From Vine to Table: Now Pouring RPM Single Vineyard Wines
Uncork three new exclusive wines at RPM Restaurants
This September, RPM Restaurants will begin pouring its debut collection of three expertly blended single-vineyard wines—52W Cabernet Sauvignon, Cèpe d’Été Chardonnay and Three Kings Pinot Noir—available exclusively at RPM Italian (Chicago, D.C. and Las Vegas), RPM Steak and RPM Seafood. A collaboration years in the making, the RPM wine team, led by Beverage Partner Richard Hanauer and RPM Steak Wine Director Brennan Sopko, worked hand-in-hand with acclaimed California Central Coast winemaker Andrew Jones of Field Recordings, to bring these bottles from vine to table. Get ready to raise a glass with these selections sourced and created by RPM!
Make a reservation at the RPM Restaurant nearest you.
Be one of the first to try these wines! Join us for the RPM Single Vineyard Wine Dinner at RPM Italian – Chicago with Andrew Jones on Tuesday, September 30, at 7:00 PM.
Watch the RPM team’s journey in creating RPM Single Vineyard Wines.
How It’s Made
This is not your average “house wine” and here’s why.
The RPM wine team spent the last two years developing the three exclusive RPM Single Vineyard Wines at six different Central Coast vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley, California. This wine was the culmination of a decade-long partnership between RPM and Jones, known for his artistry and terroir-driven style in cultivating wines in the region, celebrated as one of the most exciting places to grow domestic grapes.
“We started partnering with Andrew Jones 10 years ago and at that time, we did not start this project any differently than how a restaurant would do a private label wine. What we love about working with Andrew is that he is an artisanal vintner with access to small winemakers and competitive fruits,” says Richard Hanauer, Beverage Partner, RPM Restaurants. “About two years ago, we were able to work with Andrew to identify dedicated real estate at select vineyards available exclusively to RPM. With this project, our private label wines are now starting in a vineyard before there are grapes on the vines, this gives us full control from grape to bottle and everything in between. Over the course of the year, we have been so fortunate to be able to lean into Andrew’s expertise to help tweak the flavor profiles of the wines if needed. Our RPM wine team has had the pleasure of heading out to California during harvest and bottling and provide boots on the ground during the process.”
“The special thing about this relationship is the connection we’ve had over the past decade that has organically evolved over the years. Today, RPM has exclusivity to blocks on 6 select vineyards with us. We are working together to personalize the every step of the winemaking process,” says Andrew Jones, winemaker, Field Recordings. “When we first started this process, I walked through the vineyards the RPM wine team liked with them and we hand-selected barrels together. It’s been a fun collaborative process that’s unique to most restaurant offerings because here the RPM wine team is acting like chefs versus just buyers.”
Jones and the RPM Restaurants team are also very much aligned on their commitment to sustainability. A longtime proponent of organic agriculture, Jones practices minimal intervention winemaking with an emphasis on environmentally-sound, biodynamic practices. This dedication aligns strongly with the company-wide sustainability efforts, from sustainable sourcing, composting, recyclable beverage programs and more. By partnering exclusively with vineyards and producers that demonstrate 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.
Tasting Notes
Are you ready to taste? Beginning Tuesday, September 9, all three RPM Single Vineyard wines will be available by the half glass, full glass and bottle at RPM Restaurants nationwide including RPM Italian (Chicago, D.C. and Las Vegas), RPM Steak and RPM Seafood. If you’re not sure which one to try first, Brennan Sopko, Wine Director of RPM Steak, is sharing the tasting notes for all three varietals.
2023 52W Cabernet Sauvignon (Vineyards: Wilderness, Vukelich El Pomar, Armory: Paso Robles, CA): A relatively lighter, fresher take on cabernet sauvignon, this 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 Chardonnay (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 Pinot Noir (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)
Perfect Pairings
No need to stress on your order next time you dine as Beverage Partner Richard Hanauer is sharing his favorite dishes at each RPM Restaurant to pair with these wines.
Pair the 52W Cabernet Sauvignon with RPM Italian’s Prime Beef Meatballs
Tasting Notes: The prime beef is amplified by the cabernet’s refined tannins and flavors from the Paso Robles vineyards.
Make a reservation at RPM Italian – Chicago | Make a reservation at RPM Italian – D.C. | Make a reservation at RPM Italian – Las Vegas
Pair the Cèpe d’Été Chardonnay with RPM Seafood’s RPM Crab Cake
Tasting Notes: The depth of flavor of the Crab Cake are brought to life with the acidity from the proximity to the Pacific, the cool wine and warm dish create harmony on the palate.
Make a reservation at RPM Seafood
Pair the Three Kings Pinot Noir with RPM Steak’s Tableside Beef Tartare
Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir shines with the earthiness of the wagyu and truffle, both the dish and the wine have medium weight and great intensity.
Make a reservation at RPM Steak
