Wine About the Winter with Master Sommelier Greg Van Wagner
Aspen has no shortage of wine experts, yet some stand out amongst the rest for their dedication to the perfection of the wine craft. One such individual is none other than Greg Van Wagner, Wine & Beverage Director here at PARC Aspen. Greg has spent his time at PARC Aspen cultivating a wine list so extensive that even the most esteemed wine drinkers would be impressed.
PARC Aspen’s curated wine list serves as a map for any wine drinker to select the bottle most suitable for their meal. Should a wine drinker wish to take this map and use it at home to select their own pairing, they can use the following information to help guide them with their selection.
What Should You Consider When Choosing A Wine To Pair With Your Meal?
According to Greg, the most important thing to consider when choosing a wine is yourself! Just because there may be an unwritten rule about what wine to pair with a certain dish, doesn’t mean you are going to like the wine. “If you like big, hearty reds, then you should get a big hearty red.” Pairing with the persona is important because if you choose a wine that you enjoy drinking by itself, then you are going to enjoy drinking it with the food.
But for those who are wanting to venture out of their comfort zones a bit when it comes to trying a new wine, the rule of thumb is “whatever grows together, goes together.” Choosing food and wine produced in the same region is a great way to ensure a quality pairing. Sangiovese, a red wine varietal from Italy, tends to pair brilliantly with tomato-based pasta sauce because the ingredients come from the same region. Similarly, french wines like Aurélien Chatagnier Vigneron’s syrah pair wonderfully with french inspired dishes like our Coq au Vin.
A final consideration is the heaviness of the dish. If you ordered a hearty stew, consider a wine that might be a little more light on its feet. A white burgundy with fresh texture and attributes would be a delightful compliment to dishes with more filling ingredients like the Chicken or Mushroom Pot Pie on the bar menu. Conversely, a lighter dish like our Beets Me Salad would be a great contrast to a wine with big, bold flavors.
What Is Available To Wine-D Down with at PARC Aspen This Winter?
With over 1300 selections of wine, PARC Aspen has something for everyone and every dish! Van Wagner, who has been working in the Aspen dining scene for over 10 years, has cultivated relationships with some of the most sought-after wine producers in order to build this extensive wine list. Patrons can expect to experience wines that date back all the way to 1937 [D’Oliveiras Madeira Sercial]!
And while the wine list is primarily French-focused, PARC Aspen still shows that Colorado love, with our featured rosé from Buckle Family Wine in Gunnison, Colorado. Van Wagner himself has also produced his own wine with winemaker and proprietor Evan Martin of Martin Woods Winery in the Willamette Valley, Oregon titled Ajax Cellars. What excites Van Wagner the most about opening a new restaurant is the room to grow. “We have a long-term lease and a long-term vision. We are always looking for unique selections from producers who share our passion and desire for quality products.”
What Wine Should I Pair With My Favorite PARC Aspen Dish?
PARC Aspen’s seasonal winter menu provides diners with a great opportunity to try their hand at pairing some unique and elegant wines with delicious locally sourced dishes. But if you want a secret tip from an expert, Van Wagner suggests checking out the Bordeaux selections. “Our Bordeaux selections just cover all the areas. We have some of the classics that are growing bigger and bigger by the day.” He also suggests checking out the burgundy, calling the selections “enormously strong.”
Book your table today to enjoy what is soon to be Aspen’s hottest restaurant.
