Wine And Asian Food Pairings From Independent Spirits | Edgewater, Chicago
Edgewater's new Independent Spirits has your Asian BYO needs covered
One of our favorite ways to spend a weeknight is at an Edgewater or Uptown BYO with chopsticks in hand.
But what does one drink with Beijing duck and Sukhothai noodle soup? Enter Scott Crestodina of the new Edgewater shop Independent Spirits, so named, he says, for: "Independent family-owned producers, small quantities...my own personal independence."
His wine selection focuses on small, often old world producers. "I crave balance, acidity and structure. I'm kind of a Burgundy head." In spirits, he offers an eclectic assortment from regional distillers, as well as "the kind of producers who've been around for 200 years that you should know about."
We asked Crestodina to suggest bottles for three of our go-to neighborhood haunts. Weeknight dining plans: done.
Jin Thai: 2012 Huff Kerner ($15) or 2012 Berger Grüner Veltliner ($16). "The Grüner and the Kerner have a little sweetness to balance the spice in Thai food."
Sun Wah ($5 corkage fee): 2005 Viña Arana Rioja Riserva ($32) or 2003 Vina Bosconia Rioja Riserva ($35). "These Rioja Riservas are oak aged so they're a little smoky, a little savory, with the flavor of leather and dried meats. They're perfect with roast duck."
Nha Hang: La Capletta Grignolino ($17) or 2011 Hofstätter Weissburgunder ($26). "This Grignolino is a light-bodied red that goes well with fish and fish sauce. The Hofstätter is a Pinot Bianco from the German-speaking part of Italy, with high acidity and lots of stone fruit."