Mineral Wealth – Your Guide to Fine Water

Jessica Altieri | Water Sommelier

Introduction

Where does your water come from?

It’s not something we think about every day when we turn on the tap. But let me ask you this…when you have a choice, do you prefer to order a mineral water?

Mineral water tastes better because of where it comes from.

When it bubbles forth from layers of rock in the ground, or filters down through high mountains, it brings with it a combination of minerals in various strengths. This is what gives it taste. This is its ‘terroir’, as wine buffs call the environment the grape comes from.

So, it follows that natural mineral waters have different tastes. And because of that, they taste better with certain food and wine. Some waters bring out the best in your coffee bean or tea leaf. Others are great for replenishing your mineral deficiency after exercise.

Come with me on an adventure through the world’s great mineral waters and I’ll show you…not all water is equal.

Types of Water

Let’s start by looking at the various types of water you drink and define exactly what they are.

·        Tap: Originates from large wells, lakes, rivers or reservoirs and is processed as per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards

·        Spring: Originates from a confirmed spring source. It may contain minerals, but non-mineral spring water is common. Check the label.

·        Mineral: Contains at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of trace minerals. 

It originates from underground water source and natural carbonation is common

·        Still or Sparkling: Some mineral waters have natural carbonation. Others are still. Some waters have carbonation added artificially, like soda waters.

·        Seltzer: Artificial carbonation added to water

·        Club Soda: Has added flavour

·        Tonic Water: Is bitter in taste and has calories

·        Artesian: Uses an Artesian Aquifier to pump water from deeper layers to the surface

Water’s Terroir: Really a Thing?



We regularly discuss the terroir of wine but the way in which the geographic region affects the flavor and properties of wine, is also applicable to fine mineral water. Marrying and melding with its minerals and rainfall, landscape and soil, water – as much as wine – has a strong element of terroir.

The main components of terroir are all represented in the waters of the world, especially those that are bottled for consumption. Climate: check. Everything is subject to weather. Soil and terrain: check. All water flows through it to end up underground, mingling with minerals. Tradition: check. Many of the great water companies will tell you on their websites exactly how they harvest their water. 

Terroir? Water has it in spades.

Different terroirs produce varying levels of minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium. These minerals, which are present at different levels based on geography and other factors, have a marked impact on the taste and mouthfeel of water.

So, as you might expect, different kinds of water pair better with different types of food, just as wine does. Additionally, the quality and type of water used in coffee and tea have a significant impact on the taste of the beverage and can also alter the taste profile of a glass of wine or an entire meal.

How to Assess Your Water

First, look at the label, just as you would with a wine. This will tell you something of its terroir but will also indicate the level of minerals in the water

·        Very Low: 50mg/l

·        Low: 500mg/l

·        Medium: 1,000mg/l

·        High: 1,500mg/l

Next get the mouthfeel. Isn’t that a great word? Are you rolling your tongue around your mouth already? So try it with a mineral water. Mouthfeel, or the sensation of the water in the mouth, is the first thing we notice when we take a swig of life-giving water. Highly carbonated water has a bright, lively and distinct mouthfeel: You know it’s happening.

On the other hand, still water is a smoother experience. In between, there are variances in the carbonation, or effervescence (another great word) in different mineral waters. That’s why learning to tell them apart is interesting and fun.

After mouthfeel, the next thing you’re looking for is TDS – total dissolved solid. This is how connoisseurs measure the ‘bite’ of the water. The more minerals that are dissolved into the water, the crisper it tastes … to a point. After that point, water becomes heavy and unpleasant. Somewhere on the scale you’ll find the one that appeals to you or suits your choice of wine and food.

Why not have your own water tasting at home? Choose contrasting waters with different mineral contents and carbonation. Compare the texture and the mouthfeel. You’ll quickly learn to differentiate between them. Now your ready to move on to the fun stuff…pairing your water with wine and food.

Matching Your Water with Your Meal

You’re already pairing your wine with your food – a full-bodied red with a steak, a crisp white with fish or salad, perhaps a sparkling wine with a spicy food. So, it stands to reason that if you match your water to your wine, you’re automatically matching it to your food.  

At one end of the scale, a full-bodied red wine will sit well with a water which has high-mineral content while white wine goes better with a low-mineral content.

Mineral water is perfect with hors d’oeuvre and, in a more reserved state, with salads and desserts. Pair a tray of oysters with a delicate mineral water – fine bubbles and high minerality. Great textures going on here!

On the other hand, still water is perfect for lighter seafood and soup, as it won’t overpower the dish, while lightly effervescent water goes well with poultry. In the case of a lighter red meat dish, you can get away with bubbly once more. Just like a big, bold red wine stands up to a steak, a big, bold bubbly water would be a perfect match as well.

Dessert goes well with a still, slightly carbonated water.

Coffee, just like good wine or cognac, has about a thousand notes influencing every blend and brew. Roasters work hard to identify the right beans, source them from the right regions and roast them just the right amount. While you might think a blank slate de-mineralized water is best for coffee, not so. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium and sodium bring out the piquancy of coffee’s many lively notes and are a crucial addition to any brewing water.

Tea is best brewed in spring water with low mineral content, a pH of 7 and a TDS of 30ppm. Strong mineral content can leave tea with a metallic taste.

Mineral Benefits

The good news is that mineral water is good for you. We all know our bodies need vitamins and minerals for optimum health, so how great to have a drink that contains those minerals.

Here’s what you’re likely find in a fine water…and just look at the benefits.

·        Sodium: Helps to regulate your blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

·        Magnesium: Fuels the heart, blood and nerves and is a natural muscle builder. Magnesium deficiency can result in muscle cramps.

·        Calcium: You know you can get calcium from milk and cheese but isn’t it great to know you can get ot from mineral water, too. Calcium improves bone strength, teeth and nails

·        Silicon (silicic acid): The ‘wellness’ mineral, Silicon is important in the formation of collagen, which keeps your skin looking healthy.

·        Chloride: Creates blood and pH balance and aids digestion

·        Sulfates: Aid digestion

·        Hydrogen Carbonate: Regulates body pH

Minerals are critical when working out. Many people don’t know, in fact, that they’re almost as important as water itself, and that without them, you can actually be poisoned by the life-giving liquid. Specific waters have more of certain replenishing salts and elements, such as magnesium, calcium, sulfur and potassium. Now you can sweat without worrying about the consequences.

For The Love of Pizza - #National Pizza Day

Sommelier Perfect Pizza Pairing for #National Pizza Day

Lets talk about pizza. And make sure you visit Pisolino Chicago for this special Giacomino Pizza! It’s our perfect wine and pizza pairing!

The pizza pie is an ubiquitous symbol of both Italian cooking and Americana. Oven-baked, thin-crust or deep-dish, round or square, it is a common favorite throughout the United States, with a wide number of regional variations.

The most traditional pie is the pizza Napolitano, or Neapolitan pizza. Made of strong flour, the dough is often kneaded by hand and then rolled flat and thin without a rolling pin. The pizza is cooked in an extremely hot wood-fired stone oven for only sixty to ninety seconds, and is removed when it is soft and fragrant. Common varieties of Neapolitan pizza include marinara, made with tomato, olive oil, oregano, and garlic, and margherita, made with tomato, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese.

New York was home to the first pizza parlor in the United States, opened in Little Italy in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi. It is not surprising, then, that New York-style pizza dominates in the Northeastern part of the country. It is thin-crusted, and made with a thin layer of sauce and grated cheese. The dough is hand-tossed, making the pie large and thin. As a result, it is served cut into slices, traditionally eight, which are often eaten folded in half. It can be served with any number of toppings, including pepperoni, the most popular topping in the United States, or as a “white pizza”, which includes no tomato sauce and is made with a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella and ricotta.

Chicago is also home to a major variety of pizza.The Chicago-style pizza is deep dish, meaning it is made in a pan with the crust formed up the sides, or even with two crusts and sauce between, a so-called “stuffed” pizza. The ingredients are “reversed” in a Chicago pizza, with cheese going in first, and then sauce on top. This particular form of pizza was invented in 1943 at Uno’s Pizzeria in the River North neighborhood of Chicago.

The Midwest also plays host to the St. Louis style pizza. This thin-crust delicacy is made using local provel cheese instead of mozzarella, and is very crispy. Heavily seasoned with oregano and other spices, with a slightly sweet sauce, it is difficult to fold because of the crust and is often cut into squares, instead of served in slices.

A Hawaiian pizza is an American invention that has nothing to do with Hawaii save that one of the main ingredients is pineapple. The pineapple is put atop the pizza, along with Canadian bacon, giving a rather sweet taste very different from pizzas closer to the Italian original. Hawaiian pizza is very common in the Western United States.

In fact, a number of esoteric pizzas are common on the West coast, and “gourmet” pizza is often referred to as “California-style” pizza. This is an example of fusion cuisine, and many of the pizzas go far beyond the common tomato sauce and cheese. Thai pizza, for example, can include bean sprouts and peanut sauce, while breakfast pizza, as the name implies, may be topped with bacon and scrambled eggs. As a “gourmet” food, California pizzas are often individual sized, serving two people at most, and are not cut in slices like other common types of pizza pie.

Pizza is as diverse as America itself, with almost infinite variations – all of them delicious. Pizza and wine anytime is our saying!

Top Wine Influencers To Follow in 2019

Shout out to Beverage Trade Network for being included in this esteemed list of wine professionals around the world! And congratulations to all of the wine influencers on the list! Looking forward to sharing the love of wine AND WATER IN 2019!

The Sophisticated Sip – How to Taste and Enjoy Great Water

Your choice of water will connect you with another time and place.

Time…more than half the water in the world is older than the sun burst of 4.6 million years ago. Imagine, ancient ice drifting in space through the ages, making its way slowly to the mountain peaks of our planet, filtering through mineral rock for decades to be poured into your glass today. When you make your choice of this pure, essential, life-giving drink, you tap into time.

Place…your water can come to you from exotic places such as the pristine Arctic, from volcanic regions of Germany, Denmark’s lake highlands and wells of Italian provinces. Drink in the atmosphere, the scenery. The unique rock and ice formations of these regions have imparted their benefits to you. Soak up the sense of place that comes to you in a clear bottle of perfection.

1.    What to Look For

Your taste buds will have their own preference for the level of carbonation, sodium and minerals in your choice of fine water. In other words, how bubbly or salty do you like it? How much do you enjoy a mineral aftertaste? Do you like a little bite in your water, or do you prefer it smooth? No two fine waters are the same. Your adventure through them will lead you to favorites…or to the best waters to accompany your meal and wine.

2.    Terroir

Just like wine, water is a product of its environment. Some fine waters emerge from limestone karst, others come through volcanic rock, yet more flow down through high mountains. Their journey accounts for the mineral content they have acquired en route and for their individuality.

3.    Dining Out

Pair your water to your wine first; then consider your meal. Subtle dishes are best matched with smooth waters which have lower levels of minerals and carbonation. Strong foods taste better with stronger waters. Enjoy making the connections.

4.    Working Out

If you are taking your water to the gym, you’re making a healthy choice; mineral water will help to replace the salts and minerals you lose working out. Think calcium, magnesium, sodium, and all that your body needs.

5.    The Hard Facts

Mineral water is defined in law by its mineral content, which ranges from 50 milligrams per liter to 1,500mg/L. The term ‘spring water’ is used a little more loosely, so check the label to make sure you are getting a fine water from a good source.

6.    The Aroma

There isn’t one…and there shouldn’t be. No swirling of glasses under the nose required, but if you detect an unpleasant whiff, something is wrong.

7.    Killing Your Dinner Wine

The purity of your mineral water makes it a much better accompaniment to fine wine than regular waters, which may spoil the taste of wine with its impurities.

8.    Amateur Hour

Adding lemon or lime is a mistake. Good mineral water has its own taste. Don’t spoil it.

Each water has a different character, a variance in carbonation and sodium content to appeal to the discerning palette.

Make your selection, drink deeply and savor its time and place.

Jessica Altieri | Certified Water Sommelier

Sip Where The Kangaroos Roam

f you want to know about wine and Australia, you talk to Daryl Groom.Wine Channel TV host Jessica Altieri is joined by legendary winemaker Daryl Groom of Groom Wines. 34 million kangaroos roam where this wine is made. Join us for a #BestSipEver feature segment on Wine Channel TV.

How about this for a background in the wine industry:

San Francisco Chronicle – Winemaker of the Year
Dallas Morning News – Publishers Award, Winemaker of the Year
Houston Chronicle – Winemaker of the Year
Los Angeles Times – Winemaker of the Year
Mead on Wine – Winemaker of the Year
Food & Wine – One of 11 Visionaries to Change the World of Wine
Dallas – TV Munson Award for International Accomplishment
IWSC – International Winemaker of the Year

Daryl resides in the USA. In addition to being “Flying Winemaker” for Groom, Daryl is Winemaker and Owner for DXG Wines in California and is partner with Social Grapes, an exciting new wine social networking phone app and website. Daryl also proudly launched Colby Red Wine in 2011. This wine was conceived and inspired by his son Colby. The wine raises money for charities that promote heart health and research. 

Prior to this he has held numerous positions in the Wine Industry including Vice President of Winemaking & Operations for Peak Wines International and Beam Wine Estates and both Senior White Winemaker and then Senior Red Winemaker for Penfolds Wines in Australia. His foundation was producing Penfolds famed red wine, Grange, which he oversaw from 1984 until his move to the USA in 1990. Daryl makes regular trips back to South Australia to oversee all winemaking operations for Groom to ensure the highest quality product.

Stay tuned for another #BestSipEver feature segment on Wine Channel TV!

Women and Wine Pitch Perfect

80% of car buying decisions are now influenced by women.

Wine Channel TV host Jessica Altieri joined Joe Perillo, CEO of Bentley Gold Coast in Chicago to talk about the changes and influence women have in the luxury auto and wine lifestyle marketplace.

It’s not by accident that women are taking power in a rising number of areas in our daily lives; from political, sports to hi-tech.  For the first time in the history of the auto industry, a Frost & Sullivan report finds that the number of women with driving licenses (DL) in the U.S. over took that of men, not just in one of the young age groups, but consistently across all age groups greater than 25.

From the Frost and Sullivan report, “Although it is hard to make predictions on trends related to car ownership, it is clear that 80 percent of car buying decisions are now influenced by women“.

Check out the video with Joe Perillo and find out how the leading luxury auto dealer in Chicago embraces the new age of women auto buyers. Women and Wine is our featured video segment this month on Wine Channel TV.

How To Sip Luxury

First ingredient: 2018 Bentley Continental GT; offered only as a four-seat convertible, it is available with just one powertrain: a 582-hp 6.0-liter W-12 engine paired with an eight-speed transmission. “The new Continental GT features clean, superformed lines and a wide, low body, evoking a sense of speed and presence,” explains the website, adding that the car was “created for agile, exhilarating driving.” Oh, and it’s green, too! With best-in-class fuel emissions, you can now drive a smidge too fast without worrying about Mother Earth. Yay!

Add: Svalbarði Polar Iceberg Water; water from melted icebergs - calved freshly from the fjords around Svalbard, just 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole - provide the source for Svalbarði’s pure water. Iceberg waters are some of the rarest in the world due to the difficulty of gathering this arctic water.  Onsite and hosting the VIP luxury event this past week for the Chicago launch of the  2018 Bentley Continental GT at Gold Coast Bentley. Congratulations to Joe Perillo and Cesar Marin from from Gold Coast Bentley for the "Perfect Sip of Luxury".

A Water Sommelier is someone educated on the properties of water and the elements that affect it. Training includes identification of the terroir, which is the manner in which the geographic region affects the flavor and properties of the water before settling in the location from which it is sourced for drinking. Different terroirs produce varying levels of minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium. These minerals, which are present at different levels based on geography and other factors, have a marked impact on the taste and mouthfeel of water.

Different kinds of water pair better with different types of food, just like wine. Additionally, the quality and type of water used in coffee and tea have a significant impact on the taste of the beverage and can also alter the taste profile of a glass of wine or an entire meal.

Jessica's innovative, sophisticated, but humble approach has established her as one of the world's most sought-after millennial-aged professional wine judges and tasting experts. In conjunction with her work with lifestyle brands in food, fashion, retail and hi-tech, Jessica Altieri is undeniably an innovative authority in the wine lifestyle industry.

About Jessica Altieri

Jessica Altieri is a wine expert and sought-after wine judge and was recently named as one of the "40 under 40" to watch in the food and beverage industry by "Wine Enthusiast" magazine. Altieri is the CEO of The Wine Channel TV network and hosts a popular wine podcast on Revolver called "Wine Conversations with Jessica Altieri." She has been a lifestyle contributor to CNBC, Yahoo! News, ABC7 Chicago and ESPN Radio, among others.

Say Hello To Champagne’s Hip Younger Sibling - Pét-Nat

“Pét-nat is a product of the easiest method by which to get bubbles into a wine, and it was the first way sparkling wine was produced – hence the name méthode ancestrale,” says Altieri, who loves sourcing effervescent Mauzac pét-nats from Limoux and Gaillac in the south of France, as well as crisp whites from the Loire Valley. “I like to call it Champagne’s hip younger sibling; it’s ideal with creamy cheeses like chèvre or a scrumptious charcuterie board.”

How To Pair Water Perfectly with A Water Sommelier

Pairing Water and Food: A Crash Course

Certified Water Sommelier Jessica Altieri has some tips and secrets on why and how to pair water with your holiday food celebrations. Think of it as a holiday present to you and your guests

Just like wine, water has a myriad of different flavors and qualities blending to crate the end taste and perception. Understanding these qualities not only makes for a better meal, it makes you a more interesting person to talk to at a cocktail party. And especially when you’re holding a bourbon with branch water (look it up), that’s important.

Mouthfeel Matters

Mouthfeel, or the sensation of the water in the mouth, is the first thing we notice when we take a swig of life-giving water. Highly carbonated water has a bright, lively and distinct mouthfeel: You know it’s happening. Mineral water is perfect with hors d’oeuvre and, in a more reserved state, with salads and desserts.

On the other hand, still water is perfect for seafood and soup, and for red meat. Lightly effervescent water goes well with poultry. In the case of a lighter red meat dish, you can get away with bubbly once more.

Other Watery Qualities

The dissolved solid content is the next most distinct element. The more minerals are dissolved into the water, the crisper it tastes … to a point. After that point, water becomes heavy and unpleasant. pH factor also makes a flavor difference, as no one loves an acidic drink with any food.

Lastly, a water’s story. That, while intangible, is an important aspect of any drink, and just because we must have water to survive makes it no less important to understand its roots. Luckily, most artisanal water makers have a pretty darn good one, so look into it.

Notes from the Roasting Room

If you consider coffee a food, loosely, then it matters here too. While you might think a blank slate de-mineralized water is best for coffee, not so. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium and sodium bring out the piquancy of coffee’s many lively notes, and are a crucial addition to any brewing water.

Overwhelmed yet? The wide world of water wisdom has yet to be fully unfurled, but tastemakers are here to ensure that road gets paved. One such is Jessica Altieri Fine Water Sommelier, who would love to help you learn more about the role of water in your tummy, your kitchen and your world.

How To Make Great Coffee with a Water Sommelier

Does Water Really Matter To Make a Great Cup of Tea or Coffee?

Certified Water Sommelier Jessica Altieri has some thoughts on why and how to make your own “worlds best” tea and coffee for the holidays. Think of it as a holiday present to yourself that keep son giving every time you need to make a great cup of tea or coffee. Does water really matter in making a great cup of tea or coffee? Make your own decision.

Here are some facts to think about to make a great cup of tea or coffee:

·         From Zhang Dafu (tea master of the Qing dynasty): "The quality of a good cup of tea depends on 20% of the tea itself and 80% of water used.“

·         Coffee is about 95% water, tea even 99%.  I know this is being “captain obvious”, but its worth seeing in print.

What is “hard water” and does it have an impact on my cup of tea or water?

Water hardness is defined as the concentration of dissolved ions of the alkaline earth metals in the water. This means it includes mainly calcium and magnesium ions and traces of strontium and barium.

What the heck is “Carbonate Hardness” and why do I need to know?

Carbonate hardness is the proportion of alkaline earth metal ions bound to hydrogen.

A water is located in the so-called lime - carbonation equilibrium if it contains enough carbon dioxide that it cannot precipitate any lime, but also cannot dissolve any lime. If carbon dioxide is withdrawn from such water, sparingly soluble compounds such as calcite and dolomite form (scale).

Due to the temperature dependence of this equilibrium system, deposits can also form in the preparation of hot water (coffee machine, kettle).

A cup of joe calls for just two ingredients: coffee and water. That’s one of the lovely things about it. It’s just so easy to make this strengthening, heartening brew. But is it actually as easy as you thought?

Hmm. Well there’s the coffee. Not just any old can of Kirkland will do; naturally you want the good stuff from an artisanal roaster. Local if possible, toasted to just the right color, well-balanced and pure. As for water … Oh, you thought you could just turn on the tap, collect a few cupfuls of agua and call it good? Think again, my friend.

Brewing Water Basics

Water, just like the coffee itself, isn’t a simple ingredient. Both are more akin to wine than we give them credit for: nuanced, complicated, gently redolent of a thousand different scents and flavors. Luckily your roaster takes care of the beans for you. But the water?

For starters, nail down the basics. The Special Coffee Association of America publishes guidelines concerning water for brewing coffee. The water should be clear, without chlorine or odors. Water filtration devices are a pretty easy way to accomplish this, though the pitchers tend to be small: try a faucet-mounted device instead.

Mineral Content Matters

The hardness of the water also matters. While water softeners are commonly used at home to prevent minerals from lining the insides of pipes, washing machines and so on, some people advocate that hard water makes a better cup of coffee, because minerals such as magnesium and calcium – good for you, by the way – bring out coffee’s flavor.

That’s the foundation of game-changers such as Third Wave Water, which add minerals back in to de-mineralized water to make them perfect for brewing. That way, if you have to soften your water at home (remove its minerals), you can still make a great cuppa.

Want to learn more about water? We invite you to get in touch with Jessica Altieri Fine Water Sommelier today.

Sip Luxury at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Sip Luxury at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

Hello Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

We're thrilled to welcome Jessica Altieri to our team as the Resort's Wine and Water Sommelier. From picking the perfect poolside rosè to recommending a sustainable wine by the glass at @floriespb, Jessica brings a decade of experience and a wealth of knowledge to Palm Beach. Jessica says "wine is just a conversation waiting to happen," and we can't wait to sip and enjoy all she has planned for Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. #fourseasons #fspalmbeach #wine (photo by @jessicabordnerphoto)

121 Likes, 5 Comments - Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach (@fspalmbeach) on Instagram: "We're thrilled to welcome Jessica Altieri to our team as the Resort's Wine and Water Sommelier...."

Beyond excited to join the spectacular team at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. Come and visit and sip the one of a kind views of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond.

Welcome To America!

Humbled and excited to be part of the team at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach for the launch of Flories. Be sure to put Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach on your must visit food and wine travel plans for the holidays and say hello!

A Water Sommelier and Hydration with Well+Good

Humbled to be interviewed by the team at Well+Good on hydration and being a water sommelier! Enjoy and stay hydrated!

Beyond Hydration, Appreciation

Water Word of The Week: Terroir

Terroir

Terroir: Water as Well as Wine?

Terroir and wine go hand in hand. The way in which the geographic region affects the flavor and properties of wine, is also very, very similar to water.

As you might imagine, we could apply terroir to any number of foods and drinks. However, products that don’t spend a lot of time in contact with the land – marrying and melding with its minerals and rainfall, landscape and soil – really can’t be said to have terroir in the same way.

Water’s Terroir: Really a Thing?

While we think of water as a one-and-done ingredient, the same the world over with the exception of some funny smells in some areas, that’s not true at all. Water isn’t as simple as good or bad, dirty or clean. You can’t simply nod in approval or dismiss in disgust.

Water, as much as wine or any other ingredient, has a strong element of terroir. Let’s just consider the elements.

Elements of Terroir

The main components of terroir are all represented in the waters of the world, especially those that are bottled for consumption. Climate: check. Everything is subject to weather. Soil and terrain: check. All water flows through them to end up underground, mingling with minerals. Tradition: check. Many of the great water companies will tell you exactly how they harvest their water right on their websites. Terroir: check.

Water has it in spades.

Want to learn more about terroir and what it means for your water choices? We invite you to get in touch with Jessica Altieri, America’s Water Sommelier today. Whether you’re looking for a crash course or a buying guide, get in touch by visiting JessicaAltieri.com

The Sommelier Journey As Featured on Bustle

I had the chance to work with the team at Bustle and their partnership with Olay to celebrate women who are chasing their dreams. It was a wonderful chance to look back at the journey to becoming a sommelier and the roads taken, people I met and how I learned to build confidence in a male dominated industry. And its not over yet.

Enjoy the article on  Bustle or on Instagram

How To See Lollapalooza Like A Rockstar

How To Sip Luxury at Lollapalooza 2018

4-Day Platinum Ticket $4641.00

It’s Lollapalooza week in Chicago!

Besides great music, the local economic impact is $245 million while filling Grant Park with 400,000 fans during a typical festival weekend.

And with 100,000+ music enthusiasts headed into Grant Park each day during Lollapalooza weekend, suffice it to say, most of the rock star celebrities in town are not standing in 90 degree heat in the mud covered lawn to watch this year’s main attractions such as the Weeknd, Jack White, Bruno Mars and Arctic Monkeys. Where can you try and find them during the show?

After The Show

After the show ends on any given night, you can expect the rock and foodie fans in the know to be heading to Kuma’s Corner (2900 W. Belmont Ave.; 773-604-8769) in Chicago. Legendary rock stars such as Lady Gaga make this a must stop late night munchie destination.

During The Show

What does a 4 Day Platinum Ticket for $4600 get you?

Access to luxurious, air-conditioned Platinum Lounges featuring signature cocktails, craft beer, champagne, wine and curated culinary offerings from some of Chicago's premier restaurants. Plus, deluxe comforts like relaxed lounge seating, shade and premium restrooms.

Premium Perks Including:

• ·         Up-close, prime viewing areas in front of four stages
• ·         Access to on-stage viewing at the two main stages*
• ·         Elevated viewing deck with exceptional sightlines of the main stages
• ·         Golf cart transportation between the Platinum festival entrance, lounges, and front-of- stage viewing areas
• ·         Complimentary food and beverage
• ·         Dedicated entrance to the festival
• ·         Express Spa treatments
• ·         Complimentary locker with mobile charging
• ·         Concierge Services
• ·         Official Lollapalooza Merchandise Gift
• ·         Unlimited in-and-out privileges
• ·         One commemorative RFID-enabled wristband per day
• ·         Access to all areas available to VIP and General Admission
• ·         Pre-sale access to Lolla Aftershows

Lollapalooza 2018 Quick Hits

·         Lollapalooza will occur on August 2-5, 2018.

Where is Lollapalooza?

·         Lollapalooza takes place in Grant Park in downtown Chicago, near attractions such as Millennium Park and the Art Institute.

Tickets

·         www.lollapalooza.com

Stop by and say hello; I’ll be somewhere in the mud covered lawn sipping a glass of vino!

Slightly Naughty Austrian Wine Pairing In the Clouds

3 Star Michelin Chef Pairing of Palatschinken and Austrian Wine

Wine made like the Romans made wine from Wieninger Wines. Palatschinken (Austrian crepes) prepared by 3-star Michelin Chef Juan Amador with world-famous Staud’s preserves. Add in world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade for a history lesson on the Austrian definition of slightly naughty. And where does this take place? How about on the Wiener Riesenrad, a famous 200-foot-tall Ferris Wheel in Vienna, Austria. The Weiner Riesenrad was erected in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. Sip and enjoy this perfect pairing in the clouds!

Enjoy the Austrian authenticity as Jessica Altieri is serenaded by world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade. Schade regularly performs at the Canadian Opera Company, Vienna Staatsoper, Salzburg Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Washington Opera, Opéra National de Paris, San Francisco Opera, Hamburg State Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Los Angeles Opera. Private and luxury cabins in the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel can be reserved for romantic, candle-light dinners—an elegant and exclusive setting with appetizers and Hochriegl “Cuvee Sophie” sparkling wine followed by a three-course meal and two bottles of wine, Grüner Veltliner Bründlmayer and Wiener Trilogie Wieninger. Though, unfortunately, private serenades by Michael Schade aren’t always part of the deal. The Ferris Wheel cabins can also be hired for weddings, groups, cocktail hours, breakfasts, and coffee breaks. Stay tuned to Wine Channel TV for more exclusive “Sip Some Austria” featured videos. Prost!

Join Jessica Altieri, CEO of Wine Channel TV, for a preview of the “Sip Some Austria” video series on Wine Channel TV. Wine Channel TV toured the Austrian countryside, taking viewers on a wine lifestyle tour to one of the world’s most unique wine regions uncovering countless blends and varietals that you need to try in 2016 and beyond. Wine Channel TV will be bringing you exclusive interviews with winemakers, tastemakers, and more to take you “inside” the Austrian wine scene. Austrian vineyards charm tourists with breathtaking vistas and quaint “Buschenschanks”—Austrian wine taverns. Jessica Altieri meets with winemakers along the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful and breathtaking stretches of river valley in Europe, and ventures inside the city walls of Vienna’s palatial wonders for a vineyard located inside the infamous Schönbrunn Palace. In addition, viewers are taken along the charming Austria’s South Styrian Wine Road with exquisite wines, taverns with enchanting views, a wine hotel, home-cooked traditional Austrian dishes, natural spa resorts, and an astounding Market Hall (Genussregal) with over 1 million wine bottles to choose from—earning southern Styria the nickname, “Tuscany of Austria.”

Bonus: Wine Channel TV host Jessica Altieri receives a private serenade from world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade inside Vienna’s 19th century Ferris Wheel. Stay tuned for featured wine video segments from Austria with your host Jessica Altieri

 Enjoy the Austrian authenticity as Jessica Altieri is serenaded by world-renowned tenor, Michael Schade. Schade regularly performs at the Canadian Opera Company, Vienna Staatsoper, Salzburg Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Washington Opera, Opéra National de Paris, San Francisco Opera, Hamburg State Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Los Angeles Opera. Private and luxury cabins in the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris Wheel can be reserved for romantic, candle-light dinners—an elegant and exclusive setting with appetizers and Hochriegl “Cuvee Sophie” sparkling wine followed by a three-course meal and two bottles of wine, Grüner Veltliner Bründlmayer and Wiener Trilogie Wieninger. Though, unfortunately, private serenades by Michael Schade aren’t always part of the deal. The Ferris Wheel cabins can also be hired for weddings, groups, cocktail hours, breakfasts, and coffee breaks. Stay tuned to Wine Channel TV for more exclusive “Sip Some Austria” featured videos. Prost!

Ramsey Lewis with Sommelier Jessica Altieri

Ramsey Lewis  at 83 and Still Making Magic.

“Work at it”. Words from Ramsey Lewis on how he still makes music magic. Yes, there’s a passion for wine involved and a big bold red always works for Ramsey. And who would Ramsey love to share a glass of wine with these days?

Go ahead start tapping your toes. You know the song if you hear it. Yes, its called, “The In Crowd”. Join wine celebrity Jessica Altieri for this weeks #BestSipEver feature with music legend Ramsey Lewis.

I don’t know about you, but sipping  vino with Ramsey Lewis playing in the background, is near perfect. Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. was born in Chicago on May 27, 1935.

He grew up in the Cabrini Homes housing project that also spawned soul vocalists Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler. We caught up with Ramsey and found out what keeps him going after all these years of success. Does he have  passion and love for wine? You bet he does.

Ramsey has recorded over 80 albums, won three Grammy Awards, seven gold records and become one of the world’s most renowned jazz pianists and composers of all time. His hit records “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy,” and “Wade in the Water” were worldwide hits selling more than one million copies each.

From Ramseys’ website: “Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis who is a NEA Jazz Master, has also joined forces with countless other artists to create new and innovative music. In 1984, he collaborated with Nancy Wilson on The Two of Us, in 1988he recorded with London’s Philharmonic Orchestra for the album A Classic Encounter, and in 1989 Lewis and Dr. Billy Taylor cut a set of piano duets in We Meet Again. In 1995, Lewis launched the side project Urban Knights, in which he collaborated with a handful of successful crossover jazz stars, including Grover Washington, Jr., Earl Klugh, and Dave Koz. In 1997, Lewis added disc jockey to his resume, hosting a popular show on Chicago’s WNUA-FM that ran until 2009.”

Showing no signs of slowing down, Ramsey is currently working on a new record which he will begin recording in August with his long time band known as the Urban Knights.  An all-star jazz, R&B and funk band which features Grammy nominated guitarist Henry Johnson, drummer Charles Heath, bassist Joshua Ramos and keyboardist Tim Gant.

Check out the video and start toe-tapping to this: The “In” Crowd.

Jessica Altieri, a leading digital wine lifestyle executive, has added a new title to her already impressive list of credentials- America’s Newest Water Sommelier. Jessica’s certification as a Water Sommelier makes her part of a highly exclusive group of tasting professionals. Until 2015, there was only one Water Sommelier in the entire United States, and even today only a handful exist worldwide.

Altieri is the host of “Wine Conversations with Jessica Altieri” on the revolVer Podcast platform. In her book “Kiss My Glass” the NO-BS Wine Buying Guide, Jean-Charles Boisset called Altieri “vibrant, dynamic & charming wine expert, Jess brings joie de vivre, excitement and exuberance to the wine world” while Seresin Estate winemaker Clive Dougall  noted “Jessica brings a great, modern, fun and youthful energy to wine that I’ve not encountered before”.

How To Win the Wine Store Battle

Wine stores sell a range of wines. It’s simple. However, not every wine store is the right store for a discerning buyer looking for that special something. Some sell vintage and select wines while others sell a huge variety of both affordable and more expensive wines.

Before you go buying your wine, dig for some great wine stores in your area. Trust me, it’s not hard to find offers and special deals! The greatest thing about this is that you will be able to find the right wine much faster than normal.

If you want an expensive chardonnay wine and go to a wine store that doesn’t have them, you will have wasted your time. However, if you did just a little bit of research, your time could have been saved and that chardonnay could be at home chilling in the refrigerator.

In these financially difficult times, it is pretty important to find the best deals. The same wine may be on sale at two different stores but one may offer a lower price. However, if you don’t do your homework beforehand, you will probably miss the bargain — bad times indeed.

So in essence, what I am saying is that a little bit of research may yield great results. By doing so before you leave home, who knows what types of great wine stores you may find. You may even find that one great wine lifestyle superstore where all your wine problems can be solved.

Finding the Right Wine Deals

One of the most difficult tasks when it comes to wine is finding the right deal involving the right bottle. You may be buying what you think is a special and diverse wine, but chances are that it’s on sale at another nearby store at some other price (quite often, that price is cheaper!) To live a great wine lifestyle, it’s not enough to know how to pair wines with food and the like — you need to know how to effectively find the best wine deals and bargains.

Ask about any Special Deals

People often don’t know that deals are usually changed on a daily basis, in any given store. When you are visiting your local, why not ask them about any special deals? It’s better than wandering aimlessly down aisles and looking at price tags (huge waste of time!) You never know what new deals are going surface every day — and there could be a perfect bottle of wine with your name on it waiting for you to pick it up.

Most wine superstore clerks will be more than happy to point you in the right direction and give you the information you need. They might even be able to help you out with your wine choice.

Endcap Items Typically on Sale

You see these deals every day yet it’s likely that you have no idea what they are called. The endcap is the area at the end of an aisle where you usually see products on sale (marketing jargon is always a winner) Even if you have no idea what wine is for sale, the chances are that they can be found at the endcap. In most cases, endcap items are usually on sale because they are in limited stock (but generally great quality, at least, in my experience)

When you visit a wine lifestyle superstore, ensure that you check the endcap after you ask for any special deals. Who knows what deals you may find!

End of Bin Sales — Everything must Go

Very few wine sales can ever match end of bin sales. Why are they so great? It’s because suppliers have to get rid of the wine before the new batch comes in. To attract customers, the prices are drastically marked down. This helps to finish the ‘bin’ of wines. So look out for those discount stickers people!

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