Sommelier Wine Service
Decoding SommSelect: Bringing the Expertise of Sommeliers into Your Home
Most wine lovers have enjoyed the experience of speaking to a knowledgable wine store clerk inside a store. But nowdays, many people prefer to let their fingers do the walking by visiting an online store.
David Lynch, the Editorial Director of Somm Select, recently came to New York to explain the vision.
The event took place at the lovely Palma Carriage House in the West Village,. It served as the perfect old-fashioned backdrop to enjoy fine wines.
SommSelect, an online wine store renowned for its curated selections, has evolved significantly since its inception. Under the guidance of David Lynch, Editorial Director and industry veteran since 2017, the platform has been tailoring its offerings to meet the needs of “curious wine drinkers.” These are consumers who crave not just a glass of wine but also the narrative—the origin, terroir, and food pairing recommendations that only a well-versed sommelier could provide
Writers and Sommeliers Unite
From Etna Caricante to Grower Champagne
David Lynch explains that Somm Select wines are meticulously chosen. Take the first selection at a recent reception—an Etna Caricante—captivating the palate with its inherent minerality.
This was followed by a focus on grower Champagnes, specifically those from Ambonnay, further highlighting the importance SommSelect places on the authenticity and uniqueness of the wines they select.
Perfect Pairings: More Than Just Taste
SommSelect goes beyond offering wine; it educates consumers on how to serve and pair it effectively. For instance, a Sicilian Caricante with subtle spice perfectly complements a dish of Sicilian eggplant. Their pairing philosophy isn’t just about flavor but also about texture and how the elements interplay on the palate.
Wine Service Decoded: Temperature, Aeration, and Glassware
Wine decanting is not just about keeping your wine at the right temperature. Oxygen plays a critical role, too. Tipping your wine in a pitcher or using an aerator can break down the tannins in red wines and soften the acidity in whites.
Even the glassware isn’t traditional; SommSelect advocates for sipping champagne from white wine glasses. Lynch also enlightens readers with swirl techniques to optimize the tasting experience.
Navigating the Wine List: Tips for Restaurant Ordering
According to Lynch, there’s no shame in asking the sommelier for wine prices. He encourages consumers to link their wine experiences, even to the extent of planning vacations around them.
The Selection Procedure: From Frogs to Princes
The SommSelect team rigorously tastes wines and meets with suppliers, exploring a diverse range of terroirs before making their selections. Take Chianti, for example; the choice ranges from Pensacola to Radha, across a chain of villages, highlighting the diversity they aim to capture.
Unearth Hidden Gems: Marsala and Beyond
For those with a penchant for dessert wines, SommSelect offers options like Marsala, a product of the port city on the west coast of Sicily. With its deliberately oxidized flavors, it adds a distinct nuttiness to the palate.
Extra Information: The History Behind Marsala and Sherry
Interestingly, blonde blue-eyed Germans have lived in Sicily for centuries and have contributed to the Marsala tradition, which involves aging the wine for 30 years in barrels within a Solera system. This oxidative process adds a unique flavor, often compared to dried orange peel.
For more information and recommendations, contact SommSelect
