Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
The pod cast – The wine list
episode 5.0
Eleven Madison Park
★★★
New York
[read the full wine list at Eleven Madison Park here]
Eleven Madison Park: A Wine Lover’s Haven in New York City
Nestled in the heart of New York City, Eleven Madison Park is a fine dining destination renowned for its creativity, elegance, and commitment to excellence. Led by Chef Daniel Humm, the restaurant has achieved international acclaim, including multiple Michelin stars and a place among the best restaurants in the world. While the culinary masterpieces may draw guests through the door, the wine program at Eleven Madison Park is equally worthy of attention. The restaurant’s extensive wine list, expert sommelier team, and exemplary wine service create an immersive and educational experience for wine enthusiasts and novices alike.
1. The Wine List: A Curated Selection
Eleven Madison Park’s wine list is designed to complement its tasting menu, and it has evolved over the years into one of the most carefully curated and diverse collections in New York City. The list includes wines from classic regions, emerging producers, and lesser-known appellations. It’s curated to showcase both new trends and timeless classics, often highlighting sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines that align with the restaurant’s ethos of quality and mindful sourcing.
Highlights of the Wine List
• Depth and Range: The wine list features iconic regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, and Napa Valley, while also delving into less common regions such as Jura, Slovenia, and even more remote parts of the winemaking world. This range allows guests to explore wines that match the complexity and originality of Chef Humm’s plant-based cuisine.
• Old-World and New-World Balance: The list carefully balances Old-World wines from Europe with New-World wines from the Americas, South Africa, and Australia. This provides diners with a well-rounded experience that honors both traditional winemaking techniques and modern innovations.
• Vertical Offerings and Rare Bottles: Eleven Madison Park often includes verticals from prestigious producers, allowing wine enthusiasts to taste multiple vintages from iconic estates. This dedication to aging and preserving wines gives guests an opportunity to taste wines in a variety of expressions and understand their evolution over time.
• Limited Editions and Hard-to-Find Wines: The restaurant is also known for its collection of rare and limited-edition wines. These include small-production bottles from sought-after vineyards and unique wines that are challenging to find elsewhere.
Sustainable and Biodynamic Focus
In line with Eleven Madison Park’s shift towards a plant-based menu, the wine list places an emphasis on sustainable, organic, and biodynamic producers. The focus on eco-friendly viticulture extends the restaurant’s commitment to environmentally responsible dining, and guests are often encouraged to try wines that reflect this philosophy.
2. The Wine Pairing Experience
The sommelier team has created wine pairings that elevate the restaurant’s tasting menu. For diners who choose the pairing, each course is complemented by a wine selected to enhance the dish’s flavors, textures, and aromas. The pairing program is intentionally designed to surprise and delight guests with unexpected combinations and lesser-known wines that broaden their understanding and appreciation of wine.
• Personalized Pairings: The sommelier team takes the time to understand each guest’s preferences, dietary restrictions, and interests. Whether a diner is an aficionado or a casual wine drinker, the pairings are tailored to meet their individual tastes and expand their palate.
• Spotlight on Low-Alcohol Wines and Beverages: In addition to traditional wine pairings, Eleven Madison Park offers low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options. These pairings are becoming increasingly popular and include complex non-alcoholic wines and other beverages designed to elevate the experience while considering diverse preferences and restrictions.
• Seasonal and Innovative Pairings: The seasonal nature of the menu is reflected in the wine pairings. As Chef Humm’s menu evolves with the seasons, the wine pairings are constantly updated to match the freshest ingredients and the most fitting wines available at any given time.
3. The Sommelier Team: Expertise and Passion
The sommeliers at Eleven Madison Park are central to the wine experience. The team is led by a head sommelier who brings extensive knowledge and a passion for sharing it with guests. Each member of the team undergoes rigorous training, often participating in ongoing education and certifications to deepen their expertise. Beyond technical knowledge, the sommelier team is known for their approachable and engaging demeanor, helping to make wine approachable to diners of all backgrounds.
A Commitment to Storytelling
The sommeliers at Eleven Madison Park treat wine as more than a drink; it’s a story waiting to be told. They share insights into each wine’s background, from the vineyard’s unique terroir to the winemaker’s philosophy. This storytelling approach enhances the dining experience, inviting guests to connect with the people and places behind each bottle.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
One of the hallmarks of Eleven Madison Park’s sommelier team is its ability to make wine accessible and inclusive. By listening closely to guests and respecting their preferences, they create a welcoming experience for both seasoned wine lovers and newcomers. The team’s goal is to ensure that everyone leaves with a newfound appreciation for wine, regardless of their prior knowledge.
Professional Development and Innovation
The restaurant invests in the professional development of its sommeliers, encouraging them to pursue advanced certifications, wine study trips, and industry events. This commitment to education allows the team to stay at the forefront of wine trends, including natural wines, low-intervention practices, and lesser-known varietals. By fostering an environment of learning and innovation, Eleven Madison Park ensures that its sommelier team is equipped to bring new perspectives to the table.
4. The Wine Service: An Art in Itself
The wine service at Eleven Madison Park is a meticulous and refined process that combines the best aspects of traditional service with modern touches. From the presentation of the bottle to the pouring technique, every detail is executed with precision and care, enhancing the overall experience for the guest.
• Decanting and Aeration: Sommeliers assess each wine to determine whether it would benefit from decanting or aeration. This is particularly relevant for older wines and those with complex profiles that reveal themselves slowly. The team uses elegant decanters and follows procedures that respect the wine’s integrity and history.
• Glassware Selection: Eleven Madison Park’s wine program includes a selection of high-quality glassware that is carefully chosen for each type of wine. By matching glass shapes to specific varietals, the restaurant ensures that every aspect of the wine’s aroma, flavor, and structure is fully expressed.
• Temperature Control: To highlight each wine’s best qualities, the team monitors and adjusts the temperature of the wines throughout the service. This level of attention is particularly important for fragile or older wines, which can be impacted by even slight temperature changes.
5. Wine Events and Special Programs
Eleven Madison Park occasionally hosts special wine events and dinners that allow guests to explore wines from a particular region or winemaker. These events provide an opportunity to experience unique pairings and rare wines in a more intimate setting. For these special programs, the sommeliers may work directly with visiting winemakers, allowing guests to learn about wines directly from those who create them.
• Winemaker Collaborations: When available, winemakers are invited to discuss their process, philosophy, and techniques with guests, fostering a deeper understanding of the wines. This collaboration between Eleven Madison Park and winemakers creates a rare experience for wine lovers.
• Vertical and Horizontal Tastings: Occasionally, the restaurant offers vertical tastings (same wine, different vintages) or horizontal tastings (different wines from the same vintage), which can be educational and enriching for guests interested in the nuances of terroir and aging.
6. The Future of Wine at Eleven Madison Park
As Eleven Madison Park continues to evolve, its wine program remains a vital part of the restaurant’s identity. The transition to a plant-based menu has inspired a shift towards wines that pair harmoniously with vegetarian and vegan dishes, while the continued emphasis on sustainability and low-intervention wines reflects the restaurant’s commitment to responsible sourcing.
The wine program at Eleven Madison Park demonstrates that wine can be both a work of art and an extension of the restaurant’s broader philosophy. With its innovative pairings, dedicated sommelier team, and impeccable service, the wine program at Eleven Madison Park transforms dining into an unforgettable sensory journey.
