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As a wine buyer, one of the more exciting aspects of my job is consistently hunting for "THE next best thing." This involves constant research into what products are newly available to the market, as well as trust and great relationships with wine reps who know your interests and tastes. Best case scenario: you discover a new favorite that is a fantastic value. Here are some things I'm currently obsessed about:
While the island of Corsica is a French territory, many of their winemaking traditions and varietals are Italian in origin. Wines here are typically made by co-ops, small farmers that band together and share a facility. Niellucciu, the leading grape in the northern area of Corsica, is genetically identical to Sangiovese. This particular rosé is a crowd-pleaser, showcasing white flowers, peaches, delicate red fruit, with fantastic acidity on the palate.
Since most people associate the Rhone valley with red wines, their white wines are often overlooked. It's a shame because these wines (typically blends in the Southern Rhone) are incredibly food friendly, aromatic, and complex. Clairette is considered to be one of the most popular varietals for white wine production in the Rhone, expressing itself as fresh, floral, and mineral with orchard fruit notes and lime. However, it shows best when paired with another varietal like Roussanne, which adds honeysuckle, apricot, and herbal tea notes to the wine.
In the springtime my favorite category is a session wine: an easy-drinking, lower-alcohol red wine I can drink with a slight chill. Enter Valdiguie, the varietal you've probably encountered before in a California Zinfandel Blend but didn't know it at the time. In this particular bottling, this wine is made in a similar manner to Gamay from Beaujolais — in fact, until 1980 it was referred to as Napa Gamay until genetic analysis proved that it was, in fact, the southern French varietal of Valdiguie. Fresh, light, and bursting with fruit punch notes, this wine does just as well as a sipper as it does being paired with food (think our Duck Confit or Palmetto Squab with Cassoulet).
Originally from Madiran, France, Tannat usually makes powerful wines with big body and formidable tannins, unless these grapes happen to be grown in Uruguay. A Basque gentleman named Pascual Harriague is credited with introducing the grape to Uruguay in the 19th century. The Uruguay version of Tannat has smooth, integrated tannins, darker black and purple fruit, and a really pleasant, supple body. From a health standpoint, it also has a much higher levels of antioxidants than most other grapes! As if you needed another excuse to drink this wine.
Next time you're at the restaurant be sure to ask one of our wine professionals for guidance — there's always something new on the list. Cheers!
— Andres Contreras, Wine Director, The Establishment
The bottles that we're wild about right now!
New Dessert Alert! Try the carrot cake with walnuts and a cream cheese and marscapone frosting served with crispy carrots and a golden raisin and verjus puree
#desserts #carrotcake #itsavegetable #southofbroad #charleston #chseats #eatlocal
Catch a piece of this grouper! Served with spring vegetables including carrots and purple daikon radish, roasted shiitake mushrooms, Mizuna, and a table side served Pho broth
#eatlocal #localfish #chseats #southofbroad #grouper #charleston #broadstreet #wineanddine #spring #sustainableseafood
Try something local tonight: A whole, roasted beeliner snapper done Chinese barbecue style. Rubbed with a char sui marinade, served with popcorn rice, basil, cilantro, Fresno chilis and a trio of Chinese inspired sauces
#chseats #eatlocal #localfish #sustainableseafood #snapper #southofbroad
The Establishment is proud to be hosting a wine dinner with Beckmen Vineyards Wednesday, March 15th. The Event will include passed hors d'oeuvres followed by a 4-course dinner paired with incredible wines from this family-owned winery in the Santa Ynez Valley in California. Executive Chef Elliott Howells has created an extraordinary menu to compliment these outstanding wines from one of California's premier viticultural regions. Oldest son and National Sales Director, Jeff Beckmen will be in attendance to discuss the paired wines between courses. We hope to see you there! #chseats #chsdrinks #beckmenvineyards #tastingmenu #winedinner #wine #broadstreet #southofbroad
Spinning up some Fruity Pebbles Ice Cream for dessert tonight! #whynot #breakfastfordinner #southofbroad #icecream #homemade #kidstuff #fruitypebbles
Here's something you maybe didn't know about Sancerre: When people think of Sancerre, they are usually thinking of Sauvignon Blanc and the crisp minerality it displays when grown in the Sancerre soil. Did you also know that Sancerre produces beautiful nuanced Pinot Noir (and therefore Rose)? Case in point the 2021 Rose of Pinot Noir, Roi Des Pierres, is light and bright, all while bringing a greater depth for rose that can often be missing. This wine will certainly pair well with seafood focused dishes and lighter proteins. Full wine list and reservations in bio!
Monday morning shout out to our hostess with the mostest: Anna! Anna has been a complementary force to the Establishment Front of House team. She serves as lead host and is more often than not the first smiling face you will see upon arrival. Her knowledge in the guest services field in conjunction with her sterling personality makes for a great experience from the beginning. When you dine at the Establishment, be sure to say hello, she will make you feel right at home
#recognition #worklife #restaurantlife #teamwork #meettheteam #fohteam #southofbroad
Chef Howells has created a seafood centric menu that will showcase Mediterranean fare with Sommelier selected wine offerings to compliment. Please come join us for a fabulous weekend of great food and drink highlighting some of the best food regions the world has to offer. Make any reservation through Saturday night to enjoy this menu (link in bio)! #chseats #chsdrinks #charlestonwineandfood #wineandfood #southofbroad #chswineandfood
Announcing the Beckmen Vineyards wine dinner! Executive Chef Elliott Howells has created an extraordinary menu to compliment these outstanding wines from one of California's premier viticultural regions. Oldest son and National Sales Director, Jeff Beckmen will be in attendance to discuss the paired wines between courses
#wine #winedinner #beckmenvineyards #southofbroad #winestagram
Save room for dessert! Enjoy our lavender Pot de Creme with lemon, candied lavender buds and palmiers.
How it started. How it's going. Bluefin Tuna Crudo. Served with aji amarillo, white soy and micro salad.
Chef Howells has created a seafood centric menu that will showcase Mediterranean fare with Sommelier selected wine offerings to compliment. Please come join us for a fabulous weekend of great food and drink highlighting some of the best food regions the world has to offer. Make any reservation from March 1st through 4th to enjoy this menu!
#chseats #chsdrinks #charlestonwineandfood #wineandfood #southofbroad #chswineandfood