Wine List Mission Statement

When you take away the mystery and fanfare that surrounds wine and its culture, what we are left with, in its purest form, is that wine is an agricultural product. Ultimately, the fundamental element of creating a great wine, before all else, is the vineyard site and soil, also known as "terroir." The viticultural practices that support the grape are also key, but the truth is, there is little mystery to crafting a fine wine. It is really quite simple:

• 90% of wine is created in the vineyard
• The role of the winemaker is to let the wine make itself

Winemaking truly begins and ends in the vineyard. 90% of what you enjoy in a glass of wine depends on terroir, a vineyard's (and farmer's) performance in any given year (vintage), and the influences of nature.

The wine growing process must be a natural one, respecting the progression of the growing season, harvesting the fruit by hand only when it has reached physiological maturity, and allowing fermentation to take place that is driven by the vineyard's indigenous yeast strains.

All wine must have an intense purity of fruit that can only be achieved through non-industrial, unforced, unmanipulated artisanal winemaking. Smaller vintners usually fit this role. They simply work with what the vineyard has to offer. Their production is dictated by the vineyard and seasons, not by the market's demand for production, or by whatever grape is currently fashionable.

I want this selective wine list to be distinctive and express a consistent style for each varietal. It happens too often that we dine out and are unable to find a decent glass of wine to enhance the cuisine, and must compromise our palates, and ultimately, our entire dining experience. At Shazz, I have chosen our list with care, keeping in mind our mission to provide organic, sustainable choices, while providing a rich variety that will enhance any dish you will find on our menu.

The wines here have been chosen to produce not an award-winning list, but a list of wines with great integrity that honor and serve the cuisine. Conveying this to the public is important to us. We are confident that our selection of original and beautifully crafted wines will greatly enhance your dining experience at Shazz Cafe and Bar.