This weekend in New York City, I made it my goal to sample a few varities that step out of the wine box. Lucky for me, we went to The Modern (located on the garden level of MoMa)to celebrate a friend’s birthday and their wine list offered a great selection of unusal varieties. Managed by Belinda Chang, the list offered an interesting read with many regions and price points represented. I settled on two bottles for the table, a 2006 Paul Blanck Chasselas from Alsace, France and a 2007 “Modern” Alicante Bouschet from Barrosa, Australia. The Chasselas (a lesser quality French grape from a great Alsatian producer) was dry, neutral in nature with with lots of fruity, hay-like aromas that reminded us of Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. It was fantastic with the mushroom soup and chirizo ravioli I ordered for my first-course. The Alicante Bouschet (one of the few red grapes around that also has red pulp) was dark rose in color with loads of strawberry, cranberry and cranapple aromas. Fruit-forward and medium in body, the wine was a good match for the Alsatian-style sausage and sauerkraut at the table. The wines were offered by glass and bottle making it a fun way to try lesser known varieties. Here’s the best news…The Modern offers a three-course dinner for $35 every Sunday night. A great oppotunity to take in the chic scene, Alsatian eats and sample unusal varieties by the glass. Cheers.
Unusal Varieties by the Glass & Bottle
About the Author: Marianne Frantz
A Certified Wine Educator, Marianne holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) of London, and has also earned the Advanced Sommelier qualification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. After successfully participating in an educational competition sponsored by the Wines of Australia in the spring of 2008, Marianne became an educational Ambassador for Wine Australia USA. She is also a Certified Spanish Wine Educator.