Well, it's finally complete! All 8 Wildfire locations have implemented their respective new wine, beer, cocktail and martini menus- I am so happy and proud of this accomplishment. Where my last blog focused on some of our wines from Spain, France and Italy, this entry will highlight some of my favorite new wines that we carry by the glass and by the bottle from Australia, Argentina and California.

If you read my blog that I wrote last spring about Daryl Groom coming into Chicago to speak at a wine dinner in Lincolnshire, you may have guessed by my admiration and the overall history Wildfire has with Daryl, that it would be just a matter of time before I put one of his amazing wines on by the glass. Daryl made his first of many marks as the winemaker for Penfolds Grange back in the late 80's which ultimately brought him to the United States to head up the winemaking team at Geyser Peak Winery in Sonoma, California. Daryl's latest and most passionate venture to date is his very own Groom Winery. We are very proud to offer the Groom Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide Hills, Australia by the glass at all 5 IL Wildfire locations as well as the Eden Prairie, MN location. This wine has a myriad of citrus, grapefruit and fresh ripe tropical fruit aromas which are vibrant, but not overpowering. The flavor is fresh and retains a nice medium, juicy acidity which gives the wine a clean crisp finish. This wine is a great pairing with both the Wildfire Spinach and Artichoke Fondue and the Spit Roasted Herb Chicken- I'm suddenly a little thirsty!  

The Terrazas Reserva Malbec is a new higher tiered Malbec that we are offering by the glass in all 8 Wildfire locations. In the late 1950s, Moët & Chandon, a subsidiary of Louis Vuitton and Moet Hennessy, sent Renaud Poirier, its Oenology Director, to Latin America to research the region's potential for world-class wine production. After decades of experimenting with sparkling wines production, in 1999, Moët Hennessy Wine Estates and Bodegas Chandon Argentina opened Terrazas de los Andes Winery - a varietal still-wines initiative based on its emblematic high-elevation vineyards, fed by the Andes melt water. This Mendoza, Argentinian Malbec has aromas of freshly crushed violet flowers that open up with a deep core of jam preserves and ripened plums. Flavors of cherries and fresh berry fruit with a luscious mid-palate that gives way to soft tannins and a delicate herbal finish. Try this rich, complex wine with the Wildfire Char Crusted® Rib Eye Steak or the Lamb Porterhouse Chops- it may just tempt you to book your next vacation to Argentina!

The Ferrari-Carano Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has been only available by the bottle in all of the Wildfire locations for several years now and has always been a favorite amongst the wait and bar staff. So you can only imagine how excited the staff was when I let them know that we would be pouring the Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass for the very first time! Since 1985, Ferrari-Carano has been a leading producer of world class, nationally acclaimed wines. Vintage after vintage, the wines exhibit a remarkable consistency of style and elegance. Unlike their corporate competitors, Don and Rhonda Carano's uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence is a reflection of their desire to produce memorable wines that enhance the pleasures of gracious entertaining and not focus on short-term financial goals. This Ferrari-Carano flagship wine has aromas of blackberry jam, baking spices, pure maple syrup and black tea. This wine delights with rich delicious flavors of caramel, espresso and dark chocolate. A juicy and full mid-palate, rich, mouth-coating tannins and excellent depth characterize this lovely Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine screams "drink me with the Wildfire Filet Mignon or the Porterhouse, please!"

Stay tuned for the conclusion of my 3 part "new wine list" blog series which will highlight some delicious and "must try" wines from New Zealand and California. 

Cheers to you,

Brad Wermager