In previous posts, I mentioned that if I ever turn up missing, check Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa or Lotus of Siam in Vegas. Two freak-show wine destinations where I never want to leave-- Now make that bike a trike! TERROIR SF.
Thinking about this place-- I want to cuss like I'm country... "WEREWOLF BATHTUBS and FORKED CLARINETS!!!" (Gregory Corso) This is a special place in the universe.
Along with a wine program focused exclusively on natural wines made with wild yeast, the wines are even surpassed by the infectious passion, knowledge, and conviction of two of the owners- Luc and Guillhaume.
For those of us living in areas where these sorts of wines aren't well represented or have limited distribution, Terroir SF is like a moon-landing.
Having sampled far too many beautiful wines to list, one truly rattled my cage.... The 2008 N.P.A Chardonnay.
Organically grown grapes, neutral French Oak, 18 days on its skins.... No filtration, no sulfites... available only in a reusable canteen, sold only withing 100 miles of the winery.
Cloudy yellow- looks almost creamy, and then just wow... Pure lemon, a core, a ghost-- no, a soul. I said nothing fit to print. I looked at Luc, and my drinking partner Jon... they both were smiling.
As the wine warmed, it felt more like a red wine, and the flavor / aroma even took on some berry-like characteristics. Mind-bendingly good.
For those interested--Far more intelligible things have been written on the NPA Chard-- Alice, SF Gate, Spume, Saignée.
What amazed me about Terroir, was not that it was geek Mecca, but that it was filled with wine drinkers of all sorts - An incredible example of passion and enthusiasm being contagious. I want a satellite location in the ATL. I'll even promise to turn it into a bird sanctuary!
For those in San Francisco, or heading there, get your butt into Terroir and sit down with a canteen. Just don't mention my name... I think I tore that place up...
