Winery Makes List of Historic Places for Making Wine History

Chateau Montelena Added to List of Historic Places

It was many years ago but I truly enjoyed visiting Chateau Montelena, it was understated, elegant and rich with charm. I enjoyed strolling through the gardens and of course tasting their wines. The private tour of the cellar provided an insight into their wine-making and storage facilities that I remember to this day. Congratulations to those involved in attaining the prestigious honor.

 

Retail Analysis

Michael’s Town Wines & Spirits

For my retail beverage shop analysis, I visited Michael – Town Wines & Spirits located on 73rd Clark Street, Brooklyn, NY. At first I expected to walk in into an old traditional low lighting ambiance, but instead this wine retail store had more of a modern, today’s typical like wine store. When I walked in, the first thing I saw was the register. I saw an employee having a conversation with a customer, so because I didn’t want to interrupt their conversation, I decided to explore the store myself and wait for an available employee to assist me. I probably walked around the store a quite few times until Jim ( an employee) noticed I’d might needed some assistance. I explained to Jim that I was a City Tech Hospitality management student doing a project on wines, he was delighted to help. I interviewed Jim and asked him a couple of questions.
How did you develop your wine knowledge?
Jim: I gained my wine knowledge from asking questions, and overshadowing other employees
Where are most of your wines imported from?
Jim: mostly from California, France, Italy, we also have wines from Washington state, and New Zealand. We import from as many countries and state possible so that we can accommodate our customers.
What are your best French wines?
Jim: I would say our best French wines are white Chablis, Red Bordeaux, people love wines that they can drink and cook with.
What dessert wine is highly recommended?
Jim: any Ice wines (Ice wines is a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine)
What wine that can last over 10 years?
Jim: Once the wine is cool, placed in a cool environment and stored properly.
How do you arrange your wine bottles?
Jim: all of our wines are classified by its country or state, region and on either if it’s red or white wine.
What is your most expensive wine?
Jim: our most expensive wine is Colgin, Napa valley red wine 2014 Ix estate at the price of $499

Based on my observation this wine store was like a library, but a library with hundreds of wines. The wines were arranged by the Country, state, region, whether if it was red or white and price too. I thought it was a great idea that they arranged the wines bottles that way because looking for a wine bottle can be over whelming. What I thought was really interesting was that some of the wines would have a green sticker, the green sticker indicates that the wine grapes are organically framed, which I think I great because consuming things that are organic has now become the new trend. Throughout my interview with Jim asking all these wine questions, Jim has mentioned some really good points. He mentioned that people tend to be intimidated when to buying cheap price wine because they believe that the more money you spend on wine the better quality it is. There’s not nothing wrong with expensive wines, but cheaper price shouldn’t be overlooked because it can be at times a better quality and taste of wine.
After spending almost 3 hours in Michael’s – Town Wines & Spirits, I can honestly say it was bit overwhelming from the amount wine bottles that was there. Besides that I had fun learning from Jim about the wines they sell.

known to one of the best wine to have bbq meals.

this wine is from Washington state

considered the cheapest white French wine, at the price of $8.99

Michael Town Wines and Spirits

Admittedly, I originally chose this location because it was very close to the school, but I’m very glad such a large and informative shop is within walking distance. The store has a large selection of wines from various countries. Each country is labelled by either red or white, while region and grape variety are typically grouped together on the shelf.

When I got in, I spoke to Jim, who seemed very knowledgeable and happy to help. I asked him about what wines would pair best with Haitian food (which is a blend of French, African, Taino, and Spanish cuisines) and we went on a trip all over the store.

Wines from Argentine, Spain, South Africa, and New Zealand

Jim showed me a variety of affordable wines that he thought would pair well with specific dishes, as well as some of his personal favorites. He recommended a variety of reds and whites, such as Pinot Noir and Reisling, for their ability to cut through fatty meats, or for their ability to draw out latent flavors in the dish.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to get much into the Rose wines, since Jim started getting heat from his staff, but I wanted to include them into the post since they were such a pretty color.

Wall of Rose

Very pretty bottle design.

I really enjoyed my time in the shop, and definitely plan on visiting again.

Huge 3 liter bottle of wine!