A few weeks ago I received a message that was so very cool and very unexpected. The marketing folks from the new Whole Foods Market in Addison asked me to join their “Wine Geek” program featuring several wine experts in the community who would get shelf level signage in store next to the recommended wine. I know I need to thank my long-time friend, Karen Lukin, who runs the community relations for Whole Foods here in Dallas.
Wow. I leaned over to my husband/editor and said “you are not going to believe how cool this is” and started to ponder my wine choices. I wanted to do something high end, something mid range and something that was value oriented. My only criteria, was to select an accessible and approachable wine and offer notes of why I was drinking it. June was a month of celebrations with birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations in my family so I knew I had to feature my favorite high end sparkling.
They asked me to answer three … okay technically four questions. What am I drinking now (and why), what is my favorite food pairing and to include some key tasting notes. Here’s what I recommended.
Wine Geek
What are you drinking right now?
Chateau de Sancerre
Why?
Perfect by itself or great with food. This wine began my love affair with Sancerre.
Favorite food pairing?
Baked fish, corn on the cob, salad
Key tasting note
Notes of citrus, green apple, floral and minerality. There is a lot going on in this glass
What are you drinking right now?
Hirsch Gruener Veltliner
Why?
It’s a great entry point into Austrian wine. Easy drinking with some complexity and spiciness.
Favorite food pairing?
Asian fusion
Key tasting note
White fruits, crisp, dry with some notes of white pepper
What are you drinking right now?
Pierre Peters Blanc de Blanc Champagne
Why?
The Summer is a time of special occasions – anniversaries, birthdays, etc. At this price point, it is special occasion wine, but it merits any occasion.
Favorite food pairing?
Oysters, shellfish, heck … anything.
Key tasting note
Notes of grapefruit, lemon and tangerine with almonds and freshly baked bread.
The Pierre Peters is the only recommendation currently on the shelf, but I was honored to see other true wine professionals like Melissa Monosoff, Pioneer Wine’s Director of Wine and Master Sommelier, as well as my good friend and journalist, Andrew Chalk, who was representing Crave DFW.
Based on the reaction from my blogger friends around the nation, this is a program that will have no problem gathering recommendations and participation. I love that Whole Foods really strives to become a true member of the communities that it serves and am honored to be on such an esteemed list. Hoping to start pondering my next wine recommendations.
