Wine With Wanda

Winemaker Mathilde Chapoutier is Paving Her Own Way with Rosé

Mathilde Chapoutier

Don't let Mathilde Chapoutier's quiet demeanor and youth fool you, this 24-year-old French winemaker is a force to be reckoned with! The eighth generation of her family to make wine, Mathilde is the daughter of legendary winemaker Michel Chapoutier but she is very much her own person. Her namesake wine, Mathilde Chapoutier Grand Ferrage Côtes de Provence Rosé 2015 ($24.99), is a delicious expression of her independent streak. Although her father was a bit skeptical by Mathilde's determination to focus on Provençal rosé, she stood her ground and has crafted a wonderful wine that even her dad enjoys!



Mathilde aptly describes her rosé as "simple, elegant, and easy to drink." A refreshing blend of Grenache (40%), Syrah (34%), Cinsault (10%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Rolle (3%), and Clairette (3%); this silky & lively wine has nuanced flavors of peach and apricot and a wonderful round texture. What a debut - I can't wait to see what's next for Mathilde!

 

Malbec from the Heart: Puramun is a Labor of Love for Legendary Winemaker Pepe Galante

  image courtesy of Puramun

"Each harvest (Puramun) is a new challenge. A time for searching and finding. Nothing is the same, everything changes: the climate, the soil, the grapes, and even ourselves. Year after year we trek a new road, a labyrinth of grapevines that express through their precious fruit our devotion to the Valle de Uco terroir. Each Puramun bottle is the result of this passionate and endless search."  
- legendary winemaker José "Pepe" Galante

When the name Pepe Galante appears on a bottle, you know that the wine will be something special. Renowned as the father of modern winemaking in Argentina, Pepe has more than 40 harvests to his credit. Pepe's stellar reputation was earned during his 34 years as chief winemaker at Catena Zapata and currently at Bodegas Salentein. Proving to the world that Argentina can produce extraordinary wine, Pepe has been the catalyst for the increased level of respect for Malbec and other Argentine varietals.

When other winemakers speak of Pepe, not only do they praise his talent, they speak of his humility. I can vouch for this. Soft-spoken and kind, Pepe shares his wonderful wines without pretension. His latest project, Puramun, is deeply personal and close to his heart because it is Pepe's first-ever wine project owned by his family.

image courtesy of Puramun

Puramun means “harvest” and "search" in Mendoza's indigenous Mapuche language. Pepe believes that the high-altitude Valle de Uco is Argentina's best terroir to produce high quality wines. The region's diversity of soil and climate enable the grapes to express themselves in a variety of ways. To create Puramun, Pepe picks grapes from different places along the Valle de Uco. Combining these grapes from unique terroirs creates a complex blend that is an authentic expression of the Uco Valley.

I recently had the pleasure of tasting Puramun with Pepe and his charming son Fernando when they visited New York City during their whirlwind multi-city tour of the United States. As we sipped, Fernando and Pepe shared stories of the family's weekly Sunday asados (barbecues) where they join together for food, wine, and laughter.


Puramun Reserva Malbec 2013 (about $25) displays the signature elegance and balance of a Pepe Galante wine. The rich and flirty fruit aromas of this supple red are absolutely alluring. Full-bodied and luscious with a hint of spice and soft tannins, this wine has finesse and grace. Robust and lively, the superb quality of those hand-harvested Valle de Uco grapes is evident in every sip. A beautiful wine that deftly showcases Pepe's talent and passion, Puramun Reserva Malbec 2013 is a stunning achievement and absolutely delicious. Bravo to Pepe and the Galante family!

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The Bordeaux Surprise: These Excellent French Wines Aren't Always Expensive!

image courtesy of ©HarlemEatUp!_DanielDaPhotography

It's no secret that the wines of Bordeaux enjoy an exalted status among connoisseurs and collectors willing to spend impressive sums on these celebrated wines from the southwest of France. However, the big Bordeaux surprise is that the region produces an incredible selection of excellent wines at very affordable prices. These wines aren't just for drinkers with deep pockets - for less than $20 you can sip a bit of that Bordeaux magic!



Mary Gorman-McAdams (Master of Wine and market advisor to the Bordeaux Wine Council), Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and a bottle of Bordeaux at the Harlem EatUp! Festival.
image courtesy of ©HarlemEatUp!_DanielDaPhotography

Lest you think Bordeaux is old-fashioned and fussy, modestly priced Bordeaux wines are showing up in some very cool and unexpected places. Bordeaux has been poured at dinners and tastings at the annual Harlem EatUp! festival since its inception in 2015. Harlem EatUp! was co-founded by renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Mary Gorman-McAdams (Master of Wine and market advisor to the Bordeaux Wine Council) was the catalyst for Bordeaux's partnership with the festival. The wines poured at the festival showed that modestly priced Bordeaux is still of excellent quality and can pair beautifully with a wide variety of cuisine from soul food to sushi, and Italian to Indian.




Bordeaux refers to the region and the wines produced there. Bordeaux's signature red grapes are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The white grapes are Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle.

I recently met with Mary and asked her to recommend five delicious and affordable Bordeaux wines. Here are Mary's picks!


Château La Mouliniere Rosé, Bordeaux 2015 ($10)
This lovely and well-structured rosé is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc,  and Merlot - a fantastic way to experience the red grapes that are the backbone of the classic Bordeaux red blend. Dry, fresh, and fruity with lovely flavors of raspberry and strawberry; this is a great summer sip. Built in the late 16th century, Château La Mouliniere is a single-estate vineyard located on the right bank of the Dordogne River near Saint-Emilion.



Château Marjosse, Entre-Deux-Mers, Blanc 2014 ($17)
This gorgeous white wine comes from an impressive pedigree - Château Marjosse is the home estate for Pierre Lurton - the managing director of two legendary First Growth Bordeaux estates (Château Cheval Blanc and Château d'Yquem). Entre-Deux-Mers means "between two seas" and refers to the area of Bordeaux between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. This refreshing white wine beautifully combines the region's signature grapes Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle to create a wine that Mary describes as "fruity and versatile" and with enough elegance and style to bring to a dinner party. 



Château Tour de Goupin, Bordeaux Blanc 2014 ($12)
Described as "dry with a light floral bouquet, crisp textures, and a clean finish," this blend of Sauvignon, Semillon, and Muscadelle is produced on an estate that avoids pesticides and chemicals in the vineyard. 



Château Recougne Bordeaux Superieur 2012 ($15)
Château Recougne has produced wine for more than 400 years and its name is said to have come from King Henri IV in the early 17th century in "recognition" of the quality of its wines. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is described as "supple, round, and generous."



Château Capbern Gasqueton, Saint Estephe 2014 ($19)
Owned by the Gasqueton family for 10 generations, Château Capbern is known for producing charming wines with enough structure to age 10-20 years. Mary says that "you don't have to spend a lot of money to start a collection of wine. It isn't just a rich man's sport. Modest wines can age well." This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot is an incredibly affordable way to start your Bordeaux collection. "Hints of smoke, tobacco, licorice, mocha, and earthiness wrap around a core of dark fruit in an exuberant wine loaded with pure textural richness" that will develop beautifully over time.


La Cité du Vin

If you're planning a trip to France, now is an especially exciting time to visit Bordeaux - the stunning vineyards and elegant châteaux have a shiny new neighbor - La Cité du Vin. "An immersive and sensory adventure showcasing the cultures and civilizations of wine," La Cité du Vin is a stunning architectural statement that is meant to evoke the essence and soul of wine. Visitors can experience a variety of interactive experiences, art installations, restaurants, and plenty of wine! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux was #2 on The New York Times list "52 Places to Go in 2016" - impressive!

A Rosé with Edge: SAVED Magic Maker 2015

Edge and grace combine beautifully in SAVED Magic Maker Rosé 2015 ($15) - a wine inspired by renowned tattoo artist Scott Campbell. A crisp and dry blend of primarily Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel sourced from sub-appellations across California; SAVED Magic Maker Rosé is medium-bodied with juicy flavors of tangerine, strawberry, rhubarb, and white peach. An easy-going but elegant wine that is perfect for long summer days and nights, SAVED Magic Maker Rosé is excellent as an apéritif and also has enough structure to pair with pasta, grilled fish, and roast chicken.

Scott owns and operates SAVED Tattoo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and his high-profile client roster includes everyone from Penelope Cruz to Marc Jacobs. The first bottles of SAVED wines were released in 2013 and the name represents the freedom and sanctuary you get by committing fully to your passions. In addition to his work using skin as a canvas, Scott works in many other mediums and he designed the intricate label on the bottle, which includes coded messages to his wife, actress Lake Bell.

                                                                         Scott Campbell




 

Terlato Partners with Vine Maestros Simonit & Sirch to Recapture the Glory of Pinot Grigio

Traveling the world in their signature plaid shirts and carrying pruning tools, childhood friends and agronomists Pierpaolo Sirch and Marco Simonit are restoring health and vitality to vineyards with their innovative techniques.

Poor Pinot Grigio - the Italian white wine that everybody loves to hate. But stop shedding tears in your insipid mass-produced glass of wine - Pinot Grigio is poised to experience a glorious comeback thanks to a unique partnership between Terlato Vineyards and Italian vine pruners extraordinaire - Simonit & Sirch.

Terlato started a sensation when they introduced Pinot Grigio to the U.S. market in 1979. The varietal became such a runaway success that quality suffered as demand grew to satisfy the never-ending thirst of consumers. The market has become increasingly flooded with industrial and bland Pinot Grigio that exploits the popularity of the wine. Realizing that they had created a monster, Terlato said basta and decided to produce Pinot Grigio in a radically new way.


"We want Pinot Grigio to be done at a higher level. We want a 'Grand Cru' Pinot Grigio."
- Bill Terlato, CEO, Terlato Wines
image from left to right- Tony Terlato, Marco Simonit, Bill Terlato, and Pierpaolo Sirch. 

To make better wine, you need better grapes. To grow better grapes, you need healthy vines. And if you want healthy vines, Terlato knew to call Marco Simonit and Pierpaolo Sirch. Natives of Friuli and born into families of farmers and winemakers, Marco and Pierpaolo have earned accolades around the world for their innovative pruning techniques that respect the sap flow of the plant and improve its life expectancy. Pruning is a necessity in the vineyard but the widely used methods often traumatize the vines. Many may scratch their heads with they see the Simonit & Sirch team working the vineyards clad in plaid shirts and wielding mini chainsaws, but skeptics become fans when they witness the extraordinary results that the pruners achieve. The Simonit & Sirch Pruning Method has been utilized at some of the most famous vineyards in Italy and beyond, including French legends Château d'Yquem and Château Latour.


Terlato Vineyards in Friuli

Working with Simonit & Sirch, Terlato is producing world-class Pinot Grigio and Friulano at their estate in northeast Italy in the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, in the foothills of the Austrian and Slovenian Alps.


Terlato Vineyards Pinot Grigio Friuli 2015 ($20)
2014 vintage is also available.

Hillside vineyards and low-yield old vines with an average age of 20-30 years are a key difference between Terlato Pinot Grigio and the mass-produced brands. Handcrafted from start to finish from smaller berries with more intense flavors, estate bottled Terlato Pinot Grigio has an incredible intensity and complexity that will stun anyone who has been drinking watery and flavorless wine. The first thing I noticed is how incredibly aromatic the Terlato Pinot Grigio is compared to others - the peach and floral notes are absolutely enticing. On the palate, it is rich and balanced with a minerality that provides structure to the fresh and vivacious flavors of white peach, green apple, and citrus. Very food-friendly, you can pair this Pinot Grigio with seafood, light pasta dishes, Asian cuisine, and roast chicken. Their collaboration also includes the 2014 vintage of the Pinot Grigio (more pronounced citrus & mineral notes than in the 2015 vintage) and the Terlato Friulano Friuli 2013 ($24) (creamy and full-bodied with pear and almond notes.)

The Terlato partnership with Simonit & Sirch is certain to inspire other winemakers to raise their standards because consumers will start demanding better Pinot Grigio. There are no shortcuts to quality. For those winemakers wanting to emulate Terlato's commitment to the health of their vines, the Simonit & Sirch Italian School of Vine Pruning offers training in their methods - plaid shirt not included! 

To learn more about Terlato Pinot Grigio and Friulano, visit their website.

A Rosé A Day: Seven Elegant Summer Wines

A glass of Hacienda de Arínzano Rosé brightened up a gray day in New York City.

So many rosé wines, so little time - what a delicious dilemma to have! If you're looking for an elegant thirst quencher, here are seven rosés from France, Italy, and Spain to help you beat the summer heat in style!

Hacienda de Arínzano Rosé 2015 ($20)
Spain, Navarra
100% Tempranillo
 Silky and elegant with flavors of strawberries, cherries, pink grapefruit, and a hint of white pepper. Arínzano is the first estate in the north of Spain to receive the prestigious Pago classification - Spain's highest category for winemaking.


Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Rosé 2015 ($25)
France, Loire Valley
100% Pinot Noir
Beautifully balanced and a graceful expression of Pinot Noir. Refreshing but structured with lively flavors of strawberries and roses with a hint of spice and impressive minerality. 



Castello Monaci Kreos Rosato Salento 2015 ($16)
Italy, Salento (Puglia)
100% Negroamaro
Medium-bodied with intense flavors of strawberry, blueberry, and rose petals with a lingering fruity finish.

Castell de Raimat Rosé 2015 ($10)
Spain, Costers del Segre
70% Cabernet Sauvignon & 30% Tempranillo
Crisp and clean with lively acidity and fresh flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and grapefruit with a touch of aniseed.


Lamberti Rosé Spumante Veneto NV ($15)
Italy, Veneto
34% Pinot Bianco, 33% Pinot Nero, 33% Raboso
A picnic perfect effervescent wine with delicate bubbles and flavors of juicy strawberries and a hint of citrus.


Château Minuty Cotes de Provence 'M de Minuty' Rosé 2015 ($20)
France, Côtes de Provence
Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah
A very pale shade of pink and packed with juicy flavors of tangerine and peaches that are perked up with a touch of tartness.


Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Rosé 2015 ($10)
France, Languedoc
50% Syrah, 50% Carignan
Elegant flavors of red berries and currants balanced by a crisp acidity.

For more rosé suggestions, read my article "Around the World in Rosé."

 

 

From Sicily, with Passion: Cusumano Winery

If you can fall in love with a place just from drinking its wine, then I am head over heels for Sicily. Cusumano is one of several Sicilian producers that has impressed me with superb wines that truly convey a sense of place. Founded in 2001, Cusumano is managed by brothers Diego and Alberto Cusumano and the winery has extensive holdings throughout the island.


Diego Cusumano proudly shared his family's wines during a recent visit to New York City.



Noà Tenuta Presti e Pegni 2013 Sicilia DOC ($55) is one of the wines from the Cusumano portfolio that really wowed me. Any discussion of wines from Sicily has to start with its indigenous grape - Nero d'Avola. A rich and powerful red, it takes a talented winemaker to handle the power of Nero d'Avola so that it doesn't overwhelm the palate. Noà artfully blends Nero d'Avola with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a beautiful symphony of juicy dark fruit with piquant touches of spice, mocha, and minerality. Noà is impressive enough to pair with gourmet cuisine and an elegant way to upgrade pizza night!



For a more affordable introduction to the Cusumano style, give their estate bottled 100% Nero d'Avola 2014 ($12) a swirl. Spicy and fruit forward with pronounced mineral & earthy flavors, this is a vino with personality.

California Sunshine in a Glass: Tom Gore Sauvignon Blanc 2015

When I received an invitation to meet second-generation Sonoma County grape farmer turned winemaker Tom Gore AND create my own terrarium in a wine bottle at Twig in Brooklyn; I jumped at the opportunity. I've been a fan of Tom's wines and farm-to-glass philosophy since his first vintages were released in 2015. Well-crafted and moderately priced, Tom's wines are unpretentious but quite delicious. The latest addition to his portfolio is Sauvignon Blanc ($15). Refreshing and crisp but not too grassy, this wine has lovely citrus and tropical notes that are balanced by great minerality. A perfect summer sip that Tom describes as "California sunshine in a glass." I'll drink to that!

Life in Rosé, Tuscan Style: The Wines of Fattoria Sardi

Rosé season is in full swing and the next stop on my sipping tour is Tuscany with two lovely wines from the organic vineyards of Fattoria Sardi.



Fattoria Sardi Rosé 2015 ($22)
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Ciliegiolo; this charming wine is an elegant thirst quencher. A beautiful soft shade of salmon, this crisp rosé perks up the palate with subtle but appealing flavors of raspberry, roses, and a touch of citrus. With great minerality and a finish that lovingly lingers, this is a great wine to serve as an apéritif and with light salads, antipasti, and fresh seafood.



Fattoria Sardi "Le Cicale" Rosé 2015 ($28)
Mostly Sangiovese (90%) with small amounts of Trebbiano, Vermentino, and other white varietals; Le Cicale is dry and medium-bodied with pronounced flavors of red fruits, minerality, and a hint of salinity. Le Cicale has enough structure to pair with more substantial foods like herb-marinated chicken, shellfish, and charcuterie & cheese.


If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, Fattoria Sardi offers accommodations at their wine resort. Until then, sip a bit of Tuscany wherever you are with their delicious wines!

Loveblock Makes New Zealand Wines with Heart & Soul

“Loveblock is a true love story,” founder & CEO Erica Crawford said,” it is one of depth and dedication." 

A conversation with Loveblock winery founder Erica Crawford reminds you that love isn't just an emotion - it can be a catalyst for creating something truly special. When wine industry veteran Erica and her award-winning winemaker husband Kim stood on the hills overlooking Marlborough's Awatere Valley in New Zealand, they fell in love with the stunning view. They purchased the property in 2006 and to make the wines, Erica jokes that she “hired the best winemaker I know – my husband." They devoted themselves to creating authentic wines from the wild terrain that had stolen their hearts and the result of their commitment can be tasted in how eloquently Loveblock wines express a sense of place.


“The land has its own rhythm and we respect that,” Erica says. “We don’t try to change that rhythm. We submit to that and the deep, intimate relationship it demands from those who work the land. We are the custodians of the land, and our reward is the elegant, yet complex wines made from the grapes we grow.”

Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map for wine lovers but not all are created equal. The global popularity of the wine has flooded the market with many industrial wines but Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc is an ode to quality winemaking.


Grown in accordance with organic certification standards, Loveblock's Sauvignon Blanc grapes are sourced from estate vineyards in Marlborough. While many Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand can be aggressively grassy, Loveblock is proof of the power of subtlety. Pale and almost clear, it has luscious flavors of white peach with just a hint of herbaceousness and outstanding minerality. Pair with fresh oysters, sashimi, and virtually any light & fresh seafood dish. Suggested retail price for Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2015 is $24.


Another beauty from the Loveblock portfolio is their deliciously dry Pinot Gris. Its delicate flavors of lime and green tea paired brilliantly with this dish of sea scallop ceviche from Grand Banks in New York City. An absolutely delightful wine that is perfect for al fresco dining. Suggested retail price for Loveblock Pinot Gris 2013 is $26.99



I'm having quite a love affair with Pinot Noir from New Zealand and Loveblock is one I can commit to! Sourced from their Someone's Darling estate way down south in Central Otago, this wine showcases dark fruit flavors with a touch of spice. Balanced and luscious with a lively acidity, this wine is so easy to love. Suggested retail price for Loveblock Pinot Noir 2012 is $34.


Kim and Erica Crawford

"Our vineyards, one at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island, the other at the south end, might be hundreds of miles apart, but love surely connects them" says Kim.  


Visit the Loveblock website to learn more about their wines. Cheers! 

Wanda's Wine Glass: Piper-Heidsieck Sacré Sauvage Champagne Cocktail

 

Looking for a great new summer sip? My friends at Piper-Heidsieck wowed me with a fantastic new Champagne cocktail: Sacré Sauvage. (Even the name is sexy!) Made with superb Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage bubbly, this sultry libation also includes orange bitters, ice, triple sec, zest of pomelo or pink grapefruit, and a garnish of blackberries or blueberries. The combination of the Champagne's red fruit notes with spice and bitters is elegant, sophisticated, and absolutely delicious. Click here for the full recipe. Cheers!

Wines Worth Exploring: Sip Tuscany with Castello di Verrazzano

The mercurial moods of New Yorkers stuck in traffic on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge* would brighten tremendously if a delicious bottle of Castello di Verrazzano wine awaited them at their destination. In 1524 Giovanni da Verrazzano became the first European explorer to sail into New York Harbor and the bridge named in his honor opened in 1964. Alas, you can't take his namesake bridge to Tuscany but you can take your palate on an Italian adventure and drink history with Castello di Verrazzano - their wines are produced at the Tuscan estate at Greve in Chianti where the famed explorer was born. 


Located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, between Florence and Siena, Castello di Verrazzano has its roots as an Etruscan and then a Roman settlement. The property was acquired by the Verrazzano family in the 7th century and the present day owners, the Cappellini family, acquired the estate in 1958. Castello di Verrazzano is a founding member of the Consorzio del Chianti Classico and the estate is certified organic.


Silvia and Luigi Giovanni Cappellini - owners of Castello di Verrazzano and "Templars of Sangiovese!"

I had the pleasure of meeting with Silvia and Luigi Giovanni Cappellini to learn more about the wines of Castello di Verrazzano and the estate's astounding history. Truly a family affair, their daughters Maria Chiara and Maria Sole, and Luigi's dynamic 90 year old mother Clara are all vital parts of the business. Passionate and devoted to nurturing the legacy of the estate, Luigi said, "I am very Verrazzano. My name is Cappellini but we are Verrazzano."

 

Watch the video to hear directly from Silvia and Luigi about what it's like to work together, how the estate's limestone rich terroir makes their wines special, food pairings, and their commitment to providing guests with an authentic Tuscan experience. We even discussed Luigi's signature bow ties  - he's the president of the Bow Tie Academy! The video features two Castello di Verrazzano wines: Chianti Classico 2013 and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sassello 2011 (only produced in the best vintages.)


Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 ($26)
95% Sangiovese with 5% Canaiolo, this is a beautiful expression of a classic Chianti. Luigi describes it as having power and finesse. The family considers themselves "the Templars of Sangiovese" and this wine elegantly demonstrates their commitment to preserving the integrity of Tuscany's signature grape.


Sassello Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2011  ($79)
100% Sangiovese, Sassello is only produced in the best vintages from a small vineyard at the very top of the hill. The wine is named after the Sassello bird which flies around looking for the best grapes. When you see these birds hovering around your grapes, you know they're superb! Sassello is a really nuanced and balanced wine that is infinitely drinkable. The prestigious Gran Selezione designation represents the very top of the Chianti quality pyramid.


If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, Castello di Verrazzano welcomes visitors for tours, wine tastings, overnight stays, and meals featuring food from their farm. Their restaurant in Florence, Cantinetta, serves all of the Castello di Verrazzano wines and farm-to-table cuisine. Luigi calls Cantinetta "the Verrazzano embassy in Florence." They also own a trendy wine & cocktail bar, Spumantino, that overlooks the famed Ponte Vecchio.

Aren't you ready to explore Castello di Verrazzano's wines and Tuscan way of life?

*Only in New York would we name a bridge after someone and misspell the last name! Verrazzano's last name is correctly spelled with two "z's" but the bridge only spells it with one.

Wanda's Wine Glass: El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2011

 
Can a wine be sexy? I think so! I'm going gaga over El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2011 from Mendoza. Juicy, bold, spicy, and vibrant - this red wine is like a passionate kiss. Price is about $25. Cheers!

Oh Maille!: Gourmet French Mustards with Wine and So Much More!

Maille Mustard Sommelier, Pierette Huttner

Only the French could elevate mustard to an art form and make it absolutely chic! Founded in 1747, Maille originated as the official mustard and vinegar purveyor of the French Royal Court. Lucky for us, we don't have to be royals to enjoy their superb condiments. Pierette Huttner, Maille Mustard Sommelier, was my gracious guide when I visited their spacious new flagship location in New York City's Flatiron District (927 Broadway at 21st Street). You can also find Maille boutiques on NYC's Upper West Side, Chicago, San Francisco, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.



Maille is renowned for their uniquely flavored mustards that combine wines, spices, fruits, herbs, and more. Flavors include Mustard with Olives and Herbs de Provence; Mustard with Saffron, Isigny Crème Fraiche and White Wine; Mustard with Beetroot and a Hint of Honey; and Mustard with Fig, Coriander, and White Wine. Of course, classics like Dijon and Honey Mustard are also available. Visit the Maille website to explore the full range of mustards, vinegars, and more.



"The heart and soul of every Maille boutique" is how Pierette describes their selection of fresh mustards on tap. A very special shopping experience, mustard is pumped before your eyes into a lovely earthenware pot and sealed with a cork. The pot can be refilled at any Maille boutique. On tap, Maille offers beautiful mustards with wine; including Chablis, Sauternes, and Chardonnay. Clearly, mustards of this quality aren't just for sandwiches and hot dogs! A dash of Maille mustard is an easy way to upgrade your cooking from blah to ooh la la! From breakfast to dinner, Pierette says "there's nothing you can't do with mustard" and "you don't have to be an expert chef to use the mustard." The Maille website offers great tips on how use their mustards. Or you can take it to the next level and sign up for a Create Your Own Mustard Class with Pierette!

 

Watch the video to learn more about Maille, cooking tips, and Pierette's passion for her role as a mustard sommelier for this iconic brand. Bon Appétit! 

 

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