When the supermarket started carrying wine, it was very tempting to buy it there, right along with the Kleenex and crackers. But for the same price, you can get an excellent bottle from an expert. So, why not do that? Hence how I found Paul Patel, owner of Corkdorks.
The store’s goal is to interact with customers and help them navigate the morass of alcohol they carry. When I told Paul that I like a Sauvignon Blanc, and he turned me on to Albarinos and Picpouls, a dry Spanish wine and almost strangely refreshing varietal from Southern France respectively. Now, tracking Paul down is another matter. He bounces around from the register to the office to customers. But once you do, it’s worth it.
Paul does our wine recommendations for our Farm Dinners and (as a special treat) the recipes in our 2022 September/October issue. You’ll find “Paul’s Pick” under each one – a perfectly paired selection for that dish. Here are the full tasting notes on each of those wines. And don’t forget: you can get them all at Corkdorks!