THE
COLLABORATION:
THE GOTHAM PROJECT is a collaboration between Charles Bieler (BIELER Pere et Fils, Charles & Charles, Three Thieves, Sombra mezcal) and Bruce Schneider (Schneider Vineyards, Schneider Selections, VERA Vinho Verde, The Carmenere Project).
WHY WINE IN KEG:
* FRESHNESS. No more oxidized wines by the glass or waste.
* VALUE. Save 25% compared to same wine from bottle and eliminate loss from corked bottles and oxidized wines.
* ECO-FRIENDLY. By eliminating packaging with an infinitely reusable container we reduce carbon footprint.
* CONVENIENT. Takes up less space and easier to handle than 26+ bottles. No need to dispose of empty bottles
.* KEG SPECS Gotham Project Keg Dimensions pdf
THE JUICE:
2009 Riesling Pfalz, GERMANY ALC 11.0%, TA: 7.6 g/L, RS: 15.0 g/L
The Pfalz is situated south of the Rheinhessen and is bordered by France to the south and west. The majority of Pfalz vineyards run parallel to the forested Haardt Mountains. Grapes thrive in the Pfalz which is amongst the warmest and sunniest areas in Germany for Riesling. Loam soils predominate, in a variety of mixtures with sandstone, chalk, loess, clay and sand. The grapes for this wine come from a variety of sites throughout the region, several of which were harvested relatively early in order to balance ripe fruit with firm acidity.
Fermented, aged, and packed in 100% stainless steel. Aromas and flavors of yellow grapefruit, lime and apricot. Slightly sweet but balanced by refreshing acidity and minerality. Citrus and apricot flavors carry through nicely on the palate.
2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Elqui Valley, CHILE ALC. 13.5%
The Elqui Valley is the northernmost wine region in Chile. It is a coastal desert region known for possessing the clearest skies in the world. The coastal mountain range which tempers the cooling influence of the Pacific on all other Chilean wine regions disappears as you approach the Elqui Valley, bestowing upon it the winning combination of warm days and very cool nights with daily temperature swings of as much as 35 degrees Celsius during the growing season. Rainfall is a miniscule 4 inches. The vines are own-rooted, Massale selections. Elevations range from 1,100 to 2,000 feet ASL. Soils are very rocky with excellent drainage.
Ripe and bright citrus notes are complimented by a kiss of grassy-jalapeno notes, minerality, and a briny character direct from the Pacific a mere 25 km from the vineyard.
On the palate the wine has mouthwatering acidity and concentrated ripe citrus fruits that carry through into the long finish.
2010 Pedro Ximenez, Elqui Valley, CHILE ALC 13.0%
What is PX doing in the Elqui Valley? For more than a century it has been one of the five main grape varieties destined for distillation to make Pisco. For many years wine geeks across America have been clamoring for PX on tap. We are merely answering their pleas.
Mineral-driven, with lime, honeysuckle and peach pit aromas and a hint of sea salt. On the palate flavors of fuji apple and apricot, with a touch of salinity on the finish.
2009 Zinfandel, California 13.9% ALC BY VOL
It’s about time that zinfandel shows some finesse and layers and not sheer power and alcohol. Dry-farmed, old-head-trained vines in Lodi and Amador bring intensity and structure. Napa Valley fruit adds power, depth and complexity. While the cooler climate of Sonoma County fruit offers classic Zinfandel aromatics of pepper and anise.
Aromas of cocoa, raspberries, and ripe strawberries. On the palate the wine is round and juicy with flavors of pepper, anise, dark cherry and spice, with a lingering finish.
COMING ATTRACTIONS:
2010 Riesling, aka “The Finger”, Finger Lakes, NY
2008 The Fork Red (Merlot-Cab Franc), North Fork of L.I., NY
DISPENSING OPTIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
A. If you have a traditional beer keg system: We suggest that you push the wine with argon or nitrogen at the lowest psi possible (normally between 8 – 10 PSI). The lines should be cleaned at least every 3 months (maintenance info below). For new systems we strongly recommend that all fittings that come in contact with the wine are 304 stainless steel and the shortest lines possible and Valpar Barriermesiter Flavourlock tubing are used. For Valpar tubing and any equipment needs for your tap system we suggest that you start by looking at Micro Matic (www.micromatic.com ).
B. Stand-alone keg cooler:
Micro Matic has many options available and these can be set up for up to four taps.(www.micromatic.com ).
TAP SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS AND MAINTENANCE:
For traditional beer systems or keg coolers, there are a number of companies who can do this work, and perhaps you are already working with someone you like.
If you are looking for installation/maintenance in the New York area we are happy to recommend either of two fine companies:
Draft Choice 845-656-7739 anton@draft-choice.com
Pipe Dreams 646-752-3554
MISC:
Deposit $30 per keg(NYS Law). Tap handles upon request.
FAQ:
Q: Is special equipment required to dispense high quality wine on tap from a draught system?
YES. While the basic components are the same as the components used for beer on tap. IT IS CRITICAL THAT ALL metal COMPONENTS THAT WILL COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WINE ARE MADE OF 304 STAINLESS AND THAT THE TUBING USED IS "BARRIER TUBING" SUCH AS VALPAR’S BARRIERMESITER FLAVOURLOCK (available through MicroMatic).
Q: What components of a draught system for wine-on-tap will come in contact with the wine?
COUPLER, TUBING, SHANK, AND FAUCETS
Q: Why is 304 Stainless the Best material for wine-on-tap?
303 stainless is the standard in the beer industry but has a sulfur/phosphorus finish that can react with wine acidity and yield reductive aromas. In our experience the off aroma eventually goes away but is very obvious the first several weeks when new 303 equipment is used with wine.
Q: How can I be sure that I am getting the right parts?
The only way to ensure you are using the correct parts is to buy them directly from a supplier that carries 304 Stainless Steel Components and Barrier Tubing such as Micromatic or work with an wine-on-tap savvy installer who knows what to buy and where to get it. OR call/email us. Details below
Q: How do I find an experienced installer for wine-on-tap?
Call us and ask for a recommendation if you don’t already have an installer you are working with. If you are already working with an installer and would like us to consult with you and make sure they are using the right components we are happy top do so. Most installers believe that they know what is required for wine-on-tap but in our experience most do not. This can be a very expensive mistake. Please be sure to get a list of parts they will use and ensure that the parts are made of 304 stainless. Send the list to us if you are not sure and we will let you know.
Q: How long does wine stay fresh once tapped?
Once tapped, wine will stay fresh for a minimum of two months as long as it is properly maintained with gas.
Q: Who the hell is doing this, anyway?
HARDCORE TRUE BELIEVERS:
Artisanal
Blue Ribbon Brooklyn
Boqueria
The Breslin
Colonie
Cornelius
Colicchio & Sons
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Dinosaur Barbeque
John Dory
Next Door
Luce Hawkins
Red Rooster
GOTHAM PROJECT SALUTE:
N2 Wines
MEDIA
New York Times: Partners Push a Tap Wine Manifesto
Wall Street Journal: "His wines, on the other hand, were a delight: the Gotham Project Riesling and Cabernet Franc were fresh, lively and bright, and quite reasonably priced..."
Food & Wine: Gotham Project Riesling: #36/100 Bottles To Drink Now.
also 40 Big Food Thinkers 40 and Under: Charles Bieler: visionary marketer and compulsive collaborator
New York Magazine: “Every New Restaurant That Opens Will Devote At Least One Tap To Wine.” –Paul Grieco, Terroir Tribeca
Wine Spectator: Charles Bieler, From Provencal Rosé to Finger Lakes Riesling on tap
Grapes and Grains: Keg Wine: the Future is Upon Us
The Brooklyn Paper: “Ultimately, the result is that the consumer is able to get a better glass of wine for less”
Tasting Table: Tap Dance "...transplanting the frat-house drinking device to some of the city's top bars and restaurants"
Dr. Vino: Keg Wine Comes To The Finger Lakes
EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR NY/NJ/CT: MICHAEL SKURNIK WINES.
EMAIL US, DAMN IT:
SERIOUSLY, we want to be involved with the initial get up and go with these systems so PLEASE do loop us in to help ensure that this is a total success.
CHARLES BIELER: charles@bielerfamily.net
BRUCE SCHNEIDER: bruce@schneiderselections.com
PEACE, LOVE AND THE FINGER (LAKES) TO ALL !
THE GOTHAM PROJECT