Get to Know Your Local Wine Guy

By Carrie Becker in Food on Jan 15, 2010 4:20PM

Chicagoist is starting a new series to get better acquainted with our local wine experts. We'll be chatting with sommeliers, wine directors, consultants, suppliers, vitners, bloggers...a lot of people who drink a lot of wine for a living.

Who to know...
Craig Perman

Proprietor of Perman Wine Selections

What's in your glass?
Anything from my "six for $60" wine sampler. I too pretend to control my finances in the New Year, and wines like the 2008 Barone di Valforte Passerina are on my table. I drink more white than red at home, and this Passerina is delicious on its own but also good with simple roasted chicken.

Wine Rack Staple
2006 Acústic Celler “Acústic,” Montsant ($18.99 btl.) - I love Rhône varietals, and this blend of Grenache and Carignan from Catalonia is pretty much universally loved by anyone I have ever served it to!

Best Tip for Buying Wine for a Party
Search for great values and remember to be open minded in terms of varietals. Lesser known wines will often give you a bigger bang for your buck. It's also fun as a host to show friends something they may not have had before.

Most Memorable/Enjoyable Wine and Food Experience
When I was working at Alinea, we were given the opportunity to take an evening off to dine. It was an incredibly delicious and complicated menu to pair wine with, and Joe Catterson, the wine director offers terrific wine pairings. I won't forget that experience, what an amazing restaurant!

Favorite Chicago BYOB and What are you bringing
Not a restaurant, but X-Marx dinners are Chicago’s best BYOB experience. If not X-Marx then Sticky Rice for sure. Either way, I’m bringing the N.V. Jané Ventura Cava Reserv,a Brut Nature ($14.99 btl.). Bubbles, mineral, acid - perfect for anything with spice.