Congratulations to Twisted Oak winery—Jeff Stai, Boy Brainerd a.k.a. Pimp Daddy and their team for a successful market introduction in Indianapolis.
Renee from Feed Me/Drink Me, Ashley & Rob from Cork and Cracker, distributor Crossroad Vintners and I all collaborated on a tasting in March to coincide with their launch in Indiana—much fun was had by all and their distributor has delivered with what appears to be good placement for a new brand to the market.
A quick rundown on where to find Twisted Oak in Indy:
Calaveras Syrah
L’Explorateur
Adams Mark
Cork & Cracker
Calaveras Tempranillo
Payless 96th
Cork & Cracker
14 West
Brix
Spaniard
Cork & Cracker
Payless 96th
Grapevine Cottage
Brix
Calaveras Viognier
Cork & Cracker
Payless 96th
Red Rhone Blend
Payless 96th
Cork & Cracker
White Rhone Blend
Payless 96th
Cork & Cracker
Classic Spirits Carmel
Silvaspoons Verdelho
Payless 96th
Joe’s Butcher Shop Carmel
14 West
Brix
And, in the vein of “What to Eat with What you Drink,” I offer up suggested food pairings from the menus at the restaurants where Twisted Oak has secured placement:
Syrah at L’Explorateur – Big Fat Pork Chop with shitake mushrooms and red wine reduction
Syrah at Adams Mark – Filet Mignon
Tempranillo at Brix - Grilled lamb chop with a bacon barley risotto, fried eggplant
Spaniard at Brix - Turner Farms meatloaf wrapped in bacon with blue cheese knish, green beans & mushroom demi-glace
Silvaspoons Verdelho at Brix - paella with mussels, clams, & chicken over saffron risotto with mark turner sausage, olives & tomatoes
Again, congrats to Twisted Oak and Godspeed for continued success and longevity in Indianapolis and beyond. And, if you haven’t enjoyed their wines go try them. I think you’ll be pleased.