@tattoodsomm

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn from Advanced Sommelier @tattoodsomm!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): We’d like to introduce you to Eric Hastings @tattoodsomm, Sommelier at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Houston #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): Thanks @keepercoll Happy to be here #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): We’re about ready to dive in w/ questions, so shout out to @tattoodsomm 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!

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

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

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm What #champagne do you plan on drinking to celebrate New Year’s? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): A. @keepercoll not sure yet, Champagne doesn’t last very long at my place. Probably some grower Champagne like Andre Clouet Rose #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm In your opinion, are #sparkling #wine and #champagne reserved only for special occasions? Why or why not? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): A. @keepercoll they shouldn’t be because sparkling wine is a terrific aperitif, but the current trend seems to be for celebration #SommChat

@JuneRodil (June Rodil): .@tattoodsomm @keepercoll Life is a celebration! We should drink it everyday. #YouCantTakeItWithYou #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@junerodil agreed, which makes it our job to change the attitudes of the general consumer @keepercoll #SommChat

@JuneRodil (June Rodil): @tattoodsomm @keepercoll Indeed! But in an enthusiastic, non-pontificating way…#SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @tattoodsomm Who are some of your favorite Winemakers? #SommChat #ww #wine @keepercoll

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): A. @winetheory David Duband in Morey, Clos du Val in napa, Vaudieu in Rhone #SommChat

@fernandobeteta (Fernando Beteta, MS): @tattoodsomm Ok. How many tattoos and what are they? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@fernandobeteta hard to count, left and right arm sleeve, left leg sleeve, etc #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm What are the best “bang for your buck” #dessert and #sparkling #wines out there right now? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): A. @keepercoll some great PX Sherry out there for dessert and i’ve had some very nice vintage Cava recently as well #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll like Don Albala PX 1982 and Canals & Murre Reserva Cava #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @tattoodsomm What ‘Under the Radar’ grapes and Regions are getting some play on your list right now? @keepercoll #SommChat #wine

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@winetheory have a nice aglianico from taurasi on the list, and gruner veltliner is making a huge push right now @keepercoll #SommChat

@drewhendricksms (Drew Hendricks): @tattoodsomm @keepercoll What about Madeira? Are you an advocate? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@drewhendricksms definitely an advocate of madeira, and pour a nice malmsey by the glass here. a big fan of Madeira @keepercoll #SommChat

@WineTheory (Justin Harriman): @tattoodsomm How did you become a Cert Somm? #SommChat #ww @keepercoll

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@winetheory had some great mentors, been studying it for years and developed a passion for food, wine and service @keepercoll #SommChat

@BillElsey (Bill Elsey): .@tattoodsomm @drewhendricksms @Keepercoll Eric how have you seen the Somm community in TX grow over the years? Where are we now? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@billelsey it has definitely grown over the 4 years I have been in TX. There’s a great community and future here @keepercoll #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm What is the biggest difference between #dessert #wines and normal table #wines? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll dessert wine generally has a much higher residual sugar level, either coming from overripe fruit or fortification #SommChat

@fernandobeteta (Fernando Beteta, MS): @tattoodsomm Nice. What are you drinking for NYE? Any suggestions to celebrate non-bubbly? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@fernandobeteta whichever wine is your favorite should be used to celebrate NYE. @keepercoll #SommChat

@fernandobeteta (Fernando Beteta, MS): Pinot Then! Thx. RT @tattoodsomm: .@fernandobeteta whichever wine is your favorite should be used to celebrate NYE. @keepercoll #SommChat

@SeanForLBW (Sean Beck): @tattoodsomm What’s the most influential place you’ve visited in the world of wine? @keepercoll #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@seanforlbw burgundy, champagne of course, but a trip to the rhone in 2010 changed my outlook on their wines @keepercoll #SommChat

@BillElsey (Bill Elsey): .@tattoodsomm @keepercoll What bubble recommendations do you have for the holidays? Any #FarmerFizz you’ll be drinking? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@billelsey I like grower champagnes, like Andre Clouet and Pierre Peters #SommChat

@canterburywine (Christy CanterburyMW): .@C_McFall like @tattoodsomm I love Pierre Peters & André Clouet! #Champagne #SommChat @keepercoll

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @keepercoll – What things should I look at when interviewing for a restaurant job? (Want to put my #WSET wine knowledge to work!) #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@demilove does the particular restaurant offer the opportunities that you are seeking out should be #1 priority @keepercoll #SommChat

@RickBakas (Rick Bakas): @tattoodsomm ‘morning, Eric. Just tuning in to #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm What is YOUR favorite kind of #dessert #wine? #lateharvest, #port, #icewine, #maderia, etc.? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll botrytized styles like TBA, Tokaji and Sauternes #SommChat

@scottota (Scott Ota): With your guests of Eddie V’s, how do you go about balancing your personal tastes with your customers’ in building your wine list?#SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@scottota it’s always a balancing act of managing brand recognition and personal passion. max %10 hand sell on list @keepercoll #SommChat

@fernandobeteta (Fernando Beteta, MS): @tattoodsomm What value wine do you think will replace Malbec? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@fernandobeteta I think with the growing awareness of Washington, Syrah could become a bigger player @keepercoll #SommChat

@Wine_com (Wines.com): Good conversation about wine happening right now on Twitter. Just use #SommChat to join or follow along.

@drooln (Nathan): Q: @tattoodsomm When pairing wine with food, what sort of experience are you going for? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@drooln I want to enhance both the wine and the food when pairing. @keepercoll #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm How do you think about pairing #wine with #dessert vs a dish eaten earlier in the meal- are there any differences? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll I look to match flavors more with dessert pairing than trying to match the structure of the wine and food #SommChat

@Wines_Com (Wines.com): Wino peeps, check out the discussion now over on #SommChat with @Tatoodsomm & @Keepercoll, great knowledge being given!

@C_McFall (Chris McFall): @keepercoll @tattoodsomm do you have a favorite dessert wine pairing off the beaten path? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@C_McFall honestly, vanilla creme brulee with junmai daiginjo sake, like Chiyokotubuki Toranoko @keepercoll #SommChat

@KathyMorganMS (Kathy Morgan): Q. @tattoodsomm Any Texas wines you recommend? What varietals work best? #SommChat

@tomcwark (Tom Wark): RT @KathyMorganMS: Q. @tattoodsomm Any Texas wines you recommend? What varietals work best? #SommChat: Llano Estacado’s wines rank!

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@kathymorganms spanish varieties seem to be working well here, like tempranillo, and i’ve had a nice viognier also @keepercoll #SommChat

@drewhendricksms (Drew Hendricks): @tattoodsomm @kathymorganms @keepercoll ROUSSANNE Rockin it same with Port Varieities too.. #TXWINE #SommChat

@C_McFall (Chris McFall): @tattoodsomm @kathymorganms @keepercoll @drewhendricksms what about Tranquillo Vino? #SommChat hi drew

@KatieDrinksWine (Katie Myers): @tomcwark @KathyMorganMS @tattoodsomm I like McPherson’s Vigonier, personally. #SommChat

@drewhendricksms (Drew Hendricks): @tattoodsomm do you consider sweetness of the dessert and #wine ?@keepercoll #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@drewhendricksms yes, but to a lesser extent i believe, since people already know they are getting sweet @keepercoll #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): .@tattoodsomm do you have any favorite wine-based cocktails? @keepercoll #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@mattmcginnis if you are referring to vermouth, there are a few cocktails i like, but not specifically wine based @keepercoll #SommChat

@adriennebyard (Adrienne Byard): @tattoodsomm which region do you feel is underdeveloped, yet has incredible growing potential? #SommChat @keepercoll

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@adriennebyard i think more exploration could be done in Michigan, as well as British Columbia. Sicily will improve @keepercoll #SommChat

@C_McFall (Chris McFall): @tattoodsomm @adriennebyard @keepercoll Michigan is my home state, some great late harvest rieslings and pinots from suttons bay #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@c_mcfall also leelenau peninsula and old mission peninsula riesling @keepercoll #SommChat

@canterburywine (Christy CanterburyMW): .@tattoodsomm What interests you in #Michigan? Have had some nice #sparkling wines from there. cc: @keepercoll #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@canterburywine sparkling wine also interests me from michigan. had a nice one a couple years ago. @keepercoll #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @C_McFall @tattoodsomm @adriennebyard @keepercoll I’m a Michigan native too! Great Riesling, Chard, Pinot Gris/Noir and sparklers! #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @tattoodsomm I work in a restaurant too. What are some red #wines you like pair with fish besides Pinot Noir? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@mdsmitty2488 Barbera can work well with its low tannin and elevated acid @keepercoll #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm The most common #dessert #wine is a #lateharvest- what exactly does “late harvest” mean? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll late harvest refers to naturally sweet wines made from overripe grapes, not fortified like port @keepercoll #SommChat

@JuneRodil (June Rodil): .@tattoodsomm So, if you had to kick 3 varietals off the island, what would they be? and why? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@junerodil malbec, tannat and pinot blanc. 1st 2 too tannic and last too innocuous @keepercoll #SommChat

@SeanForLBW (Sean Beck): Carmenere? “@tattoodsomm: .@junerodil malbec, tannat and pinot blanc. 1st 2 too tannic and last too innocuous @keepercoll #SommChat”

@AustinWineGuy (Rob Moshein): @JuneRodil @tattoodsomm Pinot Grigio=Boring, Palomino=who cares? Pinotage=would do the world a favor. You 3 OFF THE ISLAND! #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): @seanforlbw i only had 3 options @keepercoll #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. @tattoodsomm What foods go best with #champagne and #sparkling #wine? Are their pairings diff from those of #dessert #wine? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll sparkling is the best food wine due to naturally high acidity and carbonation. different styles make it versatile #SommChat

@RickBakas (Rick Bakas): @tattoodsomm Will Aussie wines make a comeback? They seem to be forgotten these days. #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@rickbakas great ? i think they will. unknown regions from victoria will see some action soon as export increases @keepercoll #SommChat

@JuneRodil (June Rodil): .@tattoodsomm @rickbakas @keepercoll I think that Aussie chards are killing it right now. Also, Mornington Penninsula pinot. #SommChat

@RickBakas (Rick Bakas): @JuneRodil agreed. Hunter Valley Chardies are impressive as are Yarra. Hunter Valley Semillons are very underrated. #SommChat

@ronga (Lindsay Ronga): @RickBakas @JuneRodil totally agree with this. the price is definitely right #SommChat

@C_McFall (Chris McFall): @tattoodsomm @canterburywine @keepercoll Bubbles sound great right now with my brunch! Do you have a favorite #Champagne #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@c_mcfall all time favorite is 1995 Gosset “Celebris” or 1988 Pol Roger “Winston Churchill” @keepercoll #SommChat

@C_McFall (Chris McFall): @tattoodsomm @keepercoll That sounds great, I am always in the mood for Krug #SommChat

@adriennebyard (Adrienne Byard): @tattoodsomm best wine in your opinion to pair with a bowl of vietnamese pho? #SommChat @keepercoll

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@adriennebyard depending on the heat, i think the herbal/minerality of Austrian Gruner Veltliner works great @keepercoll #SommChat

@CandVSpirits (Classic & Vintage): @tattoodsomm We know you’re an Amaro fan… are you seeing more consumers adopting this sommelier secret category? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@candvspirits I am. and i find that consumers are willing to try amaro more now, but it isn’t jumping in the glass @keepercoll #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): .@tattoodsomm Is there a possibility that you would take the Houston Wine School to other cities, like Austin? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@mattmcginnis we would love to do that, if we could coordinate with the great sommeliers you have there @keepercoll #SommChat

@JuneRodil (June Rodil): IN! “@tattoodsomm: .@mattmcginnis we would love to do that, if we could coordinate with the great sommeliers there @keepercoll #SommChat”

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): .@tattoodsomm let’s do it! There are some fantastic somms in Austin and on the #SommChat right now @C_McFall @junerodil @BillElsey @ScottOta

@ronga (Lindsay Ronga): @MattMcGinnis @tattoodsomm @C_McFall @junerodil @BillElsey @ScottOta thanks Matt! new peeps 2 follow (I’m from ATX originally!) #SommChat

@DomaineSelect (DSWE): @tattoodsomm being a Texas guy, what is your go-to pairing for barbecue brisket? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@domaineselect i would say lone star, or Inwood Tempranillo @keepercoll #SommChat

@C_McFall (Chris McFall): @tattoodsomm @domaineselect @keepercoll Nice, #SommChat

@Whiskyplz (Justin Vann): @tattoodsomm @keepercoll what’s your favorite sparkling wine outside of champagne? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@whiskyplz a few, sparkling loire valley, franciacorta, but i’m partial to cremant de limoux, so affordable @keepercoll #SommChat

@RickBakas (Rick Bakas): @tattoodsomm how has social media impacted your job if at all? #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@rickbakas keeps me in touch with what is happening in different parts of the country/world @keepercoll #SommChat

@personalwine (personalwine): RT @RickBakas: @tattoodsomm how has social media impacted your job if at all? #SommChat > made it easier to reach/hear customer feedback

@ronga (Lindsay Ronga): can listen! what people drink, what they want RT @RickBakas: @tattoodsomm how has social media impacted your job if at all? #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. Have you seen a change in the #Houston wine scene in the last 3 years and if so how? #WW #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll i find consumers are moving outside of there comfort zone somewhat in search of great value. S. italy and spain #SommChat

@adriennebyard (Adrienne Byard): @tattoodsomm which bottle of white has had the most pleasing and balanced expression of minerality in your opinion? #SommChat @keepercoll

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@adriennebyard jean marc morey chassagne montrachet les caillerets, great fruit profile with classic burg mineral @keepercoll #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q. What is your favorite white, red, and sparkling under $30 retail? #WW #SommChat

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll joguet chinon for red, gobelsberger gruner for white and collin cremant de limoux for bubbles #SommChat

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

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

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Please join me in thanking @tattoodsomm for his time #SommChat

@SigVin (Signorello Estate): @keepercoll @CandVSpirits @DomaineSelect @Whiskyplz #thankyou for having us at #SommChat

@RickBakas (Rick Bakas): @tattoodsomm Thanks for answering everyone’s rapid fire questions for #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): 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

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): .@keepercoll Thanks for having me! #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): Thanks for another great #SommChat @keepercoll. Fantastic info @tattoodsomm. Thanks!

@BillElsey (Bill Elsey): Thanks @tattoodsomm @keepercoll for the insight, great questions asked and answered by all #SommChat

@scottota (Scott Ota): Great #SommChat, thanks @keepercoll and @tattoodsomm! See everyone next week. #WW

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Join us next Wed 12/21 11 AM CST for #SommChat with Master #Sommelier @pwmwine, Jessie Becker!

@pwmwine (Jesse Becker, MS): Enjoyed the conversation w/ @tattoodsomm. CU next week! RT@keepercoll Join us next Wed 12/21 11 AM CST for #SommChat w/ @pwmwine.

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): We are also excited to announce a special REVERSE #SommChat on 12/28 where YOU are the featured guest! bit.ly/tAw3NS #SommChat

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

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): If u want to be 100% sure ur #SommChat Q for @pwmwine gets answered, post it to FB! on.fb.me/hjQDBL Happy #WW! #SommChat

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

@tattoodsomm (Eric Hastings): Wow, that was fun. Thanks to all who participated. And now, back to work! @keepercoll #SommChat