The SOMM Journal

February / March 2018

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38 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 { nyc wine scene } THIS PAST YEAR, the East Coast wine scene experienced dramatic shifts in the way professionals and consumers alike approached the bottle. In New York City, where drink- ing opportunities are seemingly endless, hardly any wine-producing region went unrecog- nized. Sommeliers and retailers found themselves excited about a variety of appellations, both New World and Old World, that translated to greater diversity on wine lists and shop shelves. "Wine bars are pushing the borders and boundaries of what people are used to see - ing, and guests are happily indulging," says Caleb Ganzer, Wine Director and Managing Partner at NoHo's Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. "Central/Eastern Europe is establish- ing itself in a powerful way, and the new wave of New World producers is catching on. Orange, skin-contact, and pét-nat wines are all establishing themselves as mandatory categories." Ganzer has personally fallen in love with small Oregon-based producers, as well as wines from the Czech Republic and Spain. Speaking of Spain, the pros agree that 2017 was all about Iberian wines. Both Ganzer and Alexander LaPratt, MS, of Brooklyn's Atrium DUMBO expressed excitement about what Portugal was releasing, with LaPratt deeming the wines as "incredible" and diverse in style. Lorena Ascencios, Wine Buyer at Astor Wines & Spirits, says her shop will be expanding its Iberian selections in 2018, explaining that the wines of Galicia present mass appeal due to their freshness while Portuguese bottles show abundant character for a good price. What's Next For New York City's Wine Scene in 2018? NYC-BASED SOMMS AND RETAILERS REFLECT ON THE CITY'S BIGGEST WINE TRENDS IN 2017—AS WELL AS WHAT WE CAN EXPECT IN THE YEAR TO COME Casa Lever features modernist architecture and Italian cuisine. Caleb Ganzer, Wine Director and Managing Partner at NoHo's Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels in New York City. PHOTO COURTESY OF CASA LEVER by Vicki Denig PHOTO: ALICE GAO

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