Kentucky Derby 2010

We're about an hour away from the start of the Kentucky Derby 2010, one of the most celebrated events in US history.  The race dates all the way back to 1875 and has become "The most exciting 2 minutes in sports."  It is held at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky but people everywhere, even in Chicago, are heavily involved.  Let's run through some of the history, specifics and places you can watch in Chicago:

The "Derby" is the most prestigious race in the world, where three year old thoroughbreds compete to win a 1 1/4 mile race.  It's held yearly on the first Saturday in May and caps off an amazing two week festival.  Concerts, sporting events, fireworks, hot air balloons, the Pegasus Parade, local food and drink are all a part of this community event. 

Speaking of local flavor, bourbon and wine flourish in Kentucky, and Mint Juleps are aplenty.  You ask "What is a Mint Julep?".  Well here's a bit about this southern drink.  It's been around since eighteenth century United States and has been considered the official drink of the Derby since 1938.  It is a combination of bourbon, mint, sugar and water.  Here's a recipe: muddle five mint leaves and crystallized cane sugar with a splash of filtered water.  Add to a rocks glass with ice cubes and pour in 2 1/2 ounces of your favorite bourbon (I love Bulleit).  Enjoy!

If you don't feel like making your own Mint Julep, here are a few spots in the city you can enjoy the Derby:

• Lobby Lounge at Swissotel.  A party sponsored by Woodford Reserve with drink specials (Woodford Mint Juleps are $12) and raffles.


• Luxbar.  $5 Maker's Mark Mint Juleps and prizes- $250 drink card for best derby hat.


• Stretch Run.  Drink specials ($6 Mint Juleps) and raceday wagering.

No matter where you plan on watching the Derby make sure to have fun and be responsible.  Share your experience and which horse you put your money on with me on Twitter: @WCWineGuy.  I'm going with #6 Stately Victor.  Good Luck!

Celebrate Earth Day with Organic Wine

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a celebration of environmental awareness.  It's observed every April 22nd and I can't think of any better way to enjoy it than to pop open a bottle (or two!) of wine made with organically grown grapes!  Here are a few selections which I recommend:

Colome Malbec.  This wine is made in the Salta province of Argentina with the highest altitude grapes in the world.  The wine is aged in French oak and is mostly Malbec combined with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat.  It's dark, juicy, spicy and can be had for around $25.  Hard to beat this producer for the price either!

Grgich Hills Chardonnay.  Not only are the grapes grown on this estate organic, but biodynamic as well.  Mike Grgich has been involved in making some of the best wines in the world for longer than Earth Day has been around, especially Chardonnays.  His Chardonnays have small oak nuances like vanilla and toast and preserve the grape's natural flavors by using Burgundian practices, like no malolactic fermentation.  Minerality and tropical flavor explodes, and all for around $40.

Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio.  Not only does Mr. Lageder make great wine but he does it for a great value- most of his wines are priced around $15!  Coming from northeast Italy, this Pinot Grigio is the total package- it's lightly creamy, floral and aromatic, with a touch of spice and loads of citrus fruit.  Open some oysters, roast some fish and enjoy.

Maysara Jamsheed Pinot Noir.  Making good Pinot Noir can be easy in Oregon, but it's not a sure thing.  When you take a loving approach to the grape and grow it organically, it just seems to come out right.  That's no different than what Maysara practices, and they churn out Pinot Noir that is full of berry flavor, spices, herbs and minerality on a yearly basis.  Get it for around $20.

Descendientes de Jose Palacios "Petalos" Bierzo.  This wine is made from ancient Mencia vines in northwest Spain.  Take the dark purple juice and combine with new French oak, and you get a wine an excellent profile: berries, licorice, flowers, minerality and smokiness.  I still can't believe you can buy this for around $18!

Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa.  It's no surprise that this wine is an awesome deal as it's made from organic grapes, priced around $15 and comes from down under!  A wine so full of plum flavor with hints of cocoa, oak, cherry and grippy tannins should be on your Earth Day list.

Chono Carmenere Reserva.  If you're planning on eating beef this Earth Day then this is the wine for you.  Cherry, vanilla, tobacco, baking spices and overall bold flavors make this a steal of an organic deal at around $10.  Grab a bit of Chilean value from this family vineyard produced, hand picked wine.

Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence Rouge.  What?  Another deal from southeast France?  Is it possible?  Of course.  They've been churning out big value for quite some time and this organic wine is no exception.  Priced around $18 and full blueberry, cherry, cassis, pepper and spice.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache and Syrah.

Sokol Blosser Evolution.  Another Oregon organic, this is a blend of eight different varietals: Müller Thurgau, Riesling, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.  Just because they pack all those grapes in there doesn't mean it affects the price as it's only around $17 per bottle.  Great spring wine too!

Bonny Doon "Le Cigare Volant".  An awesome California Rhone varietal blend of mostly Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault.  Their organically grown grapes produce alot of fruit flavor like raspberry and cherry, along with anise, chocolate and both earthy and smokey tones.  Gotta love this meaty wine for under $30.

Well, we went through ten wines from around the globe and alot of different varietals.  There are obviously so many more options when it comes to "green wines", but these are a good start.  If you can't find these, make sure to consult with your wine shop consultants and I'm sure they will steer you in the right direction.  Also, since you're making an effort to try these wines, make sure to do your part: reduce your carbon footprint, plant a tree and recycle!  You'll help secure your children's future along with the planet's natural beauty.  After all, we were given the Earth as a gift.  Let's try to keep it clean.

WBC or Bust!

I'm always up for a challenge, and wineCHATr.com is putting it out there: 12 citizen wine writers are being given the opportunity to catch a free ride across Washington to attend the Wine Bloggers Conference.

I will now be writing about Washington wine for the next month plus to try to win my behind a seat on that bus!  I've been crazy about Washington wines for quite some time now and for many reasons: good quality, great value, wide range of varietals and numerous subregions.  So I will be sharing my enthusiasm with all of you about this great state for wine.  We'll run through the regions, producers, history and my favorite wines.  So sit back, put your reading glasses on, pop open a bottle and get ready to learn about Washington!

WCWG Team Up at Salon Pop!

Join yours truly and Garrett Popcorn at Maxine Salon for an evening of wine, popcorn, networking and socializing!  Follow us on Twitter for updates: @garrettpopcorn @maxinesalon @WCWineGuy

See you there!

The Arboretum of South Barrington: Uncorked from the Heart

The Arboretum of South Barrington is Chicagoland's newest outdoor playground.  You can dine, shop and play in the company of trees and gardens out in the 'burbs.  On Thursday, March 4th, you can also catch a special event: Uncorked from the Heart.  For $40 in advance ($50 at the door) you can experience wines from around the world and cuisine prepared from six Arboretum locations : Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, L'Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie, Gold Class Cinemas, Pinstripes, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and Acquisitions for the Home.  The evening starts at Pinstripes, an awesome space which features 18 bowling lanes, 10 indoor/outdoor bocce courts, outdoor patio and fireplace, Italian/American food and wine, and blues and jazz bands.  The fun moves from there to the other venues with shuttle service all night long.  Come out and enjoy an awesome suburban wine and food evening!

13th Annual Grand Chefs Gala

So every year in Chicago, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) gathers the city's best chefs together to create their signature dishes at the Fairmont Hotel's Grand Chefs Gala.  The chefs are also honored with the Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence- the only Chicago-based awards for culinary arts and expertise.  For a charitable donation you can enjoy not only the awards, but also cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, a three course meal, dessert buffet and dancing.  The 2010 event was held on Friday, January 29, and though I was unable to attend, Windy City Wine Guy was able to send it's first guest writer!

J'nai Gaither is a food and wine afficionado who experiences new and fabulous restaurants and wine tastings on a frequent basis.  Her goal within 2 years is to own land in Argentina and make wine on her own personal vineyard.  She aspires to be able to play golf and drink wine all day!  This past year she has served of the Gala Committee of the Grand Chefs Gala for Cystic Fibrosis and continues to involve herself in the exhilarating realm of Chicago's culinary landscape. 

Here is a bit about her experience at the Gala in her words:

The Fairmont Chicago and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation held the 13^th annual Grand Chefs Gala  on January 29, 2010. The black tie Grand Chefs Gala is a fabulous event which also simultaneously holds the Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence. The event began with a cocktail hour in an upstairs ballroom of the beautiful Fairmont Hotel. Over 30 chefs set up tables and cooking stations to offer guests hors d'ouevres to introduce them to the tastes of their respective restaurants, and to whet their appetite for the three course dinner to follow. Food at the cooking stations ranged from the relatively simple (i.e. “sushi” roll made up of all fruit from Bistro Dragon), to the downright exotic (i.e. veal heart with frisee and truffle oil). But it's obvious you'd get that depth of range at a prestigious culinary event!

 The bars, of course, served glasses of some of the best wine around, and because the theme of this year's event was Green for Life, they served signature “Greentinis”--yummy green drinks made of Agave nectar, lime juice, limeade, and club soda. The drinks were festive and apropos for the occasion. Also apropos for the occasion was the décor. Again, because the theme was Green for Life, each table's centerpiece was a floral/foliage piece of twisted branches and recycled paper flowers which seemed to grow organically from the table. The stage that the emcees shared also reflected the green theme  of  tree branches and flowers. Green foliage danced along the walls, ceiling and tables thanks to a projector which helped to set the scene. It was a truly a beautiful setting for this event to take place.

 ***Cystic Fibrosis mainly affects the respiratory system, and clean, or “green” air would help make those affected with CF breathe easier. This is one of the reasons why the theme was “Green for Life.” In other ways, we tried to make the event as “green” as possible. All programs and menus were printed on recycled paper; we cut down on the use of paper used for the event by sending out electronic invites to the “chef's social” and save-the-dates. An environmentalist would've been proud.

 Since the Gala was all about the food, check out the three course menu. The soup course was very interesting. It was a creamy porcini mushroom and smoked barley soup. Yes, it was slightly “creamy” but I would also say it was almost paste-like. It wasn't a turn off, however. The color and texture both fit in with the green theme. One might say its look was akin to a mud paste, but it was very good, nonetheless. The salad course was even better than the soup! Had some of my favorite elements in a salad—fresh, green leaves and sweet, delicious fruits. The salad was comprised of arugula, fennel, apples and pomegranates with mandarin orange and vanilla vinaigrette. Now, the entree was the best of all—garlic and parsley crusted filet mignon with cassoulet stew, and baby carrots and leaks poached with olive oil and mustard demi-glace. When you're at a food event to honor culinary creativity, you're going to experience some of the best food around! What a yummy food adventure—and just in three short courses!

 So, what were the categories, and who won the Jean Banchet awards?

Best Catering Co: Blue Plate

Best Sommelier: Scott Tyree of Sepia

Rising Chef: Michael Sheerin of Blackbird

Rising Pastry Chef: Stephanie Prida of Blackbird

Best Neighborhood Restaurant: Piccolo Sogno

Best Fine Dining: Paul Virant of Vie

Celebrity Pastry Chef: Cindy Schuman of Sepia

Celebrity Chef: Rick Bayless

People's Choice Award: Curtis Duffy of Avenues

It was an honor to have Jean Banchet himself, who often doesn't make it to the Gala, introduce the distribution of the awards.

 ***Some of the live auction highlights included a trip to the Canadian Rockies with stays at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Fairmont Banff Springs; shopping and cooking with Chef Brad Parsons of the Fairmont Chicago. Since we're in a recession, many of the auction items unfortunately didn't receive the price at which they were valued, so the auctioneer switched to Dutch auction, in which the asking price is thrown out first, but instead of increasing in price, if no one wants to pay asking, the auctioneer asks for lower pricing.

 The night ended on a sweet note.  Dessert stations were set up outside of the ballroom by acclaimed pastry chefs such as Sarah's Pastries & Candies; blood orange/champagne gelato from Via Gelato; homemade caramels from Katherine Anne's pastries, etc. The food was abundant at the Grand Chefs Gala and some of our culinary favorites were on display at this food museum, so to speak. All in all, a successful night which helped to raise approximately $300,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Windy City Wine Guy and readers, thank J'nai for her insight into one of Chicago's greatest culinary events.  She seems to be on her way to reaching great heights in the culinary and wine scene.  I would encourage anyone else who would like to share their views to contact me (windycitywineguy@gmail.com) as a fresh enthusiastic outlook to the wine scene is always welcome!

Current News: Juicy Wine Company, Drinks Over Dearborn

A whole lot going on with the Chicago wine scene right now (as always!) and here's the latest scoop on two places: Juicy Wine Company and Drinks Over Dearborn.

Juicy is supposedly close to being sold according to co-owner, Rodney Alex.  They've been in operation for about 3 years now on 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., and will be sold to current manager Chris Dunstatter and friend Chip Dudley.  A remodeling is in order, along with a new name, more selections, earlier retail sales (11am) and a parking lot patio.  They will also be applying for a 4am license.  Good luck to the prospective new owners and Rodney on his new venture: a Juicy wine project in Anderson Valley.

As for Drinks Over Dearborn, owner Kyle McHugh is starting his 500 Benjamins or Bust campaign.  The establishment has been open for about 1 year on 650 N. Dearborn, 2nd floor, and due to our current economic instability, is in a bit of their own.  McHugh is seeking 500 customers willing to open an account with at least $100 and is giving the following benefits:

• 5% discount on merchandise


• 10% off classes


• special events/offers for the 500

On February 27th there will also be a live 24 hour webcast telethon featuring Kyle and his wife, along with friends and volunteers performing and manning the phones.  If this works, it will give Drinks Over Dearborn enough operating capital to operate for 6 months and have a real shot at making it past the economic woes.  If not, Kyle has vowed to return the "Benjamin" pledges and close shop on March 5th.  If you are a fan of entrepreneurs and see the value in supporting a small shop which features over 400 hand selected items and classes, then jump in on the fun, lend a hand and your Benjamins!

Windy City Wine Guy/Kerasotes Free Ticket Giveaway

For all of you who love a good giveaway, I'm sure you're gonna love this: I will be teaming up with Kerasotes Theatres to give away movie passes to some of my lucky Twitter followers!  This afternoon, at around 2pm CST, @WCWineGuy will be tweeting out a giveaway message.  The first 30 people to retweet it will be given a pass for two people, good for a free movie, popcorn, and soda pop this Thursday evening at the grand opening of the Kerasotes 16 Theatre at the Roosevelt Collection.  If you don't follow me, hop to it.  If you already do, stay tuned for the tweet- more details to follow for the winners!

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Black Rock Bar

'Twas about 2 weeks before Christmas, and all through Black Rock Bar, not a creature was stirring, but there sure were alot of ugly Christmas sweaters!  Last night was the first official (I sure hope there's a second!) Chicago Ugly Christmas Sweater Party thrown by yours truly, Windy Citizen, and some other great Chicago websites.  There were not only a bunch of Chicago bloggers, but there friends and readers as well.  With so many people donning such festive garb, how could this not be a blast?!

My wife and I have never been to Black Rock Bar, but it turned out to be a fun little place.  For the event, they had a large room in back set aside for us, which is perfect for private parties.  We immediately ran into Brad Flora of Windy Citizen.  He not only was sporting an excellent snowman sweater, but also had extras in case anyone came unprepared.  We also ran into a few other great people like Mike Doyle of Chicago Carless, Devin Kidner from Making Chicago Home, John Moore of Windy City Watch, Fausto Fernós from Feast of Fun, and the great couple behind BuzzFlash.

There were a few drink specials, but I decided to go with Goose Island Seasonal Mild Winter, which was a deal at $4 per pint.  It has a darker caramel color, with a slightl yeasty, spicy, nutty flavor.  The appetizers are also 1/2 off, so we loaded up on mini burgers, buffalo chicken tenders, and hand cut fries- which came in a multitude of flavors like parmesan garlic, BBQ seasoned, ranch, bleu cheese, cheesy, and sweet potato.  Next time I go, I will definitely go for the Mega-taters, which is tater tots topped with jalapeno cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and scallions.

To all I did not get to meet at the party, I hope we have more events like this so we can meet and push the Chicago blog scene to greater heights.  It was definitely a great time for all, and to all a good night.  See you at the next one!

Chicago French Market Part 3: Bake it Up!

As my tour at the grand opening of the Chicago French Market continued, I couldn't help but notice how many baked goods were available.  Breads, cakes, cookies, pies, pastries, tarts, and candies were all ready to be eaten by hungry shoppers.  The best news is there will always be more, as local bakeries, patisseries, and chocolatiers will be there with fresh goods daily.  Some of them were even able to take some time out and give some video info about themselves and their goods:

First off, here is an interview with Ellen of Necessity Baking Co.:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_fWbYvPZ30&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

Their bread tastes amazing, as it is soft and flavorful inside, with a chewy crust outside.  And Ellen informed me that they have a bread baked with chorizo and cheese- can't wait to try that!  If you want any of their line of breads, you can contact them in advance, and they will be sure to stock and save them for you.

I then visited Provo's Village Bake Shoppe, located out of Riverside and owned by Wesley Kuras.  He focuses on giving his customers fresh, sweet, handmade European baked goods like pies, kolacky, and breads.  I particularly like the danishes, as they are soft, sweet, and made with fresh local fruits.

For more sweet pastries, I stopped at Vanille Patisserie.  The sweet team of Dimitri (the 2008 World Pastry Champion) and Keli Fayard bring the goods from North Clybourn sure to please.  Mousse cakes, tarts, and chocolates are their specialty.

Next came the mother-daughter team of Stasia Hawyrszczuk and Dobra Bielinski of Delightful Pastries.  They have been baking up breads, pastries, and cookies since 1988 at 5927 N. Lawrence.  They bake local and fresh- no preservatives or chemicals and even make low-fat and low-sugar sweet rolls if you're looking to keep the weight down!

Just across the way I spotted Sweet Miss Giving's (SMG), which not only gives us some great sweets to purchase, but also donates 50% of all profit to Chicago's homeless and HIV/AIDS afflicted.  SMG also offers up Uncommon Grounds coffee out of Saugatuck, Michigan.  You can find their goods at many locations in Chicago, including the French Market.  Here's a small interview with the shop manager:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxXtqddLlR4&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

If you're looking to get more of a coffee and sweet fix on, try Espression by Lavazza.  All of your favorite Italian style coffee and espresso creations accompanied by pastries, chocolates, and gelatos, brought to you by a 114 year-old family business.

Last on my sweets tour was Canady le Chocolatier, a favorite of mine from the South Loop.  Michael Canady has been pleasing the sweet tooth of South Loopers (and me!) for years now with his handmade chocolates, gelatos, and crepes.  His array of chocolates are on full display at the French Market, and make sure to visit his shop for the rest!

There are two other breadmakers: Chundy's Bistro and Pastoral Artisan, but I will save them for my next feature.  In the meantime, grab some bread and pastries, and don't forget the cannoli!

Chicago French Market Part 2: Soap and Flowers

So as I continued through the Chicago French Market on opening day, I ran into two vendors who were not about food or beverage.  The first was Abbey Brown Soap Artisan.  They not only create handcrafted natural olive oil soaps and body oils, but also feature works such as pottery, jewelry, and paintings from local artists.  Here is an interview with Abbey Brown proprietor, Deborah Kraemer:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeEmpBVOtzA&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999]

You can also find their home storefront at 1162 W. Grand Avenue.

I also ran into the Market's local florist, Les Fleurs.  They feature fresh flowers from all over the globe, in all sorts of forms: fresh cut, potted plants, and European style flower arrangements.  So not only can you freshen yourself up with soap and oils, but you can freshen up your place with flower arrangements!

Chicago Christkindlmarket

The Chicago Christkindlmarket is in full swing at the Daley Plaza!  The market is going on it's 14th year and celebrates a tradition almost 500 years old, started in Germany.  It commemorates the season of Advent, as well as the growing season.  Each market includes fun, festivities, and goods, food, and beverages from local artisans and vendors.  Every region in Germany displays their own local specialties, making them unique.  Now, there are Christkindlmarkets around the globe, and we have our very own!  Here's a bit more about our market and vendors: There are dozens of vendors, offering crafted goods like jewelry, crystal, pottery, wood carvings, ornaments, scarves, sweaters, and cuckoo clocks.  They also offer imported candies and chocolates, and all sorts of food like schnitzel, goulash, bratwurst, soups, potato pancakes, sweet cheese fritters, roasted nuts, stollen, and strudel.

Now for the beverages!  For the adults, there is Original Sternthaler Nürnberger Christkindles Glühwein, a German mulled wine, which is normally a spiced red wine served warm.  Some have been known to be prepared with rum, so you are warmed up in more ways than one!  They also offered imported German beers, Bischoff Premium Pilsner and Doppelbock.  For the kids (or my pregnant wife!) they have hot chocolate and hot cider.  These are all sure to keep you warm as you enjoy the market with friends and family.

The market is open every year from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, and normally runs every day from 11am to 8pm.  There is also a large schedule of events including parades, performances, and choirs.  Be sure to visit and enjoy everything that Chicago has to offer!

An Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Join us for an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party next Thursday evening to celebrate the holidays!  About twenty local sites are teaming up to pull this off in style.

Here's the details: the party is being held at Black Rock Bar on Thursday, December 10, starting at 7pm.  The party is free, but the drinks are not, though there will be specials.  So bring yourself, your friends, and your ugliest Christmas sweater.  Come meet other Windy City Wine Guy readers as well as dozens of other interesting Chicagoans from around the city.

Learn more, RSVP, and find out how to spread the word at the Ugly Christmas Party Official Page.

Windy City Wine Guy is teaming up with other sites to make this a night to remember.  Make sure to check them out this weekend to learn a whole lot more about what's happening in Chicago.  Here's the Co-Sponsors:

Backgarage, Chicago Bar Project, Chicago Carless, Chicago Dining Examiner, Chicago Foodies, Chicago Tumbls Too, ChiTown Tattler, Driftglass, Fun Sherpa, Gals Guide, Lake Effect News, Loud Loop Press, Making Chicago Home, Outside the Loop Radio, Sound Citizen, The Urbanophile, Windy Citizen, Windy City Watch, and Windy City Wine Guy.

See you there!

Sopranos & St. Supery at Binny's South Loop

Little did I know that when I signed up for a tasting of St. Supery wines at Binny's south loop, that I would run into the Sopranos.  The place was, excuse the pun, a mob scene!  When I first entered, I practically ran into Tony Sirico (Paulie Walnuts) and Steven Schirripa (Bobby Baccalieri), who were there to sign bottles of Sopranos wines.  There was a line that travelled all the way to the back of the store!  People were just waiting for a chance to meet the Italian duo, and get an autograph on their Sopranos wine.  I decided to grab some pictures and look for some St. Supery.

I found Rick Bakas and Steve Orozco of St. Supery in the middle of the store pouring five different wines.  I started with their 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (which made my Best Buys list) ($14.99) and is refreshing, full of lime burst, grapefruit, and pineapple.  I moved to their 2008 Virtu ($23.99), which is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.  This is a bit richer, with creamier notes, stone fruit, and more body.  Then it was a Cabernet Sauvignon comparison between their vineyard blend ($29.99) and the 2005 Dollarhide estate ($69.99).  The blend had more toasted coconut along with lush fruity flavor and supple tannins, while the Dollarhide was more intense and concentrated, with grippy tannins, and smooth oak flavor.  The blend was a pleaser while the Dollarhide could age to become a more mature and strong Cabernet.  I finished with their 2008 Moscato ($18.99), which was sweet and floral, with peach fruit flavor, but devoid of any sparkle- I like mine with some fizz.  I really like the St. Supery wines since I was introduced to them at the Wine Blogger Conference 2009, and I think you will too.

As far as the Sopranos wines go, they are made in association with HBO, and are a lineup of Italian varietals.  They make a Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir from Pavia, and three different Chianti: a DOCG madeup of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, a traditional Classico, and Riserva.  I haven't tried them, so I cannot render any feedback, but I look forward to it.  I know enough people went home with the wines that there should be some reviews out there!

I guess this proves that in Chicago, you never know who you'll run into!

Chicago Metra French Market Opens- Bienvenue!

It's finally here!  The French Market has opened in the Metra Market- as of 7:30 this morning.  The market will be open every Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 7:30pm, and also on Saturdays from 8:30am to 6:00pm.  The vendor opening times vary, but all are open by 10:00am.  All 30 vendors were hand selected to bring organic produce and artisinal product directly to the consumer.  There is also special emphasis on the selected vendor's identity: entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and accomplished purveyors.

You can look forward to picture updates and video from the grand opening, highlighting the produce and vendor interviews.  See you soon!

Holiday Event Planning at Your Service!

The holidays can be alot of fun, but they can also be stressful.  Picking out the right venue, caterers, beverages, pairings, etc. can make or break your event.  Fortunately, there is a solution: contact the Windy City Wine Guy!  Anything is possible, from finding the right spot for your corporate holiday party, to finding the right wines to pair with each catered selection, or even purchasing the right beverage for your baked ham dinner. 

Need a professional sommelier onhand for a wine tasting or to help entertain your guests?  I have over ten years combined experience as both a mixologist and sommelier, and have paired beverages with everything from caviar to cupcakes.  Santa Claus may be over three weeks away, but the Windy City Wine Guy can help anytime!

Contact me anytime:  windycitywineguy@gmail.com

Beaujolais Nouveau Hits Chicago

The 3rd Thursday of November is arriving, so that means it is time for Beaujolais Nouveau 2009!  We went over this phenonmenon last year, but millions of cases of this wine will be released to the world this Thursday at 12:01am, with a bunch coming right here to Chicago.  Not only will the wine be available for purchase, but the city will be partying down with this tasty, easy drinking wine.  Here is a list of specials and events:

Bistro 110: Burgundy/Beaujolais Tasting.  Head to this Magnificent Mile bistro at 6pm this Thursday for a 6 wine tasting paired with offerings from Chef Dominique Tougne which include cheese, charcuterie, garlic sausage, veal blanquette, poached salmon, and dessert.  $25.

Brasserie Jo: This Friday, enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau by the glass ($8) or bottle ($39) with a la carte pairings of escargots, saucisson, and beef bourguignon.

Cafe des Architectes: Head to the Sofitel Water Tower for a Four Course Prix Fixe.  This menu features French dishes made with local ingredients such as Swan Creek Farm pork belly and chicken, Nichols Farm cippolini onions, and Fayette Creamery camembert.  This menu will be featured Thursday-Saturday.  $45.

French-American Chamber of Commerce: 25th Annual Passport to France.  Enjoy French cuisine from local restaurants paired with 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau along with other French wines and spirits.  There will also be a silent auction and chances to win a trip to France.  At the Union League Club of Chicago.  $50 in advance, $60 at the door.

Kiki's Bistro: Pairing Beaujolais Nouveau with regular menu items.  Wines from Montes Vineyards of Chile will also be featured.

La Sardine: If you're hanging around Harpo Studios, stop in to enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau paired with a Four Course Prix Fixe retro menu.  Seafood gratin, duck consumme, monkfish, and dessert.  $35.

L'Eiffel Bistro & Creperie: If you're out near South Barrington, head to this lively little bistro for the festivities.  Live music, Beaujolais Nouveau, and a Three Course Prix Fixe.  $35.50.

Mon Ami Gabi: Live music, prizes, 2009 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, and hors d'oeuvres at both the Lincoln Park and Oak Brook locations.  $35.

Pinot Days Chicago 2009

Another autumn day in Chicago, enjoying not only a fabulous Indian summer, but also some Pinot Noir.  Pinot Days occurred on the lakefront, in Navy Pier, an awesome venue for any event.  With such great weather in the city, people were strolling down the pier, fishing, shopping, and sitting while admiring the view of our lake and skyline.  I enjoyed the view as well, like I always do, while strolling to try Pinot Noir from over 50 different producers.

So Pinot Noir has quickly become one of the world's favorite varietals, and there is much to like about the grape.  It produces wines that can be easy drinking, with light and vibrant red berry fruit, bright acidity (which helps with many food pairings), and can also have many spice components, and earthy/mushroom qualities, though mostly (but not only!) found in European versions.  The color can go from translucent and light ruby to light deep purple, and the tannins as well can vary from light to grippy and firm.  These wines can also age, and show many more complexities with maturity.

The producers at this event were here to impress.  I started off by visiting Tim Olsen of Olsen Ogden Wines in Sonoma's Russian River Valley.  I've met Tim before, and not only is he a great guy, but he makes outstanding wine.  He introduced me to two of his Pinots, which demonstrated extremely different styles.  His 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has deeper color, more tannins and weight.  It also has dark fruit flavor and spice.  On the other hand, his 2007 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is lighter, full of red fruit and bright acid, and has more earthy complexity.  These wines illustrate two basic styles of Pinot Noir.  I was also lucky to try both a Syrah/Grenache blend, and the Unti Vineyard Syrah.  Love the body and peppery spice with those wines.

Next I was on to Inman Family Wines, a small winery in Sonoma, with some great wines, especially their estate organically grown Olivet Grange Vineyard Pinot Noir.  This wine exhibits much depth and flavor, and will age well.  The tannic structure is much more intense than many other Pinots, and I guarantee you will enjoy it.  They also feature a few other Pinot Noirs made with fruit from other vineyards, and a Pinot Gris.

I also found another one of my favorite Sonoma Pinot Noirs, the Keller Estate Precioso.  This is made from the estate's best select barrels, and aged 15 months in oak.  This wine is not only full of rich fruits like raspberry and pomegranate, but also exotic spice, and depth.

A few other California wineries I enjoyed:

• Demetria.  Family owned winery making biodynamically grown grapes, and a great Pinot in the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara.


• Belle Glos.  A Sonoma producer with three single vineyard Pinots: Taylor Lane, Clark and Telephone, and Las Alturas.  This family has a long history with California wines, so watch out for these wines!


• Goldeneye.  This label was created by the Duckhorn family, with a vision to create world class Pinot Noir in Anderson Valley.  They now make excellent Pinots from four different estate's fruit.


• Papapietro.  A family owned Sonoma winery not only making great Pinot Noir, but also Zinfandels.

There was also some Pinot Noir from Oregon, my favorite state for the varietal:

• Domaine Serene.  A historically acclaimed producer, making world class Pinot Noir from three estate vineyards in Dundee Hills, north Willamette Valley.


• Le Cadeau.  A Willamette Valley producer making excellent Pinot from a volcanic microclimate.


• Stoller.  Not only making world class wines, but also the nation's first LEED Certified winery, a mark of not only true sustainability, but also a commitment to being "Green".

There were also some German Pinot Noir, also known as Spatburgunder, represented.  The style is traditionally lighter in body, tannins, and color, though bigger versions are being produced in seasons offering longer summers and more intense sunlight.

All things considered, this was a great tasting event, with not only some extremely enjoyable wines, but also some nice food and olive oils.  Looking forward to Pinot Days 2010!

Chicago Community Crush at Noble Grape

Community Crush: Chicago is in full swing, as we are ready to sample our Pinot Noir before it hits the barrel!  The tasting will be at The Noble Grape, Wednesday, October 28, from 6-8pm.  Please RSVP in advance, and if you have not already, reserve your allocation of the great wine we are babysitting, the 2009 Two Pisces Vineyard Pinot Noir.  Come taste the wine, have some cheese, and meet your fellow Pinot Noir Community members!

Rioja Week in Chicago

Next week, October 18-25, Rioja will be invading Chicago for a week of glass pours and pairings in some great restaurants and wine bars.  Rioja Week will be hitting only two cities: ours and New York.  This is something special, as many restaurants do not serve Rioja wines by the glass, though they pair extremely well with food.  

Some may ask "What is Rioja?".



Rioja is wine made in La Rioja, a province in northern Spain.  The main grape varietals permitted are Tempranillo for red, while whites are mainly comprised of Viura, also known as Macabeo.  Other grape varietals used are Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Malvasia.  There is a great history of winemaking in this region, which dates back thousands of years.  Wines can range from young and vibrant to aged and  funky, but all are perfect with local cuisine, as well as certain internationals.

Many deals can be had next week, such as $25 or $50 prix fixe menus including wine, $12 bar samplings, or 15-20% discounts on Rioja bottles.  Some of the restaurants/bars included are:

Chicago:  Sushi Samba Rio, 1492 Tapas, Mundial Cucina Mestiza, Mercat al la Planxa, Fonda del Mar, Fiddlehead Cafe, Eivissa, Vivo, Province, Fleming's, Tocco Pizza E Arte, The Red Canary, The Melting Pot, Salpicon, Feast

Naperville:  Meson Sabika, Zaidi's

Evanston:  Oceanique

Arlington Heights:  La Tasca Tapas

So come on out and get yourself a glass or bottle and fiesta!