Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn from Advanced #Sommelier Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw, of Republic National Distributing Company!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: We’d like to introduce you to Advanced #Sommelier Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw, of Republic National Distributing Company! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: We're about ready to dive in with questions, so shout out to Jason Hisaw MS @JRHisaw! Make sure to say hello so he knows you're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: So happy to be on #SommChat today! Looking forward to talking #txwine with everyone!!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #wine with Advanced #Sommelier Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw, of Republic National Distributing Company @RNDC_USA! #WineWednesday #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm heard you are specializing in #TxWine - how did you get this gig and what are some main things we need to know about #texas #wine @JRHisaw ?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Great question! I am indeed specializing in #txwine for @RNDC_USA I was offered the role from the company to focus on Texas wine in restaurants around the state of Texas. Lots of driving! Some things to know about #txwine is that the quality is great right now and it is an exciting time to be a part of the #txwine industry. Grape growers are talking to winemakers, winemakers are talking to grapegrowers and the wines are top quality! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @JRHisaw we have heard that #txwine only stays in #texas - is the distribution chain increasing outside of the state and if so where and if not when?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Much of the #txwine does stay in Texas. Texans consume the majority of what is produced in the state. There are some Texas producers that do have distribution outside of the state but not a ton. Hopefully with the increase of production we will see more in other markets. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm What are some of the main grapes that are successful in #TXwine? Do you have some #wines you represent @RNDC_USA that are good for BTG white? BTG red? @JRHisaw

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Some of the main #txwine grapes that are doing well here are warm climate varieties. Tempranillo, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Viognier to name a few. There are some great wines that are good for BTG #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Some of the BTG options for #txwine are Llano 1836 White Blend, @mcphersoncellar Cinsault, @MessinaHof Cabernet Franc, @DuchmanWinery Vermentino, @BrennanVineyard Grenache Rose. All great options! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @JRHisaw You have been a volunteer leader @texsom for many years. Why do you feel as an Advanced #Sommelier that #TexSom is such a great conference? #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I have made so many friends and relationships through @TEXSOM that it is THE best beverage conference out there. Besides relationships the quality of speakers, wines, and seminars are second to none. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @JRHisaw Can you share why you think a #winery should enter some #wines @texsomiwa and why a #Sommelier should ask to be a volunteer? #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I think the judges are some of the most respected beverage professionals in the business. To have a wine judged in that group proves to the world that this wine deserves to be recognized for its quality. #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: A #Sommelier should want to volunteer to the awards because the exposure to the wines can't be duplicated anywhere else. If you are studying for an exam, it is imperative to know producers and this is a great way to do it. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm are you seeing increase in #txwine production from existing #wineries @jrhisaw OR are you seeing it from new wineries starting up?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I would say both. I think there are new wineries starting up that are producing #txwine as well as increased production from wineries that have been around for years. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @JRHisaw When did your journey begin at @RNDC_USA and what do you like about working on the distribution side? What skill sets do you think are the most important working for a distributor? #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: My second time @RNDC_USA began this past February. I worked for them previously after my career with @PappasBros I like the opportunity to work with many wines and producers on the distribution side. The opportunity to talk about wines #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: to buyers around the state is the best. I think the skill set most important is to follow through on what you say, pitch wines that make sense for the restaurant, and don't fake it. If you don't know, say it and find out. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @JRHisaw What are some of the greatest insights you have learned about #Txwine in the last year working @RNDC_USA? #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I have known the quality of #txwine for years but now being fully immersed in it I truly have seen how special these wineries are and the people who are a part of it. There is a lot of history with them and its exciting to be a part of their journey. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @JRHisaw What are some of the biggest trends you have seen in #Texas #wine in the last year?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Some of the biggest trends are the Rose category as a whole. It is a hot category in wine in general and #txwine is on board as well. With our access to warm climate varieties the Texas producers are making some great Rose wines!! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you explain what are the main #TXwine geographical areas for making good #wine @JRHisaw? Is there a good resource online or in a book that is available?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: There are 8 #txwine AVAs in the state. The two main areas are the Texas High Plains and Texas Hill Country. Over 75% of the grapes used in #txwine comes from the High Plains. That area offers warm days and cool nights and is making outstanding wine #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: The Hill Country is also making some great wines. There are some single vineyard wines coming from that area that are showing well. @VintageTexas book is worth seeking out. I use it daily for information. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q Fr #SommChat #Somm @JRHisaw What is something that you want to see from the #Txwine world?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I would like to see from the #txwine world the continuation of shared information between growers and producers. With increased communication and shared techniques the quality of the wines will only increase!! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm we hear that #txwine is good with #BBQ - what other things do the wines pair well with @JRHisaw?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I think that #txwine can pair with any cuisine. I am headed to New York next week for a dinner in #manhattan that is an eclectic, international menu. While I love Texas wine with BBQ, you can pair it with your finest menus. #SommChat

TexasFineWine @TexasFineWine: Yes, #TXwine so good with BBQ! @jrhisaw is one helluva BBQ guy! (FYI: @TexasFineWine has a pairing guide for #TXwine+BBQ on its website.) RT @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm we hear that #txwine is good with #BBQ - what other things do the wines pair well with @JRHisaw

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Great to see you on #SommChat today @TexasFineWine and thanks for the pairing guide tip on your website and we will have to get @jrhisaw to do some #BBQ for us :)

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: The @TexasFineWine guide is a great resource for some great #txwine and #bbq pairing!!!

TexasFineWine @TexasFineWine: BBQ by @RTJrhisaw + #txwine: yes please! @keepercoll: Great to see you on #SommChat toady @TexasFineWine and thanks for the pairing guide tip on your website and we will have to get @JRHisaw to do some #BBQ for us :)

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what made you pursue your Advanced #Sommelier certification and do you intend to pursue Master #Sommelier Diploma further @JRHisaw?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I knew early on that I wanted to pursue the @CMS_americas certification. Working @PappasBros made it even more of a priority being surrounded by sommeliers like @drewhendricksms and Barb Werley. I still would like to finish what I started. Need to keep hitting the books and get through the theory exam. Again, to finish what I started. It is all about the journey not the final destination. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @JRHisaw When you’re not drinking #wine, what are you drinking? #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: With three little boys at home, LOTS of coffee. But when not drinking #wine or #txwine I enjoy some single malt scotch or a good gin/vodka martini. Especially when made by @BillElsey #SommChat

Denise Clarke @DeniseClarkeTX: I love a gin martini - what's your favorite gin? RT @JRHisaw: With three little boys at home, LOTS of coffee. But when not drinking #wine or #txwine I enjoy some single malt scotch or a good gin/vodka martini. Especially when made by @BillElsey #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: @Distillery209 is my favorite!! Only because I have a very special place in my heart for Leslie Rudd and the gin is amazing!! #SommChat

Lauren Murray @lmtxwine23: @WoodsDistillery that’s based in Colorado Bill Morrison @bill_Morrison: Nolet

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @JRHisaw You need to ask @ntp3wineguy to make you a #gin martini #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @JRHisaw What is a day in your life working look like @RNDC_USA?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Lots of driving!! I have put 32,000 miles on my car since March 1st!! It is working with the @RNDC_USA on premise teams with appointments, education, and showing #txwine #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @JRHisawWhat inspired you to become involved in working on #txwine? Did you find it or did it find you?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I think we found each other. I remember drinking #txwine as early as 2007 when I moved here. I think they deserve the recognition just like any other great wine producing region. I love being one of the many voices for this industry and preaching the gospel!! #SommChat

Denise Clarke @DeniseClarkeTX: And you are doing an amazing job - thanks for spreading the word.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @DeniseClarkeTX what suggestions do you have for getting more #txwine on #restaurant lists? #SommChat

Denise Clarke @DeniseClarkeTX: Would be great if restaurants w "locally inspired" menus would have #txwines on their lists which often have craft beers and TX spirits.

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Texans are prideful of things from Texas!! Drink local, eat local. Texas Beers, Texas Spirits, why not #txwine ?? Got to ask the question to the buyers. Why not one Texas wine!! #SommChat

Denise Clarke @DeniseClarkeTX: Would be great if restaurants would offer #txwine BTG so consumers can try them

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @JRHisaw How have you seen the #wine world change in the last five years, both positive and negative?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Some of the positives from the #wine world is the increase of exposure to new wines, regions, and producers. People are trying new things and that is exciting. I think there is an increase of information for people of there to use make them aware of #wine #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Some of the negatives is that with increased number of producers sometimes quality isn't there. It will take the #wine drinking community to keep the information out there for people to use #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm is there a lot of differences in the elevation and climate and soils in the different #TXwine AVAs and if so what are the main differences @JRHisaw ?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: In the High Plains the elevation is around 3,000 feet above sea level making for a bigger diurnal shift. Most of the soil type is the HP is brought by wind, where in the Hill Country it's brought by water. There are around 30+ soil types in the HP and similar in HC #SommChat

James Tidewell @winejames: What are two opportunities and two challenges that you see for #txwine @JRHisaw ? Ideas for max the former and min the latter? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I think the opportunities and challenges can be one in the same. Keeping the information out there among producers and growers. Sharing knowledge will only help to grow and promote the #txwine industry. #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Some ideas are to have the producers/growers come together often and see what things are working and not working. Again, coming together as a community to promote #txwine as a whole. Similar to the way #Napa was early on. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @JRHisaw Is there anything in #Texas #wine that you foresee becoming a trend? #SommChat

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I see trends in #txwine similar to trends in #wine as a whole. Rose is a trend, and I think more higher acid wines will make a bigger impact in #txwine and in restaurants. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what are the major soil types in HP? HC? @JRHisaw

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Different for each region but focusing mostly clay, limestone, and sandy soils are present in each. The different AVAs offer so many types but the three listed above will be found in each. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm have you blinded much #txWine and if so what are some main descriptors for red and white @JRHisaw ?

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: I love to blind #txwine because it keeps me sharp to see what is here versus other parts of the world. Hard to zero in on main descriptors as whole, but tropical and tree fruits for the white, and bright red and ripe fruits for the reds. But each wine will have its own note. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk with Advanced #Sommelier Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw, of Republic National Distributing Company @RNDC_USA #WineWednesday #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: It was great to have Advanced #Sommelier Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw, of Republic National Distributing Company join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

Jason Hisaw @JRHisaw: Thank you so much for having me on #SommChat today! I encourage all of you to seek out #txwine and ask for them while you are dining out! The wines are outstanding and I love being one of the voices of these producers!! #SommChat