@RN74

See what you missed on 6/1 as we chatted wine with Sommelier & Co-Author of Secrets of the Sommelier Rajat Parr.

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn about #wine for the next hour from a #Sommelier!

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): I’d like to introduce every1 to #Sommelier @RN74 joining us to answer your #wine Qs @sandhiwines #WineWednesday #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): .@RN74 It’s a real treat to have him join us- hope every1 has Qs ready! #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @keepercoll thanks. Great to be here #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): If youre joining us for #SommChat, pls give a shout out to @RN74 so he knows ur here & can keep an eye out for ur Qs! #WineWednesday

@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 @RN74 our Qs, you’re welcome to ask his ur Qs as well! He’ll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Near the end of the hr, we’ll announce TWO winners who will each win 1 of 2 prizes! #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): A copy of @RN74′s book Secrets of the #Sommeliers or a bottle of the 2009 ‘Sanford & Benedict’ #Chardonnay from @sandhiwines! #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): But don’t forget, you gotta tweet using #SommChat to win- Good Luck! Let’s start talking #wine! #winewednesday

@demilove (Douglas Traspasso): I (heart) #SommChat ! Where is everyone from today? I am working my day thing here in Chicago, sneaking in the occasional Tweet!

@wolfeswines (Jeffrey Wolfe): @RN74 @keepercoll #sommChat burgundy in hand and ready!

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @RN74 Are there any regions that express terroir through high alcohol content wines? #SommChat cc: keepercoll

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @corkhoarder @RN74 yes. Chateauneuf, Priorat, CA Zinfandel #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q1. @RN74 What is the proper temperature for serving a #whitewine? For serving a #redwine? And why? #WineWednesday #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): A1. @KeeperColl #whitewine at 48-60 F (depending on wine), #redwine 58-66 F. Light wines serving cooler and richer wines higher #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @RN74 How do you sell people wine that they may have never heard off or even care about? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @MDSmitty2488 I like to talk about wine with flavors not regions so it’s easy to turn a guest with a wine they never had #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @RN74 How did you develop your palate? (Rumor has it – its legendary…) #SommChat cc: @keepercoll

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @corkhoarder smelling and tasting everything. Not eating and drinking hot, cold, spicy things. And then just lots tsting #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome @demilove @corkhoarder @MDSmitty2488 @wolfeswines! Awesome ?s so far! #SommChat

@BonVivantImport (Bryan Hinschberger): @RN74 In opening RN74 SEA, how do you accrue breath of vintages, producers, etc. when distributors here don’t carry it all? #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @BonVivantImport Buy directly from producers and brokers and have a distributor bring it in the state #SommChat

@ATXGastronomist (Kathryn Hutchison): @KeeperColl @RN74 @corkhoarder @wolfeswines hello and happy #winewednesday! #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome @ATXGastronomist! Glad you could make it to our #WineWednesday celebration #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q2. @RN74 How closely do #sommeliers work with #chefs in their #restaurants regarding menu development? #WineWednesday #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): A2. @KeeperColl it depends on the chef. I work very closely with @chefmichaelmina. I know some chefs that don’t care.Wonder why? #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q3. @RN74 Ppl refer to you as having one of the best “palates” around. Can u tell us what it means to have a good palate? #WW #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): A3. @KeeperColl lots of pressure! I think it has everything to do with understanding wine and having a great memory & open mind #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @RN74 Is the brix level the most accurate way to judge ripeness? #SommChat cc: @keepercoll

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @corkhoarder Brix is just a number. You have to taste the grape and see the balance of fruit,acidity & phenolics #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @RN74 What is your favorite nerdy wine or wine region right now, and why? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @MDSmitty2488 I am loving Corsica. Arena, Abatucci & Y Leccia #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): @RN74 What wines do you recommend to pair well with Texas BBQ? #SommChat #WW @KeeperColl

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @mattmcginnis Cru Beaujolais or a spicy, lower alc cotes du rhone #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): Thanks. Love Cotes du Rhone RT @rn74: @mattmcginnis Cru Beaujolais or a spicy, lower alc cotes du rhone #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection):.@RN74 Can a good palate be learned or is it a “you either got it or you don’t” type of thing? #WineWednesday #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@KeeperColl there is a lot of practice and patience needed.You need to have some basic knowledge and the rest is “what u have” #SommChat

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): Great question RT @keepercoll: .@RN74 Can a good palate be learned or is it a “you either got it or you don’t” type of thing? #sommchat

@wolfeswines (Jeffrey Wolfe): #SommChat when assessing $ 4 wines that come from private collectors 4 BTG what $ figure do u use, orig. purchase, retail?, auction?

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@wolfeswines always original purchase price. It’s best to pass the value on to the guest #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection):.@wolfeswines good ? & answer RT @RN74: .@MDSmitty2488 always original purchase price. Its best to pass the value on to the guest #sommchat

@wolfeswines (Jeffrey Wolfe): @keepercoll I guess it depends on whom is selling & what benefit they get from having their wines on your list, #generositytosome #sommchat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @RN74 What is the most important question to ask a winemaker when discussing his/her wines? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @MDSmitty2488 “what is balance for you?” #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @RN74 Do you decant mature red burg? #Sommchat cc: @keepercoll

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@corkhoarder Absolutely. It’s better than having cloudy wine. One exception is if you can pour the entire bottle out in one go #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr):.@demilove balance is when the fruit, acidity and tannins are in harmony #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q4. @RN74 What inspired you to write w/ @jorgrama your new book, Secrets of the #Sommeliers? #WW #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): A4. @KeeperColl we were inspired by the Sommeliers before our generation and wanted the future to understand what they really do #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q5. @RN74 Ur opinions/knowledge r very influential in the #wine world. How do u best use ur influence 2 educate ppl about #wine? #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): A5. @KeeperColl I try to live my life with “Balance”- in wine, food and work. Leading by example is the only way to teach! #SommChat

@1queenofspoons (Susan Gayle): Hi #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Welcome @1queenofspoons! Glad you could make it! #SommChat

@1queenofspoons (Susan Gayle): @keepercoll Ran in door from interviewing cookbook author and turned to #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Q6. @RN74 Can u tell us about @sandhiwines & what it represents about u and ur #wine style/preferences? #WineWednesday #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): A6. @KeeperColl I made Parr Wines from 04-08, now my new label is called @sandhiwines focusing on Pinot & Chard from SB County #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): A6. @KeeperColl the idea is very simple to produce balanced and vibrant Chard & pinot from CA #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): .@RN74 Did writing ur book change the type of #wines u consider for the @ChefMichaelMina group or RN74? via @wolfeswines #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @keepercoll @RN74 @ChefMichaelMina @wolfeswines for sure. while writing the book, i learned a lot. it changed my thought process #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @RN74 I’m heading to #RussianRiverValley in Aug. Which wineries should I make sure to hit in that area? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @MDSmitty2488 Rochioli and Deloach #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Traspasso): Rajat, it’s Douglas in Chicago, met you on book tour! I just took a big wine test, how can I keep my knowledge before next one! #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @demilove yes, off course. keep tasting and reading and talking to other wine professionals #SommChat

@SylvieGervais (Sylvie Gervais): @demilove @RN74 Never stop studying! #SommChat

@Marketview (Tom VanGorder): RT @SylvieGervais: @demilove @RN74 Never stop studying! #SommChat – And drinking : )

@1queenofspoons (Susan Gayle): @RN74 – just spoke w/ Calabrian Cookbook author – your favorite S. Italy wines? #sommchat @keepercoll

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @1queenofspoons @RN74 @keepercoll love the wines of Sicily. love Palari #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @RN74 How do you ensure that your staff is knowledgeable of the wines that you carry? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@MDSmitty2488 @RN74 we have bi-weekly tastings, a wine topic at daily line up and weekly testing. learning & teaching never stops #SommChat

@DavidPSawyer (David P Sawyer): @keepercoll @RN74 Do you ever get tired of drinking old, great Burgs? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@DavidPSawyer @keepercoll never!! its all so inspirational….. #SommChat

@DavidPSawyer (David P Sawyer): @keepercoll @RN74 and how has making your own wines changed your view, if at all, of CA PN(and low alc) ? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @DavidPSawyer @keepercoll its a Humble learning experience. all i learnt is that we CAN produce “balanced” wines in CA #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): @RN74 Is a #wine unsuccessful or a total failure if it doesnt agree w/ what u define as that region’s terrior? via @DemiLove #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@keepercoll @RN74 @DemiLove unsuccessfull at best. a region should be able to produce wines with typicity #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @RN74 What wine pro out there has a better palate than yours? #SommChat cc: @keepercoll

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@corkhoarder @RN74 @keepercoll so many. larry stone, @aldosohm ,marco pellitier. the list can go on and on. i just know what i know #SommChat

@MDSmitty2488 (Davis Smith): @RN74 How do you determine if a wine is true to its terroir? Does it have to display certain flavors or characteristics? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@MDSmitty2488 @RN74 it just needs to be true to the place it came from. and hopefully some sort of balance #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Traspasso): @MDSmitty2488 – I think you, me and Rajat could take over the whole hour of #SommChat debating this one!

@BonVivantImport (Bryan Hinschberger): @RN74 What are your thoughts on ‘natural’ wines? the ‘no sulfur’ ‘no fining’ etc. intense camp? Crazy or just a preference? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@BonVivantImport @RN74 its a preference. i admire it but don’t live by it. i make wines with nothing except SO2.its not easy #SommChat

@DavidPSawyer (David P Sawyer): @RN74 @keepercoll Will you be doing any book appearances in Texas soon? #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Yes PLEASE! Keeper will help arrange @DavidPSawyer: @RN74 @keepercoll Will you be doing any book appearances in Texas soon? #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@DavidPSawyer @RN74 @keepercoll i am coming for @texsom thanks to my man @drewhendricksms #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): See ya there! RT @RN74: .@DavidPSawyer @RN74 @keepercoll i am coming for @texsom thanks to my man @drewhendricksms #SommChat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @RN74 Top 2 Red Burgundy producers and favorite 3 vintages since 1985. Cc: @keepercoll #SommChat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr):.@corkhoarder @RN74 @keepercoll Mugnier, Mugneret Gibourg. 93.99,02 #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): That’s all the Q’s WE have for @RN74 – if any1 has others, ask away! #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): The 1st winner of the #giveaway for a copy of Secrets of the #Sommeliers by @RN74 @jorgrama is @bonvivantimport! Congrats! #sommchat

@corkhoarder (Bryan Garcia): @RN74 What was your first eye-opening pinot experience? #SommChat cc: @keepercoll

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @corkhoarder @RN74 @keepercoll 78 Jayer Echezeaux #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): And the 2nd winner for a bottle of 2009 ‘Sanford & Benedict’ #Chardonnay @Sandhiwines is @demilove! Congrats! #sommchat

@tricerapops (Jesse): @RN74 – what are the downsides / risks / dangers in tasting wines ‘blind?’ #sommchat

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): @TriceraPops @RN74 no risks. just a learning experience #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Thanks to everyone for joining us for #SommChat! I hope you learned something about #wine and @RN74 @sandhiwines

@RN74 (Rajat Parr): .@keepercoll No, Thank you! #SommChat

@1queenofspoons (Susan Gayle): @keepercoll @RN74 Thanks for another great #Sommchat!

@Marketview (Tom VanGorder): RT @1queenofspoons: @keepercoll @RN74 Thanks for another great #Sommchat! -My first one, super informative, looking forward to the next one.

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): I hope everyone will join me in thanking @RN74 for an awesome job sharing his #wine knowledge! #WineWednesday #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Join us next Wed 6/8 at 11 AM CST for another #SommChat and more #wine secrets from a top wine professional, @JuneRodil! #WW #sommchat

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

@MattMcGinnis (Matt McGinnis): Great #SommChat! Thanks @RN74 for sharing fantastic #wine info #WineWednesday

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): Thx again to @Rn74 for his time and valuable #wine knowledge – maybe we can get him to do it again sometime #WW #sommchat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): & thx for coming @demilove @mattmcginnis @ATXgastronomist @wolfeswines @corkhoarder @mdsmitty2488 @bonvivantimport @1queenofspoons #SommChat

@keepercoll (Keeper Collection): @personalwine @sylviegervais @davidpsawyer @marketview @tricerapops #SommChat