Did You Know?... Why So Many French Wines are Labeled as "Chateau"

"Chateau" means "Lord's Manor" or "Castle" in French. While the monks defined the parcels that led to today's wine, those who developed those same parcels into great wine estates in the more recent centuries came to use the term to denote great wine houses. These days in France, it is a protected term for wine labels, and helps to define the most prestigious terrior.

The Terrior of Brooklyn

Despite the amazing food scene in Brooklyn, we often look for simpler, "homey" food when we go somewhere local. But given the great time we had at Terrior Tribeca, we felt compelled to give their newest outpost in Park Slope a try once it opened up. And since we were to treating ourselves to something special, we decided to go all out.

Terrior stocks their extensive wine list full of everything we might look for, with some description to many of the wines. They carry US wines, including some of our favorite from the Finger Lakes, but they also stock wines from some of the most famous wine regions of France. And if you are going to splurge for wine, those regions can really live up to their reputation.

In contrast to the long wine list, the menu is short and simple. We picked a couple of wines from the Rhone region of France, deep with earthy flavors. Paired with some pickled mushrooms, the sweet fruit and deep earth notes of the wine balanced. With roasted beets with oranges, the citrus flavor cut through the more subdued flavors and the subtle balance of the wine was lost. With the rich, fatty and smokey paninis, it was again the earthiness of the wines that came through strongly to complement the meat, with and edge of tannin to cut through the fat and sweet fruit notes to add a layer of flavor. With the spice of the pulled pork, the normally subdued flavors of the wine really popped.

We were really impressed with the way we were treated. We were searching for a special night out, and the staff really obliged. Spending as much on a single glass as we often do on a bottle for home, we wanted to ensure that the bottles were fresh. Our waiter didn't batt an eye, assuring us that we would be getting wine from bottles opened that night. And as our wine ran out as we nibbled on a cheese plate, he brought us complimentary glasses of a very unique sparkling wine, a red Vino Verde, an extra special treat to end a special evening not far from home.

Winter Wine at Terrior Tribeca

A cold mist hung over the concrete canyons, the tops of the skyscrapers obscured in a eldritch glow just barely illuminating two figures huddled under a hotel canopy. The dim light of a cellphone illuminated their huddled faces.

"It says 375 Greenwich St."
"Maybe it should be Greenwich Ave."
"Maybe its right around the corner."

The couple popped their umbrellas and darted down the street,checking each address as they passed. Finally, they found what they were looking for. Darting under the entrance vestibule, they found their way out of the cold winter rain into the cozy brick bar they sought.

For some unknown reason, it took us a long time to find the time to get to Terrior in Tribeca. It's not too far outside our usual neighborhood for dinner in Manhattan, and it is known for its vast selection of Riesling--our usual neighborhood for wine. Of course, when we finally decided to go it turned out to be a miserable night, but we had our minds set, and made it in despite the storm.

The wine bar itself was a bit different than our usual destination. Dark, loud, and trendy, we felt a bit out of place. But after we pulled ourselves up to the bar and chatted up the bartender on our options for the evening, we quickly felt at home. The wine menu was exhaustive, but organized and informative to make it easy to find something interesting. Chock full of Riesling from throughout the world, including some of our favorite Finger Lakes wines, we were a little sad it was so cold and miserable out, since it didn't feel like a night for white wine. But with selecting some dinner and asking the bartender for recommendations, we found some other interesting options.

The menu felt like elevated bar food, and we picked some big meaty sandwiches. Starting with some Pig's Head Bruschetta to start with, a rich and mineral meat that might scare some people away. Followed by a meatball sandwich and a pork sandwich, glasses of red seemed like the only choice. Fatty meat with some fruity, spicy red wines kept us warm on a cold, rainy night. The knowledgeable staff helped us find some interesting wines: for our second glass, we specifically asked for something "unique and different" and they encouraged us to try something new and linger over our glasses. Part of the adventure is going beyond what you're used to. Now we just have to get back and try their Rieslings.

Riesling "on tap" at Terroir Tribeca.