By Lou Phillips ·
Bite American Tapas in Incline Village ·
Since 2007, locals and in-the-know visitors have made Bite! in Incline Village one of the most popular spots on the North Shore. It has the décor, atmosphere, small plates, and, yes, the vino that attracts people looking for a night out.
Enter through the red velvet curtain and you might think you’re in a trendy spot on Union Street in The City. The lounge area is a great place to people watch, run into friends or meet new ones. Several bistro tables surround the u-shaped bar (especially designed for eye contact and flirting), and an adjacent formal dining room completes the picture.
Proprietors Brooke and Thomas McCarthy know hospitality, and you’ll find no detail too large or small for their team. They offer an ever-changing wine and food selection, so if you don’t see the exact pairings below, just ask their knowledgeable staff for similar suggestions.
Off to the South of France with the 2013 Toulon Roussanne varietal at $7 by the glass or $28 for the bottle. This white wine has bright citrus notes along with flavors of roasted nuts and shortbread. This is a nice pairing for any of their creative salads.
A small stretch of the Loire Valley in France is the home of world-class Chenin Blanc, and the Vouvray commune is most famous for these wines. The 2012 Champalou Vouvray at $36 a bottle is a shining example as it is full of white flowers, chamomile, white peach and mineral flavors. Magical with the roasted root vegetables or the signature sweet potato fries.
Back to California for the 2011 Lucia Pinot Noir. The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the Grand Cru (great sites) of California for Pinot Noir, and Lucia is a project of the Pisoni family, who are the long-time ambassadors of this part of Monterey. This is a rich version with ripe red fruits, Damsom plum, vanilla and a whiff of smoke. A classic salmon match.
Zinatics will adore the 2012 Wild Thing ·
Zinfandel, with its big body and warm flavors, is a great cool-weather companion. Vintner Carol Shelton specializes in this varietal from various prime patches of California. The 2012 Wild Thing at $10 for the glass and $40 by the bottle is from Mendocino and backs up its dark berries and plum with an earthy, brambly, feral streak that Zinatics will adore. This wine begs for one of Bite’s savory short rib dishes.
Whether flying solo or with a group of friends, Bite offers a wonderful food and wine experience with touch of urban sophistication and style. For details, call (775) 831-1000 or visit bitetahoe.com, and tell ‘em that Tahoe Weekly sent you.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 (advanced) Sommelier and wine educator specializing in advising private collectors and businesses. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com. Visit www.TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Wine Time columns.
