Photo Credit: Sarah Phillips McCartan
Based in Miami, FL, Sarah Phillips McCartan hosts wine events for both trade and consumers, writes about wine, and supports producers and regional organizations across Florida and beyond. She founded Wine Talks Miami, South Florida’s wine trade network, and loves sharing discoveries from her travels with fellow wine lovers. Find her on Instagram at @whatsarahdrinks and check out her experience promoting Bordeaux and German wines below!
Photo Credit: Sarah Phillips McCartan
What varieties or styles from Bordeaux and Germany do you think deserve more attention?
I am a very big fan of red Bordeaux, but its well-deserved fame means that its white counterpart gets a little overlooked. Bordeaux Blanc is seriously good and seriously underrated. A lot of people don’t know that Sauvignon Blanc plays a big role here! They tend to be a little more texturally rich than other Sauvignons – which is often owed to blending with Sémillon. And while the top examples are among the greatest – and longest-lived – white wines on the planet, there is a lot of value to be found at the entry level as well.
Photo Credit: Sarah Phillips McCartan
What is your favorite German or Bordeaux wine pairing?
I like to pair off-dry Rieslings with moments when I’m looking for lower alcohol wines! Dry wines are in vogue, so there has been a big push recently to help people understand that Riesling isn’t always sweet. But honestly, I love a glass of Kabinett on its own. Its little lick of sweetness is a lovely pick-me-up, and the lower ABV means I’m still alert after a glass! Don’t write off wines that have a little residual sugar!
Photo Credit: DWI
If there’s one thing you could tell readers about wines from Bordeaux and Germany, what would it be?
The German wine scene is a lot more creative and diverse than a lot of people realize. There are a wide range of wine styles to explore across price points – from natural wine to some seriously traditional and historic wineries. And there is everything: dry, sweet, sparkling, red, white, rose, orange…
And Bordeaux is probably making the best wine in its history right now; there have been huge improvements in both the vineyard and cellar across the region. One result of this is that much of Bordeaux’s red wine is approachable and delicious when young. Bordeaux is also a great source of red wines with a bit of bottle age. You can almost always find wines from great vintages in good independent retailers, and they’re often delicious and well-priced.
Can you share your experience working with the Clink Different campaign as we gear up for Restaurant Weeks? What can consumers expect — and what are you most excited about?
Clink Different brings together 30 Miami restaurants and bars, showcasing many of the city’s most dynamic wine programs. It’s an invitation to get out, taste, and uncover a new favorite place to dine or drink. Promotions start on October 1 and will also take place in California and Texas, too!
What makes the program especially exciting is its focus on the unexpected. Bordeaux may be celebrated for its great reds, and Germany for its renowned Rieslings (many of them dry), but both regions have a wealth of other styles waiting to be discovered. A lot of the participating locations will be celebrating that.
Ahead of our Restaurant Weeks promotion this October, Clink Different is hosting in-store tastings at select Total Wine and Whole Foods locations in Florida! Which German and Bordeaux wines do you recommend from these retailers’ websites and why?
Photo Credit: Total Wine & More; Loosen Bros USA
At Whole Foods, I recommend a refreshing Bordeaux Blanc from Château Ducasse to see the “other” side of Bordeaux! And at Total Wine & More, reach for a Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett for popping acidity and a little lick of sweetness to put a smile on your face!
Additional details about both wines can be found here: Château Ducasse and Dr. Loosen. Check back for participating locations here as Clink Different Restaurants Weeks ramps up this October!