Keeper Collection #SommChat Guest Master of Wine James Cluer

4/17 Master of Wine James Cluer

@JamesCluer

@exceptionalfood (Gourmet Delights): Every Wednesday at noon Eastern join us for #SommChat hosted by @KeeperColl http://gourmet-delights.com/store/twitter_food_chats.html … #wine #wiyg #foodies

@drewbie_g (Drew Gourdie): Ditto! “@KeeperColl: Can’t wait to see you @ #SommChat 11AM CST! @drewbie_g @drinkalsace @drsalsamx @dvinewinetime @evandawson @lwa235 #WW”

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @KeeperColl Getting ready for #SommChat! #WW

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): ‘The more you drink, the more you are’ Jacques Lardiere @ljadot #SommChat #winechat #burgundy a book of his Lardiereisms must exist

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Welcome 2 #SommChat! We’re so happy you came to join us today!

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’d like to introduce you to #Master of #Wine James Cluer @JamesCluer! #SommChat

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

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): As we ask @JamesCluer 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

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

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Let’s start talking #wine w/ #Master of #Wine James Cluer @JamesCluer! #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @KeeperColl gr8 to be here and thanks for having me! #SommChat

@TishWine (W. R. Tish): OOPS – #SommChat is on *now*, as in noon eastern time, with Master of Wine @JamesCluer and @KeeperColl

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – Good morning from Chicago, nice to join you at #SommChat ! May lurk more than chat today – very busy at work!

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer Here to talk #wine w/ #Master of #Wine James Cluer! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer When did you first fall in love with #wine? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl 1.Age 15, St.Emilion main square, restaurant, #wine – lots of it. #Sommchat #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @jamesCluer what are your thoughts on all this natural #wine trend? @sommchat #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TperezWine Good idea but not always practical – can be risky #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TperezWine Prefer to drink wine that has been sulphured etc.. than faulty wine… #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): talking w/ Master of #Wine @JamesCluer @TperezWine Good idea but not always practical – can be risky @KeeperColl #SommChat

@TylerOnWine (Tyler Philp): Well said! RT @JamesCluer: @TperezWine Prefer to drink wine that has been sulphured etc.. than faulty #wine… #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer What gave you the idea to first start Fine Vintage Ltd? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl I always wanted to control my own destiny. Not good at being told what to do… #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @jamescluer How did your path lead to #Napa Valley? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @KeeperColl Always loved it in #Napa. Best Bdx reds in the New World. And it’s sunny and people so friendly… #SommChat

@drewbie_g (Drew Gourdie): @jamesCluer what new trends have you the most excited now? CC: @KeeperColl #SommChat #Wine

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @drewbie_g This moscato thing is going crazy in the USA. Sales off the clock. My own trend is old tawny Port #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @drewbie_g I love the Kopke tawnies from the 80′s and 70′s. Qatar airways, a client, as the 74 – sublime #SommChat

@drewbie_g (Drew Gourdie): The moscato thing confuses me no end, but the Ports I love! Always classic, always apropos… @JamesCluer #SommChat @KeeperColl

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @jamescluer When not drinking #wine, what are some of your other beverages of choice? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl I love a #Gin and tonic. And a #rum – old vintage from Jamaica – sipping #rum! #SommChat

@MauricesCru (maurice dimarino): @JamesCluer when purchasing for airlines, what do you look for in a #wine? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @MauricesCru #Wines must have more intensity, concentration, softer tannins in reds, and softer acid up at 35,000 ft – i tested it #SommChat

@MauricesCru (maurice dimarino): @JamesCluer Interesting, is it that at 35,000 ft is that our perception of taste changes or do the wines change? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @MauricesCru Both, the cabin pressure makes the environment different and so it changes the level of smell intensity. #SommChat

@TylerOnWine (Tyler Philp): At 35,000 the aircraft cabin is pressurized to ~ 8500ft — body must work harder to maint. Equilibrium – including sense of taste #SommChat

@MauricesCru (maurice dimarino): @JamesCluer maybe the final exam in the WSET should be a blind tasting at 35,000ft. #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @MauricesCru Let’s hire a jet! Air Force One? #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @jamesCluer are we making better #wines now then 30 years ago? what are your thoughts @KeeperColl #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TperezWine No question we are. Fewer faults and more consistent quality. But #wines often taste the same now. Not big differences #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TperezWine A lot of #winemakers use the same techniques and have the same goals – driven by the media and the hunt for scores #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TperezWine And people are not as sensitive to aromatics and our palates seem to change at 35,000 ft too #SommChat

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @KeeperColl Sun moon & stars lined up! Made it to #SommChat today! Slides into chair -> quick -> someone put something suitable in my glass!

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @JamesCluer @TperezWine Have you had any #wine recently that showed a distinctive personality? If so, what was it? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @enjoielife Pichon La Comtesse 96 Pauillac – all these Bordeaux always have personality – like their owners… #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @JamesCluer Pichon La Comtesse 96 Pauillac. Will have to get my hands on some! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer Any new favorite #food & #wine pairings? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl Scallops and chablis. Chianti classico and lamb. Goats cheese and Sancerre. So many delicious pairings #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer You originally worked 4 an importer in Hong Kong. What was the most valuable thing you learned while working there? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl That there is always a market for the best. And how to run a tasting for billionaires… #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @JamesCluer I agree 100% scores!! scores!!! passion gets lost @KeeperColl #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TperezWine All about the scores for fine wine. As a producer, it is the #1 objective as it rings the cash register. So sad! #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @JamesCluer I just hope people are listening this morning! @KeeperColl gr8 to be here, Thank you! Cheers!!! #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): @jamescluer sooo… #wines with slight faults but major tannin & concentration might taste better at 35,000 feet!! #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @noblewines Corked #wines smell worse, tannins taste harder, but maybe a fruit bomb would cover some of that up… #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – If you could evangelize about one grape (only!) for the next year, which one would you choose? – #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @demilove Gewurztraminer. I think people don’t buy it because of the name. Moscato works but GW doesn’t. Tongue twister… #SommChat

@drewbie_g (Drew Gourdie): Great Q @demilove! So many varieties, so little time! “If you could evangelize about one grape (only!), which 1 would you choose?” #SommChat

@WineRackCo (WineRacks.com): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer Interesting info as always! #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @noblewines @JamesCluer sooo… #wines with slight faults but major tannin & concentration might taste better at 35,000 feet!! #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @JamesCluer @noblewines Corked wines smell worse, tannins taste harder, but maybe a fruit bomb would cover some of that up… #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer What was it like receiving the Riedel trophy for WSET Educator of the Year in 2012? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl So sad! I couldn’t go to #London myself, and hi-5 Jancis. We were very honored. Huge award for us. Best in the world #SommChat

@TishWine (W. R. Tish): Q for @KeeperColl & @JamesCluer — What’s your take on Riesling in Canada. Do people expect it to be sweet(ish)? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TishWine Problem with Riesling is u never know what you’ll get! But it is my favorite – from the Mosel esp. #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @TishWine In Ontario they can be 1st class. Not so much in BC except Tantalus. Some are off dry, some dry, some sweeter. #SommChat

@TylerOnWine (Tyler Philp): @TishWine I think the population in general expects Riesling to be sweet(ish) – Canada is capable of a variety of styles #SommChat

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): @tyleronwine: @TishWine my opinion let the Population dismiss #Riesling so it doesn’t become Merlot or Moscato #SommChat more for us…

@i_on_food_drink (Irene L): @tishwine @KeeperColl @JamesCluer Think Canadian wine educators doing their thing re: #Riesling. Consumers ask4 sweet w/dry finish #SommChat

@TylerOnWine (Tyler Philp): Re: more #Riesling for us … @noblewines @TishWine A devious plan – I like it #SommChat

@alawine (Ken Alawine Waggoner): @JamesCluer > @drewbie_g Moscato thing going crazy in the USA. Sales off the clock. My own trend is old tawny Port #SommChat < I’m w/ you

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @JamesCluer @KeeperColl I like Vigia – had this at Rumfest in London one year – http://www.vigia.it/Default2.aspx?lang=eng … #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @aliasnicknora Yup, wish I had shares in Cupcake. When they came up with that name tons of people would have said NO #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @aliasnicknora 18 year old Rum. Mmmm. This is not a spirit like Vodka, but an art. Just like wine. #SommChat

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @noblewines @jamescluer @TperezWine we usually ask the #sommelier for a recommendation and we like to try local #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @JamesCluer @aliasnicknora 18 year old Rum. Mmmm. This is not a spirit like #vodka, but an art. Just like #wine. #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @JamesCluer @aliasnicknora Is BEST #rum from Jamaica, hands down? #SommChat

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @enjoielife @demilove @KeeperColl I would choose Lambrusco. Love that it is easy to drink, makes me happy and it’s cheap. #SommChat

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @enjoielife @JamesCluer I agree. When I tasted it I was stunned by the taste. Quality! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): RT @howardggoldberg: Not sweetish in style. Rather, Norwegian. @TishWine @KeeperColl @JamesCluer #SommChat

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @JamesCluer Last nite entire #wine list was Kosher. Many #wines I might not have considered w/o the mandate kosher —> (1 of 2) #SommChat

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @JamesCluer Loved having my eyes opened to so many new wines. Do you ever do highly specialized lists like these? #Sommchat (2 of 2)

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @EllaDogSays I sometimes specialize a list in an area like Napa, Okanagan, Bdx. But never done a kosher list – tricky stuff! #SommChat

@WineRackCo (WineRacks.com): @aliasnicknora @noblewines @JamesCluer @TperezWine I feel more people should give their local #wines a chance. #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @jamesCluer do you think this new wave of #sommeliers are getting the right training? and ready to step on the floor. @keppercoll #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @TperezWine I’m afraid not. There is no real standard. The ISG is not serious, and the WSET doesn’t aim to train Somms #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @TperezWine . But when you get a good one, that listen’s and understands and doesn’t try to rip u off, then it’s a valuable role #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): Thanks! @JamesCluer I’m afraid not. There is no real standard. The ISG is not serious, and the WSET doesnt aim to train #Somms #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @JamesCluer when you get a good one, that listens and understands and doesn’t try to rip u off, then its a valuable role. Cheers! #SommChat

@emilygrosvenor (Emily): @JamesCluer I’m sure I buy it BECAUSE OF the name.#SommChat. Wasn’t there a study that consumers reach for hard-to-pronounce #wines?

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @emilygrosvenor Depends on the country and the market and the person. But Yellow Tail, Cupcake and Pinot Grigio r easy! #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @aliasnicknora @demilove @KeeperColl Would choose Lambrusco. Luv that it’s easy to drink, makes me happy & it’s cheap. #Sommchat Good point!

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @enjoielife Martinique, Barbados and Jamaica make lovely #rums but so do other islands. The rum chat room! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer Which is your favorite #wine region and why? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl A cliché but Bordeaux. Worked for a Bdx company for 7 yrs. Those Frenchmen take wine seriously. Learnt alot #SommChat

@TishWine (W. R. Tish): Here in #US we get #wines from all over globe, but precious few from Canada. Think this will ever change? @JamesCluer @KeeperColl #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @TishWine Probably not. Production too small in BC and local demand too high. And most #Americans not inclined to buy it! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer red #wine under $50 retail at the moment? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl I love Chateauneuf now. Hard to go wrong. But the really top ones are amazing – Rayas, Telegraph – budget gone #SommChat

@WINEcouver (WINEcouver): Hey @JamesCluer! How did you convince the Mrs to do this #SommChat thing for you? Glad to see you blowing up on Twitter.

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @WINEcouver – Aren’t you impressed?! Hashtags, RT’s, I’ve come a long way baby! #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @JamesCluer you said it, listening with out an attitude, humbleness goes far! #SommChat

@WineRackCo (WineRacks.com): @JamesCluer @TishWine Do you run into labeling issues due to Quebec? Learned of a few wineries, breweries that have. #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @WineRackCo Yes, Canadian govts are all problematic and a pain with different regs. Labeling in French too? Who speaks that?! #SommChat

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @WineRackCo @noblewines @JamesCluer @TperezWine me too – Channing Daughters is a great producer here in NY.http://www.channingdaughters.com/ #SommChat

@WineRackCo (WineRacks.com): @aliasnicknora @noblewines @JamesCluer @TperezWine Thanks for the rec! So many great NY wines. #SommChat

@TylerOnWine (Tyler Philp): % alc/vol can provide a general feel for the sweetness of a #Riesling: lower alc 8-10% ~ residual sugar | 11%+ dryer style #SommChat

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @WineRackCo @noblewines @JamesCluer @TperezWine we had one for Thanksgiving dinner a couple of years ago #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): yum! @aliasnicknora: @WineRackCo @noblewines @JamesCluer @TperezWine we had one for Thanksgiving dinner a couple of years ago #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer Favorite white #wine under $50 Retail at the moment? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl – Alsace Gewurztraminer – Weinbach, Pfaffenheim, Zind Humbrecht – all amazing! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Only about 10 more minutes to ask #Master of #Wine @Jamescluer your questions on #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer How do you manage your travel for #wine and time in US? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl Visit our schools, do big #wine buys for clients, run wine tours, make wine – try to stay home as much as possible #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @jamesCluer talk to us about #mendoza looks pretty hot now days your thoughts? @KeeperColl #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @TperezWine It’s hot but the lustre is wearing off. They have almost had their time in the sun. Production exploded. #SommChat

@alawine (Ken Alawine Waggoner): @JamesCluer > @KeeperColl Always loved it in Napa. Best Bdx reds in New World. & it’s sunny and people so friendly… #SommChat < #Truth

@enjoielife (Judia Black): Favorite white wine < $50 @JamesCluer @KeeperColl Alsace Gewurztraminer – Weinbach, Pfaffenheim, Zind Humbrecht – all amazing! #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @alsacewine amazing RT @JamesCluer: @KeeperColl – Alsace Gewurztraminer – Weinbach, Pfaffenheim, Zind Humbrecht – all amazing! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer Favorite #Champagne under $50 Retail at the moment? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl Love Billecart. But in California Roederer’s top #wine, and Ca del Bosco in #Italy. All excellent. #SommChat

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer really – #champagne for under 50 – ill have to look that up #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer Quik Q. I believe 2day is world Malbec day… any Malbec producers u favor? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @winegalLynne – Cuvelier Los Andes always impressed. There are so many! Catena of course. #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): you are right LOL! @winegalLynne @KeeperColl @JamesCluer Quik Q. I believe 2day is world Malbec day. any Malbec producers u favor? #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @JamesCluer @KeeperColl Great! Thx so much, hope 2 tweet w/ you again in future on #SommChat or any time.

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @JamesCluer List was stunning! I was thinking here comes a “flat grape juice list” -> I was so wrong!! Ev’tg paired beautifully! #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): @EllaDogSays – Sounds amazing. Someone knew what they were doing and a nice concept for those who want Kosher, or to try it. #SommChat

@aliasnicknora (Nick and Nora): @JamesCluer @KeeperColl we are drinking Gewurtztraminer a lot just now – I see it on all the menus #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @JamesCluer @KeeperColl The nose knows…enjoying Gewurtzraminer is like sitting in a field of flowers! #SommChat #aromatherapy #wine

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl @winegalLynne – good morning, Lynne! Haven’t tweeted with you in awhile, how have you been? – #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @demilove @KeeperColl Hello friends! Busy times w/business, but good. So good 2 see all here on #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @JamesCluer What advice do you have for anyone just starting out in wine? #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl – Take a course, visit wineries, keep it fun, avoid snobby people, drink moderately… #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer rather #MalbecWorldDay is today. =) #SommChat #WW

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @jamesCluer @KeeperColl before its gets too late, I want thank you both for an other gr8 #WW #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed #wine talk w/ #Master of #Wine James Cluer @JamesCluer! #SommChat

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

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

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Mark your calendar for #SommChat to focus on #Santorini #wines next Wed 4/24 at 11 AM CST! More to come soon! C u there!

@enjoielife (Judia Black): @JamesCluer @winegalLynne @winegalLynne – Cuvelier Los Andes always impressed. There are so many! Catena of course. #SommChat

@CharlesComm (Charles Comm PR): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer Great conversation!! Thanks! #SommChat Happy #WineWednesday!

@noblewines (Christopher Miller): TY @JamesCluer & @KeeperColl for #wine chat will drink Gewurtz next time at 35,000ft and dream of flower beads #SommChat

@JamesCluer (James Cluer MW): A. @KeeperColl Thanks for having me! Lots of fun. A 1st for me. Feeling very hi-tech Diane – cheers everyone! #SommChat

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer Wow! The luxury wine tours on your site look amazing! Thx for being here. #SommChat

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): love your take on wine! @JamesCluer @KeeperColl Take a course, visit wineries, keep it fun, avoid snobby people, drink moderately #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Mark your calendar 4 #SommChat to focus on #Santorini #wines next Wed 4/24 at 11 AM CST! More to come soon! C u there!

@EllaDogSays (Ella Dog): @KeeperColl @JamesCluer It can’t be over already!! Thanks for a great #SommChat

@enjoielife (Judia Black): Cheers! @KeeperColl It was great to have @JamesCluer join us today for our #SommChat! We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WW

@alawine (Ken Alawine Waggoner): @jamescluer @KeeperColl @noblewines @lebonvinblanc @aliasnicknora @mauricescru Fun #SommChat Thanks & #WW Cheers! to all!

@winesportugalCA (Wines of Portugal CA): We love the #SommChat trending topic today, so much great dialogue. Happy Wine Wednesday all #WW

@winegalLynne (Lynne Bryant, CS): @alawine @adamplotkin @enjoielife @tishwine @demilove @winerackco @tperezwine Great #ww to #SommChat friends!

@jennanorth (Jenna North): Cheers! @KeeperColl @phandke @hadel @foothillwino @stemgrip @blindedbite @tricerapops @texsom @wptusa #SommChat #ww

@TperezWine (Thomas Perez): @alawine @adamplotkin @enjoielife @tishwine @demilove @winerackco @tperezwine @winegallynne Fun #SommChat Thanks & #WW Cheers! 2 all! Merci!