With its eclectic, ever-changing, Old World-centric offerings of roughly 140 well-chosen wines, including roughly 50 by the glass, ranging from sherries dry and sweet to ports and Madeiras to sparkling and still wines in shades of red, white and several shades of rosé along with a policy of discounted wines during happy hour Monday through Saturday, Public Services downtown is a terrific place to discover new wines for the curious oenophile or regular wine drinker.
One such wine was surprising to me. As much as my tastes are Old World, now even by the glass without food, I almost always find Nebbiolo-based wines to be too tannic to drink on their own, especially when young. But, proprietor Justin Vann mentioned the Burlotto Langhe Nebbiolo 2015 ($13 by the glass) as something to try, and though his tastes are a little different than mine, his palate and judgement are excellent. The wine was very enjoyable solo.
More floral on the nose and surprisingly evident cherry and strawberry tastes on the palate even more than the expected earthiness coupled with nice acidity, and leading to relatively light and integrated tannins for a decently, long finish. An obviously very well-made wine, and nearly elegant, that was much more approachable than nearly anyone might expect from a Nebbiolo that had been harvested just a year-and-a-half ago. There was none of the overly mouth-puckering dryness, though grape-based tannins were clearly evident. This was quite tasty as it was, though certainly would be even better with some food.
Burlotto is long-standing and highly regarded Barolo producer utilizing large barrels and the more traditional methods, and this is an excellent introduction to their more complex and expensive Nebbiolo-based offerings. It is probably also very good on the dinner table on most nights.
Public Services
202 Travis (at Franklin), 77002, (713) 516-8897
publicservicesbar.com
One such wine was surprising to me. As much as my tastes are Old World, now even by the glass without food, I almost always find Nebbiolo-based wines to be too tannic to drink on their own, especially when young. But, proprietor Justin Vann mentioned the Burlotto Langhe Nebbiolo 2015 ($13 by the glass) as something to try, and though his tastes are a little different than mine, his palate and judgement are excellent. The wine was very enjoyable solo.
More floral on the nose and surprisingly evident cherry and strawberry tastes on the palate even more than the expected earthiness coupled with nice acidity, and leading to relatively light and integrated tannins for a decently, long finish. An obviously very well-made wine, and nearly elegant, that was much more approachable than nearly anyone might expect from a Nebbiolo that had been harvested just a year-and-a-half ago. There was none of the overly mouth-puckering dryness, though grape-based tannins were clearly evident. This was quite tasty as it was, though certainly would be even better with some food.
Burlotto is long-standing and highly regarded Barolo producer utilizing large barrels and the more traditional methods, and this is an excellent introduction to their more complex and expensive Nebbiolo-based offerings. It is probably also very good on the dinner table on most nights.
Public Services
202 Travis (at Franklin), 77002, (713) 516-8897
publicservicesbar.com
