Sips & Tips for Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

August's Sommelier Series is heading to the Rhone region of France, visiting one of the most respected and highly regarded wine producers in the area. Stop by August 22-28 as we’ll be pouring these four extremely rare selections from Michel Chapoutier.

Hailing from the southern Rhone, primarily known for its red wine production, we are thrilled to be pouring a limited white wine offering from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The M. Chapoutier “La Bernardine” Blanc, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France ($14 3oz / $28 6oz) is made from 100% Grenache Blanc.  It offers a wealth of honeysuckle and tropical fruit on the nose, followed by a richness and texture on the palate. This wine is a great partner with our brown butter-topped Broiled Swordfish.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape directly translates to “new castle of the Pope.'   Like the Pope, this wine is truly cut from a different cloth. From a region that allows up to 13 different grapes to create a final blended wine, the M. Chapoutier “La Bernardine” Rouge, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France ($15 3oz / $30 6oz)  needed only two, Grenache and Syrah.  Notes of plum and roasted coffee on the nose lead to a palate rich with cinnamon and licorice.  This wine is a nice complement for Joe’s 30oz Porterhouse.

Shifting focus to the northern Rhone Valley, in the appellation of Hermitage, the M. Chapoutier “Chante-Alouette”, Hermitage, France ($20 3oz / $40 6oz) is made from 100% Marsanne.  Produced using biodynamically farmed fruit, this white wine offers distinct, full-bodied flavors with notes of walnut, honey, and spicy orchard fruit. This is an elite offering, fit for our Jumbo Alaskan King Crab.

We are very excited to be able to pour the M. Chapoutier “Monier de la Sizeranne”, Hermitage, France ($25 3oz / $50 6oz) by the glass, being one of the most highly regarded wines of the collection.  Made exclusively from biodynamically farmed Syrah from some of the oldest vineyards in France, this powerhouse exhibits tremendous vigor, coupled with polish and finesse. Blackcurrant and black pepper on the palate create a great pairing for our Double-Cut Colorado Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri.

Wine Tip: Biodynamic farming is very similar to organic farming. It is intended to restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony. The practice is often debated, but it is my belief that a healthier ecosystem will lead to healthier produce, and healthier lives.

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