Get to Know Your Local Wine Guy
By Carrie Becker in Food on Mar 12, 2010 7:00PM
Who to know:
Andrew Grossman
Wine Distributor, Lagniappe Beverage
What's in your glass?
Carmenere. I learned about wine via food while managing Spiaggia, so I champion the obscure. I often find wine from unpronounceable grapes or regions in my glass. I recently found Tamaya Carmenere in Limari Valley, Chile. Limari farmers have conditions ideal for sustainable farming and longer growing seasons, which help retain fruitiness to compliment Carmenere's infamous spice notes. You can find great values and unique experiences exploring odd varietals from obscure places.
Wine Rack Staple
I love having Boniface Apremont from Savoie around. "Only in Savoie does the grape Jacquere kick derrière." -Henry Bishop IIII. It costs $16 and it is so refreshingly crisp. I also like Gattinara (Barolo without the dollar signs), Nero d'Avola (inexpensive, spicy and juicy), Uva de Troia (ask an Italian to translate and you've started an interesting and delightfully vulgar conversation.) Petit Verdot and Torrontes from California are at my house, Cannonau from Sardegna...like I said, obscure.
Odd Pairing
That would have to be 2002 Nebbiolo from Santa Barbara by Mandolina and 1983 "This Must be the Place", from Speaking in Tongues by the Talking Heads. I was young to the industry traveling through Santa Barbara County with friends whose alcoholic vessel of choice was still a funnel. As I tried to focus on the wine, my friends drew angry looks from the proprietor as they attempted "wine shots." I felt very out of place, much like an Italian Nebbiolo grape planted in Santa Barbara. Then I heard steel drums and David Byrne come on over the speakers. I sent my friends to find food and began asking pointed questions like "why did you plant Italian grape varietals in Santa Barbara?" As the man warmed up to me I settled into my surroundings; much like his Nebbiolo.
Most Memorable/Enjoyable Wine and Food Experience
After working a wine dinner for Movia Winery, a cook and I smuggled out a bottle of '82 Movia Veliko Bianco and took it to Hot Dougs for lunch. Smoke and honey. We sat outside on park benches eating andouille, Italian and polish sausages. Accompanied by duck fat fries and hilarious conversation, it was an unforgettable Chicago summer day!
Favorite Chicago BYOB and What are you bringing?
I had a delicious Dutch inspired meal at Home Bistro. I would go back again and bring Forlorn Hope Verdehlo or an Austrian Blaufrankisch. Blaufrankisch would pair well with their gamier meats and it is fun to say.