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Wine Tips from Featured Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez of Addison—San Diego, CA on StarChefs.com

Featured Sommelier Jesse Rodriguez of Addison—San Diego, CA

A former history teacher with two Masters degrees, Jesse Rodriguez’s classroom is his dining room, where his diners receive a most unconventional education. As sommelier at the Addison restaurant, Rodriguez’s philosophy is to offer the guest something they wouldn’t see in any other restaurant. He’s created his own collection of private label wines from small producers around the world that are only available at Addison

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Q:WHAT IS THE PROPPER DRESS FOR HIGH TEA,
IS THERE A DRESS CODE OR JUST SUGGESTED STYLE.

NANCY MECCA,
NYC
A:Well Nancy,
I don't know much, but I do know this...dress according to local weather and customs, but usually a workplace dress or pants outfit is appropriate. An outside tea, if indicated, calls for a bit less formality; consider wearing a sundress or nice shorts, for example. Whe in doubt about anything etiquette wise look up Emily Post online or refer to Tiffany's etiquette book. That should provide you with a good starting point. I hope this helps.

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:What is the difference between a Chardonnay and a Pinto Grigio? Are they from the same grape?

Cheryl Ribback,
Jacksonville FL
A:Cheryl,
Well they might be what everyone orders liks to order at restaurants, however they are completely different.
Chardonnay, is the hearld grape from Burgundy. When done in a paradigm fashion it exudes the quality and typicity of minerality, lemon curd and baked golden delicious apples just for a few descriptors. Pinot Grigio on the other hand is the common grape of Italy's famous Friuli-Venezia-Giulia Region. The grapes are grown in mass quantities there. When made in great styles such as "Scarpetta," made by Bobby Stuckey MS and Lachlan-McKinnon-Patterson of Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, CO these wines exudes a weighty profile of floral opulence of acacia blossom and golden apple and peach. these wines can lure even the most staunch wine drinkers.

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:I will be attending Arizona Culinary Institute shortly. They have some curriculum on wines, but I would like to expand my studies in the off hours. What should I be doing and reading?

thanks,

DAN in Scottsdale

Dan Traxler,
Scottsdale, AZ
A:Dan,
Arizona is my old stomping grounds. I cut my teeth in this industry learning from some of the best sommeliers there. Look up Greg Tresner MS at The Phoenician Resortn and another guy would be The Mighty Tom Kaufman at Rancho Pinot Grill and Humble Pie. These guys are legendary and have groomed some of the best sommeliers in the industry. For reading purposes, I would suggest investing some money and buy the following 3 staples for wine books: The Oxford Companion to wine, The World Atlas of wine, and The Sotheby's Wine Encyclopdia.

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:What wine would pair well with Duck breast with candied kumquat? Thanks for the info.

Brigitte,
Denver
A:Brigitte,
I like to serve Pinot Noir here. I think that New Zealand or Sonoma Coast would work well. The elevated fruit profile would work well with the candied kumquats. The acid levels and plush profile of wines from these regions will cut through the gaminess of the duck. This is a good pairing here.

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:What is the best wine to serve with pork fried rice?

Kevin,
Cleveland
A:Kevin,
German Kabinett or Trocken rieslings. They have great fruit and if there is nay hidden heat or spice, it will be tamed by the light fruit drived style of the riesling

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:What wine is a great apiring with a meal that has a strong citrus presence?

Phil Rhodes,
Overgaard, AZ
A:Hey there Phil!
Well you have some options with this. One thing you could do is try a German Trocken Riesling. The citrus tone is there would amplify the citrus in the course without being too sweet or fruity. Another option is Chenin Blanc from Vouvray. Try a sec style as the wine will have soft subtle orange/candied lime zest nose that would provide a nice aromatic to the course that you would be enjoying.

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:i am looking to get in the field of either wine making or sommelier, what do you suggest as a avenue to pursue a career in these fields?

curt matulich,
baltimore
A:Hi Curt!
Both fields are incredibly fun and time consuming. I think, and this is just my opinion that perhaps you should give the sommelier field a shot first, here's why. By learning about different growing regions from around the world, the grapes that thrive there and the hallmark styles they represent you can see different winmaking styles. You will be exposed to more per se then by working in a winery that does say pinot and chardonnay only. From there you can figure out what you like and then try your hand in winemaking.

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:What is a good after work conversational wine?

Maggie,
Washington
A:Hi Maggie!
Well that is all based on how your feeling, what the weather is like and what are you conversing about. With that said, my friends and I like to quaff back White Burgundy, Austrian Gruner Veltliner and German Kabinett Riesling when we are not working and hanging out after service. The wines have bright acid, great structure, clean fruit, low to medium alcohol and ohhh soooo refreshing!!!

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar


Q:1.which wine will go best with chicken enchilidas?
2.which wine pairs best with mexican skirt steak?
3.with fajitas?
4.mexican beef stew?
5.gazpacho mexican cold veg soup?
6.shrimp salad?
7.steak tacos?
burritos?

mary anne,
chicago
A:Mary Anne, now we are talking! Nothing makes me smile like killer Mexican food!
This is what I'm thinking...
Chicken Enchiladas- Italian Pinot Grigio
Skirt Steak- Trocken Riesling from Germany
Fajitas- A big Margarita!
Beef Stew- Rose from Bandol France
Gazpacho- German Kabinett Riesling
Shrimp Salad- Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre
Steak tacos- Gruner from Austria
Burritos- a cold cerveza!

--by Jesse Rodriguez
--Addison at the Grand Del Mar

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