By Antonia DePace By Antonia DePace | January 20, 2020 | Food & Drink,
It was a banner year for Philadelphia’s wine scene in 2019: The Love made Wine Enthusiast’s America’s 100 best wine restaurants 2019; and Talula’s Daily hosted the PA Sommelier Judgement Saber Awards, where Lehigh Valley’s Galen Glen Winery’s 2018 riesling won best in state. But what does our region have decanting in 2020? We chatted with some of Philadelphia’s most esteemed sommeliers to find out.
Alexandra Cherniavsky, beverage manager at The Love
“I think more and more people will be embracing local wines. We saw a huge increase in interest in Pennsylvania wines at The Love over the last year and have made more than a few regulars by introducing them to the delicious wines being made right here in our home state, many located only a few hours outside of Philadelphia.” 130 S. 18th St., 215.433.1555, theloverestaurant.com
Ed DiMarzio, wine director and general manager at Fork
“The next trend for me is to abandon trending places and just seek out adventure. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a wine pro who can steer you toward the perfect wine. Some of my favorite pours include sparkling wine from Bairrada in Portugal—drinks like Champagne at a fraction of the cost!—and Ribolla from Slovenia. It’s an Italian varietal, but I think Slovenia does it better!” 306 Market St., 215.625.9425, forkrestaurant.com
Joshua Jordan, beverage manager at Talula’s Garden
“Wine drinkers will find a renewed attraction to classic, precise winemaking led by industry stalwarts. Success will increasingly depend on how farmers and vintners deal with the effects of climate change. We will witness greater focus on sustainable vineyard practices driven by scientific and technological advancements, like Honig Winery with its bees, birds and solar power. With market saturation and an ever-increasing number of discerning palettes, high-quality local wineries like VaLa and Galen Glen should see increased popularity.” 210 W. Washington Square, 215.592.7787, talulasgarden.com
William Eccleston, sommelier at Panorama
“Our very progressive restaurant wine scene is full of savvy wine drinkers open to tasting a growing variety of wines by the glass, rather than the same old standard categories. Going into 2020, Panorama’s guests are certainly taking advantage of our 30 wine flight tastings more aggressively than ever before and demanding more nontraditional and adventurous options by the glass—including local wines, organic wines and orange wines.” 14 N. Front St., 215.922.7800, pennsviewhotel.com/panorama
Yohann Zinier, general manager and sommelier at Savona
“I see a trend of more people moving toward lighter style wines, like pinot noir or blends that are full of red fruit, elegance and finesse. Light bright reds will lead the way in 2020. It’s already showing in our sales.” 100 Old Gulph Road, Gulph Mills, 610.520.1200, savonarestaurant.com
Photography by: PHOTO BY EKATERINA MOLCHANOVA/ISTOCK.COM