Get to Know Your Local Wine Guy
By Carrie Becker in Food on Jan 22, 2010 5:20PM
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... 
Image c/o Michael Bottigliero
Michael Bottigliero 'Windy City Wine Guy'
Chicago certified sommelier, wine consultant and blogger
What's in your glass?
My palate is still all over the place, but I've been getting back to Old World wines. The ancient soil and rustic nature will always keep them atop the rest of the world. I've been drinking mostly southern Rhones (Grenache based wines), along with Piedmont and Tuscany, which I love for the strength of their indigenous varietals, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese respectively. Their secondary notes like earth, leather, tar and truffles are inspiring and mesh best with food.
Wine Rack Staple
My favorite wine to keep in stock is Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red. It's a big crowd pleaser, a huge blend (made from 8 different varietals!) is extremely well balanced, consistent through vintages and does not break the bank (available around $18). It also goes great with grilling, which I do alot of.
Best Tip for Cellaring Wine in the City
As far as cellaring wine, optimally, you do it at home. Make sure you keep them at a constant temperature (around 55 degrees) and humidity level, away from light and vibrations, and store them on their side. Any variation from this can affect a wine during maturation. Chicago has good storage though, like Kent and East Bank.
Most Memorable/Enjoyable Wine and Food Experience
I remember having a party at my apartment for SuperBowl XXXIX and my friends brought a case of Terrabianca Campaccio over while I opened other SuperTuscans like Brancaia Il Blu and Guado al Tasso. Went well with deep dish pizza, hot wings and good company! This is actually a tie with last year's anniversary dinner, '99 Dom Perignon with Lawrence's Fisheries - great fried shrimp.
Favorite Chicago BYOB and What are you bringing
I love Caro Mio Italian on Wilson. They have outstanding homemade pastas and sauces, and that combined with reasonable pricing makes it a winner. Last time I went, I brought Antinori Tignanello, a Sangiovese based SuperTuscan with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blended in. An awesome wine made for great food and company.