Rajat Parr & Jordan Mackay

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Welcome 2 #SommChat every1! Tell UR friends 2 join us 2 hear abt #wine & the book #TheSommelier’s Atlas of Taste w/ Rajat Parr @rajatparr & Jordan Mackay @jorgrama

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Abt ready 2 dive in w/ ?s, so S/O 2 @rajatparr & @jorgrama 2 say hello & so they know UR here! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Don't forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order 4 every1 2 C see it! #WineWednesday

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: As we ask @rajatparr & @jorgrama our Qs, you can ask them Ur Qs as well! They’ll do their best 2 answer all Qs in order #SommChat #WW

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: W/so many participants gr8 Q's R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, S/O 2 @keepercoll , @rajatparr , & @jorgrama 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #Wines & the book #TheSommelier’s Atlas of Taste with @rajatparr & @jorgrama on #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @jorgrama: Where did you get the inspiration to write “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste”?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll #SommChat It came from Ch 2 of Secrets of the Sommelier. We knew that a book going back to the classics with a fresh, modern perspective was necessary because of all the new, wild wines on the market now. It was time to go deep on the foundational wines we grew up with.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Another Q fr @winejames for @rajatparr As you have worked with Larry Stone at Rubicon, Fifth Floor, Michael Mina, IPOB, and researching two books, how has your view of #wine changed? #SommChat

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll @winejames: it has changed as the world of wine has. now I pay more attention to the farming aspect. its not ONLY about the wine. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @jorgrama: Where can people buy your new #Book “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste”? What if they want a signed copy? #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll: Good question. Best to buy it at your local bookseller. If they’re not carrying it, ask them to! However, you can also order online. A signed copy (at least signed by Raj) can be ordered at rajparrwineclub.com #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @rajatparr: What were some of the new things that you learned about #wine during your travels for research of “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste”? #SommChat

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: we learned a lot about Geology. and off course farming practices #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr: How many wine regions did you travel to for the research for “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste”? Were any of them your first time?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: hmmm. we didn't really count but I think around 25. I had been to all except Alsace. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @jorgrama how did you and @rajatparr decide on the #wine regions to include in your #book “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste”?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: #SommChat It was really tough. We wanted classic regions, but it’s a judgment call. We came up w some intuitive equation, taking into account the history, depth, prominence, renown, quality, and commercial presence of the regions. However, there were misses …

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr #SommChat … The misses (due to time and logistics) we hope to correct in a future edition: Muscadet, Savoie, Portugal, Greece, to name a few. And as time progresses, these regions will also fit better into the equation.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @jorgrama: How have you seen the #wine world evolve since being in this industry?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll #SommChat Oh gosh, wine’s evolved so much. Interest in wine overall, but especially in young people, is exponentially greater than even when we published SotS in 2011. Also, winemaking has gotten better and better and exploded across the world. Worry now that there’s too much!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: .@jorgrama @rajatparr Who were some of the most memorable or interesting persons you interviewed for “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste”? #SommChat

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll @jorgrama: we loved talking to Olivier Humbrecht. also the late Auguste Clape. so much knowledge about the old days! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr: What is something that you want to see from the #wine world in the near future?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: I would like to see more discussions about farming. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm is there anything you learned during your visits in writing the #book that will influence your #winemaking and if so what @rajatparr

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: absolutely!! mostly about Organic Viticulture. saw many interesting fermentation vessels etc but the MOST IMPORTANT is always taking care of the vines #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @jorgrama: How long did it take to write “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste” from conception to finish? #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll: #SommChat Conception began in 2013, Real work of traveling & research took 4-5 months. then I mulled the book for about 9 months writing, which took 6 months, but I compressed into 3 by sacrificing health and happiness.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr Can a beginner wine enthusiast benefit from this book? If so, how?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: Absolutely! its a little advanced but not above anyones grasp if they take their time. its a One Stop Read about all classic wine regions in Europe. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr @jorgrama In your opinions, what are some of the most versatile #wine tasting profiles for pairing with #food? Did your opinion chg after researching this #book ?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat The book doesn’t cover food and wine pairing (that’s in our first book), but since you asked….

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat … acidity first and foremost in food pairing. Then weight. We love punchy, light-to-medium bodied wines for versatility with food. And finally, intense wines for bold flavors.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr @jorgrama why did you pick the title for your #Book “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste” and will reading it help in #wine tasting profiles at all?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat It’s a catchy title, no? However, the publisher made us add the word sommelier because they worried people wouldn’t know it was about wine. But Taste is the key word—we focus on the truths you can find in wine only through investigation of its texture and structure.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @jorgrama Was @rajatparr involved in the editing and/or writing? How so?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat @rajatparr was not involved in the physical writing. But every chapter I finished was first sent to him to look over and critique. Largely, he was very happy and rarely had big changes. After I finished the writing, he read through the book many more times than I did!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr: How did you start in the #wine business?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll:I started working at Rubicon Restauarant in San Francisco under #larrystone in 1996. I started as a food runner ad moved up to Larry's assistant #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr What does a work day in your life look like with your many endeavors such as #winemaker #Author and so many more things - how do you manage them all so well?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: I've been juggling selling wine, book research and winery work. hard to explain how I did it. its going to change in 2019. only focusing on our wines! will wake up and head to the winery. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: .@rajatparr: What have you learned by being a #wine Director in the Business? #SommChat

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: learned how to make an interesting wine program while making sure it is financially successful. every day was a learning experience. those were the good old days. though I don't miss them. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @jorgrama do you usually work on more than one #book at a time or only one? If >1, how do you move from one to the other?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll: #SommChat There’s overlap. I usually finish one book while starting the next. At some point, late in the writing, my mind starts to nibble on the next subject before I dive fully in. For instance, we’re on tour with the Atlas, but my next book, Franklin Steak, is already done!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you share about your 2018 vintage of your #wines @rajatparr ?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: 2018 was a GREAT Vintage for Pinot Noir in Oregon and California. Also, this year we made a variety of wines (Zinfandel, Pais, Cabernet Franc etc) for the #rajparrwineclub #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr @jorgrama do you have more stops on #book tour and if so where and when?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat Yes! We are in Raleigh tonight, Charleston tomorrow, then @musictourmouth on Friday. Then London, Paris, Stockholm, and Montreal. A Texas swing and Atlanta is in the works for next February.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @jorgrama: Where was your some of favorite destinations that you traveled to for writing “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste”? #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll: #SommChat Gosh, loved our time in the northern Rhone. Champagne was killer. Also we really, really had a great experience in Bordeaux. Highly recommended, even if you don’t drink much of it. Priorat is one of the most breathtaking wine regions in the world too!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr Many ppl say you are the best #wine blind taster in the world - can you give any tips on what helps you to identify #wines in blind tastings?

Rajat Parr @rajatparr: Replying to @keepercoll: Firstly, I am not the best. I was very good when I worked the floor. now i'm out of practice...... #SommChat

Rajar Parr @rrajatparr: Replying to @keepercoll: to be a great blind taster you must have a great memory. and you must train your palate and nose. always smell flowers, fruits, herbs, plants, trees. it s VERY important to be present! #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @rajatparr can you share with our #SommChat peeps how the #rajatparrwineclub works?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: very easy. just need to go to rajparrwineclub.com everything is explained. lots of delicious wines are offered to the 200 members. plus a selection glug glug (easy drinking) wines available on our web site. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Replying to @rajatparr

Do you have a limit on them members or can new people join #rajaRajat Parr @RajatParrarrwineclub today? #SommChat

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: capped at 200 members for the wine club. but the Glug Glug wines are open to anyone. just go to the web site rajparrwineclub.com #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Replying to @rajatparr

Do you have a waiting list for members and if so where can someone sign up for that list? #SommChat

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: yes. we have a wait list. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @jorgrama Q fr @winejames while he is traveling on Plane to #Austin! You are an experienced beverage pro aside from an excellent #writer, so what other projects do you have now that The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste is released? #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @winejames: #SommChat Hi, @winejames! Hope you’re missing the turbulence we had this AM!. So this new Franklin Steak book, releasing next April, is perhaps the most comprehensive book on steak ever written. Next up, is an absinthe, cocktail and oyster book from Brooklyn: Maison Premiere.

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @winejames: #SommChat … After the bar book, I’m not sure. Weighing a few ideas, and I’ll start doing a proposal for the next project next Spring, so I can start when I turn in Maison Premiere.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl Q fr #SommChat #Somm would you say that your love of #Burgundy and #rhone have influenced your #winemaking style? Any other #wine regions that influence you @rajatparr ?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: For sure! but also Jura, Beaujolaise and Loire. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr aspiring #writer for @jorgrama Is there 1 person you have admired throughout your #writing career? If so, who and why? #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll: #SommChat No one person. But I do love the books of Matt Kramer — awesome analysis, brilliant prose, and great insight. Today, I deeply admire the writing of @jbonne and @EricAsimov. Also, @Esther_mobley is doing brilliant work @SFGate.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr aspiring #writer for @jorgrama Is there 1 person you have admired throughout your #writing career? If so, who and why? #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll: #SommChat No one person. But I do love the books of Matt Kramer — awesome analysis, brilliant prose, and great insight. Today, I deeply admire the writing of @jbonne and @EricAsimov. Also, @Esther_mobley is doing brilliant work @SFGate.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr and @jorgrama: Where do you want to #travel to that you haven’t yet traveled in your careers?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat I’m looking to go the Azores at some point. Also Canary Islands (Raj has been). I’d also like to the see the wine regions of Switzerland. And Tasmania!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr have you been affected in your #vineyards by climate change and if so how and what changes have you made to address? Did many of the #winemakers you visited for the #book discuss this issue?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: we had an unusually Cold year in 2018. I think the climate is very uneven. many producers expressed concern. some are doing nothing, but many are changing viticulture and in some cases trying new grape varieties. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @rajatparr are your #wines found in most of the #US markets and if not where would you like to see them added?

Rajat Parr @RajatParr: Replying to @keepercoll: not in all markets. wish e made that much wine. we export almost 1/3. no plans to open markets currently. #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm outside of the #US:). @rajatparr @jorgrama how does someone outside of the #US buy your new #book ? Will it only be in #English or in any other languages?

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat Though it’s not my favorite outlet (for various publishing reasons), the answer is probably Amazon. They’ll send it anywhere. Ultimately, we’d also like to see the book translated into other languages, but it thrills us every time someone outside the US gets the book.

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: @jorgrama: What do you love most about being a journalist? #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll: #SommChat Well, I don’t love the writing. It’s hard and regularly breaks my brain! I love the research and also the opportunity to find and develop storylines and narratives and to answer questions. Usually book and story ideas come from questions I ask myself!

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope U enjoyed talking abt #Wines & the book #TheSommelier’s Atlas of Taste w @rajatparr & @jorgrama #SommChat

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Great to have @rajatparr & @jorgrama join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WW

Keeper Collection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking @rajatparr & @jorgrama for their time on #SommChat

Jordan Mackay @jorgrama: Replying to @keepercoll @rajatparr: #SommChat Thank you all for the really excellent questions! This was fun, as always.