RPM Restaurants Debut Their First-Ever Single Vineyard Wine Collection – Now Pouring at All RPM Locations Nationwide
Release of three expertly crafted blends marks culmination of decade-long partnership with acclaimed California Central Coast winemaker Andrew Jones of Field Recordings
RPM Restaurants proudly announces the debut collection of its single vineyard wines, 52W Cabernet Sauvignon, Cèpe d’Été Chardonnay and Three Kings Pinot Noir, now available exclusively at RPM Restaurants nationwide including RPM Italian (Chicago, D.C. and Las Vegas), RPM Steak and RPM Seafood.
Known for sourcing the highest quality meats, seafood and locally harvested ingredients, RPM Restaurants are also renowned for their extensive wine selections, which are curated by a team of expert sommeliers including Operational Beverage Partner Richard Hanauer and Brennan Sopko, Wine Director of RPM Steak.
To develop the latest vintage of these one-of-a-kind single vineyard wines, Hanauer and Sopko collaborated closely with winemaker Andrew Jones of Field Recordings, a producer based in California’s Central Coast region, which is celebrated as one of the most exciting places to grow domestic grapes. Jones, who is known for his artistry and terroir-driven style, helped the team strategically identify dedicated real estate at six different California vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley, taking factors including agricultural health, maturity of vines, proximity to the ocean and soil composition into consideration.
In contrast to most private labels, the RPM team has full control over production and the ability to personalize every step of the winemaking process. The team and Jones work hand-in-hand with farmers throughout the lifecycle of the vine to influence a multitude of factors from the amount of shade the grapes receive to whether to harvest earlier or later, resulting in a collection of wines with individuality and taking the average house wine a step further.
“When we began partnering with Andrew Jones 10 years ago, we did not start out any differently than how a restaurant would create a private label wine,” said Hanauer. “What we love about working with him is that he is an artisanal vintner with access to small winemakers and competitive fruits. With this project, our private label wines begin in a vineyard before there are grapes on the vines, which gives us full control from grape to bottle and everything in between. Over time our partnership organically grew and evolved into a friendship, and we’re proud to have Andrew play a role in the innovation we continuously strive for in our restaurants.”
The vintage release includes three distinct blends offered only at RPM restaurants:
- 2023 52W (Vineyards: Wilderness, Vukelich El Pomar, Armory: Paso Robles, CA): A relatively lighter, fresher take on cabernet sauvignon, the wine is deep purple in color, with notes of overripe plum, black cherry and vanilla, evoking the essence of lush fruit on the palate. ($17, plus tax per glass)
- 2023 Cèpe d’Été (Vineyard: Yellow Foxtrot: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, CA): A chardonnay with a velvety texture that bears the flavors of golden apple, ripe Bartlett pear, apple turnover, candied lemon and sea spray. ($15, plus tax per glass)
- 2023 Three Kings (Vineyards: Garey, Maria Vista, Yellow Foxtrot: Santa Barbara County, (Garey and Maria Vista are in Santa Maria Valley; Foxtrot is in Sta. Rita Hills, CA): A pinot noir with notes of high-toned red fruits including cherries, strawberries and red currants, the light bodied pinot noir also conjures the earthy tastes of tea leaves, cola, crushed rocks, pipe tobacco and spice. ($16, plus tax per glass)
A longtime proponent of organic agriculture, Jones practices minimal intervention winemaking with an emphasis on environmentally-sound, biodynamic practices. This dedication aligns strongly with Lettuce Entertain You’s extensive company-wide sustainability efforts, which extend to the wine programs of the RPM brand. By partnering exclusively with vineyards and producers demonstrating responsible land management, renewable energy use, soil and water conservation, biodiversity protection and waste reduction, RPM restaurants continue to deliver exceptional, first-rate offerings for guests to savor and enjoy.
To celebrate the arrival of the newest vintage, Jones will join the RPM wine team at RPM Italian in Chicago on Tuesday, September 30 at 7:00 P.M. for a special wine tasting dinner. During the ticketed event, Jones will guide guests through a three-course menu inspired by the vineyards behind each bottle. Tickets are priced at $75 per person and are available on OpenTable.
