Kathryn and #TomTheSomm certainly have their followings, but we also want to introduce you to some of our favorite Sommeliers around town! Once a month we’ll be inviting a guest Somm to curate a portion of our wines by the glass and hang out with us in the shop all evening - pouring the wines & telling their stories. Come in and order a glass or a flight of their special selections!
How does it work?
Our guest somm will be taking over a portion of our by the glass list for the night - pouring three of their favorite Esters wines. You can order their selections by the glass or a flight of all three for $20!
It’s about time Ester's had another lady-somm in the house! She’s serious about Italy both in her work (pouring wine at Mozza and working harvest in Piemonte last fall) and also personally (about to get married there). She’s an Esters regular and will be pouring a flight of her favorites all night! $20 for a flight of 3 wines.
Get To Know April's Guest Sommelier: Marin Preske of Osteria Mozza
What bottle or experience got you hooked on wine?
A 1978 Lynch-Bages given to me by my father. It wasn’t so much the wine itself as the enthusiasm he expressed as he poured me a taste. I was maybe 13 and it ignited my own passion.
What is the style or focus of the wine list at your restaurant?
Italian with a leaning towards quality producers and (mostly) native grape varietals from all 20 of the country’s regions
What's your "somm-style" - describe your tableside persona
The wine list at Osteria Mozza is 70-plus pages long of Italian wines so typically guests are already intimidated by the time I get to the table. I try to diffuse that with an open demeanor and by encouraging them to explore a little.
Best pairing w/ the grilled cheese?
With all that salty, nutty depth of flavor, my pick would be a fuller-bodied white wine with lots of acid. A White Burgundy or Timorasso or an oxidative-style Champagne would have enough richness to not get lost while still being bright and fresh. If it has the ham in it, I’d opt for something straightforward like a Lambrusco to wash it down with!
Why do you like to come to Esters?
I am a happy woman when I have a salumi board and a glass of wine in front of me. Esters does both of those things so well while having fantastic service and a great vibe. Last time I was there, I had a glass of Beaujolais and a type of Iberico ham that were so tasty, I ordered another round before the plate had even hit the table.