Keeper Collection #SommChat Guest #Sommelier Bernie Sun

12/26 Sommelier Bernie Sun

@BSVINO

@italianwineguy (Alfonso Cevola): will be in ‘n out of the chat-still digesting meal from @SpoonBarKitchen Feast of the 7,um 10 Fishes #7fishes #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): @KeeperColl I’ll have to be late to #SommChat today, but I’ll be there.

@westchesterwine (Marshall Tilden, CSW): I’m here for #SommChat! @KeeperColl @SirenaDiVino @danielsouder @meritageresort @BonVivantImport @lennthompson

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Welcome 2 the last #SommChat of 2012! We’ve had an amazing yr of #SommChats guests!

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’d like to introduce you to #Sommelier Bernie Sun @BSVINO! #SommChat #WineWednesday #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’re about ready 2 dive in w/questions, so shout out 2 @BSVINO 2 say hello & so him know you’re here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): As we ask @BSVINO our Qs, U can ask him Ur Qs as well! He’ll do his best 2 answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat #WW

@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

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @KeeperColl It’s great to be here! #sommchat

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

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Let’s start talking #wine with #Sommelier Bernie Sun @BSVINO from @jeangeorges #WineWednesday #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @KeeperColl hope everyone had a great Christmas yesterday! #sommchat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO How did you first get into #wine? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl Always had an interest, thought it was really cool.. like James Bond type of thing my 1st wine job was Lespinasse.. #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl which I helped build the @winespectator Grand Award with one of my mentors Joe Nase back in ’97 #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl @BSVINO What grape or what region do you think will come on strong in 2013? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @demilove I think the wines from New Zealand will make a mark in 2013… #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Excited to have @BSVINO from @jeangeorgesnyc #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl @BSVINO @jeangeorgesnyc did your restaurant take a hard hit during #sandy? Is it better now? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @demilove the restaurants downtown did… Mercer and ABC Kitchen had no power and Perry St will be closed for another month .. #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @demilove thank you for asking how we are doing… #SommChat

@westchesterwine (Marshall Tilden, CSW): @BSVINO What dish on the menu do you find the most challenging to pair? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @westchesterwine JG’s dishes are always balanced which makes it both easy and hard to pair with wine… #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @westchesterwine also his love for hot peppers makes it a fun pairing exercise as well.. #SommChat

@erikuncorked (Erik Leenaars): @KeeperColl @BSVINO #SommChat Why did you decide to go all biodynamic – organic for @ABCKitchen wine list? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @erikuncorked Great question… I wanted to stay true to the concept of ABC Kitchen… which is Farm to Table… #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @erikuncorked Biodynamic is like the ultimate Farm to Table for wine…. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO Tell us about being a Corp. #wine director 4 14 @jean_georgesnyc restos fr #Shanghai to #NYC– how do you manage? #WW #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl I take it 1 day at a time, w restaurants in 12 timezones, one needs to be flexible and good at juggling things #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): sorry #SommChat tweeps – correction – Jean Georges NYC handle is @jean_georgesNYC

@ormiga (ormiga): @KeeperColl @BSVINO @jean_georgesnyc #SommChat quiz[+curious ;=] good #wine to go w #yogurt-based sauce [#kadhi #india not curry]

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @ormiga Thats a tough one… I like to go lower acid and richer style … a new world chardonnay.. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO What #Champagne will you be serving on New Years Eve @Jean_georges NYC and what will you personally drink after work? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl the new year’s toast will be Billecart Salmon Rosé out of 3 Liter format and I won’t refuse a good gl of bubbles .. #SommChat

@CaravelleChamp (Rita Jammet): @BSVINO bonjour Bernie! what is your fave wine(s) with hot and spicy dishes? #SommChat @KeeperColl

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @CaravelleChamp love off-dry rieslings and/or beer! #SommChat

@westchesterwine (Marshall Tilden, CSW): @BSVINO Makes sense… when feeling daring what is the most creative pairing you will do with one of those hot pepper dishes? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @westchesterwine depends on the dish, we have an uni dish with yuzu, jalapeno and black bread..we pair it with Hitachino white ale #SommChat

@erikuncorked (Erik Leenaars): @BSVINO @KeeperColl What are your favorite #biodynamic wine producers? Any hidden gems you would like to share? #SommChat #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @erikuncorked i like to keep some secrets guys like Lafon, Roulot, Leflaive are pretty darn good that’s just in Burgundy. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO Tell us a little bit about your own #wine project, with Janet Pouchot & Julius Chai called IIIsomms? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl A fun project with 2 dear friends trying to make quality wines at good prices..we’ve had pretty good success so far #SommChat

@ormiga (ormiga): @BSVINO interesting [yep tough] my ltd.exp. not good #wine to go w #kadhi [yogurt based soup eaten w rice/tortilla #india] #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @ormiga try one that has minimum amount of oak.. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO When did your love for the #wines of #Burgundy start? #WineWednesday #SommChat #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl At Lespinasse when I tasted an 89 Coche Corton then 5 great yrs at Montrachet Rest, best Burgundy education ever. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO What is the biggest misconception about sommeliers? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl That we are snotty as a group, we r nothing like that, a good somm is a good listener and will help you w your needs #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): Question to everyone… any fun surprises on what you drank for Christmas yesterday? #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @BSVINO is handling the #SommChat hot seat with ease – what questions do you have for Bernie???

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO 2013 plans for III Somms #wines?? #SommChat #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl Looking to source a great Cote du Rhone… sometime before the fall.. iii somms CDR .. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO Can you describe some of the major differences IN #wine tastes from the different areas in your restos around world? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl We try to keep in mind local preferences when we open restaurants around the world…. #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl in Asia folks like a little sweeter … where in Paris ..folks like a little drier style.. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. What characteristics do you look for in hiring #Sommeliers for your restaurants? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl I like to see positive outlook, honest about themselves and someone that listens well… #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @BSVINO @KeeperColl we decanted half of our 05 grand reserva rioja – could not notice much difference #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @demilove would you say the wine is showing and drinking well out of the bottle? if it is then decanting won’t necessary add more. #SommChat

@knowvino (Carl Corsi): @BSVINO Alphonse Mellot, Sancerre rouge, la Moussiere ’09. Worked well w/the pork roast. You? #SommChat @KeeperColl

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @knowvino I went old school.. 88 d’yquem with terrine of foie gras .. #SommChat

@ormiga (ormiga): @BSVINO cool..happy hols.. #montrachet dang #jealousy #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @ormiga send me your recipe.. if i have a chance I will make it and try out pairings and let you know.. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO Any #Wine Region you want to visit but never have? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl Never been to New Zealand, going this January, should be great! Love what they are doing as a whole @nzcomplexity #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @BSVINO – We finished the decanted half first, then tasted the wine still in the bottle, Wine must have been “ready” either way. – #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. How often do you visit all 14 restos each year??? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl the ones in NYC, a lot… the others maybe once or twice.. depends if there are any issues to take care of… #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): @KeeperColl @BSVINO I’m joining #SommChat very late and trying to catch up! Happy #WW!

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @Sassodoro welcome to #SommChat! #SommChat

@BlindedBite (Blinded By The Bite): @KeeperColl @BSVINO – Do have you a favorite region that produces wines you go back to again and again? #SommChat #WW

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @BlindedBite Hi ! Burgundy … there’s nothing like it.. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @BSVINO What is the #1 quality you look for in a #wine in order for you to add it to a wine list?#WineWednesday #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl the #1 thing I look for is the quality to price ratio ..Are you getting a $15 btl quality for $10 or a $10 btl for $10 #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. What are some entry level #bubbles that you can recommend for the young professional to try? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl I would look at Cava and Cremants from Alsace and Burg, these are made in the traditional method (2 fermentations) .. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. w/ yields in #Burgundy in ’10, ’11, & ’12 all low, does this make it difficult 2 fill UR resto needs & how do you manage that? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl well, that is the issue with Burgundy today..rising prices, less availability.you really have to look for hidden gems. #SommChat

@AdamPlotkin (Adam Plotkin): @BSVINO The look on a guest’s face when you open something they have not tried before never gets old! #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @AdamPlotkin Absolutely agree with you! #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): Q. @BSVINO do you have any smartphone/winesearcher issues that you are careful to avoid in the dining room #SommChat aka pricing #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @noblewines not usually… with technology as it is today… everything is pretty transparent.. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @BlindedBite: @bsvino – W/ food trends changing & w/ so many restaurants worldwide how do U stay on top of trends w/ pairings? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @KeeperColl My chef @jeangeorges is always on top of these things … it’s one of the great perks of this job.. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @AdamPlotkin: @BSVINO Better late than never! Bernie walked me thru Barolo tasting at IWM Cellars N Aspen @ F&W-gr8 tips! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @harleywine1: @BSVINO how are you? A little late in joining #SommChat today. @KeeperColl

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @KeeperColl @harleywine1 How are you Harley! Things going well in Vegas? #SommChat

@drewhendricksms (Drew Hendricks): .@BSVINO what do you see as the next trends for Somms to watch? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @drewhendricksms I think the world has gotten very small… we need to keep track of what’s going on globally in wine biz.. #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): Lacrima di Morro d’Alba! Love the violets! RT @BSVINO: Q to everyone… any fun surprises on what you drank for Xmas yesterday? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @Sassodoro great … vintage? #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): Drinking up 08 before moving on to 09. RT @BSVINO: @Sassodoro great … vintage? #SommChat

@AdamPlotkin (Adam Plotkin): @drewhendricksms @BSVINO @KeeperColl Any suggested hidden gems? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @AdamPlotkin I’ll let you know after I get my allocation first #SommChat

@drewhendricksms (Drew Hendricks): .@AdamPlotkin @BSVINO knows them best! #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @drewhendricksms for instances… bordeaux prices dropped 18% in China the last quarter.. #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @drewhendricksms meaning Bordeaux will be coming back to the US w good pricing soon and with events like the @burdigala-nyc in Feb #SommChat

@drewhendricksms (Drew Hendricks): @BSVINO Agree! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): .@adamplotkin @BSVINO had a Digioia Royer CM Fremieres ’06 that was singing two nights ago #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. Are there any specific things you are looking to taste and learn while in New Zealand in January? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl Nothing specific ..I’m going with an open mind..I like to “walk” the vineyards as they say to get a good understanding #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. When not working, what do you like to do for pleasure? #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): A. @KeeperColl I love movies when I have time… just saw the Hobbit and Zero past thirty… #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed #wine talk w/ #Sommelier @jeangeorges Bernie Sun @BSVINO! #WineWednesday #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): It was great to have #Sommelier Bernie Sun @BSVINO join us today 4 our #SommChat! We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Please join us in thanking Bernie Sun @BSVINO for his time! #SommChat #WW #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Mark your calendar to kick off the New Year on #SommChat w/ @EricAsimov on Wed 1/2 at 11 AM CST! C u there & Happy New Year!

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @KeeperColl Thank you so much for having me here, it was a lot of fun….. and I wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy New Year! #SommChat

@VintryFineWines (Vintry Fine Wines): Happy #winewednesday! We’re drowning in bubbly here getting ready for New Years… got champagne yet? #SommChat #ww

@BlindedBite (Blinded By The Bite): Yes thank you Bernie!RT @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking Bernie Sun @BSVINO for his time! #SommChat #WW #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): so gr8 to have a star like @BSVINO Bernie Sun On #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @BlindedBite: @BSVINO @KeeperColl @jeangeorges – I’ve been to Mercer House and love it there! #SommChat

@BSVINO (Bernie Sun): @KeeperColl it’s a great place… a ton of fun! #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – Have a wonderful new year, all #SommChat regulars and let’s raise a glass to our lovely hostess all year, thank u @KeeperColl!

@drewhendricksms (Drew Hendricks): With superstars like @BSVino and @EricAsimov #SommChat is on a whole new level! Congrats @KeeperColl #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): @KeeperColl @BSVINO Thank you both for a great #SommChat! Sorry I was a few steps behind the whole time. Best wishes for the holidays!

@raelinn_wine (Raelinn_wine): @KeeperColl One of these days I’m gonna make it for #SommChat #WW Miss you!! Happy Holidays to you! Cheers!

@ormiga (ormiga): @BSVINO @KeeperColl @sassodoro #SommChat simple to make+eat, tough to get it right=beyonc grad student expt ;=] curious #wine=ate today 2/2

@CaravelleChamp (Rita Jammet):Definitely! Thank you Bernie, Happy Bubbly Fun 2013~ RT @KeeperColl: so gr8 to have a star like@BSVINO Bernie Sun On #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @KeeperColl Couldn’t make #SommChat today. Still celebrating family time. Hope to resume normal schedule next week.

@ilpalazzone (Il Palazzone): Hear hear! RT @demilove Have a wonderful new year all #SommChat regulars and let’s raise a glass to our lovely hostess all year @KeeperColl!

@1educatedpalate (Scott): @KeeperColl sorry to miss today’s #SommChat work calls — have a great 2013 look forward to many fine chats