Keeper Collection #SommChat Guest Wine Director Michael Nelson

5/29 Wine Director Michael Nelson

@thewinearray

@trimbach (trimbach): @KeeperColl have a great #WW And a great #SommChat! Cheers from #Chicago, Anne

@exceptionalfood (Gourmet Delights): Every Wednesday at noon Eastern join us for #SommChat hosted by @KeeperColl http://gourmet-delights.com/store/twitter_food_chats.html … #wine #wiyg #foodies

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): ready! @KeeperColl Can’t wait 2 c you @ #SommChat @rtwinestyles @sahmmelier @tablascreek @TheLittleNell @yumivore @tonymcclung @tperezwine

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @KeeperColl: See you @ #SommChat 11AM CST! @vinocapisco @spoonmeforkme @denisefraser @crushdwines @mutineermag @wineandsake #WW

@drewbie_g (Drew Gourdie): Thanks for the reminder! @KeeperColl: Can’t wait to see you @ #SommChat 11AM CST! @deniseclarkeatx @drewbie_g @drinkAlsace @drsalsamx #WW

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @TperezWine so glad 2 see you at #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @tomcaestecker glad to hear from you today #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @enjoielife hello from #SOmMChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @drewbie_g welcome back to #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @waughcellars thanks for shouting out to #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Welcome 2 #SommChat every1! Tell UR friends 2 join us 2 hear from #Wine Director Michael Nelson @thewinearray! #WW

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): Good Morning form #Carmel, CA @Keepercoll @thewinearray #WW #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’d like to introduce you to #Wine Director Michael Nelson @thewinearray! #SommChat #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’re about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to @thewinearray to say hello & so he knows you’re here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Don’t forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it! #WineWednesday

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): As we ask @thewinearray our Qs, you can ask him Ur Qs as well! He’ll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat #WW

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): W/so many participants lots of gr8 Q’s R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, S/O 2 @KeeperColl & @thewinearray let us know u R here! #SommChat #WW

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Let’s start talking #wine with #Wine Director Michael Nelson @thewinearray #WineWednesday #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson?): @KeeperColl Thanks for inviting me & lets talk vino #wine Good morning #carmel #winewednesday #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso?): @KeeperColl – Good morning all! Nice to join you at #SommChat ! Last chat before my #Certified !

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @demilove always gr8 to see you at #SommChat

@helenwindle (Helen Windle): Happy #WineWednesday I’m here for #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @demilove look fwd to your questions for @thewinearray on #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): @helenwindle great to see you on #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @thewinearray What is the most valuable thing U learned after being at the @GothamBar_Grill for nearly 10 years? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl 2 B a great #Somm, listening is a more acute skill to master & translation is the best realization of the experience #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl 2 often a #somm wants to be heard, 2 B proven savvy, when all it takes is a shared experience to elevate the #wine #SommChat

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): @thewinearray how do you build a #wine team? or inspired your team? @KeeperColl #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@TperezWine @Keepercoll I started with excited people, who loved conversation as much as wine. Who knew when to suggest… #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@TperezWine @KeeperColl & when to listen. So that everyone could have fun in the experience. It is after all meant to be shared #SommChat

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): @thewinearray @Keepercoll I started with excited people, who loved conversation as much as #wine. Who knew when to suggest. #SommChat

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez):TY @thewinearray @KeeperColl & when to listen. So that every1 could have fun in the experience. It is after all meant to be shared #SommChat

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): @thewinearray I like you said LISTENING very important @KeeperColl #winewednesday thanks #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @thewinearray @KeeperColl – When I practiced Service last week, the #Sommelier who was coaching me said I rambled on too much! #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@demilove @KeeperColl Not too worry. That sounds like nerves. Start w 1-2 thoughts and wait for feedback from the guest be4 … #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@demilove @KeeperColl you ply them w details that overwhelm them. Trust your tolerance…would you listen to you? then it is easy #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso?): @thewinearray @KeeperColl – That’s what my coach said. Just think and speak one sentence at a time. Allow examiner to ask ?s – #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@demilove @KeeperColl keep the award winning responses for the right moment. That might keep them from asking you more . #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray U earned a certificate from the @AmSommelier. How has it helped u grow and given U competitive edge over others? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl it opened my mind 2 place over process, the idea that location makes a #wine more than a #winemaker.. #AmSommelier #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl @AmSommelier it opened hope for difference, individuality in wine. Modern wine aims for uniformity, accessibility.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl @AmSommelier when all #wine is unique, see it as such. ASA proves terroir soit becomes intuitive, natural as somm.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl @AmSommelier ..from there i could taste honestly before judging. After all someone’s life is in the glass! #teroir #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): @winearray where you a #sommelier in NYC before starting @thewinearray? or are you still? #SommChat @KeeperColl

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@noblewines @KeeperColl I was somm/Wine Director at @GothamBar_Grill for nearly a decade, & 1yr at @CafeBouludNY in NYC #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@noblewines @KeeperColl I am now a Somm for hire, so 2 speak. I work w a Dist @Veritywines as their somm as well as private event #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): @HipTastesMaven we will miss you but understand hope to see you next week at #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q.@thewinearray Tell us more about the year you spent at @CafeBouludNY How did U benefit from this? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl it presented a very diff public, more set in their ways yet exposed to high level #wine. Experiment wasnt in cards #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl UpperEast has some wealthy people, $ didnt matter, best vintage, prod, condition did. I had 2 b top of my game.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl listening 2 guest 4 different expectations, new skill set!! Clients were very generous. I drank well & learned!

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): thanks for having me, its always great to at #WineWednesday @KeeperColl: @TperezWine so glad 2 see you at #SommChat”

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): RT @thewinearray: @KeeperColl am now Somm for hire, so 2 speak. @VerityWines as somm as well as private event #SommChat nice 2 be freelance

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): RT @Champagnewhit: @thewinearray Just got home! So happy to join in….really want to know the next steps for thewinearray! #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @champagnewhitney @KeeperColl Hey There Bubbles! we are reaching out to wine drinkers everywhere w thoughts, games, events… #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @Champagnewhitney @KeeperColl to encourage including wine in the everyday. It should be fun to see what rolls out! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray What gave U the urge to branch out and create the online resource http://www.thewinearray.com ? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl I go back to the guest on this. Consumers know what they taste. They want what they know & need help saying it.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..I love to translate! Crowd was exciting, willing 2 seek new wines but limitd 2 those who could afford @GothamB_G #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..I wanted to help more people, empower the masses, so critics didn’t rule their choices w/0 their comprehension.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..& wineries deserve less slanted delivery of their efforts, less grading & more distinct comparisons. & why they.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..differ matters, not just points or $$. If more people feel comfort in wine, no matter what they like, wine wins! #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..I have no fear that tastes will evolve as comfort level grows & confident trial will set new standards for all. #SommChat

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): @thewinearray which is the hottest #wine #region for you right now? @KeeperColl #WW #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): @TperezWine @KeeperColl my region? Def Loire. Some great and simple wines keep showing up. I can’t get enough chenin, so good 4 me #SommChat

@Champagnewhit (Whitney Woodham): @thewinearray @KeeperColl Hey!!! What types of games and how do I get involved…#SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): @Champagnewhit @KeeperColl since we haven’t launched yet, I do no want 2 give anyway the fun, but lets hint..If U know Flashmobs.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): @Champagnewhit @KeeperColl then U will be excited to get the call for a WineMob #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – I want to work restaurant this summer, a few shifts after work, what should I look for if I really want to learn? – #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@demilove @keeperColl go where the chatter is. Ask bartender if he likes how the wine is presented by the WD & look for variety.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@demilove @KeeperColl on the list. It proves before you sign up, that they love exploration & thrill of the study #SommChat

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): love #loire @thewinearray @KeeperColl my region? Def Loire. Some great and simple wines keep showing up. I cant get enough #chenin #SommChat

@WineRackCo (WineRacks.com): @thewinearray @KeeperColl Checking into #SommChat a bit late but glad to make it and seems like a great convo so far!

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @lwa235 @KeeperColl – Good morning Linda! Hope you are enjoying your Chenin! – #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray What do you look for most in a good #wine? #Winelover #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl natural balance! this does not mean uniformity. many wines have different peaks and falls.. #wine #winelover… #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..diff symmetry. drink enough wine & you see adjustment, feels wrong. Wellbred fruit = balance.. #wine #winelover #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..& purity, where all the interest shines through. I like wine as wine, not as a cocktail!.. #wine #winelover #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl From Bordeaux 2 Riesling 2 New Zealand 2 Washington Sate..harmony from good farming not chemistry #wine #winelover #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): @WineRackCo great to have you back on #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): MT @thewinearray: @TperezWine @KeeperColl my region? Def Loire. Some great & simple wines keep showing up. Can’t get enough Chenin #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller?): A. @thewinearray what are you thoughts on keg wines and the importance of Domaine botteling? #SommChat @KeeperColl

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@noblewines @KeeperColl 1st keg is great 4 early drinking. tap systems R sound now. great 4 exposure & idea of simple pleasures.. #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@noblewines @KeeperColl Domaine bottling 2 me assures love and care. no one would mishandle their baby.Not to say it crucial but? #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @thewinearray @KeeperColl – Thank you Michael! Not sure I can handle a really formal stuffy restaurant now, but I will . . . #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @thewinearray @KeeperColl . . . where I regularly taste wine first – #SommChat – at least they know me!

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@TperezWine @KeeperColl trouble is the bacteria can cloud varietal identification. Have some1 blind a natural wine & guess grape #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray How does http://thewinearray.comhelp the audience become more comfortable discussing wine? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl 1st off by describing the action of tasting. engaging in the action is the best way to love wine #wine #winelover #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl once you understand the feeling is as important as taste, U know your palate. What feels right? #wine #winelover #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl Vocabulary is personal. So we unlock the words once the context is understood, the rest is easy.. #wine #winelover #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..& offering choices that match, & suggestions when the mood changes. Just have 2 trust yourself #wine #winelover #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl .@thewinearray gives the vocal for you 2 use, not as a pro but as eloquent speaker about yourself #wine #winelover #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): RT @csohayo: @thewinearray @KeeperColl I really agree with that. What most of us need is a translator #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @thewinearray I agree. There is a difference! @KeeperColl #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray What are some of your favorite types of white #wine under $20.00? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl Loire whites as said, Chenin Blancs! Great Chenin from NZ, S Africa 2. Verdicchio. Falanghina. of course..#wine #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl ..riesling/ Fingerlakes for brights, Germany for fruit..give me Arneis! I love acidity & it comes cheaply! #wine #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): RT @alawine: @JeraeK @JacuzziWines @ibstatguy @jsidonior @ldacosta79 @mkalicante What’s up? chattin #wine on #SommChat thinking authenticity

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): RT @CharlesComm: @thewinearray @KeeperColl So true. How often do we drink without thinking about what we’re tasting? #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): RT @thewinearray: A. @KeeperColl Great Chenin from NZ, S Africa (Bruno Raats?? Yum) 2. Verdicchio. Falanghina. of course..#wine #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@noblewines @KeeperColl I agree. wine reacts to metal. Its natural flow of energy. the less contact the better. Drink it fast! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray What is your favorite red #wine under $30.00? #SommChat #Winelover

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl I love simple Nebbiolo chilled. Rossos d Langhe & Valtellina in NItaly. Aurelio Settimo 08 delis! #winelover #wine #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl Gamay is a love of mine too. Some OR PN, chilled. new 1 just out, can I mention? #winelover #shamelessplug #wine #SommChat

@lwa235 (Linda Adams): @KeeperColl sorry to have missed this today – busy day! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): @lwa235 hope you can join in next week on #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray What type of #champagne do U prefer and why? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl 300% blanc de blancs. I’m a texture freak w #champagne it needs clarity. 2 fruity, no thnx. finesse & length #wine #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl Chard w balanced but low dosage. weightless & lite oxidation please. I know some love richness. Me-precision #wine #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): pls tell RT @thewinearray: A. @KeeperColl Gamay is a love of mine too. Some OR PN, chilled. new 1 just out, can I mention? #wine #SommChat

@CharlesComm (Charles Comm PR): @thewinearray says that when it comes to wine you, “Just have to trust yourself.” // a little “expert” navigating helps too #SommChat

@TPerezWine (Thomas Perez): @thewinearray love your take on #wine thanks for your time, need to run @KeeperColl see you next week #winewednesday Cheers! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): @TperezWine will look forward to seeing you next week on #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray What is one #wine region that U have not been to that U would like to visit? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl New Oregon PN Two Messengers. just released joint project of French/Oregon #winemakers. Super fine and pure #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl the Mosel in #Germany. I am a champion yodel-er and have yet to get the invite! #sadwineyodel #wine #riesling #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): only a few more mins to ask your qs on #SommChat with @thewinearray

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @thewinearray Really good value whites to be found at < $20 a bottle: Chenin Blanc, Verdicchio, Falanghina. @KeeperColl #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray Tell us more about your current pick. What makes this one of your favorite types of #wine? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl my Fav from @thewinearray site? COS its amazing!.2 me anyway. elegant, sour-cherry & mineral. chill & glug! #wine #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray How are the #wines chosen that are featured on http://thewinearray.com ? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl This varies. We find some. Wineries send some. Many are used by our somms. All are welcome 2 pass the test.. #wine #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl We do not judge based on style but quality. If it is well made, if our team would by 4 the rest, thumbs up- #wine #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl Price. Place. Grapes. Producer. Styles. Vintages. They are all welcome, since this is for every1 2 explore! #wine #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Q. @thewinearray Is there any #wine region that you are dying to visit? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): A. @KeeperColl Champagne! I have been 2 all France but here & Bordeaux. No offense but give me the bubbles over chateaux #wine #SommChat

@CharlesComm (Charles Comm PR): Great #SommChat discussion today @KeeperColl and thanks to @thewinearray! Have to run, see you next week!

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): @CharlesComm thanks as always for visiting #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso?): @KeeperColl – I am guessing NYC is very competitive wine-literate, market-how do you differentiate your wine list so it’s special? #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@demilove @KeeperColl 1st it must have $$ balance. So gems all over. trickier than it sounds when the high&lows are easy… #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@demilove @KeeperColl then U balance familiar wines w unique ones you love. There is zoo much #wine in NY, theres a lot 2 choose! #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – Have to go back to work now, and study for exam later! Thanks for a great #SommChat !

@Champagnewhit (Whitney Woodham?): @KeeperColl @thewinearray I read that ur job was Sommelier Partner & Creative Conduit What does that include? What is ur day like?#SommChat

@Champagnewhit (Whitney Woodham): @thewinearray @KeeperColl I have always wanted to be in a flashmob…I practice everyday! #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson?): .@Champagnewhit @KeeperColl thinkin outside of the 12pk. building relation w somms curating @Veritywines 4 their liking. Schmoozin #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): we agree! #SommChat RT @WineandFilmLady: @thewinearray @KeeperColl Hello! I have been to Reims…you will love it

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection):@demilove great questions and best on your exam – BREATHE #SOmmChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk with Michael Nelson @thewinearray #WineWednesday #SommChat

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): It was great to have Michael Nelson @thewinearray join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): Please join us in thanking Michael Nelson @thewinearray for his time #SommChat #WW #Winelover

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

@drewbie_g (Drew Gourdie): Thanks @KeeperColl for this week’s #Sommchat w/ @thewinearray! Did not participate, but watched all the informative Tweets! Cheers! #WW

@KeeperColl (KeeperCollection): @drewbie_g always glad when you are in on #SommChat

@thewinearray (Michael Nelson): .@KeeperColl a huge thank you to all. Thanks 4 cyber-drinking. Hope 2 b back again now that we have met! #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): like your arraying of #wine thanks for the chat on #SommChat @winearray thanks for the platform @KeeperColl

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @KeeperColl: Q. @thewinearray U earned a certificate from @AmSommelier. How has it helped u grow and given U competitive edge? #SommChat

@enjoielife(Judia Black): @thewinearray: A. @KeeperColl it opened my mind 2 place over process: idea that location makes a wine more than winemaker. #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black?): @KeeperColl Always in a class of its own! #SommChat. Thanks!