A Toast to Gnarly Vines: Myrtle's New Wine Boutique

UPDATE: Please join Gnarly Vines for the first of many free winemaker tasting events: Wednesday, October 3rd from 6-8pm at Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue (between Carlton and Adelphi). Chrystal Clifton of Brewer-Clifton and Palmina Wineries will be pouring the following spectacular, handcrafted, small-production wines made by her, her husband Steve and their partner Greg Brewer:

2006 Palmina Malvasia Bianca, Larner Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley (187 cases produced)
2005 Palmina Dolcetto, Santa Barbara County
2005 Brewer-Clifton, Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills (576 cases produced)
2005 Melville, Estate-Verna's Syrah, Santa Barbara County (2864 cases produced)

Gnarly Vines, named after “the thick old, gnarly vines that undisputedly and consistently produce the finest wines,” opened this past week in Fort Greene on Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi. Brian Robinson, a 5-year Fort Greene resident and the proprietor of Myrtle’s new wine boutique, is adamant that wine should be accessible for everyone to enjoy. If you want to get Brian's goat, try to equate wine or wine enthusiasm with snobbery.

From $6 to $600 per bottle, Gnarly Vines specializes in small production, handcrafted wines made by winemakers who employ sustainable and stricter agricultural methods whenever possible. Most importantly, Brian and his staff will not put wine on their shelves unless they themselves approve. “We have a few under $10 wines,” says Brian, “including a $6 Garnacha (red) from Spain and a $7 Viognier (white) from Argentina.”

In direct contrast to the extensive wood, curly cues and barrels that are popular wine store motif, Gnarly Vines is wall-to-wall, steel and stone: a haven of sleek modernity in what is usually overwhelmingly old world imagery. “I was merely designing a place that was solid, highly functional and where I would feel comfortable coming to work for the next, say, 20 years,” says Brian whose impressive experiences range from wine director at some of the country’s finest restaurants, to wine director at venues such as Phillips Auctioneers, winebid.com and Christie’s. Brian's experiences have been well balanced by the fact that most of his earliest experiences with the grape were in social and not academic settings.

Brian developed a love and respect for wine at the age of 15 during a high school exchange program to France. “The family I stayed with discussed wines and the various regions of origin and characteristics as dinner conversation,” stated Brian. His next occasions to France were in college during a semester abroad and an internship at an industrial gas distribution facility. “I was there to glean industrial knowledge for the family welding business and found myself hanging out with truck drivers, in a very working class industrial area not unlike Maspeth, Queens, who cooked and enjoyed savory meals from the front seat of their trucks like rabbit stew with leeks and endives, accompanied by complementary wines.” He adds, “so you see, my early experiences with wines were absent the snob appeal that many equate with wines. Wine for me is simply about enjoyment.”

“The company, circumstances and atmosphere are really what make wine," says Brian, adding, “I would rather enjoy a good bottle of wine with great friends than a great bottle of wine without.” Brian shares that he is thrilled to finally be open for business and feels it a privilege to be open in his own neighborhood.

"I am so grateful to so many for an outpouring of support, including members of the local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) of which I have been member for 5 years."

So, how does Myrtle’s favorite oenophile enjoy himself outside of wine: “I’m a competitive swimmer (Brian’s latest swim adventure was under the Brooklyn Bridge, from Brooklyn to Manhattan); and I adore spending time with my wife and kids, other family members and friends.”

Brian’s favorite wine: Richebourg, a Burgundy from Vosne-Romanée.

Much is planned at Gnarly Vines, including a grand opening party in November (stay tuned); free wine tastings which will occur at the store multiple times per week; and food and wine pairings at local restaurants.

Clouds, a photo exhibit by local artist Susan Egan is currently on display at Gnarly Vines. Please stop in at Gnarly Vines to say hello, taste(regular, free in-store wine tastings) and stock up on great wines.

Gnarly Vines is located at 350 Myrtle Avenue (Carlton/Adelphi). Please call the store at (718) 797-3183 for further detail.