Wine Spectator is recognized as one of the top publications in the beverage industry, and not just for their reviews of wines from around the world. They also curate a list of the best restaurant wine programs in the country, based on “lists, which typically offer at least 90 selections, feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused or diverse, these lists deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.”
Restaurants that satisfy those requirements can receive the magazine’s Award of Excellence, and this year 13 Nashville restaurants achieved that designation. One, the Palm, celebrates 15 consecutive years of being named an Award of Excellence winner, while most of the rest of the winners are relative newcomers to the list.
In addition to the Palm, the other winners are Mafiaoza’s, Stoney River, Fleming’s, Redlands Grill, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris, 1808 Grille, City Winery, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Etch, 360 Bistro and Trattoria Il Mulino. As expected, most of the recognized restaurants are old-school steak houses with deep wine lists, but the addition of Trattoria Il Mulino adds a nice Italian option to the roster.
The classy Fourth Avenue Italian eatery has recently announced the addition of a new sommelier to keep their wine program at a high level. Rob Guimaraes has been named beverage manager and sommelier, and will be responsible for all aspects of Il Mulino’s beverage program.
Guimaraes is also the founder of the Wine Nashville website, described as “a collaborative, community-based site aimed at exploring the mutual affinity for all things wine-related and for the sharing of knowledge and enjoyment of this vinous beverage.”
Heh, he said “vinous.”
You might recognize Guimaraes from his previous gig as the sommelier and wine director at the Bound’ry from 2012 to 2015. He is a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators, so we can expect to see great things coming out of the cellar at Trattoria Il Mulino.
