Exploring Wine at Gramercy Tavern

Located at 42 East 20th Street

Ah, Gramercy Tavern. It’s one of the most iconic restaurants in New York. It ushered in an unprecedented revitalization of the classic American tavern in this city when it opened in 1994. It looks classy; it feels classy; hell it even smells classy. Gramercy Tavern is fine dining at its best.

The beverage director of Gramercy Tavern is Juliette Pope, who has worked in many capacities with Union Hospitality Group over the past decade. At Gramercy Tavern she worked under Paul Grieco (of Hearth and Terroir fame), who provided her with a solid foundation in wine. It’s really paid off: Gramercy Tavern is recognized by Wine Spectator under the “Best of Award of Excellence.”

Before moving to Manhattan, though, Pope worked in Oregon at Yamhill’s Belle Pente (which produces some of the highest quality wines from the state). So I found it fitting that to pair with my pork croquette to choose a 2007 Belle Pente Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir. A subtle nod to the Willamette Valley roots of the esteemed beverage director.

Immediately I could smell the raspberry and blackberry flavors of the Pinot. And maybe a hint of currant? Beyond that intoxicating aroma the kicker for me is the texture of the wine. Just one word: silky! For being a new world wine it sure tastes spicy and earthy. I only had one glass – I should have asked for a bottle to take home!

I went diligently through the wine list, nerdily picking out bottles I would choose when I come back. Too bad I don’t have a Valentine this year, Gramercy Tavern would be one ideal date spot! 

Whites

Fritsch, Schlossberg, 2009, Wagram Austria  $50

Vouvray Sec, Foreau, 2007, Loire Valley, France  $68

Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Montenidoli, Tradizionale, 2007, Tuscany, Italy  $52

Saint Aubin, Prudhon, 1er Cru Les Castets, 2005, Côte de Beaune  #75

Dönnhoff Spätlese, Oberhäuser Brücke, 2004, Nahe, Germany #105 *splurge 

Reds

Failla, 2008, Sonoma Coast, California  $78

Grosjean, Tzeriat, 2007, Valle d’Aosta, Italy  $68

Nuits-Saint-Georges, Petitot, Les Poisets, 2007, Côte de Nuits  $78

Carmignano, Villa di Capezzana, 2005, Tuscany  $66

Frog’s Leap, 2007, Napa Valley, California  $85

Mas Jullien (Syrah/Grenache), 2005, Languedoc, France  $92

Cheval Blanc, Le Petit Cheval, 2003, Saint-Emilion  $260 *this what I’m going to buy when I make a million dollars