Keeper Collection #SommChat Guest Hai Tran @SommSayHai

7/19 Advanced Sommelier Hai Tran

@SommSayHai

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: Coming at you live! Look fwd to talking with you all via @KeeperColl #SommChat. Tweet, read, and interact with me live!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn about #Burgundy #wine from Advanced Sommelier Hai Tran @SommSayHai!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We’d like to introduce you to Hai Tran @SommSayHai to talk about winning #SommsUF and his time in #Burgundy ! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We're about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to Hai to say hello & so he knows you're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: As we ask Hai Tran @SommSayHai our Qs, you can ask your Qs as well! He'll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Even if u dont ask 1--give a S/O 2 @KeeperColl & Hai Tran @SommSayHai 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #Burgundy #wine with Hai Tran @SommSayHai #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Happy to be joining you this afternoon & talk abt my surreal experience in #Burgundy! I look forward to the next hour! Let's go! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SommSayHai when did you first become interested in #wine? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl I really didn't get into wine until I was much older. It was my senior year as an undergrad that I really had my first sip (1/2) #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl I got bit by the bug after attending a trade tasting where I discovered that wine is bottled history! (2/2) #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @SommSayHai how were the #vineyards in #Burgundy different than what you expected?

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl After all the studying and pictures I was still surprised by the spacing between rows & the general distances you encounter there! #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q. @SommSayHai How did you get your start in wine & whom are your mentors? Thanks #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SandyWasserman great to see you back on #SommChat today - Happy #WW

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @SandyWasserman Discovering that wine is bottled history, I got hooked trying to learn as much about what made each wine so unique, diving deeper... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @SandyWasserman I've had so many mentors and folks that have influenced me from @inier to @maxterroir in NC to all the MS's that have helped me in some way #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @SommSayHai how do factors like elevation and climate of the vineyard alter the taste of #Burgundy #wines?

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Elevation & climate are definitely crucial to the terroir & define a lot of the landscape. When you see & walk through the 1er Cru & GC... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...you see that all these play factors in the final product as well expression of the wines. Climate is a huge factor in Burgundy, as the.. #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...last string of vintages can show you. #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @SommSayHai What #Burgundy trends do you expect to see over the next few years? #SommChat @KeeperColl

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome back to #SommChat @CharlesComm

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm Great question! Some of the trends already being seen is a return to the roots of winemaking, allowing terroir to speak. This was very... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm ...evident when we visited with Chistophe Perrot-Minot in MSD. As well as conversations about pigeage vs. remontage usage. Another trend.. #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm ...is the re-emergence of Aligote as a noble grape. A lot of producers are really championing this underappreciated grape! #SommChat

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: Diane, you and I have talked about this 4 years! In the hands of good producer, #Aligote can be superb! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@AdamPlotkin yes like @DomaineLafarge Raisan Dores:)

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @AdamPlotkin of couse De Villaine and look for Pierre Morey #Aligote too:) #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SommSayHai tell us about competing in and winning #SommsUF 2017 #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Competing was an amazing experience as it was something I've wanted to do for some time when I first heard about it from former champion... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: ...@scottota & when it was opened up to folks outside of TX I knew I had to do it! It was an honor to compete w/ @jillzimorski & @chauneuf #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl much less win the competition! I still think it was all a dream! If so, don't wake me up! #SommChat

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: Bon jour, chatters de somm! Hi, Hai! ;-) #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @AdamPlotkin great to see you here and of course your sense of humor - knew you would like the #Burgundy convo on #SommChat with @SommSayHai

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: @KeeperColl Thx! The Hai-light of my morning as I wait for my flight! :-) #seewhatIdidthere? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @AdamPlotkin No I didn't! What did I miss?! =p

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SommSayHai what advice do you have for other #Sommeliers regarding competing in #SommsUF ? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Easy! Be confident, have fun, be you, and enjoy every moment. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm after visiting @SommSayHai , what makes #Burgundy #wine different from wines from other places? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Burgundy has a history and a unique story, in addition to laying their cards on Chard & PN that are perfect canvases to showcase terroir #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl I mean you have monks, wars, royalty, and family drama! In all seriousness, the years of working and understanding the land really... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...translate to the final product in the bottle. This is what makes Burgundy so unique to me. #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @SommSayHai How will your trip to #Burgundy influence your decisions as Beverage Director at @TheRittenhouse? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm After tasting multiple vintages and examples from various producers, I have a better benchmark for each producer & the parcels they work... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm ...they work with. The symposium also helped me apply the theory to the taste of the wines as we got to compare vintages from different... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: ...sites allowing me to make more educated decisions in addition to my producer knowledge. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how would you describe the tasting notes diffs bw #Burgundy and Cali #Pinot and #Chardonnay?

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl In general, the fruit expressions are quite different. White burg vs CA Chard: Just ripe to fresh vs. Riper, juicier, slightly sweeter... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...White burg also tends to have elevated structure (acidity) and more of mineral expression; Red Burg vs CA Pinot: Just ripe to fresh... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...fruit with a savoriness (think mushrooms, leather, umami tones) vs. Riper, juicier, slightly candied fruit with more spices #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @SommSayHai what were some of the differences between some of the vintages in the 1990’s that you tasted? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Tasted some amazing wines examples from the 1990s w/almost every vintage represented. Based on the examples we had, I would say for... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...whites, 96, 97, and 93 all showed well at this point, while for reds, 99, 95, and 91 were all showing great points of evolution. #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q. @SommSayHai Any favorite wines outside of Burgundy? Thanks #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @SandyWasserman So many to list, but some are Champagne, the whites and reds of Austria, northern Rhone, S Africa, and Chile to name a few #SommChat

Adam Plotkin @AdamPlotkin: @SommSayHai Admit it...your go to wine is Mad Dog 20/20...;-)

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@AustrianwineUSA thought you would like this mention by @SommSayHai on #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SommSayHai what were some of the interesting things you learned from the different #Burgundy #winemakers you visited? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl It was interesting to hear each winemaker talk about their take on whole cluster, pigeage vs. remontage, the importance of sorting and the #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...the sorting table. I also learned the role and value of having chickens in your vineyard via @DomaineLafarge. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SommSayHai Congrats on being named @WineEnthusiast Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker in 2016, what was that like? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Thank you! It was a complete shock and an honor. I never dreamed that I would be recognized for what I do and love each and every day... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...I'm just thankful that there are folks like @WineEnthusiast that are taking the time to recognize the work we do and the role we can... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...have in the conversation of wine. #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @SommSayHai What was your favorite #wine from your recent trip to #Burgundy? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm The tasting was amazing & we had so many overwhelming experiences. It's truly hard to choose one! A few highlights were: ... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm de Vogue Bourgogne Blanc 06, Lafon Montrachet 04, Lafarge Clos des Chenes 91, Voillot Champans 69, Grivot Richebourg 91, Giroud Musigny 49.. #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm ...and of course Liger-Belair La Romanee 02! So sorry for not being able to name one, but hope you understand! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SommSayHai what R UR duties @TheRittenhouse ? How is the #Philadelphia mkt different than #NorthCarolina ? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl I handle the training of all F&B associates, oversee the beverage program in all outlets, assist in overall management duties, develop... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...programing throughout the year. PA is a tougher market than NC due to the laws. As with anything, learning to navigate is part of... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...experience. It does make it tougher when you compare prices from state to state but you learn to make it work and it forces one to... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...be smart about what is represented on your list. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep @SommSayHai what is your favorite part about working in the #wine industry? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Creating experiences for our guests and hopefully sharing the passion I've developed over the years! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @SommSayHai what were some of the best #foods / meals you had while you were in #Burgundy? #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Anything that Russell put on our plate! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm did U have spc notebook dedicated to #Burgundy trip and do you transfer onto computer file or only by hand @SommSayHai

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl Yes if you looked on #SommTales I have my trusty green @moleskine that has my notes from my travels. I like to keep it all in one place... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...so I can review, compare, and remember my experiences. Call me old school! =p #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @SommSayHai Did you notice any emerging #sustainability trends in the region? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm Nothing in terms of emerging, but everywhere we went there was talks about sustainability and protecting the land that has given them... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm ...so much. The passing on to future generations was clearly important but they were also practical as the past vintages have proven... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @CharlesComm ...the need to be. The practices are for sustainability were similar to what I've encountered elsewhere. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm any insight on vintages you can share in the 2000s @SommSayHai ?

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl If you can avoid premox issues, some of the best examples we tasted for whites in 2000s were 14, 08, 04, and 02, while for reds... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: @KeeperColl ...the blockbuster vintages of 15, 10, and 05 are not to be missed. 07s are drinking great right now! Ultimately though... #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: ...amazing producers will make great wines even in the toughest conditions. So develop a love affair with a producer & go for it! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #Burgundy #wine talk w/ Hai Tran @SommSayHai #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: It was great to have Hai Tran @SommSayHai join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking Hai Tran @SommSayHai for his time on #SommChat

Hai Tran @SommSayHai: It was an absolute pleasure & an hour really goes by quickly doesn't it?! Thank you 2 everyone who tweeted & don't be a stranger! #GetSomm