Date: 3 October 2014
Wine: Chartogne-Taillet NV Champagne Brut Cuvée Sainte-Anne
Cuisine: Casual Bites

Wine List: The unassuming and ultimate wine guru host Aldo Sohm just opened a wine bar with chef Eric Ripert. The duo has long worked their Midtown magic at Le Bernardin, which connects to the wine bar by underground passage. In this chic yet comfy space permeated by 60’s, 70’s and 80’s tunes, you can feast on wine selections geared to the geek, yet not foreign to the main-streamer.

Pick: This was my second trip to Aldo’s place, and I was there to celebrate a gal pal’s birthday. My friend works in the wine business, too. Since she’d not been to Aldo’s, I knew this was the place to celebrate. My friend spotted the Chartogne-Taillet Cuvée Sainte-Anne in 375 ml for $50. Today, a good glass of Champagne on a Manhattan wine list goes for at least the low $20s, so this option offered excellent value for a fab fizz. We noshed on Romaine Salad Spears Gratinée while picking our next round of nibbles paired with red wines. There were many temptations, so we needed time…perfect for letting the bubbly open up in the lithe Zalto white wine glasses.