Salt & Vine's Mattie Jackson Discusses the Hottest Wines in 2017

Mattie Jackson, Salt & Vine | photo: Hannah Schneider

Y'all. I love love love wine, but often can be intimidated by the sheer amount of selection when heading to pick up a bottle at my two favorite stores in Nashville, Salt + Vine bottle shop or Woodland Wine Merchant. 

Thanks to sommelier and Salt + Vine owner Mattie Jackson, I have a list of the hottest wines in 2017 -- not only can you show up to your dinner parties in style, but also impress your friends with your abundance of wine-expertise. Cheers!

Hot Wine + Trends to Look for in 2017 

Non-Champagne Sparklers – With sparkling wine at a near 40% increase in sales in 2016 and Millennial consumers surpassing Boomers as the primary demo for wine consumption, value bubbles will be the name of the game in 2017. Frothy French crémants and boutiquey Proseccos will continue surging as the younger crowd brings bubbles out of the celebration only category and onto their daily tables. 

Recommendations: Simonnet-Febvre Brut Rosé & Sommariva Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut.

“Alt Whites” – The ever disparaged “Altnernative Whites” category that I hate on lists but love in my glass. This ubiquitous catch-all for white grapes other than the big 4 – Chard, Pinot Grigio, Sauv Blanc, Riesling – proves vastly over-looked and undervalued. Not only does it tend of unveil value to big boys can’t, but the breadth of styles here is endless. Txakolina from Spain. A spunky, edgy white born and bred for sushi lovers. Gruner Veltliner. A vegetarian’s dream that makes the most bitter brussels taste sweet.  Roussanne. Chardonnay with flavor. 

Recommendations: Saline Txakolina, Gobelsberg Gruner Veltliner, St. Cosme Cotes du Rhone Blanc.

Unoaked Chardonnay – In the wake of the 90s gargantuan Chardonnay trend, modern consumers are now saying, “I’ll take the Chard, hold the butter.” Despite much common assumption, the creamy, buttery, rich experience is not inherent to Chardonnay itself, but simply to how and where it’s made. For bright, clean, mineral driven styles, seek out French Macon Cru or Macon Villages as well as select stainless steel versions from California. 

Recommendations: Henri Perrusset Macon Villages & Riverbench Bedrock Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley).

Low-Alcohol Domestics – It’s hard to speak low-ABV domestics without sharing the story of Broc Cellars. This young Berkley-based producer preaches the ultimate antithesis of loud, boozy California style wines with a movement toward delicacy and balance that the younger market is thirsting for. Gentler alone and a more gracious partner to food, watch for a cleaner, “hands-off” winemaking movement to sweep in 2017. 

Recommendations: Broc Cellars Zinfandel.

Loire Valley – Red, white, sparkling. Lusciously sweet to bone dry. France’s Loire Valley offers a variety of styles equally as wide as the 170 miles of vineyards that snake along the banks of its own Loire River.  Whites of Muscadet show a light, spritely Summer wine. Sancerre and Pouilly Fume, the edgy, mineral face of Sauvignon Blanc. And Vouvray a dynamically plump but refreshing white, not to be missed during fall root veggie season. Cabernet Franc and occasionally Pinot Noir lead the bright, tart, food friendly reds of the region. Value and versatility is the name of the game in Loire. 

Recommendations: Michel Brégeon Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine, Reverdy Sancerre, Charles Joguet Chinon.

Beaujolais Cru – Beaujolais, the historical bastard of Burgundy, will continue to gain market speed in 2017 as one of the wine world’s best kept secrets. Pinot Noir lovers of both French and New World affinity seem to find common ground in this fruit driven, playful red with its subtle mineral backbone. The 10 Cru, or premiere village sites, for Beaujolais’ Gamay grape, range between $18-30 with equal if not greater depth than Pinots at comparable price points. 

Recommendations: Domaine Chanrion Cotes de Brouilly.

Vermouth – While some may project the nation-wide cocktail resurgence as a bridle for the wine industry, ancient fortified wines and wine based cordials should expect a consequential resurrection. And vermouth may be this category’s dark horse.  Whether classically bittered with Piedmontese wormwood, or sweet and barrel aged to counter smoky mezcal or scotch-based cocktails, vermouth will be this year’s chameleon cordial. 

Recommendations: Bèrto Ross da Travaj (red) & Baglio Baiata Alagna Bianco (white).

Thanks, Mattie, for all the info!

Interior of Salt & Vine | Photo: Josh Gilmore

Q&A with Mr. Dave Barnes!

Dave Barnes is the total package. Funny, genuine, incredibly good looking, and man he can write (+ sing) a song. I was thrilled to sit down with him recently to discuss his upcoming headlining Ryman show (tickets available here), new album Carry on San Vicente, and of course his Nashville faves.

How about we dive right on in?

What I Learned from Sitting Down with The Peach Truck's Stephen Rose

If you're like me - you are quite excited about summertime in Nashville—and the oh so many perks that come along with this glorious season. The month of May brings upon us many of my faves— ice cream at Bobbie's Dairy Dip, fresh Tennessee Strawberries at the Farmers Market, and perhaps most excitingly, the freshest, most delicious peaches I've ever had— from one of my most obsessed-over local brands: The Peach Truck.

I recently sat down with one of The Peach Truck owners, Stephen Rose, at one of my local go-to watering holes, no. 308. We caught up about life, chatted about some of his own favorite go-to Nashville locales, and of course I got a plenty of info on those fabulous Georgia peaches. Among the more interesting facts I discovered was one that truly sets The Peach Truck peaches apart from any standard 'run-of-the-mill' peach you might find at the grocery store: the Peach Truck Peach you are eating is only about two days old. You'll see why this so important, momentarily.

This leads me to how specifically The Peach Truck began:

10 out of Tenn's 10 Favorites in Nashville

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with a few members of the supremely talented singer-songwriter supergroup, 10 out of Tenn (specifically, members Trent Dabbs, Erin McCarley, Katie Herzig, K.S. Rhodes, Matthew Perryman Jones, & Tyler James.) We chatted about their newly-released collaborative album - an incredible and unique collection of songs sampling sounds from 20 of the group's most talented members (available for purchase here), their upcoming 10th Anniversary Show on 4/24 at the Ryman (tickets still available here), our mutual love for Home Alone and this glorious town where they all got their start over ten years ago. 

New Podcast - Chatting About (what else) Food in Nashville!

Y'all. I have partaken in my very first Podcast!

I was asked by a dear friend, author/speaker/queen of hilarity and wisdom Annie Downs, to sit down and chat about the Nashville food scene. We cover everything - from some of my favorite hidden gems, to budget and family friendly spots, to the best fine dining in town - local only, of course.

You can download the podcast here, and stream it/view the entire list of recommendations on Annie's website, anniefdowns.com!

My Favorite Nashville Things - Holiday Edition feat. Jamie Lynn Spears

My last but not least post in the 'favorite Nashville things' holiday series extravaganza: the FABULOUS Ms. Jamie Lynn Spears!

EN: What is your go-to Nashville shopping spot for holiday gifts?

JLS: Castilleja in Edgehill Village by Music Row. My friend Liz Rose just opened it and it's the best place to get unique things! 

EN: Your personal favorite stocking stuffers?

JLS: Some fun items you can also get from Castilleja: Juniper ridge incense and sage, cord tacos for your earbuds and phone cords! They also have Glam Band scrunchies., mini candles and these cool metal, bear bottle openers! 

My Favorite Nashville Things - Holiday Edition feat. Austin Webb & the Henningsens

Next up in our 'favorite Nashville things' holiday post extravaganza: artists Austin Webb and Brian and Clara Henningsen of the Henningsens! We of course discussed their local gift ideas and hotspots not to miss during the holiday season.

EN:  What is your go-to Nashville shopping spot for holiday gifts?

AW: I love Goodwill and Imogene and Willie on 12th South. However, this year I'm trying to convince my family to donate to charity instead of buying gifts.

CH: Anthropologie is one of my favorite places to buy gifts for any girl in my family. And target of course!

EN: Your personal favorite stocking stuffers?

AW: Yazoo beer, Starbucks gift cards, white chocolate covered Oreos!

BH: Concert tickets make the best stocking stuffers! Pocket knives are cool and useful too.

My Favorite Nashville Things - Holiday Edition feat. Sandra Lynn & Dakota Bradley

Next up in our 'favorite Nashville things' holiday post extravaganza: artists Sandra Lynn and Dakota Bradley. We discussed their fabulous local gift ideas and hotspots not to miss during the holiday season!

EN: What is your go-to Nashville shopping spot for holiday gifts?

SL: White’s Mercantile on 12th Ave. South has amazing vintage and newer home goods as well as unique gift ideas. I also love checking out what fun accessories & fashion treasures are hiding out at Two Old Hippies (in The Gulch) and Moda (on 12th Ave. South)!

DB: My go-to Nashville shopping spot is The Green Hills Mall. I love to shop at Williams-Sonoma!

EN: Your personal favorite stocking stuffers?

SL: Nashville’s Pangea has these great distressed-leather wrap journals—great for songwriting, jotting down notes, or ideas. Also, the Bang Candy Company here in Nashville has some delicious Sparkle Bark I think is a perfect treat for anyone’s stocking, and I absolutely dig the ‘Love Heals’ beaded bracelets you can not only find at many of the shops here in town, but also online.

DB:  I am known for always giving chocolate Santa's.

My Favorite Nashville Things - Holiday Edition feat. Josh Thompson

Ok ya'll. I love the holidays - and, it's official that this, one of my FAVORITE times of the year in Nashville, is upon us. There are SO many fabulous ways in town to celebrate the season, and I'm excited to kick off this series of all-things-holiday posts to showcase a few throughout the month of December, 

First up, I chatted with local country artist Josh Thompson.

Chatting with Michael W. Smith - All things Christmas!

I recently had the chance to sit down with one of my favorite artists, the one and only Michael W. Smith to discuss his newly released Christmas record The Spirit of Christmas, the subsequent tour, and his upcoming performances on CMA's Country Christmas - airing on ABC Monday, December 1 at 7PM Central.

Michael W. Smith with Carrie Underwood at the CMA Country Christmas Taping

If you haven't given The Spirit of Christmas a listen, do. It's my own personal dream-duet album, featuring cuts with Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, and more. Carrie's take on Michael-penned classic "All Is Well" is life changing, and Lady A/Little Big Town just get to me with their smooth harmonies on "White Christmas" and "Silent Night", respectively. And ya'll: Martina! Goodness gracious. Her and Michael's take on "What Child is This" is gloriously haunting and truly powerful.

Seriously, Michael et al? Thank you. I need to take a moment.

Moving on.

It was wonderful chatting with Mr. Smith about the album, kicking off the holiday season with the utmost style. So here we go.

Little Big Town, CTD.

Little Big Town Performing Live for Walmart Soundcheck

Fresh off of winning their much-deserved 2014 CMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town has released the remainder of their interview and live performances from a recent session with Walmart Soundcheck. Ya'll. You must check it out.

Episode 2 features performances of LBT's classic 2005 (and first top ten) hit "Boondocks", and "Quit Breaking Up with Me" from their new record Pain Killer. They candidly share a bit about their love for our city, too, with member Philip Sweet mentioning that "the minute I drove into this town it felt like home... People just embraced me here, and it makes you feel like it's a real community. It's like a small town." Jimi Westbrook adds, "There's so many great things going on right now in town, too. There's new restaurants coming, all these amazing chefs are moving here. I think culturally it's just changing and expanding." 

No doubt an exciting time to be in Nashville. I love this little (big) town. 

Okay, so that was really bad. Continuing on.

LBT dishes even more on the new record in Episode 3, along with performances of last summer's hit "Pontoon" and Pain Killer's "Stay All Night" - the latter being quite possibly my favorite moment of the entire Soundcheck. The group's true, raw talent and brilliant harmonies shine on this number, and whew. Jimi just Breaks. It. Down. And yes, it is incredible.

Check out episodes 2 & 3 of Little Big Town's Walmart Soundcheck here.

Have you taken a listen to Pain Killer yet? What are your thoughts on the new record?

Chatting with Keith Urban, and the Latest on Nashville's Fight to Preserve our History

As I'm sure you've witnessed firsthand or have seen in the local news as of late, we have had quite the uproar in our community regarding historic buildings being lost to commercial developers. Being the “it” city has apparently come at a cost, as we are beginning to see more and more of our past being destroyed to make room for a new future- bigger, ‘better’ developments- which unfortunately means losing a lot of Nashville’s character along the way.

I understand the need and benefits of growth. It’s exciting. It creates jobs, it allows for more opportunity, for us to be more culturally diverse. What I don’t understand is our beautiful neighborhoods being destroyed seemingly by greed. Mansions, music studios, shops, and other historic buildings are being razed overnight, with little to no concern about the effect that it is going to have on our community.

Chatting 'Favorite Things' in Nashville with Hattie B's Owner, Nick Bishop

In preparation for the upcoming Music City Food + Wine Festival here in Nashville, I wanted to sit down and chat with one of my personal favorites from this year's participants: Nick Bishop of Hattie B's Hot Chicken. As one who loves to chat about Nashville's hidden treasures, I thought it would be fun to learn more about this restaurant owner's go-to spots in town, along with a bit more about what makes Hattie B's so fab.

Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Photo by Joseph Woodley

When I mentioned to Nick we would be discussing his favorite spots in the city, his response was that, "It's rare to have only one "favorite" anything in our city - just too many great spots!" 

Nick - I couldn't agree more. But here we go with our most feeble of attempts.

Read on to see Nick's favorites and to purchase passes to this year's fest.

My chat with Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Keith Urban in Nashville

Whew, ya'll. Today was quite the whirlwind, and a day filled with firsts: My very first press line, first time meeting a pop superstar, first time meeting a cast member of one of the best movies EVER - Hope Floats (right?), and first time to hang with one of my favorite country musicians.

Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick, Jr. in Nashville

American Idol 2014 auditions are now in full force, and Nashville is the latest pit stop for the judges looking to find the best of the best talent in the country. I have to admit, last night, I literally couldn't sleep. I felt like I was about to start a brand new job, or enter my freshman year of high school all over again (both terrifying in their own right). But thanks to some preparation by rehearsing Love Don't Cost a thing lyrics/choreography, and some advice from my friend Sarah at Sarah Lai PR, I managed to confidently conquer my latest Nashville experience.

When the judges made it down to our end of the line, I wanted to know anything and everything they thought about Nashville (and a little about that show American Idol). Alas, this is what I discovered:

The BEST Haunted House in Nashville.. Part II

Don't miss my 'Best Haunted House in 2014' post.

Last year I shared withyou my favorite haunted house in Nashville. This year, I wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make Monster Mountain happen. If you are like me and love to be scared out of your mind (but in a fictional, fun way of course) - you HAVE got to check this place out. 

I've been a fan of Halloween and horror movies my entire life.. have spent years trying out different Halloween attractions in various cities throughout the US, and Monster Mountain has consistently remained on of my absolute favorites. Let's just sum it up by saying it is definitely not for the faint of heart.. and ya'll. It is one of the scariest, most intense haunted houses I've ever experienced.

SO. All that said, it was so interesting and fun for me to chat with Monster Mountain's Creative Director, Jason Kittrell, and get a look behind the scenes/hear what it takes to put on this massive production every year.

EN: Can you give me a little background on yourself? How did you end up getting into this role?

Jason: I grew up in a small town about 50 miles east of Nashville. I always remember Halloween being my favorite holiday because I got to dress up and play someone else. I would hide in the bushes around my parent’s house and try to scare people who came trick or treating. As I got older, I started dabbling with magic tricks and coming up with props to help wow and awe my friends. About 7 years ago, I moved to Hendersonville. I had always wanted to work for a haunt, and went to an open casting call for Monster Mountain. I came up and kinda stuck out due to my age. Most people are in their early 20’s and here I am right at 30. For a few years, I was an actor there. I would show up late and do my own makeup and apply my own prosthetics. I impressed the owners enough that they asked me to start helping out with the build team in coming up with ideas for the haunt.

This year, we got to a delayed start on the build due to some regulation that had to be addressed so the doors could open. Then we had a change in our build team, as the team that had been there for most of my career was moving on to their own ventures. So I was asked to take a bigger role and given the title of Manager of Creative Development. So this is my first 6 months in the role.

EN: Can you give us some info on this year’s theme at Monster Mountain? 

Jason: Last year, Monster Mountain brought you Splatterhaus Studios. This year, we have cut out the middle man. Monster Mountain Horror Studios asks our guests to be extras in our macabre movie sets. We present over 20 scenes of horror. Journey into the Wilhoite family cabin and see what happens when you open the gates to hell. Avoid becoming a human sacrifice in Voodoo Bayou. Find out what it means to be on the “naughty list” in Krampus: Home for the Holidays. And avoid the walking dead in Zombie City 2: World of the Dead. These are just a few of the scenes awaiting you this year, because here at Monster Mountain Horror Studios, We know fear.  

EN: How do you all come up with the theme?

Jason: We have a talented staff here. We draw from movies, comic books, tv shows, and pop culture to come up with the storylines each year. With the horror studio idea, we wanted to be able to present many separate scenes that normally would not go together. I mean, most haunts have one theme and it lasts from beginning to end. We do too, but the horror studio allows you to go from the land of Oz and then be in a nasty sewer scene, then find you way into a city full of zombies.  

EN: When does the work begin to get the house ready for your opening day, and what is involved?

Jason: Work for Monster Mountain begins actually in November right after the doors close for the previous season. We start with removing the set pieces and scenes that either are not going to be reused or need to be stored for the off season. We also start planning the route and order of the scenes we want to bring for the next year. This year, we spent much of the early months trying to improve the guest experience by adding new features such as a paved trail.

Work for a haunt like Monster Mountain requires a lot of work and we have one of the best build teams in the business. Even after the doors open for the season, we are constantly looking for ways to add to the experience and give the best show around.

EN: What’s the average number of folks who come through in a night?

Jason: While I cannot speak on the actual numbers, I can say that in a season most haunted attractions see about 6000-8000 patrons yearly. In September, we see smaller lines and wait times for guests. In mid-October we have had lines that were up to 3 hours to get in.

EN: How long have you guys been in business.. And how did it all begin?

Jason: Monster Mountain opened in the late 90’s . The owners, Mike and Jan McMurtry, have been working the haunt industry for years before and decided to try their hand at it. They had a large property of land and decided to start their haunt here. Ever since, Monster Mountain has evolved. In the early years, the haunt did a lot a basic makeup techniques that, while scary, were not up to the quality people have come to expect from attractions. The owners took it upon themselves to become top notch special fx makeup artists and started moving out movie quality makeup effects. As time has gone on, Monster Mountain has kept up with the times by providing fresh and new content every year.

EN: What’s your favorite scene in this year’s house?

Jason: All the scenes are great. But I have a tie for two favorites. My first favorite is Cabin of the Dead, which is the 3^rd scene in the haunt this year. Our build team completely changed our old barn set into an amazing looking cabin that looks very much like what you would see from a Hollywood set.

My second favorite is Zombie City. When I am not working on projects at Monster Mountain, I also run a fan site for the AMC show The Walking Dead called WalkingTheWalkingDead.Com. Zombies have a very special place in my heart so when we started planning this year, I thought it would be great to turn Zombie City into an actual city, rather than just one area. We now encompass 6 different scenes that tell the story of the post-apocalyptic town of New Hope. Last year, we even made a short film for the town, which you can find more info at our IMDB site http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2820032/

EN: What’s your favorite scary movie?

Jason: I have to say my favorite scary movie has to be The Exorcist. That movie still gives me chills when I watch it.

  

EN: Anything else you’d like to add?

Jason: I would like to extend a personal invitation to anyone to come see Monster Mountain Haunted Attraction this year. Also, head over to our Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/MonsterMountainHaunt?ref=hl and LIKE us. We will be giving away prizes all season long and will be posting photos and other updates. Keep up with us during the off season too, as you never know what we will be cooking up for our guests for the coming year. The horror fans are the reason we do this and we always want to hear what they want.

**

Thanks to Jason for taking the time to answer some of our questions—it was definitely interesting to get an insider perspective on what goes into planning and executing such a unique event! Monster Mountain is open every weekend from now until the weekend after Halloween. 

Have you made it out to Monster Mountain? Let me know what you think!

Monster Mountain

273 McMurtry Road

Hendersonville, TN 37075

Experience Nashville Interview: Jeni Britton Bauer

Those of you who know me, or follow Experience Nashville in any capacity, know and understand my (slight) obsession with the brand that is Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. From the attention to the smallest impeccable details in their scoop shops, to their fun and funky marketing campaigns, their always top-notch customer service, and to what my opinion is the best ice cream in the world, Jeni's is the total package.

I recently had the privilege to sit down and chat with the brains behind the brand, the fabulous Ms. Jeni Britton Bauer. To say I was nervous is a slight... understatement. Thankfully, she was incredibly gracious (and cool as hell, not surprising) during the interview. I was able to find out some scoop on the company, their Nashville locales including the BRAND NEW shop opening September 13 in 12 South, and a few of Jeni's favorite places she makes sure to visit when in town.

photo courtesy of jenis.com

So one of my first questions for Jeni was, why Nashville? As you may or may not know, the company was founded in Columbus, Ohio and prior to opening the East Nashville location, only had a brick and mortar presence there. Her answer was simple: family. Being a halfway point between Columbus and Jeni's family in Arkansas, in addition to having the in-laws as Nashville locals, deemed our city the lucky recipient of Jeni's largest store. What at first surely seemed to be a bit daunting with the large space ended up being a blessing in disguise which if you've visited recently, will understand as it seems there is always a line out the door. And ya'll. Don't let the line intimidate you—it's well worth the wait!

Here are a few more highlights from our interview:


EN: Why did you choose 12 South for your new locale?

Jeni: It's the perfect spot... We like to be in neighborhoods where ice cream is a part of the experience. You go shopping, you go to dinner, you go have a drink somewhere. It's a dynamic neighborhood, with a great synergy among all of the merchants in it.

EN: I'm fascinated with the idea of what is your test kitchen, and am always AMAZED at the flavors that come out of it. Can you tell me a bit about how you come up with these flavors?

Jeni: The flavors start with me in the test kitchen*. Usually inspired by somebody telling me about an ingredient they were growing, or, somebody sends me a sample of a cheese they were making. I get a lot of samples—not all of them make it into ice creams, but the right ones do. I'm also sometimes inspired by a person like Zelda Fitzgerald, who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama eating blackberries and sweet cream, and peaches and biscuits. I start testing and creating recipes with several assistants, which goes through many renditions, a lot of which end up on the cutting floor. We then decide on which one to go with, take it to the bigger kitchen, and then train our employees on how to make it.

LOVE it.

*Jeni's doesn't have a modern ice cream kitchen like you might imagine. A highly trained staff of 80 are responsible for every batch that goes out the door. They do everything from hand-crafting the marshmallows to hand writing the flavors on each and every pint.

EN: If you HAD to pick one flavor.. Which is your favorite?

Jeni: It's always the lemon yogurt. I never get sick of it—it's the simplest, humblest flavor we make. And then, salty caramel in the winter, of course.

Next up.. I wanted to find out some of her favorite things to do when in Nashville:

Jeni's Top choices for a great meal:
Rolf & Daughters, City House, Holland House, Local Taco, Burger Up

Favorite places to grab a drink:
Pharmacy, Patterson House

Top Brunch Spots:
Barista Parlor, Fido, Marche

Favorite shops in and around Nashville:
Posh, Otis James for their Lady Ties, Emil Irwin, and  Annie Williams

I am loving her choices.. and I even learned of a few new places to check out myself!

Finally, stay tuned for the follow-up to her James Beard award winning book Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home. Jeni let me know that she turned in her final manuscript a few weeks back—and let's just say it sounds incredible. From several new recipes (and they're not just ice cream) to her take on the ever-evolving landscape here in Nashville and what it means to her, I know this is sure to be another winner from Ms. Britton Bauer that we will not want to miss!

Jeni—Congratulations on all your continued success and thanks for taking a few minutes to sit down and chat!