Looking to pair that grilled steak with a juicy red? Unsure what to serve with those raw oysters from the coast? Wonder no longer: the guy to ask is Eric Cooperman.
Cooperman, who holds an advanced sommelier certification, is the general manager and wine director at Urban Wren in Greenville’s West End. “Sense of place” defines the hidden gems he chooses for the restaurant’s ever-evolving list. “We’re not putting wines on for shock-and-awe value,” the sommelier explains. “We’re putting on wines that we would drink at home.”
Here, Cooperman dishes on his go-to summer sippers, ranging in price from $15 to $50:
Chateau Musar “Musar Jeune”
Rosé Bekka Valley, Lebanon, 2018
“Grown in the foothills of the Lebanese mountains, this seductive rosé boasts a masterful blend of Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White raspberry, Rainier cherry, and pink flowers dominate the nose, while the crisp palate plays with Meyer lemon, young strawberry, and crushed rose petals. Enjoy it with grilled chicken skewers, herb-dusted lamb chops, or a falafel sandwich.”
Cleto Chiarli “Vecchia Modena” Lambrusco di Sorbara
Emilia-Romagna, Italy, NV
“The sickeningly sweet past versions of Lambrusco have given way to wines of purity, crispness, and modern-day summertime appeal. Cleto Chiarli, the oldest commercial producer of Lambrusco, knocked it out of the park with this effervescent dry rosé that pairs best with the products of its region: crumbled Parmesan-Reggiano dipped in honey, Marcona almonds, and Prosciutto di Parma.”
Grosset “Polish Hill” Riesling
Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia, 2018
“Breaking from the norm, this iconic Aussie Riesling is bone-dry and loaded with tart acidity. Intense fresh lime, green apple, and gardenia notes harmonize seamlessly alongside a splash of earthy minerality. Try it with charcuterie, pâté, aromatic cheese, sushi, or Thai food.”
Lieu Dit, Melon
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara, California, 2018
“Melon (MAY-lohn) is an astonishingly scarce grape, typically cultivated in the salty wind-swept central coast of France. Its mineral-laden core is racy and intriguing, loaded with yellow apple, juicy white pear, crushed yellow flowers and a hint of toasted macadamia. This wine knows no better pairing than oysters, clams, and mussels.”
Domaine Huet “Clos du Bourg” Sec, Vouvray
Touraine, Loire, France, 2018
“Domaine Huet’s “Clos du Bourg” vineyard just might be the world’s greatest example of Chenin Blanc. The wine’s ethereal aromatics exude notes of fresh white floral, tart yellow apples, dry-roasted nuts, honeycomb, and crystalized ginger. Crisp and viscous on the palate, this wine has a natural affinity for a classic Lyonnaise salad, duck confit, bouillabaisse, and cassoulet.”
