After the jump our very own Collin Flatt gets the inside scoop on the Wine School of Philadelphia’s Sommelier Smackdown.
Some rivalries are the stuff of legend. Eagles vs. Cowboys, Red Sox vs. Yankees, Puck vs. Pedro, Jets vs. Sharks, and Wallace vs. Freedman. Wallace vs. Freedman?
Bringing wine education back to earth and for the people was the brainchild of Keith Wallace, founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia and the region’s premier wine educator. Along with Brian Freedman, Director of Wine Education, these ‘gentlemen’ have created a learning environment second to none. They know their shit. And when you leave, YOU know your shit.
The Wine School has successfully educated the masses on the history and appreciation of wine for years, but what people don’t know is that the School also hosts Philadelphia’s best kept culinary secret. A one-on-one wine deathmatch, Iron Chef style, known as the Sommelier Smackdown.
Keith spared me a few minutes of his time to do a Q&A on this wine-soaked fight club:
Collin Flatt: ‘What the hell is the Sommelier Smackdown?’
Keith Wallace: ‘A Sommelier Smackdown is a food & wine pairing competition between two wine & food industry veterans. One of the contestants is from the wine school, and the other is a notable wine guru.’
CF: ‘What are the rules?’
KW: ‘Four days before the day of the contest, both contestants are given $60 and the 4-course tasting menu. Using only the money given and shopping at a PLCB wine shop, they have to come up with the perfect pairings.’
CF: ‘ What brought about this vinerific competition?’
KW: ‘St. Peter came to me in my sleep, and gave me a stone tablet with the commandment to “go out and smacketh thyself a sommelier.” ‘
CF: ‘Who was the first to be smacked down?’
KW: ‘Christopher Tassan of Le Bec Fin was the first contestant.’
CF: ‘Any other notable contestants?’
KW: ‘Most of Philly’s sommeliers, Wine Spectator editor Eric Arnold, and Eric Miller, a well-known vintner have all been contestants.’
CF: ‘Who would you like to smackdown?’
KW: ‘Marnie Old, Neal Ewing, and Dave Moore (of Moore Brother’s fame)’
CF: ‘When does the next Smackdown occur? How much do these events cost?’
KW: ‘The next Smackdown is Tuesday, May 13, and costs $55 to register. I recommend doing it online here.
CF: ‘Thanks for your time’
Trash talk and food are a classic pairing. The only rule here is to stay under $60 for your wine. That means crotch kicks, folding chairs, and low blows are legal. I’ve seen it happen. That’s probably why David Moore won’t show up. Doesn’t want to dirty his suit or jack up his manicure.
Philadelphia’s hot gastroscene and the increasing popularity of wine make the Sommelier Smackdown a welcome addition to anyone’s hectic drinking schedule. See you there.
Collin Flatt is a former Beer Pong champ turned oenophile. Collin Flatt spends his tax refunds on wine. Collin Flatt has his Bachelor’s Degree in drinking and is getting his Master’s Degree in winemaking. Collin Flatt is working on an Arctic Splash Cuvee. Collin Flatt writes about wine for Phoodie.info.
If you’d like to know, I’ve never been asked. However, given that the wines would have to be purchased at a PA State Store, I wouldn’t take part either way.
If you’d like to engage in a thoughtful conversation about why, I’d be glad to do so. BTW: No manicure here. I’ve been a farmer with a tractor. I’m still a drummer (among other things), and right now my hands are killin’ me from digging up a “craptacular” load of tenacious vine roots in the garden - blisters ‘n all.
Keep in touch!
DM