Will be staying in Philly in early February and booked a table for my wife and I. An interesting wine list but many are unfamiliar. Any thoughts?
I’m more of a bold red guy and my wife is “only the good stuff” or the calories aren’t worth it.
I’d recommend going to an upmarket barbers and getting their best hipster beard contouring and moustache styling. It’ll help you fit in here, going by the winelist 
At least this is one of those instances where a ‘stylistic’ grouping is helpful. Bold and rich section is probably where you want to be, given the steer. Maybe the Bandol (in the structured reds) if looking for something outside of that, but still big/sturdy.
1 Like
Definitely a hipster list. I know the majority of wines. How much do you want to spend and what are you looking for. I really lile
The two Muscadet’s are popular among us non-hipsters. Don’t know about the vintage. But not red, nor big.
All things I’d try in a heartbeat
White
Unusual treatment of vedrejo
ESMERALDA GARCIA ‘santyuste’ 2022
Lighter Red
Unusal grapes, “herbal”, what’s not to love?
MATASSA vin de france cuvée romanissa 2023
Weirder
Pais/mission that developed a flor. has to be worth a spin!
ALICE L’ESTRANG ‘wild sergio,’ itata valley, 2022
Lee, you have entered the twilight zone.
wine list hostility rating: a mild 7/10.
i’d pick either of these two:
JAMET- collines rhodaniennes, rhône, fr 2020 118.
PAX MAHLE- sonoma hillsides, sonoma, ca 2019 144.
neither will be natty, are both very good examples and not grossly priced given PA issues.
1 Like
Maybe $100-200.
The Ceritas and Hirsch Pinots are really well priced and nice wines. They don’t really fit with the rest of the list. If you want to try something just a tad natty I love the Yann Bertrand Gamays.
And for a white, the Demoor wines are excellent.
Overall this is a great list.
Agree that it’s a very good list, yet unnecessary hipsterish!
Foradori’s basic teraldego could be a good option, or the san Fereolo Dolcetto. Sticking with the Italian theme, perhaps Olek B or Frank C?
This is a natural wine list I can actually get behind. Not so dogmatic as to rule out sulphured wines. Focused primarily on better farming practices (but again, not dogmatic). A solid mix of old world and new world. Helpful tips to the consumer. Wide set of choices for every palette. And fun personality and artwork to compliment the vision.
Id actually go for one of the Tissot wines up top. Really enjoyed those not too long ago.
1 Like
Fun list - prices are a lot more than I am used to but then this is France.
I’d save time and just but the St Pierre pair from the first (proper) page. That totally disregards that you like big reds but…
1 Like
If you’re going to a place like this why not try something new that doesn’t break the bank, especially if it’s not your typical wine choices.
Mikael, Robert and Phils choices I can get behind.
You say bold red, so i’d say the Matassa wines carry so much terroir and emotion that I consider them heavy. In reality, they drink more like dark Tavel.
If i’d put my nerd glasses on I’d do Plantation 1902 by de Moor, or their sons wines which are new and a little rare to see still, La Petite Empreinte.
But as ever and always with wines like these, check w. the people behind the bar that they drank the bottles and can attest for their stability…
2 Likes
Thanks everyone. Lots of good ideas. Always willing to try something new.
1 Like
I have nothing to add to the wine suggestions, but can offer that the cocktails at the bar are an excellent choice to start or finish, if you like that kind of thing.
I do like an Old Fashioned (or variations thereof).
For bigger reds (though none are big, bold, and lush), I’d look at the Dard & Ribo, the Eric Texier, Foradori, +1 on Pax Syrah, Desvignes Beaujolais, Tecce Taurasi (actually, I think that bottle is Irpinia), Trinoro Cupole, De Fermo Prologo, etc.
There is a lot there. It seems like there should be someone knowledgeable on staff. I would explain your parameters with a price point and let them chose something for you especially since it sounds like it is a wine list outside your wheelhouse. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
1 Like
Fun establishment if it’s still located on Rittenhouse Square. Check out Parc on the square too. Great French Bistro and you will feel like you are in Paris for a couple hours. If you’ve not been to that part of Philly, it’s very nice. Have a great time!
What did you end up choosing and how was the wine, and the food, atmosphere etc?
First, thanks to all for taking the time to make some recommendations. Second, it may not be apparent from the restaurant’s website, but it is attached to the AKA Hotel Rittenhouse Square. The restaurant is a bit smaller than I imagined, but a nice atmosphere and low key lighting for a couple and not too loud. Given the options for dining around Rittenhouse Square, not sure whether we’ll go back (since we only visit the city about once a year).
Of the appetizers, the Chickpea Panisse was a big hit - our best menu selection for the night. My wife had the Half Chicken - she thought the sauce did not fit the bird and would not order again. I had the Octopus Lyonnaise - it was ok.
For the wine, I hemmed and hawed but finally selected the De Fermo Prologo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. I can’t remember all of the impressions of the wine, but it was a good match for the food and quite enjoyable. I went with this selection because of some familiarity with Abruzzo wines and seemingly being a good food wine.