Ten Best Wines By The Glass in San Francisco

December/January 2008 - Issue #2

Terroir Wine Merchant

Welcome to our bi-monthly guide to the best drinks in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this guide we tap into the ultimate in cocktail, beer, and wine culture. From awe-inspiring ingredients to true masters of mixology, we're hitting the streets to bring you the skinny on what's best. So, stay tuned as the quest to reach Nirvino continues.

  • 1. Domaine Saint-Vincent Brut @ Local Wine Merchant

    Domain Saint-Vincente Brut at Local Kitchen Wine Merchant

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    Easily one of the top five restaurant values in San Francisco, the Domain Saint-Vincent at Local is a crisp and lively sparkler for all occasions. Local's Sommelier, Mark Bright, buys this beautiful bubbly for a steal and passes the savings on to all of us. At this price, forget about ordering the DSV by-the-glass. Buy a bottle and share the love! DSV is the second label made by the Gruet family in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their first label, Gruet, was met with critical acclaim as a tasty bargain. The DSV is sure to follow in Gruet's footsteps. $18 per bottle

    Tasting Notes: Inviting notes of toast on the nose. Notes of lemon, red delicious apples, and a hint of flint in the mouth. Vibrant bubbles and a clean, crisp finish.
  • 2. Soffocone Vingilita @ Ottimista

    Soffocone Vingilita at Ottimista

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    Soffocone is Tuscan slang for "The one who gives a blow job". Ah those crazy Italians, what will they think of next! Oh, did we mention, the bottle label depicts a naked women on her knees performing the act. Okie Dokie. Sinfully delicious, the Soffocone lives up to its name of fun and pleasure. It's decadent and powerful on the nose with rich, concentrated fruit in the mouth. A blend of Sangiovese, Colorino and Canaiolo grapes. $16 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Decadent and herbaceous on the nose. Notes of blackberry, tobacco, bitter coffee, and cedar. Smooth, silky tannins.
  • 3. Armstrong Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon @ Cellar 360

    Armstrong Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Cellar 360

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    With only 400 cases produced per year, the Armstrong Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is a real treat to enjoy against the beautiful view of the Bay at Cellar 360. Grown on the steep terraces of Northern Napa Valley, this rich and structured cab is also a perfect pairing for any short loin cut of steak, dark chocolate, or a rich bird dish such as Coq Au Vin. Cellar 360 is the only place in the United States where anyone can gain access to the entire portfolio of wines under the Foster's Wine Group umbrella, including restaurant only wines, wine club only bottles, and foreign gems only imported to the Cellar. $15 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Huge nose of sweet and dark fruits. Notes of currant, cherry cola, and chocolate. Thin vein of Eucalyptus and herbs running throughout. Well structured with a medium finish.
  • 4. Pascal Janvier Cuvee de Rosier @ Terroir Wine Merchant

    Pascal Janvier Cuvee de Rosier at Terroir Wine Merchant

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    Dagan Ministero and Guilhaume Gerard are all about, you guessed it, terroir. Their wine bar offers patrons reasonably priced, easy-to-drink wines that are both organic and authentic. Each wine exhibits the essence of sun, soil, terrain, and climate for its particular region of the world. All of Terroir's offerings are also made using biodynamic farming, native yeast fermentation, and low amounts of sulfur additives (or some combination of the three). Why should you care? Bottom line, it means you’ll benefit from a more natural and unique experience with Terroir wines, while still having fun drinking them. $9 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Bright acidity. Notes of coriander and white pepper. Not too tannic, but, enough structure to make it fun to drink. A great BBQ wine. Drink at cellar temp.
  • 5. Nora Albarino @ Boulevard Restaurant

    Nora Albarino at Boulevard Restaurant

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    The Nora is a mainstay for the staff at Boulevard, who drink tons of it late night after the kitchen closes. A radiant and crisp white, the Nora is perfect for a wide range of light fare at Boulevard. It pairs fantastically well with the Holiday Turkey Sandwich currently on the menu. There's a lot to love about this simple, easy-drinkin' Albarino from the Rias Baixas region of Spain. $8.50 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Delicious notes of pineapple, kiwi, and lime. Crisp, clean, and bright. Interesting vein of steeled minerality on the finish.
  • 6. Herdade dos Grous Alentejano @ Hotel Biron

    Herdade dos Grous Alentejano at Hotel Biron

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    Hotel Biron's by-the-glass wine list is one of the biggest in San Francisco. It's also unpredictable and full of tasty, off-the-beaten path wines. Biron's owner Chris Fuqua ventures anywhere his nose takes him. Often times it leads to incredible finds, like the Herdade dos Grous from Portugal. The Herdade is made from lesser known grapes with names like Aragones, Alicante Bouschet, and Touriga Nacional. You might not recognize the names, but, you will recognize the silky tannins and ripe notes of dark berry fruit in this delicious wine. $13 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Ripe blackberry, black currant, licorice, and spicy mint. Medium body and tannins, noticeable oak (9 months in French Oak) but not overdone. Pairs well with BBQ, lamb or charcuterie.
  • 7. Ketcham Pinot Noir @ California Wine Merchant

    Ketcham Pinot Noir California Wine Merchant

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    California Wine Merchant is an authentically San Francisco place. You won't see any jacket and tie wearing sommeliers or pretentious patrons discussing the finer points of malolactic fermentation here. However, don't let the laid back atmosphere fool you. CWM has a fiercely passionate, knowledgeable staff and a selection of kick-ass wine that will have you stopping in over and over. The Ketcham Pinot is a quintescential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir crafted by Michael Browne of Kosta Browne fame. This is a classic mouthwatering wine, perfect for pairing with wild game birds, roasted chicken, fresh salmon, and rack of lamb.$15 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Radiant cherry and raspberry on the nose. Red fruit, soft spice, mineral, and cola notes on the palate. Firm tannins with a lovely soft finish.
  • 8. Kung Fu Girl Riesling @ Lettus

    Kung Fu Girl Riesling Lettus

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    Haiiii-Ya! Kung Fu Girl Riesling is coming to kick your ass, straight from Columbia Valley, Washington in the good old U.S. of A. This Kung Fu Girl is centered, balanced, and the price won't throw you to the matte. It's the gem of the menu at Lettus and pairs well with almost all of their spicy, organic dishes. The second best value on our ten best list, behind the Domaine Saint-Vincent, the Kung Fu Girl Riesling is a low barrier-to-entry wine. Order a glass for a quick lunch at the counter of Lettus or a bottle for a long meal in the sun on the streetside patio. $6 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Mouthwatering acidity and round minerality with just a hint of sweet. Notes of peach, pear, and gardenias.
  • 9. Copain Monument Tree Pinot Noir @ Nopa

    Copain Monument Tree Pinot Noir at Nopa

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    If you're on a date, and want to impress, this is a sexy and alluring wine that will have the object of your affection asking for a second glass. The Monument Tree is a very social wine, perfect to enjoy with appetizers at the communal table or at the bar at Nopa. Most of Copain's wines are safe bets if you're looking for mouthwatering, food friendly Pinot Noir, and the Monument Tree does not disappoint. $14 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Rich dark fruit, spiced black tea, and notes of leather. Supple tannins and well balanced acidity.
  • 10. Ludwig Riesling @ Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant

    Ludwig Riesling at Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant

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    Most people think of Riesling as a sweet white wine, but Eric Laumann brings us back all the way to Germany and reminds us that there are some amazing dry Rieslings, thus adding another option to the world of white wine. The name Ludwig comes from Eric's fascination with Beethoven and the fact that the maestro also owned a vineyard! The Ludwig pairs well with cheese and fruit as a nice afternoon snack in the Ferry Building. Another added bonus -- you can bring in any food brought from home or bought at the Ferry Building to complement your wines for no charge. $6 per glass

    Tasting Notes: Bone-dry, Notes of peaches and nectarines.

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