The Place to Be

P1010287, originally uploaded by weltz8.

After spending a weekend with dear friends, I ventured to Terroir Natural Wine Merchant in San Francisco. Okay, so it was my second trip to this enclave in five days. The first go around was hectic, as there was a Spanish tasting going on. None-the-less, Degan helped out with selecting the biodynamic estate Huet, Le Mont, Vouvray, Loire Valley, 2006—a refreshingly mineral treat. If only he explained that I could have eaten my skate cheeks from Spencers on the Go while sipping some vino inside. Next time…?

After a few days I made my second go-around which was a relaxing few hours before boarding my flight back to New York. This time I dragged another great friend, Julia, who willingly succumbed to my visit request. There was no Spencers (I really wanted curried frog legs and riesling!), but we opened the door to a private playground. Terroir was empty except for Guillame behind the counter and an unidentified chick typing away on her computer.

The mere mention of a selection from the by-the-glass-chalk-board drew Guillame to grab a new glass and offer a sip. First, and for me most interestingly, was the Monastero Suore Cistercensi Vodemmia, Coenobium, Rusticum, Umbria, Italy, IGT, 2007. This is a blend of four organically grown grapes—verdicchio, trebbiano, malvasia, grechetto—and receives extended maceration and minor oxidation. The result is an orangeish color, Sherry-like perfume but a weightier palate with distinct ruby-red grapefruit. These nuns know how to vinify unique wine.


Next was the Domaine de Montrieux, “Le Verre des Poètes,” Coteaux du Vendômois, vin de table, Loire Valley, France, 2006. This petit appellation on the southern banks of the Loire River gained it’s demarcation in 2001. This ‘glass of the poets’ is made with pineau d’aunis, and is also known as chenin noir. This wine sang pinot noir cherry notes with a heavy dose of steamy green flavors. It was light to medium bodied with lively acidity and was distinct and fun to drink.

I ended up with another Domaine Huet and sat relishing the final moments of a memorable trip to San Francisco.