterey Co. & Napa Co. Rich, Medium to Full-Bodied White / Vintage

    Subtle notes of pineapple and lemon zest. Warm caramel apple, followed by ripe pear and fresh vanilla bean. Light minerality and floral notes add complexity on the palate. Aged 7 months sur lie in small French and American oak barrels,

    $35

    Bottle

    La Crema Monterey Chardonnay

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

    On the nose, lemon, grilled pineapple and oyster shell. On the palate, peach, papaya and crisp tangerine notes are complemented by a touch of spice and complex minerality. Balanced acidity lingers on a long ­finish.

    $50

    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.

    $44

    Bottle

  • Aromatic, Semi-Sweet & Sweet

    Beringer Main & Vine White Zinfandel

    American Aromatic, Semi-Sweet & Sweet / Vintage

    Dry to sweet, pink-colored rosé with notes of ripe berries.

    $22

    Bottle

    Montevina White Zinfandel

    CA, Amador County Aromatic, Semi-Sweet & Sweet / Vintage

    Cheery carnation hue with inviting aromas of summer berries including raspberry and strawberry. Floral notes and vanilla round out the nose and follow through to juicy berry and watermelon flavors.

    $22

    Bottle

    Casa Smith Vino Moscato

    Washington Aromatic, Semi-Sweet & Sweet / Vintage

    Elderberry blossom and wisteria perfume rises from the glass leading to a mouthful of apricot, orange blossom, honeysuckle, boysenberry and ripe peach. Fine bubble and lavish texture.

    $28

    Bottle

  • Fruity, Light-Bodied Red

    La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

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

    Wild strawberry, red plum, rose petals and baking spice aromas. Bing cherry, cola, cranberry and black tea ­flavors. Lingering hints of mocha are cradled by supple tannins and balanced acidity.

    View Video

    $53

    Bottle

  • Supple, Medium-Bodied Red

    Torres Altos Ibéricos Crianza Tempranillo

    Spain, Rioja DOC Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Rich fruit aromas of cherries and black plum jam with spicy green peppercorn and smoky notes. Intense, warm, with firm tannins structured by oak aging and a backbone of subtle fruit acidity. Aged 12 months in French and American oak, partially in new barrels. Bottle-aged 12 months minimum.

    View Video

    $36

    Bottle

    Honoro Vera Rioja Tempranillo

    Spain, Rioja DOC Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    A fruit forward, well-balanced wine with spicy notes on the palate. Ripe tannins, savory and mineral hints complement a pleasant cocoa finish.

    $27

    Bottle

    Ateca Atteca Garnacha

    Spain, Calatayud DOP Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    From vineyards with low yields located high on the hillsides, 700-1000 metres above sea level. Rich morello cherry and plum flavors are accented by mint, orange peel and sassafras notes with soft tannins, juicy acidity and smoky finish. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels.

    $35

    Bottle

    Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot

    California Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage
    Aromas of ripe red cherry, Asian plum, and cranberry with hints of black olive, tea leaf, baking spice, mocha, brown sugar and sweet oak. Flavors of ripe, dark cherry, marionberry, and plum follow with brown sugar, English toffee and mocha. Soft and lingering finish.

    $29

    Bottle

    Casa Madero Merlot

    Mexico, Parras de la Fuente, Coahuila Supple, Medium-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Ruby red in the glass. Fresh and complex on the nose showing notes of red fruits and black berries with delicate floral notes of red roses. Pleasant fruit on the palate with tannins and balanced acidity. Nice and complete ending.

    $39

    Bottle

  • Bold, Full-Bodied Red

    Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

    CA, Napa Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Notes of dark fruits of black cherry, plum and blackberry are layered seamlessly with sweet spice, herbal, dark earth and a touch of sweet tobacco with silky tannins and long finish.

    $29

    Bottle

    Salentein Portillo Cabernet Sauvignon

    Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Estate Vyds Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Ruby red with Aromas of dark fruits emboldened by black pepper create an invitingly fruit-forward nose. On the palate a lush mouthfeel of redcurrant and cherry followed by a balanced and silky finish.

    $33

    Bottle

    Casa Madero 3V Tinto

    México, Coahuila, Valle de Parras Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    On the nose red and black fruit, spices, and toasted oak. Balanced round tannins and perfect acidity. Ends with a long and pleasurable finish. Blend of equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo.

    View Video

    $39

    Bottle

    Casa Madero Cabernet Sauvignon

    México, Coahuila, Valle de Parras Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Crimson red in color. Aromas and flavors of bright red and black fruit, plums, eucalyptus and menthol coupled with generosity and smoothness on the palate. Well-balanced with firm, mature tannins.

    View Video

    $39

    Bottle

    Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

    Chile, Central Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Deep, intense ruby red color. Flavor notes of cassis, cherries and plums add richness and fruit to the palate. The barrel aging adds toast and coffee notes. Medium bodied with silky tannins and long, ripe fruit and berry finish.

    $44

    Bottle

    Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon

    CA, Napa Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Dark cherry, plum and chocolate aromas with undertones of vanilla, clove, black pepper and sage. Well-balanced fruit and oak elements fill the palate with cassis, cherry, dark berry, toast, cedar and a hint of vanilla. Round but structured with tannins that impart texture and length.

    $72

    Bottle

    Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

    CA, Napa Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    This wine is abundant in textural tannins, yet soft as velvet. A wide array of aromas and flavors including cocoa, cassis and vanilla.

    View Video

    $110

    Bottle

    Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon

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

    Focused on striking a perfect balance between beautiful fruit, silky tannins and a lingering finish. Each vintage is crafted in a balanced house style to create a wine with restraint, finesse and the ability to age gracefully.

    View Video

    $132

    Bottle

    Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

    CA, Napa Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Artfully combines classic elegance of the Old World and ripe fruit of California. Bouquet of fruity aromas displaying blackberry liqueur and hoisin sauce with savory components of sage and molasses. Sandalwood and nutmeg characteristics indicate American oak aging. Compact and rich mid-palate buttressed by silky tannins and generous acidity.

    View Video

    $180

    Bottle

    Opus One

    CA, Napa Valley Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Exudes subtle aromas of fragrant florals, fresh garden herbs and forest floor that give way to a concentrated blend of red cherry, blackberry and black currant. Fine-grained tannins offer a velvety texture and complex structure that builds to a long, vibrantly fresh finish with a touch of mocha.

    View Video

    $495

    Bottle

    Vega Sicilia Único

    Spain, Ribera Del Duero DO Bold, Full-Bodied Red / Vintage

    Patriarch and precursor of a line of exceptional wines, forged over time, whose durability distinguishes and gives them a special character. Velvety texture with notes of cigar box on the finish. A splendid wine with the perfect proportion of fruit, tannins and acidity.

    $550

    Bottle

  • Salad

  • Light Appetizers

  • Soup/Rich Appetizers

  • Cured Meat

  • Pasta

  • Spicy Latin/Southwest

  • Rich Fish

  • White Meat

  • Red Meat

  • Sweets