Get to Know Your Local Wine Gal
By Carrie Becker in Food on Feb 5, 2010 7:30PM
Who to know 
Image c/o Rachel Driver
Rachel Driver
General Manager, Lush Wine and Spirits
What's in your glass?
My glass is very rarely empty, and, honestly, very rarely filled with the same wine. Most recently, despite the frigid temperatures, I have been consuming quite a bit of white wine. Primarily low alcohol European numbers...but my newest favorite is a super quirky white Burgundy Bongran Vire Clesse 'Cuvee Tradition'. It's like capturing wisps of smoke and popping lemon and honey drizzled rocks and prairie grass in your mouth.
Wine Rack Staple
My wine rack always has quirky red blends, usually based on Grenache or a traditional Italian varietal. I like the peppery, crunchy red currant notes. But, I absolutely love dusty little wines that taste like dirt and herbs...never leave home without one.
Favorite Wine Region and/or Varietal
Oh my, so hard to choose favorites. But, if I must, I will go crazy and say Chenin Blanc from Savennieres in Loire Valley, France. These wines are cerebral and laser edged, mineral infused bundles of joy, yet have a delightfully textured palate and layers of wild flavors that I often do not have words for. Love it.
Most Memorable/Enjoyable Wine and Food Experience
Again, with the most bestest, it is hard to pick just one. Alas, the most indulgent, remarkable, and memorable wine experience I have had recently occurred at my past birthday celebration at Schwa. All the Lush ladies and owner, and a handful of very close friends piled in with more bottles than guests. Mr. Michael Carlson pulled us off menu and had surprising, delicious treats on parade...the oddest of which was rattle snake. It tasted like dirt and sand, if you were curious. We had bubbles, and lovely white wines, bottles dug out of cellars, and special occasion only wines. Such excess. And many warm fuzzies. Extremely enjoyable and again, beyond words.
Favorite Chicago BYOB and What are you bringing
I heart BYOB restaurants and frequent them often. At the moment, I am crushing hard on Han202 for their amazingly inexpensive and fresh five course menu. Lively, spritely flavor combinations and well executed fish dishes were the standouts. Gorgeous with wine, too. My pairing included an '83 Riesling Spatlese which was absolutely singing. Mmmm, yummy!