Get to Know Your Local Wine Guy
By Carrie Becker in Food on Jan 29, 2010 5:00PM
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 Gwen Casten (Damien's 5 year old niece)
Damien Casten, Co-founder Candid Wines
What's in your glass?
Spätburgunder! “The Prince of Pinot” Rusty Gaffney says “Pinot Noir: It’s like explaining sex to a virgin”. The German producer Klaus-Peter Keller is my Dr. Ruth.
Wine Rack Staple
Riesling. It delivers deliciousness in so many styles and with so many accents; sparkling, German, dry, Austrian, off dry, French, sweet, Oregonian, young, New York-ian, middle aged, Australian, old, Michigandonian…
Best Advice when Attending a Wine Tasting
Wine exists to make us happier after we pop the cork than we were before. Aromas, points, wine-terms…block them all out and taste, really taste. Then ask yourself if you are happy that this wine is in your mouth. Unhappy? Move on. Happy? Ask every question that comes to mind.
A close second? “Know your farmer” is as important to wine as it is to good food. Ask who grew the grapes. An informed answer might well mean that you are tasting something grown on a human scale.
Most Memorable/Enjoyable Wine and Food Experience
Nicolas Joly hosted a tasting with biodynamic winemakers from all over France at the Coulée de Serrant in Savennierres in 2002. Thanks to a connected friend I was included in the after-party. As the public left, a smörgåsbord emerged from underneath tables, from previously unseen coolers and from the trunks of cars; everything handmade by the families of extraordinary winemakers. I shucked fresh Atlantic oysters for two hours in exchange for all I could eat and drink. The happiness and generosity of these farmers paired with the quality of their wines informs what I try to do every day at Candid.
Favorite Chicago BYOB and What are you bringing
For their food and for their philosophy (local, fresh, organic, handmade) I’m going to Mado, and I’m going with a Cabernet Franc from Guiberteau or Lambert. (Also, I’m giving them a shout out in part because I want them to join my pet project Chicago TomatoFest and our Old School Blt Bonanza next summer.)