@Levi_opens_wine

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn from wine writer @levi_opens_wine!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): As we ask @levi_opens_wine our Qs, you can ask Levi your Qs as well! He’ll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@keepercoll Hi, Everybody! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Let’s start talking #wine with @levi_opens_wine! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@WineFoodTX (Wine & Food Fndn TX): We are joining @keepercoll #SommChat right now. Join us!!

@ShitMySommSays (Shit My Sommelier Says): So you want to be a Sommelier? Follow @Levi_opens_wine and #SommChat today 11AM CST.

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @keepercoll @levi_opens_wine Thanks for doing #SommChat. Do you think going through WSET is necessary for somebody already in the industry…

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @keepercoll @levi_opens_wine Or do you think they should go right to CMS? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@WineTheory I think taking WSET training can be very helpful. I did. It was information that I needed to know. #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@WineTheory I thought there was a lot of crossover between WSET and MS, but I am no expert on that, really. #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @WineTheory – Good question! I finished through #WSET Advanced, now thinking of taking on Le Court! #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @Levi_opens_wine and @keepercoll – welcome! As most people on #SommChat know, I definitely dream of working in wine industry! Any advice?

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@demilove The real advice that I have is to stick with it, and seek out as much as you can people that you enjoy talking with. #SommChat

@meritageresort (meritage resort): A video abt how to pair #wine & #chocolate…a girl’s best friend. Cheers! #WineWednesday #SommChat http://t.co/Fbignm2Z

@jacobgragg (Jacob Gragg): @Levi_opens_wine Hey, Hope you’re doing well. Favorite brand/style of corkscrew for floor service? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@jacobgragg I use the simple double pull from Pull taps. I go through corkscrews so quickly, that inexpensive makes sense for me #SommChat

@tricerapops (Jesse): @Levi_opens_wine we’re often told as diners to engage & leverage somms, what advice do you have for somms to help ‘break the ice’ #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@tricerapops I find that inserting the smile in the conversation is the most important thing you can do. #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): Good afternoon @Levi_opens_wine! #SommChat”

@WineFoodTX (Wine & Food Fndn TX): Interested in becoming a sommelier (and therefore one of our besties)? Join @Levi_opens_wine right now on #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @Levi_opens_wine There are many books to teach a person about #wine. What are some of the undervalued ones that get overlooked? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@WineTheory Matt Kramer’s Making Sense of Wine and Kermit Lynch’s Adventures on the Wine Route spoke very powerfully 2 me. #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @Levi_opens_wine Are you the tallest Somm in the game right now? cc: @keepercoll #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@corkhoarder I figure there has to be someone taller out in Texas. Everything is bigger out there, I’m told. I’ll ask Jeremy P. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @levi_opens_wine How did #wine bug initially bite you? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll My parents never drank wine or went to nice restaurants. So of course, I rebelled as soon as humanly possible. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @levi_opens_wine What are some recent trends you’ve been seeing within the #wine industry? What do you think of these trends? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll People like the Orange Wines. The wines from Etna. The Amari. The Sour Ales. Who am I to say they are wrong? #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @levi_opens_wine In your opinion, which region makes the most quality for price #wine and why? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll Piemonte, comes to mind. When you consider the price asked for terrific Dolcetto, for example. Also, the Loire. #SommChat

@tricerapops (Jesse): @Levi_opens_wine what is the most misunderstood thing about wine & what is a misunderstood varietal that we should all reconsider? #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @tricerapops @levi_opens_wine great question! #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@tricerapops Rossese is a grape variety that I think is often misunderstood when it is unblended. It can be very reductive. #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@tricerapops Probably the most misunderstood topic in wine is that wine service has to change for an individual guest. No rules. #SommChat

@ENOontheMagMile (ENO): #SommChat Wine books we love and couldn’t put down- Any Kermit Lynch book, An Ideal Wine, Reflections of a Wine Merchat #WW Cheers!

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @Levi_opens_wine Do you have a favorite winemaker? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@WineTheory @keepercoll I’m more interested in the guys who say the wine makes itself, generally. #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): Lots of great Qs so far! Joining #SommChat a little late, but excited! @keepercoll @Levi_opens_wine

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @Levi_opens_wine I love your blog. It is fun and irreverent. Did you write on other topics before wine? cc: @keepercoll #SommChat”

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@enjoielife @keepercoll No, I didn’t and in fact I was really intimidated to write at all, and still am. #SommChat

@WineFoodTX (Wine & Food Fndn TX): Impressed with @Levi_opens_wine on #SommChat. He is doing a great job of answering everyone’s questions!

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @Levi_opens_wine When you find yourself with a difficult table (temperament or otherwise), how do you handle yourself? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@MDSmitty2488 @keepcoll Well, I am far from perfect, but I just try to stay calm and imagine that I’m talking with my mother. #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @Levi_opens_wine – it seems every wine pro I know got started very young (like, 9 years old!) – is it too late for me in 40s? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@demilove @keepercoll Never too late. But cases of wine are heavy, so maybe be careful about your back when lifting? #SommChat

@LaceyBubbles (Lacey Burke): @Levi_opens_wine Speaking of Piemonte, do you think “modern” producers have a place on an elegant wine list? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@LaceyBubbles @keepercoll Sure. Usually I like such a producer’s Dolcetto the most. Where they lay off the gas pedal. #SommChat

@Champagnewhit (Whitney Woodham): .@keepercoll @levi_opens_wine finally made it 2 #SommChat! what is ur biggest challenge with ur new gig @levi_opens_wines? Do U miss the floor?

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@Champagnewhit @keepercoll I still work the floor nightly at Boulud Sud in Manhattan, with my hero @mikemadrigale #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @Levi_opens_wine: Can you tell us more about the style of wines from Criots-Batard-Montrachet? @keepercoll #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@enjoielife @keepercoll The style of the Cru is so associated with two particular producers, because it is so small. #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@enjoielife @keepercoll But it is definitely a Chassagne side Grand Cru. #SommChat

@fernandobeteta (Fernando Beteta, MS): @Levi_opens_wine What Rhone producer are you excited about now? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@fernandobeteta @keepercoll Eric Texier is one of the great producers in all of France. Also, Guillame Gilles and Bernard Gripa. #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @Levi_opens_wine How do you know when it’s time to try and sell a table something more esoteric vs. something more traditional? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@MDSmitty2488 @keepercoll I think the more the table lets you in, the more you can go on an adventure with them. #SommChat

@tricerapops (Jesse): @Levi_opens_wine what has been your impression of the internet/social media’s impact on wine and how we learn/discuss/enjoy it? #SommChat

@ronga (Lindsay Ronga): @tricerapops @Levi_opens_wine great question! #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@tricerapops @keepercoll Everything is different now, and it is allowing much more conversation to happen. Which is great. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @levi_opens_wine Do you have a particular regional favorite? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll I tend to think that my favorite region is the one I haven’t really discovered yet. That’s the kind of person I am. #SommChat

@jacobgragg (Jacob Gragg): @Levi_opens_wine RM Champagne is a growing sector, any favorites right now? On the reverse, what NM Houses do you really dig? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@jacobgragg @keepercoll So many bubble favorites! Prevost and C. Bouchard especially. And I do think Roederer deserves respect. #SommChat

@mikemadrigale (Michael Madrigale): .@Levi_opens_wine @keepercoll where can I find pocket squares as fancy as the ones you sport? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@mikemadrigale @keepercoll I’ll trade you some for those Tokio 7 ties you rock! #SommChat

@mikemadrigale (Michael Madrigale): DEAL! RT @Levi_opens_wine: . @mikemadrigale @keepercoll I’ll trade you some for those Tokio 7 ties you rock! #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@mikemadrigale @keepercoll SUPREME! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection: Q. @levi_opens_wine What are your favorite #wine bars and restaurant #wine lists in #NYC currently? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll I’m really into non-traditional pairings right now. Sherry w/Chinese. Riesling w/Sushi. So I’m really into BYOB. #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @levi_opens_wine What is your “go-to” #wine that you keep at home? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll I have to say that wines never taste as good to me at home as at a restaurant. Weird, I know. But true. #SommChat

@mattreiser (Matt Reiser): @Levi_opens_wine what is your favorite least hyped Burgundy vintage?…bonus pnts 4 naming fav wine 2 #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): . @mattreiser @keepercoll ’88 gets bashed a lot, but I’ve had beautiful Lignier in that year. Also 88 Drouhin Musigny is superb. #SommChat

@mattreiser (Matt Reiser): @Levi_opens_wine agreed also like ’04s right now + ’07s…hate hype of ’05…least burgundian in my opinion #scores #burgundy #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@mattreiser @keepercoll I did a 04 retrospective with some friends the results were more encouraging than we expected. 07 is yum #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @mattreiser @levi_opens_wine #Boston represent! On #SommChat today.

@WineFoodTX (Wine & Food Fndn TX): Natural wines? RT @Levi_opens_wine: . @WineTheory @keepercoll I’m more interested in guys who say wine makes itself, generally. #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@WineFoodTX @keepercoll A lot of my favorite Burgundians say they do nothing at all. Not all are Natural. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine What are your favorite #food and #wine pairings? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll I really want to try Jura Savagnin with Indian curries. Has anybody experimented with that? #SommChat

@franklywines (Christy Frank): oooo RT @Levi_opens_wine: A. @keepercoll I really want to try Jura Savagnin w/ Indian curries. Has anybody experimented with that? #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @Levi_opens_wine @keepercoll I have but it hasn’t worked out because I can’t find any good curry in NYC! #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @Levi_opens_wine @keepercoll …or ’79 Macle Chateau Chalon! #SommChat

@alawine (Ken ? #wine): …lots of great questions for @levi_opens_wine at #SommChat

@mattreiser (Matt Reiser): @keepercoll this is the like celebrity rehab but with cork dorks today…way to bring it #SommChat cc:Levi_opens_wine

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @Levi_opens_wine What are some of your favorite producers of orange #wine? Looking to find some and dig my teeth into them. #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@MDSmitty2488 @keepercoll Gravner, Bea, Vodopivec, and Radikon are personal favorites. #SommChat

@fernandobeteta (Fernando Beteta, MS): Oh yeah. RT @Levi_opens_wine: . @MDSmitty2488 @keepercoll Gravner, Bea, Vodopivec, and Radikon are personal favorites. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine You have a reputation for enjoying orange #wine, tell us about this- what sets it apart from other #wines? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll Orange Wines are our trigonometry: the relationship between the grape juice and the grape skins, at visible angles #SommChat

@ShitMySommSays (ShitMySommelierSays): @Levi_opens_wine Did you see the new Muppets Movie? Pork Belly, Kermit, Animal, Swedish Chef. Like dinner at Aquavit with Jasmin. #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@ShitMySommSays @keepercoll I’ll have to check it out! I’m a big Pigs in Space fan. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine Any personal #food and #wine #pairing rules? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll The only thing I know for sure in this world is: if you are eating Comté, you should also be drinking Vin Jaune. #SommChat

@BlindedBite (Blinded By the Bite): @levi_opens_wine @keepercoll – Never had an Orange wine – Can you recommend 1 or 2 for me to try/pairing? #SommChat #Wine #WineWednesday

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@BlindedBite @keepercoll Uni and Orange wine is a great and lovely mystery. Perhaps Coenobium from Lazio would be a good start. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): @blindedbite How bout an uni & orange wine date soon?? I think we could get @uchiaustin or @uchikoaustin on board! #SommChat

@BlindedBite (Blinded By the Bite): @keepercoll @UchiAustin @uchikoaustin – That sounds perfect! #SommChat #WineWednesday #Wine

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine Do all orange wines have similar flavor profiles? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll To the extent that all red wines have similar flavor profiles, so too do Orange Wines. It is the same process. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine What is your top piece of advice for aspiring #wine experts or #sommeliers? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll Keep at it. Do everything you can to be a part of the conversation about wine. And allow others the same courtesy. #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): .@Levi_opens_wine if you were ordering wine for a first date, what would you order to impress the hell out of them? #SommChat @KeeperColl

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@MattMcGinnis @keepercoll I think the most impressive thing you can do on a first date is listen to your date. #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @levi_opens_wine Very thoughtful answer. #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @Levi_opens_wine and @keepercoll – Any tips for interviewing at a restaurant/wine shop for first time? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@demilove @keepercoll Well, I have a tendency to be late for the interview. I actually wouldn’t recommend that. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine Any big plans for the future or upcoming #wine events we should know about? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll I am doing a video interview series for snooth. Also, I am at Boulud Sud in Manhattan most evenings. Come say hi? #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @keepercoll Always LOVE #SommChat. It’s the best online Q&A for wine lovers.

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @Levi_opens_wine How many vintages in a vertical of yellow tail would I have to taste to get a true sense of their terrior? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@WineTheory @keepercoll When you get done with the vertical, be sure to let me know! #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @Levi_opens_wine #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): We dare you… RT @Levi_opens_wine: . @WineTheory @keepercoll When you get done with the vertical, be sure to let me know! #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): Capture that on video! RT @Levi_opens_wine: . @WineTheory @keepercoll When you get done with the vertical, be sure to let me know! #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine We love the new video series on your blog – can you tell us how u see this evolving in 2012? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll Well, I’d like to do more. There are 10 completed so far. I was thinking of expanding to retailer interviews also. #SommChat

@alawine (Ken ? #wine): Late to the party, trying to catch up on #SommChat w/ @Levi_opens_wine @enjoielife @tricerapops @BlindedBite @WineTheory @keepercoll

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Q. @levi_opens_wine what is your fav white and red under $30 retail right now? #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): A. @keepercoll Gaia Estate Thalassitis Santorini for white. Lapierre Morgon for red. #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): recs < $30 retail RT @Levi_opens_wine: A. @keepercoll Gaia Estate Thalassitis Santorini for white. Lapierre Morgon for red. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine chat with @levi_opens_wine! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): It was great to have Levi join us today for #SommChat today. We hope everyone learned something valuable! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): . @keepercoll Thanks everybody! #SommChat

@alawine (Ken ? #wine): Catching up on #SommChat w/ @corkhoarder @Sassodoro @demilove @WineFoodTX @mattreiser @MDSmitty2488

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): If any1 missed some of the chat today, remember we’ll post an archive soon to bit.ly/ikBrJx for you to review later #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Hey #SommChat tweeps: RT this with name or handle of who you’d like to see as a featured 2012 #SommChat guest #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): . @keepercoll Glad I could be a part of the fun. #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Join us next Wed 12/14 11 AM CST for #SommChat with Advanced #Sommelier @tattoodsomm, Eric Hastings! #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): Keep in the loop for upcoming guests & archives & sign up for our email list at bit.ly/vm1gQ4 #SommChat

@ENOontheMagMile (ENO): Thanks! @Levi_opens_wine Great comments. #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): Especially lively today! Thanks to you both! RT @keepercoll: Please join me in thanking @levi_opens_winefor his time #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): . @keepercoll Save the last glass for me, everyone! And thanks again. #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@ENOontheMagMile @keepercoll Thanks! #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): Thank you @levi_opens_wine for a fun and informative #SommChat @keepercoll

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@keepercoll I especially want to thank @ShitMySommSays for his/her time today! Thank you! #SommChat

@ShitMySommSays (ShitMySommelierSays): No, thank you. RT @Levi_opens_wine: . @keepercoll I especially want to thank @ShitMySommSays for his/her time today! Thank you! #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): .@enjoielife @keepercoll Thanks so much! #SommChat

@tricerapops (Jesse): @Levi_opens_wine – thanks Levi, good stuff today on #SommChat. thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

@jennanorth (Jenna North): Thx you @keepercoll @Levi_opens_wine for another great #SommChat #WW. Always an entertaining, informative discussion on wine & the industry.

@alawine (Ken ? #wine): Thanks @Levi_opens_wine @BlindedBite @MDSmitty2488 @keepercoll Now I need to find an orange wine… any recommendations? #SommChat

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): thx for the rec RT @tattoodsomm: “@keepercoll: Hey #SommChat tweeps: like to see as a featured 2012 @Whiskyplz would be great

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): gr8 suggestion RT @enjoielife: @keepercoll: @RandallGrahm would be fun – like 2 see as a featured 2012 #SommChat guest #SommChat”

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): will add 2 list, thx RT @Sassodoro: Not a somm think @elloinos wld b gr8 RT @keepercoll RT like to see as a featured 2012 #SommChat guest

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): always love italian suggestions:) TY RT @safoodnazi: Italian wine somm? @Texassom RT “@keepercoll: RT featured 2012 #SommChat guest”

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): @keepercoll looking forward to #SommChat next week!

@keepercoll (KeeperCollection): we are too! get ready for your tweeps to join in too! RT @tattoodsomm: @keepercoll looking forward to #SommChat next week!

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): Happy #WW to all. The awesome tweeps list get longer and longer every week. #wine #SommChat

@Levi_opens_wine (Levi Dalton): #SommChat done for today, I’m off to blind taste with @mikemadrigale and the 2 Sud Crew

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): Great #SommChat. Looking forward to next week! @alawine @corkhoarder @Sassodoro @demilove @WineFoodTX @mattreiser

@BlindedBite (Blinded By the Bite): Enjoyed playing with everyone today during @keepercoll’s #SommChat~ Was good to be back! Thanks!! #WineWednesday #Wine #WW

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro):Yeah! RT @MDSmitty2488 Great #SommChat. Looking forward to next week! @alawine @corkhoarder @Sassodoro @demilove @WineFoodTX @mattreiser

@mattreiser (Matt Reiser): @Levi_opens_wine great #SommChat today!