What's Open Owen? - December '21 Edition
What a year it has been, both for me professionally and throughout the world. Amid a continuing global pandemic, one thing has become certain; people are still drinking wine and a lot of it. The landscape of how and why which styles of wine are being consumed has shifted drastically, but it is relieving to know the wine world continues to roll on.
I wanted to take this post to update what I am doing professionally since a lot has shifted this past year. Besides getting married and adopting a dog in 2021, I have grown in extraordinary ways. I no longer just do Virtual Wine Tasting experiences and am now involved in many more facets of the wine world.
Firstly, I am still in distribution selling wines across Chicago with Massanois Imports to restaurants, retail stores, and catering companies as I have been for the past three years. I have also now expanded under my newly incorporated company, Owen's Open Bottles LLC, to be able to cater to anyone who enjoys sipping wine.
About nine months ago, I started doing wine education experiences on the Vivant.eco platform. We explore famous regions throughout Europe through the glass and are focused on Organic or Biodynamic wines. These are a ton of fun to be a part of and are live, fully interactive, and showcase world-class wines. If you haven't seen me on there yet, I urge you to check it out.
I also have been doing private client work for Château de Pommard, the largest Clos in Burgundy. After 300 years of producing 100% Pinot Noir wines, they have expanded to a portfolio of negociant wines from Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Village level plots. They have also just become certified in Biodynamic Viticulture with the release of the 2019 vintage. These are wines you can not find on-trade in the U.S., meaning the only way you can attain these are through a Wine Advisor like myself. I have had the opportunity to travel all around the U.S., sharing these wines all the way from Seattle to NYC.
And finally, I have been continuing to do private dinner parties, tastings, and more under the Owen's Open Bottles name.
In my year in review post, I also wanted to thank everyone who has subscribed to my Beverage Blog, my Instagram account, and to whoever has supported my business in any way. 2022 is going to be a great year filled with new people, lively conversations, and, of course, stellar wines.
To celebrate the end of the year, here is what's open:
Champagne De Sousa Réserve Extra Brut NV
I have written about Champagne before, but this producer and bottle are, simply put, unique. Coming out of the Côte des Blancs, this Blanc de Blancs (Meaning 100% Chardonnay) reveals notes of freshly baked bread and honeysuckle.
It is creamy with a saline finish for a refreshing representation of the region. This family has been growing Champagne right after WWI, planting their vines after emigrating from Portugal to fight with the Allies. With 37 Acres of land to grow, they grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier: the typical grapes found in Champagne.
If you are looking for a wine gift for the Holidays, you know who to call.
Stay tuned for more.
Cheers,
Owen Huzar