Get to Know Your Local Bottleshop: Storyteller Wine Company
Friday, September 12, 2014
Photo Credit: gfairchild via Compfight cc
Everyone has a friend they can count on for the best of what’s new in music. Or perhaps you have a “foodie” coworker you trust for the latest dish in where you should be dining. Like these reliable chums you can count on for the latest in coolness, Michael Alberty at Storyteller Wine Company should be your hook-up for new finds in wine.
Storyteller Wine Company, located at 5511-B SW Hood Avenue, Portland, Ore., is a less-than-traditional wine shop. Open only on Fridays (4-9 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-7 p.m.), the bulk of the business comes from Alberty’s robustly distributed newsletter. With a diverse background in retail wine, coffee, political science, and excellent taste in music, Michael is well positioned to find unique wines, and retell the story behind each bottle.
From Storyteller Wines, expect unique wines from all corners of the world made from a new wave of exciting producers. You'll also find hard-to-find wines from legendary producers with rock star status.
On one visit alone you can fill your shopping bag with a premier release from a brand new producer in Portland, a couple of naturally fermented blends from a maverick producer in California, and a Slovenian Sauvignon Blanc. You will not find the corporate-"y" mass-produced and marketed wines here. These are little gems that Alberty has unearthed. Let him reveal their story.
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You can also join Alberty and his loyal following on most Friday nights for a well-curated tasting. These are fun, with an emphasis on party--snobbery is not welcome. Alberty frequently gets cool, small producers dropping in, bringing with them uber-limited releases, or even older, vintage selections. Load up with a sixpack and get 10 percent off. Buy a case of 12 and get 15 percent off.
Then your cellar/ basement/ pantry floor/ closet will be stocked with interesting wines to share with your friends, along with a wonderful story.
Selection changes regularly, but on a recent visit, we found:
Forlorn Hope Les Deux Mathieux, 2009 ($30) - 100 percent Petite Syrah, from the 10 Brink Vineyard, in Suisun Valley, near Napa. Dark and brooding in color, this rich bottle is indulgent without being too heavy. Seriously, even at 15.9 percent alcohol this sipper has balance with decent acidity ...
Domaine Ciringa, Fosilni Breg, 2011 ($20) -100 percent Sauvignon Blanc. Aptly named Fosilni Breg, which roughly translates into Fossils Mountain for the seashell limestone soil dominating the landscape. On the nose and palate, it’s fantastically mineral driven, and bright!
This wine is what you should be drinking with our fresh Pacific NW seafood!
Jackalope Wine Cellars, Voyager, 2013 ($20) - 100 percent Viognier, made locally by young winemaker Corey Schuster; take a chance on supporting this new winery! Though I’m not typically a fan of domestic viognier, this crisp wine is a terrific answer to my hesitation.
Pair with a warm backyard and summery chicken salad.
Storyteller Wine Company, located at 5511-B SW Hood Avenue, Portland, OR 97239 (503.206.7029) Drop by the store Fridays from 4-9 P.M. and Saturdays from 10 A.M.-7 P.M. to buy, taste and talk wine. Official Site
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Photo Credit: gfairchild via Compfight cc
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