Wine

I recently discovered an Australian wine importer who sells bacon. I’m waiting on a return call from his executive assistant, Marie, to discuss his palate… but I’m beginning to draw my own conclusions based on his Web site, and the few wines that I’ve tasted.

If you have a chance, swing by gratefulpalate.com, I’m initially struck by the strange assortment of culinary oddities present, and the total lack of anything wine-related. I see pancake mix, fruit preserves, BBQ sauces and rubs, Olive Oils, honey, soy sauce, maple syrup, agave syrup, and bacon, bacon, bacon. I’m used to going to a wine importer’s Web site and seeing links to wine regions, wineries and tasting notes. Instead, I’m greeted by a collage of food photos surrounded by 1950s-inspired wallpaper. It doesn’t help that Dan Philips’ motto appears to be “Peace, Happiness, and Pork Butt!”

Actually saying I’ve “discovered” Grateful Palate is a bit of an un-truism. Their wines are everywhere! I basically tripped over them. Dan Philips used to write for Food and Wine Magazine. He went to Australia for a story back in 1997, tried some great wines, and started one of the best Australian Wine importing operations in the business.

You may already be a familiar with some of his core wines; Paringa, Pillar Box, Marquis Philips, Trevor Jones, Majella and Scarpantoni. These wines can be generalized by a few key descriptors; intense, flavorful, full-bodied, and exuberant. I liken Grateful Palate to a few other focused importers from around the world; Jorge Ordonez from Spain, Winebow from Italy and Terry Theise from Austria and Germany.

Regardless of the varietal, wines imported by Grateful Palate will deliver intensity. Take note of this fact, because it greatly simplifies wine purchasing. If you like hedonistic, over-the-top, powerful, intense wines, then you will love Dan’s portfolio.

So saying I’ve “discovered” Grateful Palate wine is probably a typo. Considering that his wines sell out around the country, are highly allocated and represent some of the very best wines in the world (at some of the lowest prices), saying they discovered me might be closer to the truth. I guess I’m just honored to be able to buy them, sell them and drink them. Here are a few of my favorites:

2002 Loan Shiraz, Barossa Valley $26 – Huge, intense, and balanced, with a long, long, finish.

2005 Trevor Jones Virgin Chardonnay $21 – Excellent acidity, concentration, and length. (un-oaked)

2005 Pillar Box Red $12 – Ridiculous Value; Huge Mouth-feel, great texture, intense flavors.

2005 Marquis Philips ‘Holly’s Blend’ $12 – Tropical, full-bodied, and spicy; intense.

I like to think of wine as music. Some of us enjoy a wide range of music, while others only listen to jazz. Do you have a friend who only listens to one song in their car? Maybe your friend only listens to Sir Mix-a-Lot “Baby Got Back”.

Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt.

It is so big. scoff She looks like,

one of those rap guys’ girlfriends.

But, y’know, who understands those rap guys? scoff

It is a great song, and Kendall Jackson is a great wine, but… Sir Mix-a-Lot probably doesn’t even like to sing that song anymore. Variety is the spice of life, especially with music and wine, or in Dan Philips’ case, bacon and wine. Ask your wine retailer for a wine from Grateful Palate and give it a try. If you love the style, then you’ll be singing Grateful Palate’s praises all the way home. If you don’t like it, then try the bacon!

I like big butts and I can not lie

You other brothers can’t deny

That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist

And a round thing in your face

You get sprung, wanna pull out your tough

‘Cause you notice that butt was stuffed

- Sir Mix-a-Lot “Baby Got Back”

Contact Matt Devan at wineguy@lagniappemobile.com.

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