Grill 23 in Boston, Wine Director Interview

We decided recently it would be a good idea to interview Wine Directors and Sommeliers in and around Boston and ask them about their wine lists. The theme is, “Why is your restaurant a destination for wine lovers?”

So we start this series with an interview with Alex DeWinter, Wine Director at Grill 23 in Boston.

BostonWineBuzz (BWB): So Alex, please tell me a little about the Grill 23 wine list?
Alex DeWinter (AD): The list at Grill 23 & Bar fluctuates from 1,300-1,700 selections with a focus on California, French, and Italian wines. A little over a third of the wines are priced under $100 and range up to $4,000. The list is changed roughly every six to eight weeks to keep vintages and unavailable wines current.

BWB: What are a couple of your favorite wines on the wine list?
AD: Some of my favorite wines are the Rustenberg 2003 “John X Merriman” ($62), the Nativo 2004 Malbec ($42), the Franz Hirtzberger 2005 “Smaragd - Gruner Veltliner” ($74), and I recently tasted Chateau de Beaucastel 1989 “Hommage a Jacques Perrin” ($1,250).

BWB: What bottle would you recommend to your best friend if he and his wife came to the Grill 23 for their anniversary?
AD: First of all, the best way to start a meal is with Champagne: either a half bottle of Krug N.V. or a half of Duval Leroy N.V. For the first course, I would suggest a glass of Verget 2003 “Chablis Montee de Tonnere”, and for the main course: Renato Ratti 1998 “Conca – Barolo”.

BWB: What are a couple of the best deals on the wine list? And is there a steal on the list?
AD: Certainly the Nativo Malbec 2004 ($42) and the Clos de los Siete 2005 ($40) are two great wines for the money. As for a steal, I can’t give away all my secrets.

BWB: Talk a little bit about your wines by the glass program?
AD: Our glass program is constantly changing based on many factors: availability, price, vintage, etc. We try to offer many selections without being too redundant. We are currently in the process of trying to offer a wider selection of varietals, but the search takes time. There are only so many reasonably priced wines out there that taste great, are made in abundance, and remain consistent from year to year.

BWB: What is the best deal in your wines by the glass program?
AD: I believe the best deal is the Verget 2003 “Chablis Montee de Tonnere”. The wine is a perfect example of how great wine can be made in a challenging vintage.

BWB: Finally, why should the wine lovers of Boston come to Grill 23?
AD: Wine lovers should come to the Grill because the vast majority of us who work here are wine lovers as well. We certainly have many wines to choose from, as well as many people to help guide you in your search for the perfect bottle of wine for that moment.

Enjoy and cheers,
Ken

Wine Grill 23 www.bostonwinebuzz.com Wine List Alex DeWinter Wine Director Sommelier Restaurant